Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies
Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies offer a perfect harmony of juicy cherry bursts and rich, melty chocolate chips. These chewy, flavorful cookies blend nostalgic charm with a fun twist on traditional chocolate chip cookies, making them an irresistible treat for all occasions.
- Author: Judy
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: None
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 brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Add-ins
- 1 cup maraschino cherries, chopped finely and well drained
- 1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- Optional: 1/2 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans)
- Prep Your Ingredients: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Chop maraschino cherries finely, drain well, and set aside. Measure all other ingredients.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt until evenly combined to ensure consistent texture.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, beat softened unsalted butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes. This aerates the mixture to create tender cookies.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, fully incorporating each before adding the next. Stir in vanilla extract for warm, rich flavor.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed or by hand until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.
- Fold in Cherries and Chocolate Chips: Gently fold in the chopped maraschino cherries and semi-sweet chocolate chips, distributing them evenly throughout the dough for a harmonious blend in every bite. Fold in nuts if using.
- Shape and Bake: Scoop dough into rounded tablespoons and place on the baking sheet about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until edges are golden and centers remain soft.
- Cool and Enjoy: Let the cookies cool on the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps achieve the perfect chewy texture.
Notes
- Drain maraschino cherries thoroughly to prevent excess moisture from making the dough too wet.
- Use room temperature butter and eggs for easier mixing and smoother dough.
- Remove cookies when edges are set but centers are still soft to keep them chewy.
- For thicker cookies, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking.
- Use parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 110mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: maraschino cherry cookies, chocolate chip cookies, cherry chocolate cookies, chewy cookies, homemade cookies