Introduction to Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies
As a busy mom, I know how precious time can be, especially when it comes to baking. That’s why I adore these Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies! They’re not just a treat; they’re a delightful way to bring a smile to my family’s faces. The sweet, tangy cherries paired with rich chocolate chips create a flavor explosion that’s hard to resist. Whether you’re looking for a quick solution for a hectic day or a special dessert to impress your loved ones, these cookies are the answer. Trust me, they’ll disappear faster than you can say “yum!”
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Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies: A Sweet Delight!
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious cookies combining the sweetness of maraschino cherries with rich chocolate chips.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1 cup maraschino cherries, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in the chocolate chips and chopped maraschino cherries.
- Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto ungreased baking sheets.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden brown.
- Allow to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
Notes
- For a chewier cookie, refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes before baking.
- Store cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
- Feel free to substitute dark chocolate chips for a richer flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Why You’ll Love This Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies
These Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies are a game-changer for busy lives. They come together in just 32 minutes, making them perfect for last-minute gatherings or a sweet treat after dinner. The combination of chewy cherries and melty chocolate creates a taste sensation that’s simply irresistible. Plus, they’re a hit with kids and adults alike, ensuring smiles all around. Who doesn’t love a cookie that’s both quick and delicious?
Ingredients for Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to creating these delightful Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Unsalted butter: Softened to room temperature, it adds richness and helps create a tender cookie.
- Granulated sugar: This sweetener gives the cookies a lovely sweetness and helps with browning.
- Brown sugar: Packed for moisture and a hint of caramel flavor, it balances the sweetness perfectly.
- Large eggs: They provide structure and moisture, making the cookies chewy and delicious.
- Vanilla extract: A splash of this adds warmth and depth to the flavor profile.
- All-purpose flour: The base of the cookies, it gives them structure and helps them rise.
- Baking soda: This leavening agent helps the cookies spread and rise, creating that perfect texture.
- Salt: Just a pinch enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- Chocolate chips: Semi-sweet or dark, they melt beautifully and add a rich chocolatey goodness.
- Maraschino cherries: Chopped for bursts of sweet-tart flavor, they make these cookies truly special.
For those looking to mix things up, consider using dark chocolate chips for a richer taste or even adding nuts for a delightful crunch. You can find all the exact measurements at the bottom of the article, ready for printing!
How to Make Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies
Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s dive into the fun part: making these Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a batch of cookies that will make your kitchen smell heavenly.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial because it ensures that your cookies bake evenly. A hot oven helps them rise and develop that lovely golden color. Trust me, you don’t want to skip this part!
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth. This process is key for achieving a light and fluffy texture. The sugars will aerate the butter, creating tiny air pockets that help your cookies rise beautifully.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Next, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract. Eggs provide moisture and structure, while vanilla adds that warm, comforting flavor we all love. It’s like a hug in cookie form!
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Mixing these dry ingredients separately helps ensure that the baking soda is evenly distributed. This step is essential for achieving that perfect rise and texture in your cookies.
Step 5: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix! Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, and we want them to be soft and chewy. Just mix until you see no more flour—easy peasy!
Step 6: Fold in Chocolate Chips and Cherries
Now comes the fun part! Gently fold in the chocolate chips and chopped maraschino cherries. Folding helps keep the air in the dough, ensuring your cookies stay light and fluffy. Plus, you want those cherries and chocolate to be evenly distributed throughout!
Step 7: Shape the Cookies
Using a tablespoon, drop rounded scoops of dough onto ungreased baking sheets. Make sure to leave some space between each cookie, as they will spread while baking. For a uniform shape, you can roll the dough into balls in your hands before placing them on the sheet.
Step 8: Bake the Cookies
Bake your cookies for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden brown. Keep an eye on them! You want them to be slightly underbaked in the center for that perfect chewy texture. A little trick? They’ll continue to cook on the baking sheet after you take them out!
Step 9: Cool the Cookies
Once baked, allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks. This cooling process is important because it helps them set up nicely. Plus, it gives you a moment to savor the delicious aroma wafting through your kitchen!
Tips for Success
- Always use room temperature butter for easier creaming.
- Chill the dough for 30 minutes for chewier cookies.
- Don’t skip the cooling time; it enhances the texture.
- Experiment with different chocolate types for unique flavors.
- Use a cookie scoop for uniform sizes and even baking.
Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowls: A large bowl for wet ingredients and a medium bowl for dry.
- Electric mixer: A hand mixer works well, but a whisk can do the job too.
- Baking sheets: Use parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Cookie scoop: A tablespoon works if you don’t have one.
Variations
- Dark Chocolate Chips: Swap out semi-sweet chocolate chips for dark chocolate for a richer flavor.
- Nuts: Add chopped walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch and extra texture.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make these cookies gluten-free.
- Almond Extract: Replace vanilla with almond extract for a unique twist on flavor.
- Oatmeal Addition: Mix in a cup of rolled oats for a heartier cookie with added fiber.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair these Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies with a glass of cold milk for a classic treat.
- Serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
- For a festive touch, plate them on a colorful platter with fresh cherries.
- Enjoy with a cup of coffee or tea for a delightful afternoon snack.
FAQs about Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies
Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries?
While fresh cherries can be used, they won’t provide the same sweetness and tangy flavor as maraschino cherries. If you choose fresh, consider adding a bit of extra sugar to balance the flavors.
How do I store leftover cookies?
To keep your Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay delicious for up to a week—if they last that long!
Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Absolutely! You can freeze the dough for up to three months. Just scoop the dough onto a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. When you’re ready to bake, just add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
What can I substitute for eggs in this recipe?
If you need an egg substitute, try using 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water). This will help maintain moisture and binding in your cookies.
Why are my cookies flat?
Flat cookies can result from using melted butter or not enough flour. Make sure your butter is softened, not melted, and measure your flour accurately. A little extra flour can help achieve that perfect cookie shape!
Final Thoughts
Making these Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies is more than just baking; it’s about creating sweet memories in the kitchen. The joy of mixing, the delightful aroma wafting through the house, and the smiles on my family’s faces when they take that first bite are priceless. These cookies are a perfect blend of nostalgia and indulgence, making them a go-to recipe for any occasion. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a special gathering, they bring a touch of sweetness to our lives. So, roll up your sleeves and enjoy the magic of baking these delightful treats!