Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies
Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies are soft, chewy treats bursting with the sweet, tangy flavor of maraschino cherries and rich, melty chocolate chips. This easy-to-make recipe delivers perfectly balanced sweetness and a tender crumb, making these cookies a nostalgic yet fresh twist on a classic favorite. Ideal for cozy nights, sharing with friends, or festive occasions, they offer a visually stunning pop of bright red cherries and customizable options for various dietary preferences.
- Author: James
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Total Time: 25-27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free option available via substitution
Dry Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Add-ins
- 1 cup chopped Maraschino cherries, well drained
- 1 cup semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips
- Prep Your Ingredients: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Drain and chop the Maraschino cherries into small pieces to ensure even distribution in the dough.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt to combine evenly and help the cookies rise properly.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: Using a hand or stand mixer, beat the softened unsalted butter with granulated and brown sugars until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes, creating a tender cookie texture.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined, which binds the dough and adds richness.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed just until combined to avoid overworking the dough and keeping cookies tender.
- Fold in Cherries and Chocolate Chips: Gently fold in the chopped Maraschino cherries and chocolate chips, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Scoop and Bake: Drop rounded tablespoons of dough about 2 inches apart onto the prepared baking sheets. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges turn golden but centers remain soft.
- Cool and Enjoy: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve fresh or store for later.
Notes
- Use room temperature butter and eggs for better mixing and smoother dough.
- Drain and pat Maraschino cherries dry thoroughly to prevent soggy dough.
- Mix dough only until just combined to keep cookies soft and tender.
- Use parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking and promote even baking.
- Remove cookies from the oven just before edges brown to maintain a soft, chewy center.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: Maraschino cherries, chocolate chip cookies, soft cookies, cherry chocolate cookies, easy cookie recipe, chewy cookies, homemade cookies, holiday cookies