These easy Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies are a fun twist on a classic treat! Sweet cherries and chocolate chips make each bite a little party.
Adding cherries to cookies? Yes, please! They give a burst of flavor that makes you smile. I love having these with a glass of cold milk—it’s the perfect match!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butter: Unsalted butter is best for control over salt levels. If you don’t have unsalted, you can use salted butter; just omit the added salt in the recipe. I often prefer using room temperature butter for a smoother texture.
Maraschino Cherries: Chopped maraschino cherries add a juicy sweetness. If you’re looking for a healthier option, you can use dried cherries or cranberries, though the flavor will be different. Just make sure they’re chopped for even distribution!
Chocolate Chips: The recipe calls for semi-sweet or milk chocolate. You can swap these for dark chocolate or even white chocolate for a different flavor. I personally love using a mix of both milk and dark chocolate for a balanced taste.
Flour: All-purpose flour works well, but you can make this gluten-free with a 1:1 gluten-free blend. I would recommend checking if it includes xanthan gum for best results.
How Do I Get the Perfect Cookie Texture?
The texture of your cookies is key to enjoying them! Here are some tips to help you get just the right chewiness:
- Be careful not to overmix the dough after adding the dry ingredients; this helps keep your cookies tender.
- Chilling the dough for about 30 minutes will help them hold their shape better while baking.
- Don’t overbake—take them out when the edges are golden and the centers feel soft; they will continue to cook as they cool.
Following these tips should help you achieve soft and chewy cookies that everyone will love!
Easy Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups chocolate chips (semi-sweet or milk chocolate)
- 1 cup maraschino cherries, chopped and drained well
- Optional: 1 cup old-fashioned oats (for added texture)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful cookie recipe takes about 15 minutes for preparation and 10-12 minutes for baking. Add about 5 minutes for cooling on the baking sheet. Overall, you can have these delicious cookies ready in about 30-35 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). To keep the cookies from sticking, line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
2. Cream the Butters and Sugars:
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes, and it adds a beautiful texture to your cookies!
3. Add Eggs and Vanilla:
Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then stir in the vanilla extract until everything is well combined.
4. Mix Dry Ingredients:
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This will help to ensure even mixing of the dry ingredients into the cookie dough.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—it’s okay if there are a few flour streaks left!
6. Add the Good Stuff:
Fold in the chocolate chips and chopped maraschino cherries. If you’re adding old-fashioned oats, now’s the time to mix them in, too!
7. Scoop the Dough:
Using a cookie scoop or spoon, drop heaping tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets. Make sure to leave about 2 inches of space between each cookie to allow them to spread during baking.
8. Bake the Cookies:
Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers still look soft. This ensures a chewy texture.
9. Cool the Cookies:
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them set up perfectly!
10. Enjoy!
And there you have it! Your batch of Easy Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies is ready to be devoured. Enjoy them warm with a glass of milk, and prepare for smiles all around!
FAQ for Easy Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies
Can I Use Different Types of Cherries?
Absolutely! While maraschino cherries add a unique sweetness and color, you can substitute them with dried cherries, cranberries, or even fresh cherries. Just make sure to chop them into smaller pieces for even distribution throughout the dough.
Can I Make These Cookies Vegan?
Yes! To make these cookies vegan, substitute the unsalted butter with a plant-based butter, and replace the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water per egg, left to sit for 5 minutes). They will still turn out delicious!
How Do I Store Leftover Cookies?
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Just thaw them at room temperature before enjoying!
Can I Add Nuts to the Recipe?
Definitely! Chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans would be a great addition for extra crunch. Just fold in about 1 cup of your favorite nuts along with the chocolate chips and cherries in step 6.
