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Heavenly Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies

Heavenly Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies
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Heavenly Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies are soft, chewy treats that blend the sweet, vibrant burst of maraschino cherries with rich, melty semi-sweet chocolate chips. These cookies offer a perfect balance of tender moisture and slight crisp edges, delivering a festive and delightful twist on the classic chocolate chip cookie. Ideal for holidays, celebrations, or daily indulgence, they are easy to make with pantry staples and customizable to suit various tastes and dietary needs.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

  • 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free 1-to-1 flour blend for gluten-free version)
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
  • 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Add-ins

  • 1 cup maraschino cherries, drained and chopped
  • 1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips (or dark chocolate chunks / white chocolate chips as variations)
  • Optional: 1/2 cup chopped nuts (such as walnuts or pecans)

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agent and seasonings.
  3. Cream Butter and Sugars: Using a large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter with brown and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, which creates the perfect base for tender cookies.
  4. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Mix in eggs one at a time followed by vanilla extract, combining thoroughly to add moisture and enhance flavor.
  5. Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the flour mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined to avoid tough cookies.
  6. Fold in Cherries and Chocolate Chips: Drain and chop maraschino cherries, then gently fold them along with the chocolate chips and optional nuts into the dough for even distribution.
  7. Portion and Bake: Scoop dough onto prepared baking sheets, spacing about 2 inches apart. Bake 10-12 minutes until edges are lightly golden but centers remain soft.
  8. Cool and Enjoy: Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them set perfectly and keeps them soft.

Notes

  • Butter Temperature: Use room temperature butter for easier creaming and better texture.
  • Cherry Prep: Drain and pat dry maraschino cherries to avoid adding excess moisture to dough.
  • Don’t Overmix: Mix dough just until the dry ingredients disappear to keep cookies tender.
  • Chill Dough (Optional): Refrigerate dough for 30 minutes for thicker, chewier cookies.
  • Watch Baking Time: Remove cookies when edges turn golden but centers look slightly underbaked for softness.

Nutrition

Keywords: maraschino cherry cookies, chocolate chip cookies, cherry chocolate cookies, chewy cookies, festive cookies, gluten-free cookies option

Find it online: https://dailydishez.com/heavenly-maraschino-cherry-chocolate-chip-cookies/