These Easy Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies are a fun twist on a classic treat! With sweet cherries and chocolate chips, each bite is bursting with flavor.
I love how the cherries make these cookies extra special. They always bring a smile and are perfect for sharing—just watch out, everyone will want seconds! 🍒🍪
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Maraschino Cherries: These are the star of the show! Use good-quality cherries for the best flavor. If gluten-free, you can swap for dried cranberries or blueberries for a different twist.
Butter: I recommend using unsalted butter to control the saltiness of your cookies. If you need a dairy-free alternative, coconut oil or a vegan butter substitute works well too.
Chocolate Chips: Semisweet chocolate chips are classic, but feel free to mix it up! Milk chocolate or dark chocolate chips are also great options. You could even throw in white chocolate chips for added sweetness!
Flour: All-purpose flour is standard, but if you’re looking to make these cookies healthier, whole wheat flour or a gluten-free flour blend can be used instead.
How Do I Make Sure My Cookies Stay Soft and Chewy?
Keeping your cookies soft and chewy starts with not overbaking them. You want the edges to be set while the centers still look slightly underdone when you take them out of the oven.
- Use a timer! Bake for 9 to 11 minutes, checking at 9 minutes.
- Don’t forget to let them sit on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. This helps them firm up without drying out.
- Storing them in an airtight container will keep them fresh and chewy longer.
Using the right balance of ingredients and baking times will ensure every cookie is perfectly soft and delicious!
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
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup rolled oats (optional, adds texture)
- 1 1/2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup maraschino cherries, drained and chopped (pat dry to remove excess syrup)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful cookie recipe takes about 15 minutes for preparation and 9 to 11 minutes for baking. After baking, let them cool for about 5 minutes on the baking sheet. In total, you’ll need about 30 minutes to enjoy these tasty treats!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While that’s warming up, line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. This will prevent the cookies from sticking and makes for easy cleanup!
2. Cream the Butter and Sugars:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat the mixture until it’s light and fluffy—this should take about 2-3 minutes.
3. Add the Eggs and Vanilla:
Once the butter mixture is fluffy, add the eggs one at a time. Beat after each addition until fully incorporated. Then, mix in the vanilla extract until well blended. This adds a wonderful flavor to your cookies!
4. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This helps to evenly distribute the leavening agent and seasons your flour mixture.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet butter mixture. Stir gently just until combined—try not to overmix, as this can toughen your cookies.
6. Add in the Goodies:
Now it’s time to fold in the oats (if you’re using them), chocolate chips, and chopped maraschino cherries. Be gentle so you don’t break apart the cherries too much!
7. Shape the Cookies:
Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, drop rounded balls of dough onto your prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. This will give them room to spread while baking.
8. Bake the Cookies:
Bake the cookies for 9 to 11 minutes, until the edges are lightly browned but the centers remain soft. A little underbake is okay as they will continue to cook a bit on the baking sheet.
9. Cool and Enjoy:
After baking, remove the cookie sheets from the oven and let them cool for about 5 minutes. Then, transfer the cookies to wire racks to cool completely. Now, take a moment to appreciate the delicious aroma!
10. Dig In!
Enjoy your soft, delicious cookies with bursts of cherry and melty chocolate! Perfect for sharing or keeping all to yourself—no judgment here!
These cookies perfectly combine the sweet, fruity flavor of maraschino cherries with classic chocolate chips, making for a delightful treat. Plus, adding oats gives them an extra chewy texture, but don’t worry if you prefer a classic cookie without them—just skip that ingredient!
FAQ for Easy Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies
Can I Use Fresh Cherries Instead of Maraschino Cherries?
Absolutely! You can use fresh cherries, but be sure to pit and chop them first. Keep in mind that fresh cherries will provide a different flavor and texture compared to maraschino cherries, which are sweeter.
Can I Make These Cookies Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time! Simply cover it tightly and refrigerate for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to bake, just scoop and bake directly from the fridge, adding a minute or two to the baking time if needed.
How Do I Store Leftover Cookies?
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. To keep them fresh and chewy, you can add a slice of bread or a small piece of apple to the container.
Can I Freeze the Cookie Dough?
Yes! You can freeze the cookie dough by scooping it into balls and placing them on a baking sheet to freeze individually. Once frozen, transfer the balls to a zip-top bag. When you’re ready to bake, simply bake straight from the freezer, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
