These Easy Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies are a fun twist on classic cookies! With sweet cherries and creamy chocolate chips, every bite is a delightful surprise.
They’re so simple to make—just mix, scoop, and bake! I love how the cherries add a pop of color and flavor. Plus, who can resist cookies that look this fun? 🍒🍪
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Unsalted Butter: Softened butter makes for a rich cookie base. If you’re in a pinch, you can use margarine, but the flavor won’t be the same. It’s best to stick with butter for taste and texture.
Granulated & Brown Sugar: This combo creates the perfect balance of sweetness. You can substitute brown sugar with coconut sugar for a lower glycemic option. Just remember, it may slightly change the flavor.
Eggs: Eggs are crucial for binding the ingredients. If you’re vegan or allergic, use 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) instead.
Maraschino Cherries: These cherries add a fun twist! If you’re avoiding cherries, consider dried cranberries or raisins. Just be sure to adjust the sweetness because these fruits vary in flavor.
How Do I Get the Perfect Texture for My Cookies?
A great cookie texture relies on the creaming method and baking time. Start by using softened butter—this helps incorporate air into the dough, making cookies fluffy.
- When creaming the butter and sugars, mix until light and fluffy, usually about 2-3 minutes.
- Don’t overmix the dough once you add the dry ingredients; mix just until you don’t see any flour. This keeps your cookies from becoming tough.
- For the best results, take the cookies out while they look slightly underbaked. They continue to cook a bit while cooling.
Easy Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cookie Dough:
- 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 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup chopped maraschino cherries, drained and patted dry (reserve some whole for garnish if desired)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This cookie recipe takes about 15 minutes for prep and around 10-12 minutes for baking. Including cooling time, plan for about 30 minutes to enjoy freshly baked cookies!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare Baking Sheets:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While that’s warming up, line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugars:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Use an electric mixer to cream these ingredients together until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take about 2-3 minutes.
3. Add in Eggs and Vanilla:
Next, beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure to mix well after each addition. Then stir in the vanilla extract to add a delightful flavor.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients:
In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This helps to evenly distribute the leavening agent and prevents clumping.
5. Mix Dry with Wet Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few floury streaks are okay.
6. Fold in Chocolate Chips and Cherries:
Gently fold in the chocolate chips and chopped maraschino cherries using a spatula. The cherries will add a pop of color and flavor, so make sure they are well distributed.
7. Scoop the Dough:
Using a rounded tablespoon or a cookie scoop, drop cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets, making sure to leave about 2 inches between each dough ball to allow for spreading.
8. Add Cherry Garnish:
If you’d like to make your cookies even more festive, press a whole maraschino cherry or a piece onto the top of each cookie dough scoop.
9. Bake the Cookies:
Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes. Keep an eye on them; you’re looking for the edges to turn golden brown while the centers look slightly underbaked.
10. Cool and Enjoy:
Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy these delightful treats with a glass of milk or your favorite beverage!
These cookies are not only delicious but also bring a festive touch with the juicy maraschino cherries. Perfect for any occasion!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Different Types of Cherries?
Absolutely! If you prefer a less sweet option, you can use fresh or frozen cherries, just make sure to pit and chop them. Dried cherries can work too, but they will provide a different texture and sweetness, so adjust the sugar accordingly.
How Do I Store Leftover Cookies?
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you want to keep them fresh longer, consider freezing them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. Just thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy them!
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Yes! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that has a 1:1 ratio. Just make sure your baking soda and any other ingredients are gluten-free to avoid cross-contamination.
What Can I Substitute for Eggs?
If you’re looking for an egg substitute, use 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce or a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water). This will help keep the cookies moist and bind the ingredients together!
