These Easy Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies are a fun twist on classic cookies! With sweet cherries and chocolate chips, every bite is a delightful treat!
Who can resist a cookie that’s both chewy and fruity? I love how the cherries add a pop of color and flavor. Make a batch and watch them vanish in no time—trust me!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butter: Unsalted butter is the best choice for baking. It allows you to control the saltiness in the cookies. If you’re short on butter, you can use margarine or coconut oil as a substitute, but keep an eye on texture.
Maraschino Cherries: These sweet cherries add a fun, colorful twist. If you want a different flavor, you can swap them for dried cherries, chopped fresh cherries, or even cranberries for a tart kick!
Chocolate Chips: While semisweet chips are perfect, you can mix it up with dark chocolate, white chocolate, or milk chocolate. For a healthier option, try using dark chocolate or carob chips.
Oats: The oats add a nice chewy texture. If you want gluten-free cookies, use certified gluten-free oats or leave them out entirely for a classic cookie texture.
How Do You Make Sure Your Cookies Come Out Perfectly Soft?
To get cookies that are soft and chewy, follow these tips:
- Don’t overmix the dough after adding the dry ingredients. Mix just until combined for the best texture.
- Use room temperature butter; it’s easier to cream and leads to better incorporation of air, which helps cookies rise.
- Watch your baking time! Take them out when they’re just golden around the edges. They will continue to cook on the baking sheet.
- Let them cool on the sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This keeps them from breaking apart and helps them retain moisture.
Easy Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup rolled oats (optional for texture)
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup maraschino cherries, drained and chopped (pat dry with paper towels)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and 10 to 12 minutes of baking time. Don’t forget to let the cookies cool for 5 minutes on the baking sheet, so the total time will be around 30 minutes from start to finish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. This helps prevent the cookies from sticking!
2. Cream the Butters and Sugars:
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes.
3. Add Eggs and Vanilla:
Add in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract until everything is well combined.
4. Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This helps to evenly distribute the baking soda and salt in the flour.
5. Combine Mixtures:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing just until it all comes together. Be careful not to overmix—this will keep your cookies soft.
6. Add the Fun Stuff:
Now it’s time to fold in the oats (if you’re using them), chocolate chips, and the chopped maraschino cherries. Make sure everything is evenly distributed throughout the dough!
7. Shape and Bake:
Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, drop rounded spoonfuls of the dough onto the prepared baking sheets. Make sure to leave about 2 inches of space between each cookie to allow them to spread while they bake.
8. Bake to Perfection:
Bake in the preheated oven for about 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are just golden and the centers look set. Keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking!
9. Cool Time:
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.
10. Enjoy Your Delicious Cookies:
Now it’s time to dig in! These chewy Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies are perfect for any occasion. Enjoy a sweet treat with a twist!
With their delightful cherry flavor mixed with chocolate, these cookies are sure to be a hit!
FAQ for Easy Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies
Can I Use Different Types of Sugar?
Absolutely! You can use all granulated sugar or all brown sugar for a different flavor and texture. Just keep in mind that brown sugar will give your cookies a chewier consistency because of its moisture content.
Can I Substitute the Maraschino Cherries?
Yes! If you prefer a tart flavor, you can substitute with dried cherries or cranberries. For a fresh option, chopped strawberries or raspberries can also be delicious, though they may change the texture a bit due to their moisture.
How Do I Store Leftover Cookies?
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. Just make sure to layer them with parchment paper to prevent sticking!
How Can I Make These Cookies Gluten-Free?
To make these cookies gluten-free, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. Be sure to check that your chocolate chips and oats are also certified gluten-free!
