These Easy Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies are a fun twist on the classic treat! Soft, chewy, and loaded with sweet maraschino cherries and chocolate chips, they’re impossible to resist.
When I bake these cookies, the cherry flavor makes me feel like a kid again. Plus, they’re super easy to make—just mix, scoop, and bake! Perfect for sweetening up any day. 🍒🍪
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Unsalted Butter: I like using unsalted butter for more control over the saltiness. If you’re in a pinch, margarine or coconut oil can work, but may alter flavor slightly.
Maraschino Cherries: These are key for the sweet cherry flavor. You can substitute with diced fresh cherries, cranberries, or even dried fruit, depending on what you have.
Chocolate Chips: Semi-sweet is my favorite choice, but feel free to use milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even white chocolate chips for a different twist!
Flour: All-purpose flour works best, but if you’re gluten-free, try a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. It may alter the texture slightly, so keep that in mind.
How Do I Make Sure My Cookies Are Chewy and Soft?
To get those lovely chewy cookies, there are a few tricks to follow:
- Don’t overmix the dough after adding the flour. Mix until just combined to keep the cookies soft.
- Ensure your oven isn’t too hot. Baking at 375°F is perfect, as higher temperatures could dry the cookies out quickly.
- Leave the centers a bit soft when pulling them out of the oven. They will continue to cook from the residual heat.
- Cooling them on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a rack helps maintain that soft texture.
Easy Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup maraschino cherries, drained and chopped (some with stems for garnish if desired)
- 1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
How Much Time Will You Need?
This cookie recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and an additional 8 to 10 minutes to bake. You’ll be enjoying these sweet treats in under 30 minutes from start to finish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping the Oven and Baking Sheet:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven heats up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a non-stick mat to keep your cookies from sticking.
2. Creaming the Butter and Sugars:
In a large bowl, use a mixer to cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
3. Adding Eggs and Vanilla:
Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each one is fully mixed in before adding the next. Then, stir in the vanilla extract until well combined.
4. Mixing Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures that the baking soda gets evenly distributed throughout the dough.
5. Combining Mixtures:
Gradually blend the dry ingredients into the butter mixture. Mix until just combined—don’t overmix!
6. Adding Cherries and Chocolate Chips:
Gently fold in the chopped maraschino cherries and chocolate chips. Be careful not to overmix, as it can change the color of the dough.
7. Scooping the Dough:
Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Make sure to space them about 2 inches apart to provide room for spreading.
8. Baking the Cookies:
Bake your cookies in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes. The edges should be golden brown, and the centers will look soft—that’s perfect!
9. Cooling the Cookies:
Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. This allows them to set before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Optional Garnish:
If you want a fun presentation, add whole maraschino cherries with stems on top of the warm cookies before they cool completely.
Enjoy your chewy, sweet maraschino cherry chocolate chip cookies filled with delicious bites of cherry and rich chocolate!
FAQ for Easy Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies
Can I Use Fresh Cherries Instead of Maraschino Cherries?
Yes! Fresh cherries can be used, but make sure to pit and chop them into small pieces. Keep in mind that fresh cherries will add a tartness and may alter the dough’s moisture slightly. You may want to reduce additional liquids in the recipe if using fresh cherries.
How Should I Store These Cookies?
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 2 months. Just make sure to separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking!
Can I Make the Dough Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to bake, allow the dough to sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before scooping and baking.
What Should I Do If My Cookies Spread Too Much?
If your cookies spread too much, it could be due to warm butter or too much liquid in the dough. Use cold butter, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking, and ensure you’re measuring the flour accurately to achieve the best results.
