Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies

Introduction

Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies are a delightful twist on the classic chocolate chip cookie. These cookies bring together the rich flavor of chocolate chips and the sweet, fruity taste of maraschino cherries. They are perfect for any occasion, from family gatherings to holiday parties, and are sure to bring a smile to anyone who takes a bite.

Why Make This Recipe

Making Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies is a fun and easy way to impress your friends and family. Not only do these cookies taste amazing, but they also look festive and colorful! The combination of chocolate and cherries provides a unique flavor that is hard to resist. Plus, they’re simple to make, so you can whip them up in no time.

How to Make Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies

Ingredients:

1 cup white sugar
1 cup packed brown sugar
1 cup softened butter
2 eggs
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup chocolate chips
1 cup maraschino cherries, halved and dried

Directions:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with the white sugar and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
Mix in the eggs and vanilla extract until well combined.
Stir in the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt until the dough comes together.
Fold in the chocolate chips and halved maraschino cherries gently.
Drop scoops of the cookie dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden.
Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool before enjoying them with a glass of milk!

How to Serve Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies

These cookies are delicious on their own, but you can also serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side. They make a great addition to cookie platters or can be packed in cute containers for gifts. Enjoy them with a cold glass of milk or your favorite hot beverage.

How to Store Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies

To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay good for about a week. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them in a freezer-safe container. Just remember to separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Tips to Make Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies

Make sure your butter is softened but not melted for the best texture.
Dried maraschino cherries are key to preventing excess moisture in the cookies.
Don’t overmix the dough once you add the flour. This will keep your cookies soft and chewy.
If you like, try adding some nuts for extra crunch.

Variation

You can easily switch things up by adding different types of chocolate (like white chocolate or dark chocolate) or using dried cranberries instead of maraschino cherries for a slightly different flavor.

FAQs

1. Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries?
Yes, but keep in mind that fresh cherries have more moisture, so you may want to adjust the amount of flour or reduce other wet ingredients.

2. How can I make these cookies gluten-free?
To make gluten-free cookies, you can use gluten-free all-purpose flour instead of regular flour. Just ensure that the flour blend is suitable for baking.

3. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the cookie dough and chill it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days before baking. Just let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before scooping and baking.

Enjoy your baking adventure with Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies!