Chewy, buttery, and bursting with bursts of juicy maraschino cherries and melty chocolate chips, these cookies are the perfect treat for any sweet moment. They’re festive, fun, and oh-so-delicious—perfect for holidays, parties, or just because!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Juicy & Sweet: The maraschino cherries add a pop of color and a burst of sweetness in every bite.
- Rich & Chocolatey: Semisweet chocolate chips balance the sweetness of the cherries for a decadent flavor combo.
- Soft & Chewy Texture: These cookies are perfectly soft in the center and slightly crisp at the edges.
- Customizable: Swap out chocolate chips or cherries for your favorite mix-ins like white chocolate or dried fruit.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter , softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar , packed
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup maraschino cherries , drained, patted dry, and chopped
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) .
- Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats for easy cleanup.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter , granulated sugar , and brown sugar using a hand mixer or stand mixer. Beat until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes .
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
- Beat in the eggs , one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next.
- Stir in the vanilla extract until combined.
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour , baking soda , and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agent.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Step 5: Fold in Cherries and Chocolate Chips
- Gently fold in the chopped maraschino cherries and semisweet chocolate chips using a spatula. The cherries should be evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Step 6: Scoop the Dough
- Drop rounded spoonfuls of dough (about 1½ tablespoons per cookie ) onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
Step 7: Bake
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes , or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are set. The cookies will continue to firm up as they cool.
Step 8: Cool and Serve
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 2–3 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
- Serve warm with a glass of milk or enjoy them at room temperature.
Tips for Success:
- Dry the Cherries: After chopping the maraschino cherries, pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This prevents the dough from becoming too sticky.
- Flavor Boost: Add ½ teaspoon almond extract along with the vanilla extract for a subtle nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with cherries.
- Storage: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days . For longer storage, freeze the cookies for up to 3 months .
- Make Ahead: Scoop the dough onto a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding 1–2 extra minutes to the baking time.
Nutritional Information (per cookie, makes ~24):
- Calories: ~180
- Protein: ~2g
- Carbohydrates: ~25g
- Fat: ~9g
- Fiber: ~1g
Enjoy these Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies as a festive and flavorful treat that’s sure to brighten any occasion. Their chewy texture, juicy cherries, and rich chocolate make them irresistible—and they’re guaranteed to bring smiles to everyone who tries them!
