Introduction
Delightful Maraschino Cherry and Chocolate Chip Cookies combine the best of both worlds: sweet, chewy chocolate chip cookies and the bright, tart burst of maraschino cherries.
This unexpected flavor pairing brings a touch of whimsy and indulgence to your classic cookie recipe.
Whether you’re preparing a batch for a holiday, a gathering, or just because, these cookies are sure to stand out.
Ingredients
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup granulated sugar
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup chocolate chips
1/2 cup maraschino cherries, drained and chopped
1/4 cup maraschino cherry juice (optional for added flavor)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will help ensure that the cookies don’t stick to the surface and bake evenly.
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar.
Beat until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take about 3-4 minutes. This step is key to ensuring that your cookies are soft and tender.
Add the eggs, one at a time, to the sugar-butter mixture, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract, making sure it’s evenly incorporated.
In a separate bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture into the wet ingredients.
mixing just until everything is combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in dense cookies.
Fold in the chocolate chips and chopped maraschino cherries gently. If you want to intensify the cherry flavor.
you can drizzle in a little of the cherry juice. Just be careful not to add too much, as it can affect the dough’s consistency.
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of the cookie dough and drop them onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
The cookies will spread slightly while baking, so make sure to leave enough room for them to expand.
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until they are golden around the edges but still soft in the center.
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
How to Make
To begin making your Maraschino Cherry and Chocolate Chip Cookies, make sure the butter is softened to room temperature, as it will cream more easily with the sugars.
This is essential for achieving the light texture that makes these cookies so irresistible.
Once the butter and sugars are well combined, adding the eggs in stages helps them incorporate smoothly into the dough.
It’s always best to beat the eggs one by one to avoid curdling the batter.
When adding the dry ingredients, do so gradually and mix on a low speed or by hand to prevent flour from flying everywhere.
Be sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl regularly to ensure even mixing.
Chopping the maraschino cherries is important because you want them to distribute evenly throughout the dough, rather than clumping together in one spot.
Make sure to drain the cherries well to prevent excess moisture from throwing off the dough’s texture.
The cherry juice can be used as a little secret weapon to give the dough a deeper cherry flavor. However.
remember to add just a little bit at a time. Too much juice could make the dough too wet, leading to cookies that spread too thin while baking.
For an extra burst of color, you can sprinkle some extra chopped cherries on top of the dough balls before baking.
This gives the cookies a festive look and highlights the cherry flavor.
When baking, keep an eye on the cookies, as they can go from perfectly baked to overdone in just a minute or two.
It’s best to check the cookies at the 10-minute mark, especially since ovens can vary.
Tips
For a more intense chocolate flavor, use semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips instead of milk chocolate.
The contrast between the cherries and the richer chocolate will add depth to the cookies.
If you prefer a firmer cookie, chill the dough for about 30 minutes before baking. Chilling the dough helps control the spread during baking, resulting in thicker, chewier cookies.
To make the cookies even more indulgent, consider adding a handful of chopped walnuts or pecans.
This extra texture can give the cookies a satisfying crunch that complements the chewy cherries and smooth chocolate chips.
If you’re making a large batch, the dough can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or frozen for longer storage.
Just make sure to roll it into dough balls first, then freeze them on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer the dough balls to a freezer bag for later use.
You can also experiment with different flavored extracts. For example, almond extract could provide an intriguing flavor twist, enhancing the cherry flavor without overwhelming it.
For an extra touch of sweetness, drizzle a little white chocolate or dark chocolate over the cooled cookies. This can be especially festive if you’re making them for a special occasion or holiday.
If you find that the cookies are too soft or spread too much in the oven, try adding a little extra flour or baking.
them for an extra minute or two. Just be careful not to overbake them, as they’re meant to be soft and chewy.
Conclusion
Delightful Maraschino Cherry and Chocolate Chip Cookies are a fun, flavorful twist on the classic chocolate chip cookie.
The combination of sweet cherries and rich chocolate makes each bite a little bit of heaven, perfect for any time of the year.
Whether you’re sharing them with friends or indulging in a sweet treat by yourself, these cookies bring joy and satisfaction. Try baking them today, and they might just become a new favorite in your cookie repertoire!