Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies are the perfect sweet treat for anyone who loves a fun twist on classic chocolate chip cookies. The combination of soft, chewy cookie dough with the tangy sweetness of maraschino cherries and the rich, melty chocolate chips creates a cookie that’s impossible to resist. These cookies are quick to make and full of flavor, making them a great choice for any occasion, from casual snacking to holiday baking.

Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup packed brown sugar
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup maraschino cherries, drained and chopped
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then stir in the vanilla extract.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, blending until just combined.
Fold in Cherries and Chocolate Chips: Gently fold in the chopped maraschino cherries and semisweet chocolate chips, making sure they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Form Cookies: Drop rounded spoonfuls of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are golden brown. The centers will still look soft.
Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
Servings and Timing
Servings: 24 cookies (depending on size)
Total Time: 20-25 minutes

Variations

Add Nuts: For an extra crunch, add ½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans to the dough.
Use White Chocolate: Swap the semisweet chocolate chips for white chocolate chips to complement the cherries’ flavor.
Cherry Pie Filling: For a more intense cherry flavor, you can use cherry pie filling instead of maraschino cherries. Just be sure to drain the liquid before adding them to the dough.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
Reheating: To reheat, microwave a cookie for 10-15 seconds or warm them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 3-5 minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I use dried cherries instead of maraschino cherries?
Yes, you can use dried cherries, but they will have a different texture and less sweetness than maraschino cherries. You may want to add a little extra sugar to balance the flavors.

2. Can I make these cookies without eggs?
Yes, you can substitute the eggs with a flax egg or another egg replacer for a vegan version of these cookies.

3. How can I make these cookies chewier?
For chewier cookies, slightly underbake them, taking them out when they’re still soft in the center. You can also add an extra tablespoon of butter to enhance the texture.

4. Can I freeze the dough for later?
Yes, you can freeze the cookie dough! Roll the dough into balls and freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer the dough balls to a ziplock bag or airtight container. Bake from frozen, adding 1-2 extra minutes to the baking time.

5. What other flavor combinations can I try?
You can add different flavorings, like almond extract, to the dough. Adding other fruit, like cranberries or raspberries, can also complement the cherry flavor.

6. How do I prevent the cherries from bleeding into the dough?
Make sure to drain the maraschino cherries thoroughly before chopping them to prevent excess moisture from affecting the dough.

7. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, you can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make these cookies gluten-free. Just make sure the other ingredients (like baking soda and chocolate chips) are also gluten-free.

8. How do I make sure my cookies spread evenly?
If your cookies are spreading unevenly, ensure that the dough is at room temperature before baking and that your baking sheets are properly lined. You can also flatten the dough slightly before baking.

9. Can I add other mix-ins to these cookies?
Yes! You can add other mix-ins such as coconut flakes, pretzels, or even toffee bits for added flavor and texture.

10. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. This can help enhance the flavors and give you thicker, fluffier cookies.

Conclusion

These Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies are a fun, festive twist on the traditional chocolate chip cookie. The sweet cherries and rich chocolate chips create a delightful combination that will please every cookie lover. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just craving something sweet, these cookies are sure to be a hit. Enjoy them fresh out of the oven or store them for a few days of delicious snacking!