Baking Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies has always been a cherished family tradition in our household. Growing up, I remember the intoxicating scent of the buttery dough, the vibrant red maraschino cherries, and the melty chocolate chips wafting through the kitchen as my grandma’s batch of Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies emerged from the oven. The moment she’d let me sneak a fresh-from-the-sheet cookie, still warm and gooey, was nothing short of pure bliss. Those flavors and memories are so deeply ingrained that I can’t help but smile whenever I think about Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies.
Why This Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies
What sets this Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies recipe apart is the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The buttery, slightly crisp edges give way to a soft, chewy center filled with pops of tart maraschino cherries and melty chocolate chips. The secret is in the way the dough is prepared – chilling the dough for at least 24 hours allows the flavors to meld and the texture to develop into something truly special. Trust me, once you try these Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies, they’ll become a staple in your baking repertoire.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
- Unsalted butter: The foundation of these cookies, providing rich, creamy flavor.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough and helps create the perfect chewy texture.
- Brown sugar: Adds depth of flavor and moisture to the cookies.
- Eggs: Bind the dough together and contribute to the soft, tender interior.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile.
- All-purpose flour: The base that gives the cookies their structure.
- Baking soda: Helps the cookies rise and achieve that classic crackly top.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and brings out the other flavors.
- Maraschino cherries: The star ingredient, providing pops of tart, fruity flavor.
- Chocolate chips: The perfect pairing with the maraschino cherries.
Step-by-Step Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies Instructions
Preparing Your Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies
Making these Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies is a straightforward process that takes about an hour of active time, plus 24 hours of chilling. You’ll need a stand mixer or hand mixer, a large bowl, a cookie scoop, and a baking sheet. With a little bit of patience, you’ll be rewarded with the most delicious, bakery-worthy cookies.
1- In a large bowl, cream together the unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
2- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
3- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.
4- Fold in the chopped maraschino cherries and chocolate chips, being careful not to overmix.
5- Using a cookie scoop, portion the dough into balls and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover and chill the dough for at least 24 hours, or up to 72 hours.
6- When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F. Bake the chilled dough balls for 12-14 minutes, until the edges are set but the centers are still slightly soft. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Pro Tips for Success
- Chilling the dough is essential for achieving the perfect texture. Don’t skip this step!
- Use high-quality maraschino cherries and chocolate chips for the best flavor.
- Be careful not to overmix the dough, as this can result in tough, dense cookies.
- Scoop the dough into uniform balls to ensure even baking.
- Adjust the baking time as needed, depending on your oven temperature and the size of the cookies.
Serving and Storing Your Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies
Perfect Pairings for Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies
These Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies are the perfect treat to enjoy with a tall glass of cold milk, a steaming mug of hot cocoa, or a refreshing cup of coffee. They also make a wonderful addition to any holiday cookie platter or bake sale.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer-term storage, you can freeze the dough balls for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, simply place the frozen dough on a baking sheet and bake as directed, adding a minute or two to the baking time.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies
Creative Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies Variations
- Try adding a teaspoon of almond extract to the dough for a delightful flavor twist.
- Sprinkle the tops of the cookies with a bit of coarse sea salt for a sweet and salty contrast.
- Swap out the chocolate chips for white chocolate chips or chopped pecans for a different flavor profile.
- Use a combination of maraschino cherries and diced fresh cherries for a more pronounced cherry flavor.
Making Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies Diet-Friendly
To make these Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies gluten-free, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with an equal amount of gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. For a vegan version, use plant-based butter and replace the eggs with flax or chia eggs. If you’re watching your carb intake, you can reduce the amount of sugar and use sugar-free chocolate chips or carob chips instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use jarred maraschino cherries or do I need to buy them fresh?
A: Jarred maraschino cherries work perfectly fine in this recipe. Just be sure to drain them well and chop them before folding them into the dough.
Q: How long do I need to chill the dough?
A: The dough needs to be chilled for at least 24 hours, but you can chill it for up to 72 hours for even better results.
Q: Can I freeze the baked cookies?
A: Yes, you can freeze the baked Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies for up to 3 months. Simply store them in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag.
Q: How many cookies does this recipe make?
A: This recipe yields approximately 24-30 cookies, depending on the size of the dough balls you scoop.
Q: My cookies spread too much while baking. What can I do?
A: If your cookies are spreading too much, try chilling the dough for longer, using slightly less butter, or adding an extra tablespoon or two of flour to the dough.
Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Total Time: 22
- Yield: 24
Description
Indulge in the perfect balance of sweet Maraschino cherries and rich chocolate chips in these mouthwatering cookies. A classic treat with a delightful twist, ready in just 20 minutes.
Ingredients
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 3/4 cup granulated sugar
– 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 cup Maraschino cherries, drained and chopped
– 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
1. 1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. 2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
3. 3. In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugars until light and fluffy.
4. 4. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla.
5. 5. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined.
6. 6. Fold in the chopped Maraschino cherries and chocolate chips.
7. 7. Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
8. 8. Bake for 10-12 minutes, until the edges are golden brown.
9. 9. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
For a chunkier cookie texture, coarsely chop the Maraschino cherries. Store baked cookies in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 12
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies are a delightful and unique twist on a classic cookie. With their vibrant pops of cherry, melty chocolate chips, and perfectly chewy texture, these cookies are sure to become a new favorite in your household. I hope you’ll give this recipe a try and experience the same joy and nostalgia that I’ve come to associate with these irresistible treats. Don’t forget to let me know how they turn out in the comments below!