Oh my goodness, let me tell you about these maraschino cherry chip cookies! They are an absolute delight, bursting with sweet cherry flavor and rich chocolatey goodness. The first time I made these, I was just experimenting with some leftover maraschino cherries, and wow, did I stumble upon a treasure! The combination of the soft, buttery cookie with those juicy cherry pieces and melted chocolate chips is just heavenly. Seriously, the smell wafting through the kitchen is enough to make your mouth water and your heart sing.
What I love most about this recipe is how it brings a touch of nostalgia to the table. It reminds me of family gatherings where dessert was always the highlight, and everyone would gather around, eyes wide with anticipation. Every bite is like a little celebration! Plus, they’re super easy to whip up, making them perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a casual weekday treat or a festive gathering. Trust me, once you try these cookies, they’ll become your go-to recipe for a sweet pick-me-up!
Ingredients List
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup maraschino cherries, chopped (drain and pat dry for best results)
- 1 cup chocolate chips
How to Prepare the Maraschino Cherry Chip Cookies Recipe
Prepping the Dough
Let’s get started! First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial because it ensures your cookies bake evenly from the moment you pop them in. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and packed brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. I’m talking about a pale, creamy texture that feels like a warm hug! This usually takes about 2-3 minutes with a hand mixer or stand mixer. Then, add in the two large eggs and the teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mix well until everything is fully blended—don’t rush this part! You want that beautiful, cohesive dough that’s just waiting for the fun to come.
Combining Dry Ingredients
Now, grab another bowl and whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This step is super important because it helps distribute the baking soda evenly throughout the flour, ensuring your cookies rise perfectly. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. You don’t want to overmix here; we’re looking for a nice, cohesive dough, not a workout session! If you see a few flour streaks, that’s okay—trust me, it’s going to be delicious.
Incorporating Cherries and Chocolate Chips
Now comes the best part—folding in the chopped maraschino cherries and chocolate chips! Make sure those cherries are well-drained and patted dry to avoid a soggy cookie. Use a spatula to gently incorporate them into the dough. Be careful not to overmix; you want those juicy cherry pieces and chocolate chips to be evenly distributed but still visible. Each bite should be a delightful surprise!
Baking the Cookies
Time to get baking! Drop rounded tablespoons of the dough onto ungreased baking sheets, leaving enough space between them to spread out—about 2 inches should do. Now, pop them in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until they’re golden brown around the edges. Keep an eye on them; every oven is a bit different! When they come out, they might look a little soft in the center, but don’t worry—they’ll continue to set as they cool. Let them sit on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely. The smell wafting through your kitchen will be absolutely irresistible, and I guarantee you’ll have everyone asking for a taste!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Deliciously unique flavor: The sweet maraschino cherries paired with rich chocolate chips create a delightful burst of flavor in every bite.
- Easy to make: With straightforward steps and everyday ingredients, you’ll be whipping these up in no time, even on a busy day!
- Perfect for any occasion: Whether it’s a cozy night in, a festive gathering, or a bake sale, these cookies are sure to impress.
- Kid-friendly: Kids love the colorful cherries and chocolate, making them a hit for family baking sessions or treats for school.
- Customizable: Feel free to experiment! You can add nuts, swap out chocolate for white chocolate, or even throw in some coconut for a tropical twist.
- Freezer-friendly: Make a big batch and freeze some for later—just pop them in the oven for a quick, fresh treat anytime!
- Soft and chewy texture: These cookies are the perfect balance of soft and chewy, with that satisfying bite from the cherries and chocolate.
- Brings back memories: The nostalgic flavor will remind you of childhood treats and family gatherings, adding a special touch to your dessert table.
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s talk about some tips that’ll help you nail these maraschino cherry chip cookies like a pro! Trust me, a few little tweaks can make a world of difference.
- Room temperature ingredients: Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature before you begin. This helps them blend together more smoothly, resulting in a better cookie texture.
- Don’t skip the chilling: If you have time, chill your dough for about 30 minutes before baking. This helps the cookies hold their shape and prevents them from spreading too much in the oven.
- Watch your baking time: Ovens can vary, so keep a close eye on your cookies as they bake. Take them out when the edges are golden brown but the centers still look a bit soft. They’ll firm up as they cool!
- Pat those cherries dry: Trust me on this one! After chopping your maraschino cherries, be sure to drain and pat them dry. This prevents excess moisture from making your cookies soggy.
- Use a cookie scoop: For uniformly sized cookies, a cookie scoop is your best friend! It ensures even baking and gives your cookies that perfect shape.
- Mix gently: When combining your dry ingredients and folding in the cherries and chocolate chips, be gentle! Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, and we want soft, chewy perfection.
- Experiment with flavors: Feel free to play around! Add a pinch of almond extract for a nutty twist or some chopped nuts for extra texture. The possibilities are endless!
- Store correctly: Once your cookies are baked and cooled, store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh. They’ll stay soft and delicious for days!
With these handy tips, you’ll be well on your way to cookie success! Enjoy the process and savor every bite of your delicious creations. Happy baking!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Once you’ve baked these delightful maraschino cherry chip cookies and they’ve cooled completely, you’ll want to store them properly to keep that fresh taste! I recommend placing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and delicious for about 5 days—if they last that long, that is! If you want to keep them longer, you can absolutely freeze them. Just wrap each cookie individually in plastic wrap or place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months in the freezer.
When you’re ready to enjoy your frozen cookies, simply take them out and let them thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes. If you prefer them warm, pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds, and you’ll have that just-baked goodness all over again. Trust me, there’s nothing quite like the aroma of warm cookies filling your kitchen!
Nutritional Information
Here’s what you can expect in terms of nutritional content for each delicious maraschino cherry chip cookie. Keep in mind these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use and portion sizes.
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
- Sodium: 100mg
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 10g
- Protein: 2g
These cookies are a delightful treat to enjoy in moderation. They pack a sweet punch with that cherry-chocolate combo while still being a fun and indulgent snack. Happy baking and enjoy every bite!
FAQ Section
Got questions about these scrumptious maraschino cherry chip cookies? No worries, I’ve got you covered! Here are some FAQs that might help you out:
Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries?
Absolutely! Fresh cherries can be a delightful alternative, just make sure to chop them finely and remove the pits. They’ll give a more natural flavor but might require some extra sweetness added to the dough.
What if I don’t have chocolate chips?
No problem at all! You can swap them out for white chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, or even nuts if you prefer a crunch. Get creative with whatever you have on hand!
How should I store leftover cookies?
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you want them to last longer, freezing is a great option.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
For sure! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. Just bring it to room temperature before baking for the best results.
What variations can I try with this recipe?
Oh, the possibilities are endless! You could add coconut flakes for a tropical twist or a sprinkle of almond extract for a nutty flavor. Feel free to experiment to find your perfect combo!
Maraschino Cherry Chip Cookies Recipe: 7 Sweet Treats to Cherish
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious maraschino cherry chip cookies with a sweet cherry flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup maraschino cherries, chopped
- 1 cup chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar.
- Add the eggs and vanilla extract. Mix well.
- In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir until just combined.
- Fold in chopped maraschino cherries and chocolate chips.
- Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto ungreased baking sheets.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown.
- Allow cookies to cool on baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to wire racks.
Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container.
- For a more intense cherry flavor, add more chopped cherries.
- These cookies freeze well.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: maraschino cherry chip cookies recipe