Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies: A Delightful Twist on a Classic Treat
Are you ready to elevate your cookie game? If you’re nodding your head while clutching that half-empty bag of chocolate chips, you’re in for a treat! Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies combine the nostalgia of a classic chocolate chip cookie with the delightful pop of sweet cherries, creating a cookie that’s not just delicious but also a little unexpected. Perfect for a quick family dessert or a cheerful cookie jar surprise, these cookies are sure to steal the show.
Why You’ll Love This Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Let’s be honest, there’s something magical about cookies fresh from the oven. The smell wafts through the house, beckoning even the pickiest of eaters to come to the kitchen—those little cherry surprises? They’ll have everyone doing a happy dance. Moreover, this recipe is easy to follow and requires minimal ingredients, so you can whip up a batch even during the busiest of weeks. Let’s dive in!
Ingredients
Before we get our hands floury, let’s gather all the goodies. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup chopped maraschino cherries (drained and patted dry)
Steps to Cookie Paradise
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Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it warms up, line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This is like giving your cookies a cozy bed to rest on while they bake!
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Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This step is crucial! It ensures your cookies are balanced and fluffy.
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Cream the Sugars: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until creamy. This is when you’ll start to see clouds of happiness forming! Add the vanilla and eggs, mixing well until everything is well blended.
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Combine: Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, stirring until just combined. You got this!
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Fold in the Chocolate Chips and Cherries: Now comes the fun part—gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips and those vibrant maraschino cherries. You’ll want to be a little gentle here; we want chunky cookies, not a cherry explosion.
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Drop and Bake: Use a spoon or cookie scoop to drop dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving some space between each one (they need room to spread out and enjoy their time in the oven!). Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. Your kitchen will smell like a pastry shop, and you’ll be counting the seconds until they’re cool enough to eat!
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Cool and Enjoy: Let the cookies sit on the sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely—or as long as you can resist. We won’t judge if you sneak one while they’re still warm!
Cooking Tips
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Cherries Galore: If you’re feeling adventurous, try mixing in other fruits or nuts! Just make sure to drain and pat them dry first; soggy cookies are not what we’re aiming for.
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Freezing Dough: You can freeze your cookie dough for up to three months! Just roll it into a log and wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. When you want cookies, slice and bake straight from the freezer for fresh cookies anytime.
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Flavor Boosts: Want a flavor explosion? Add a sprinkle of almond extract to the dough. It pairs beautifully with the cherries—trust me!
FAQs About Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies
Can I substitute the butter with a different fat?
Yes, you can use coconut oil or even applesauce for healthier cookie options. Just note that the texture may differ slightly!
How should I store leftovers?
Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. But let’s be honest—leftovers are likely to be nonexistent if your family is like mine!
Can I omit the cherries?
Absolutely! If you’re not a fan or just don’t have maraschino cherries on hand, these cookies are equally delectable with just chocolate chips or any mix-ins you love!
In this delightful journey of baking, I’ve found that these Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies have become an absolute favorite in our household. You might just find them showing up at every family gathering, with my sister, Patricia, bringing her love for the cherry spin!
Now that you have this simple yet scrumptious recipe at your fingertips, it’s time to throw on that apron, unleash your inner baker, and share the joy with loved ones. Happy baking!
If you’re looking for other dessert ideas, don’t forget to check out my Decadent Brownie Recipe or explore my Ultimate Guide to Homemade Ice Cream.
Meta Description: Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies are the perfect treat for cookie lovers. Quick, easy, and delicious—try this delightful twist today!