Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite cookie: maraschino cherry chocolate chip cookies! These delightful treats are a perfect blend of sweet and tart, with the juicy bursts of maraschino cherries mingling beautifully with rich chocolate chips. I remember the first time I made them, my kitchen was filled with the most amazing aroma, and I couldn’t wait to take that first bite. The soft, chewy texture combined with those little cherry surprises makes these cookies a fun twist on the classic chocolate chip cookie. They’re not just cookies; they’re a celebration of flavors that brings a smile to anyone who tries them. Trust me, once you make these, they’ll become a staple in your baking repertoire!
Ingredients List
To create these scrumptious maraschino cherry chocolate chip cookies, you’ll want to gather the following ingredients. Make sure to have your cherries chopped and your butter softened for the best results!
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1 cup maraschino cherries, drained and chopped
How to Prepare Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies Delight
Now, let’s dive into the magic of making these maraschino cherry chocolate chip cookies! It’s all about combining flavors and achieving that perfect cookie texture. Follow these steps, and you’ll have a batch of cookies that everyone will adore!
Prepping the Dough
First things first! Start by creaming together the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and packed brown sugar in a large mixing bowl. I like to use a hand mixer for this, but a stand mixer works wonders too! Beat them together until the mixture is light and fluffy—this is key for a nice, airy texture. Next, add in those two large eggs, one at a time. Be sure to mix well after each egg, then stir in the vanilla extract. Now, in a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to your wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Finally, fold in the chocolate chips and the chopped maraschino cherries, and oh boy, does it smell good already!
Baking Your Cookies
Alright, it’s time to bake! Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s warming up, drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto ungreased baking sheets. Make sure to space them about 2 inches apart—this helps them spread beautifully without merging into a giant cookie! Bake for 10-12 minutes, but keep an eye on them. You want the edges to be lightly golden while the centers remain soft. Once they’re done, let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. This is crucial, as it allows them to firm up just a bit before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Trust me, the wait is worth it when you finally take that first bite of warm, gooey cookie!
Tips for Success
To ensure your maraschino cherry chocolate chip cookies delight are nothing short of perfection, here are some tried-and-true tips I swear by! First, consider refrigerating your dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This little step helps the cookies maintain their shape and results in a chewier texture—trust me, it’s a game changer!
If you’re a chocolate lover, feel free to mix it up with different types of chocolate chips. Dark chocolate chips add a rich depth, while white chocolate chips lend a sweet contrast to the tartness of the cherries. You could even throw in a combination of both for a delightful twist!
Don’t hesitate to get creative with your ingredients! If you want a nutty crunch, adding some chopped walnuts or pecans would complement the flavors beautifully. And if you’re looking for a gluten-free option, simply swap out the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free blend. The possibilities are endless, and that’s what makes baking so much fun!
Nutritional Information Section
Now, let’s talk about the nutritional side of these delightful maraschino cherry chocolate chip cookies! Each cookie is a sweet indulgence that packs a delicious punch. Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown per cookie:
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
- Sodium: 100mg
These values are estimates and can vary based on specific brands and ingredients used, but they should give you a good idea of what to expect. So, while these cookies are definitely a treat, enjoy them in moderation as part of a balanced diet! Happy baking!
FAQ Section
Got questions about these amazing maraschino cherry chocolate chip cookies? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Here are some common inquiries and my friendly advice to help you out.
Can I use different types of chocolate chips?
Absolutely! You can experiment with various chocolate chips to suit your taste. Dark chocolate chips add a rich, deep flavor that pairs beautifully with the tartness of the maraschino cherries. If you’re feeling adventurous, try mixing in white chocolate chips for a lovely contrast. The blend of flavors will be simply delightful!
How can I store leftovers?
To keep your cookies fresh and tasty, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them! Just place the cookies in a freezer-safe bag or container, and they’ll stay good for up to two months. When you’re ready to indulge, let them thaw at room temperature, and they’ll taste just as good as fresh!
What variations can I try?
The sky’s the limit when it comes to variations! If you want to add a nutty crunch, consider folding in some chopped walnuts or pecans. For a tropical twist, you could even add some crushed pineapple or coconut flakes! Don’t hesitate to experiment with different extracts, like almond or coconut, to bring a unique flavor to your cookies. Baking is all about creativity, so have fun with it!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick preparation time—whip up a batch in just over 30 minutes!
- Delightful flavor combination of sweet maraschino cherries and rich chocolate chips.
- A fun twist on the classic chocolate chip cookie that impresses everyone.
- Perfect for gatherings, parties, or as a special treat for yourself.
- Customizable with different chocolate chip varieties or added nuts for extra crunch.
- Soft and chewy texture that keeps you coming back for more.
- Great for baking with kids—watch their faces light up as they mix and taste!
- Easy to store and freeze for future cookie cravings.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your maraschino cherry chocolate chip cookies delight as fresh as possible, proper storage is key! Once your cookies have completely cooled on the wire rack, transfer them to an airtight container. This will help maintain their soft and chewy texture for up to a week. I like to layer parchment paper between the cookies to prevent them from sticking together—just a little tip from my baking adventures!
If you want to keep your cookies even longer, freezing is a fantastic option! Place the cookies in a freezer-safe bag or container, and they’ll stay good for up to two months. Make sure to label the bag with the date so you know when to indulge again!
When you’re ready to enjoy your frozen cookies, simply let them thaw at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes. If you prefer them warm, you can pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. Just be careful not to overheat them, or they might lose that delicious gooeyness we all love!
Print
Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies Delight Recipe 10x!
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 36 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful combination of maraschino cherries and chocolate chips in a cookie.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1 cup maraschino cherries, drained and chopped
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in the chocolate chips and chopped maraschino cherries.
- Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto ungreased baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- For a chewier texture, refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking.
- You can substitute dark chocolate chips for a richer flavor.
- Consider adding nuts for extra crunch.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: maraschino cherry chocolate chip cookies delight
