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