Print

Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

4.8 from 145 reviews

Delight in these soft and chewy Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies, combining the sweet tartness of maraschino cherries with rich semisweet chocolate chips. Perfect for a fun twist on classic chocolate chip cookies, these treats offer a colorful and flavorful bite that’s sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Ingredients

Scale

Main 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
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup maraschino cherries, drained and chopped
  • 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips

Optional Substitutions

  • For a dairy-free option, use vegan butter and dairy-free chocolate chips.
  • Substitute whole wheat flour for a portion of the all-purpose flour for nuttier flavor and extra fiber.

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
  2. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, use a mixer to cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process incorporates air, giving the cookies a soft texture.
  3. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time until fully incorporated. Then stir in the vanilla extract to add depth to the flavor.
  4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt for even distribution. Gradually add this dry mixture into the butter mixture, blending carefully until just combined to avoid overmixing.
  5. Fold in Cherries and Chocolate Chips: Gently fold the chopped maraschino cherries and semisweet chocolate chips into the dough, ensuring even distribution without breaking the cherries.
  6. Form Cookies: Drop rounded spoonfuls of the cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them to allow for spreading during baking.
  7. Bake: Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown, indicating they are cooked but still soft inside.
  8. Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks. Cooling on racks helps them set properly and prevents sogginess.

Notes

  • Drain maraschino cherries well and pat dry to avoid excess moisture in the dough.
  • Do not overbake cookies; removing them when edges are just golden ensures a chewy center.
  • For a dairy-free version, substitute with vegan butter and dairy-free chocolate chips.
  • Whole wheat flour can be substituted for up to half the all-purpose flour for a healthier twist.
  • Store cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness.

Keywords: maraschino cherry cookies,chocolate chip cookies,soft cookies,chewy cookies,homemade cookies,dessert baking,sweet cherry cookies