Name: Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip: 1 Divine Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: PT-489620H40M37S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; ¾ cup granulated sugar; ¾ cup brown sugar, packed; 2 large eggs; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 2¾ cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; ½ teaspoon salt; 1 cup maraschino cherries, drained and chopped; 1¾ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

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Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip cookies have been a delightful surprise in my baking journey. I remember the first time I tried them; the vibrant red cherries peeking through rich chocolate chips made them irresistible. My grandma used to make a similar treat, and the sweet, slightly tart burst of the Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookie always brings back those warm, cozy kitchen memories. There’s something truly magical about this flavor combination, creating a perfect balance that elevates a simple cookie into something extraordinary. If you’re looking for an easy ground turkey dinner, this isn’t it, but if you’re craving a unique and delicious cookie, you’ll adore this recipe. Let’s get baking!

Why You’ll Love This Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip

I’ve found so many reasons to adore these cookies, and I know you will too! They’re not just a treat; they’re an experience.

Irresistible Flavor: The unique blend of sweet cherry and rich chocolate in every Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip bite is simply divine.
Quick & Easy Prep: With minimal fuss, you can whip up these cookies in no time, making them perfect for last-minute cravings.
Family Favorite: These are the kind of Homemade Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip treats that disappear fast at any gathering.
Budget-Friendly: Using common pantry staples, this recipe proves that delicious doesn’t have to mean expensive.
Versatile Treat: Whether it’s a casual snack or a special dessert, these Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip cookies fit any occasion.
Joyful Baking: Making these Homemade Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip treats brings a smile to my face every time.

You’ll love the way these cookies bring a burst of flavor and joy to your day!

Ingredients for Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip

To create these delightful cookies, you’ll need just a few straightforward Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip ingredients. I always make sure these are on hand because they’re the secret to that perfect balance of sweetness and chewiness.

1 cup unsalted butter, softened – This is crucial for a tender crumb, so make sure it’s at room temperature for easy creaming.
¾ cup granulated sugar – For that classic cookie sweetness.
¾ cup brown sugar, packed – The brown sugar adds moisture and a wonderful chewy texture to our Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip cookies.
2 large eggs – Room temperature eggs emulsify better with the butter and sugar, creating a smoother dough.
2 teaspoons vanilla extract – A must-have for enhancing all the other flavors.
2¾ cups all-purpose flour – The base of our cookie; don’t overmix once added!
1 teaspoon baking soda – Helps the cookies rise and spread just right.
½ teaspoon salt – Balances the sweetness and brings out the chocolate and cherry notes.
1 cup maraschino cherries, drained and chopped – The star of the show! Make sure to blot them very well to avoid excess moisture.
1¾ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips – I prefer semi-sweet, but feel free to use your favorite for these Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip treats.

How to Make Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip

Making these delightful cookies is a straightforward process, and I promise you’ll find it incredibly satisfying to watch them come to life. Follow these steps carefully, and soon your kitchen will be filled with the irresistible aroma of Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip goodness.

Step 1: First, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating up, grab your baking sheets and line them with parchment paper. This step makes cleanup a breeze and helps prevent sticking.
Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Beat them together using an electric mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes. This creaming process is key to a tender cookie.
Step 3: Next, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition to ensure everything is fully incorporated. Then, stir in the vanilla extract. This fragrant addition truly enhances the overall flavor profile of your Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookie dough.
Step 4: In a separate, medium-sized bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures these dry ingredients are evenly distributed before adding them to the wet mixture.
Step 5: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until they are just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough at this stage; overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
Step 6: Now for the stars of the show! Gently fold in the chopped maraschino cherries and semi-sweet chocolate chips. I love seeing the vibrant red and dark chocolate swirl through the dough. This is how to make Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies truly special.
Step 7: Using a cookie scoop or a tablespoon, drop rounded portions of dough onto your prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie. They will spread a bit as they bake.
Step 8: Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden, but the centers still look slightly soft and underbaked. This ensures a wonderfully chewy cookie. Keep an eye on them, as oven temperatures can vary.
Step 9: Once baked, allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 3-5 minutes. This helps them set up and prevents them from breaking when you move them. Finally, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely, if you can resist eating them warm!

Delicious Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip cookies cooling on a wire rack, showcasing their vibrant red cherries and rich chocolate chips

Pro Tips for the Best Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip

I’ve learned a few tricks over the years that truly elevate these cookies from good to absolutely amazing. These pro tips will ensure your Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip cookies turn out perfectly every time, with that ideal balance of chewiness and flavor.

Always blot your chopped maraschino cherries thoroughly with paper towels. Excess moisture can make your dough too wet and affect the cookie’s texture.
Don’t overmix the dough once you add the dry ingredients. Mixing too much develops the gluten, leading to tougher cookies instead of soft, chewy ones.
For a richer flavor and chewier texture, chill your cookie dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This also helps prevent excessive spreading.
Use a combination of granulated and brown sugar to achieve both crisp edges and a soft, moist center in your Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip cookies.

What’s the secret to perfect Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip?

The real secret lies in not overbaking! Pull them from the oven when the edges are set but the centers still look slightly underdone. They’ll continue to cook on the hot baking sheet, resulting in that wonderfully soft and chewy texture that makes a great Recipe for chocolate chip cookies with maraschino cherries so special.

Can I make Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough up to 3 days in advance. Just cover it tightly and refrigerate. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before scooping and baking. This makes preparing Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip treats super convenient.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip?

To avoid common pitfalls, make sure your butter is softened, not melted, and always blot those cherries! Overmixing the dough is another common mistake that leads to dense cookies. Resist the urge to add more flour unless the dough is truly too wet from un-blotted cherries; a slightly sticky dough is often perfect for Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip cookies.

Best Ways to Serve Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip

Once your kitchen is filled with the delightful aroma of these freshly baked cookies, you’ll want to enjoy them in the best possible way! I’ve found a few serving suggestions that truly highlight the unique flavor of Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip cookies.

My absolute favorite way to enjoy these is warm, straight from the oven, perhaps with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. The melting chocolate and the soft cookie with cold ice cream create a heavenly combination. They also make fantastic Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip dessert ideas for a potluck or family gathering.

Another wonderful option is to pair them with a glass of cold milk or a cup of hot coffee or tea. The rich flavors of the cookie complement these beverages beautifully. For a more elegant presentation, consider arranging them on a platter with other small treats, making them a centerpiece among your Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip baking ideas.

A close-up of a freshly baked Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip cookie, showing its soft texture and melted chocolate

Nutrition Facts for Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip

Understanding the nutritional breakdown of your favorite treats can be helpful, especially with something as delicious as a Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip cookie. Here’s an estimate per serving, based on our recipe which yields about 36 cookies:

Serving Size: 1 cookie
Calories: 150
Protein: 2g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Unsaturated Fat: 3g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 19g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 15g
Sodium: 70mg
Cholesterol: 25mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used and portion sizes. Enjoy your delightful Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip cookies in moderation!

How to Store and Reheat Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip

Proper storage is key to keeping your delicious Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip cookies fresh and enjoyable for longer. After baking, always allow your cookies to cool completely on a wire rack. This prevents condensation, which can make them soggy.

For short-term storage, place the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay wonderfully fresh for up to 3-4 days. If you’ve made a big batch as part of your Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip baking ideas, you might want to consider freezing them.

To freeze, arrange baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months. When you’re ready for a treat, you can reheat frozen cookies in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5-7 minutes, or simply let them thaw at room temperature for an hour. Enjoying a warm, freshly “reheated” Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip cookie is a real delight!

Frequently Asked Questions About Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip

Can I substitute dried cherries for maraschino cherries?

While you can use dried cherries, the flavor and texture of your Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip cookies will be different. Maraschino cherries offer a distinct sweetness and a soft, juicy burst that dried cherries can’t quite replicate. If you do use dried, I recommend rehydrating them slightly before adding them to the dough for a moister bite.

Why are Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip cookies popular?

I believe Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip cookies are popular because they offer a delightful twist on a classic. The vibrant color and unique sweet-tart flavor of the maraschino cherries pair beautifully with the rich chocolate, creating a visually appealing and incredibly delicious cookie. It’s a nostalgic flavor for many, reminding them of old-fashioned ice cream sundaes and classic desserts, making the Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookie a beloved treat.

What kind of chocolate chips work best with maraschino cherries?

I find that semi-sweet chocolate chips provide the perfect balance, allowing both the chocolate and the cherry flavors to shine without one overpowering the other in these Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip treats. However, for a richer, more intense chocolate experience, dark chocolate chips are fantastic. If you prefer a sweeter cookie, white chocolate chips can also be a delicious option.

Can I make these Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip cookies gluten-free?

Yes, you can! I’ve had great success making Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip cookies gluten-free by simply substituting the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Just make sure your blend contains xanthan gum, or add about half a teaspoon if it doesn’t. The rest of the ingredients and steps remain the same for a delicious gluten-free version of this favorite.

Variations of Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip You Can Try

One of the best things about baking is the endless possibilities for customization! While the classic Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip cookie is fantastic, I love experimenting with different variations to suit various tastes and dietary needs. Here are a few ideas to inspire your next baking adventure:

Gluten-Free Delight: For those avoiding gluten, a simple swap makes all the difference. You can easily adapt this into a Gluten-free Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip recipe by using a high-quality 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Just ensure your blend includes xanthan gum for optimal texture.
Vegan Cherry & Chocolate: To make these cookies vegan, substitute the butter with a plant-based butter alternative and use flax eggs (1 tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tbsp water per egg). This creates a delicious Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip treat everyone can enjoy.
Bar Form Fun: Instead of individual cookies, press the dough into a 9×13 inch baking pan and bake for 25-30 minutes for delicious Cherry Chocolate Chip Bars. They’re perfect for sharing and a great make-ahead option.
Nutty Addition: For extra crunch and flavor, fold in about ½ cup of chopped toasted pecans or walnuts along with the cherries and chocolate chips. This adds another layer of texture to your Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip creation.