Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies
There’s something uniquely comforting about the smell of cookies baking in the oven, isn’t there? It fills your home with warmth and nostalgia, wrapping you in memories of baking with loved ones. Today, I’m excited to share a delightful twist on a classic treat that perfectly captures that cozy feeling — Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies! These cookies are a harmonious blend of sweet maraschino cherries, rich chocolate chips, and a soft, buttery texture that’s sure to make your taste buds sing. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just looking for a simple, satisfying dessert, this easy recipe will be your go-to. Let’s get lost in the joy of baking something special together. This is one you’ll definitely want to pin for later!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Unique Flavor Combination: The marriage of sweet maraschino cherries and rich chocolate chips creates an indulgent treat that’s sure to delight.
- Quick and Easy: With straightforward steps and minimal prep time, these cookies come together in a flash, making them perfect for any weeknight dessert.
- Family-Friendly: This crowd-pleasing recipe is a hit with kids and adults alike, making it a great way to gather loved ones around the kitchen.
- Soft and Chewy Texture: Each bite offers a tender chewiness that feels oh-so-satisfying, combining the comforting tradition of classic cookies with a fun twist.
- Perfect for Any Occasions: Whether it’s a holiday gathering or just a cozy night in, these cookies are versatile enough to suit any occasion!
Ingredients You’ll Need for Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup maraschino cherry juice
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 3/4 cup chopped maraschino cherries
- 1 cup chocolate chips
Let’s Make It Together
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
- Stir in the maraschino cherry juice, letting it add a sweet hint of cherry flavor.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture until just combined.
- Gently fold in the chopped maraschino cherries and chocolate chips, enjoying the mix of colors and textures.
- Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto a lined baking sheet, creating little mounds of cherry-chocolate goodness.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden brown, and your kitchen smells divine.
- Allow to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
Delicious Variations to Try
- Add a Dash of Almond Extract: For an even more delightful cherry flavor, swap out some of the vanilla with almond extract. It’ll take your cookies to a new level of indulgence!
- Mix in Other Chocolates: Try using white chocolate or dark chocolate chips to create a delicious contrast with the cherries.
- Use Dried Cherries: For a chewier texture and a concentrated cherry flavor, consider swapping the maraschino cherries for dried cherries.
- Experiment with Nuts: For a delightful crunch, fold in a handful of chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, to add a little extra heartiness to your cookies.
Chef Emma’s Helpful Tips
- Make-Ahead Magic: You can prepare the dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, allowing you to bake fresh cookies whenever the craving strikes!
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, be gentle! Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, which we definitely want to avoid.
- Storage: Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, and they’ll stay fresh for about a week. If they last that long, that is!
- Keep an Eye on Baking Times: Ovens can vary, so keep an eye on your cookies during the last few minutes to ensure they don’t overbake.
What’s Inside – Nutrition Breakdown
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Sugar: 10g
- Fat: 6g
- Protein: 2g
- Sodium: 75mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough in advance and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, ready to bake whenever you like.
Can I use different ingredients?
Yes! Feel free to experiment with various types of chocolate chips or dried cherries instead of fresh maraschino cherries for a new flavor twist.
How do I store leftovers?
Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week to keep them soft and delicious.
How long does it last?
These cookies generally stay fresh for about a week, but I doubt they’ll last that long once you taste them!
Wrapping It Up
These Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies are a delightful way to bring joy and warmth to your home through the art of baking. Every bite offers a little piece of nostalgia, blending the familiar taste of classic cookies with the sweet surprise of cherries and chocolate. I invite you to save this recipe to your “cozy treat” board so you can revisit this irresistible treat whenever you need a comforting bite of sweetness! Happy baking!
Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup maraschino cherry juice Adds a sweet hint of cherry flavor.
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Mix-ins
- 3/4 cup chopped maraschino cherries
- 1 cup chocolate chips
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
- Stir in the maraschino cherry juice.
Mixing Dry Ingredients
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture until just combined.
- Gently fold in the chopped maraschino cherries and chocolate chips.
Baking
- Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto a lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden brown.
- Allow to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to wire racks.
