Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies

Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies are a delightful twist on classic chocolate chip cookies. These soft and chewy cookies feature the sweet and tangy flavor of maraschino cherries combined with rich chocolate chips, creating a perfect balance of flavors. With their vibrant pink hue, they are perfect for special occasions, holidays, or simply when you’re craving a unique and delicious treat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• The combination of maraschino cherries and chocolate chips creates a delicious contrast of flavors.
• They have a soft and chewy texture with bursts of juicy cherries in every bite.
• The beautiful pink color makes them a fun and festive dessert for Valentine’s Day, Christmas, or birthdays.
• Easy to make with simple ingredients and no need for chilling the dough.
• Perfect for sharing with family and friends.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Unsalted butter
• Granulated sugar
• Brown sugar
• Egg
• Vanilla extract
• Almond extract (optional, but enhances the cherry flavor)
• All-purpose flour
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Maraschino cherries (drained and chopped)
• Chocolate chips (semi-sweet or dark chocolate work best)

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract, mixing until well combined.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
6. Fold in the chopped maraschino cherries and chocolate chips.
7. Drop tablespoon-sized scoops of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
8. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
9. Remove from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: Makes about 24 cookies
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
• Total Time: 25-27 minutes

Variations

• White Chocolate Cherry Cookies: Swap the semi-sweet chocolate chips for white chocolate chips for a sweeter flavor.
• Nutty Addition: Add chopped almonds or pecans for a bit of crunch.
• Dark Chocolate Lovers: Use dark chocolate chips for a richer taste.
• Cherry Coconut Cookies: Mix in shredded coconut for extra texture and flavor.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

Storage/Reheating

• Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• Refrigeration: Keep in the refrigerator for up to a week for extended freshness.
• Freezing: Freeze baked cookies in a sealed container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
• Reheating: Warm cookies in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to restore their soft texture.

FAQs

How do I keep the cookies from turning out too soft or too hard?

Ensure you properly measure your flour and do not overbake. Baking until the edges are just set will keep them soft.

Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries?

Yes, but fresh cherries should be pitted, chopped, and slightly dried with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes! You can refrigerate the dough for up to 48 hours before baking. Let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before scooping and baking.

Can I use different types of chocolate?

Absolutely! Try milk chocolate, white chocolate, or even dark chocolate for different flavor profiles.

Why do my cookies spread too much?

If the dough is too warm, the cookies may spread. Try chilling the dough for 15-20 minutes before baking.

Can I make these cookies without eggs?

Yes, you can substitute a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water) or use an egg replacer.

How do I make the cookies more pink?

Add a few drops of red or pink food coloring to the dough for a more vibrant color.

Can I use almond extract instead of vanilla?

You can, but almond extract is stronger, so use it sparingly—about half the amount of vanilla extract.

How do I prevent the cherries from making the dough too wet?

Drain and pat dry the cherries thoroughly before adding them to the dough.

Can I freeze the cookie dough?

Yes, shape the dough into balls and freeze them on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag and bake directly from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.

Conclusion

Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies are a deliciously unique and visually appealing treat that will quickly become a favorite. With their soft texture, rich chocolate chips, and bursts of sweet cherry flavor, they are perfect for any occasion. Try different variations to suit your taste and enjoy these delightful cookies with family and friends!

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