Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies

Introduction:

Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies are a creative and delectable twist on the classic chocolate chip cookie. If you’re looking to add a burst of color and fruity sweetness to your traditional cookie recipe, these chewy, soft cookies are the answer. By incorporating maraschino cherries, these cookies are infused with a unique sweet-and-tangy flavor that complements the rich chocolate chips perfectly. The cherries also add a splash of vibrant color, making them an eye-catching treat that’s sure to delight anyone who takes a bite. Whether you’re baking for a holiday celebration, a casual family gathering, or just a sweet craving, these cookies will be the star of the show.

Not only are they a treat for the taste buds, but the combination of chocolate chips and maraschino cherries offers an unexpected flavor profile that’s reminiscent of cherry chocolate desserts you might find in gourmet shops. The cherries bring a juicy and slightly tart element to balance the sweetness of the chocolate and the cookie dough itself, making for a cookie that has complexity, depth, and deliciousness in every bite.

These cookies are extremely easy to make, and once you prepare the dough, the hardest part will be waiting for them to bake. Your kitchen will smell divine as they come out of the oven, with the combination of buttery dough, vanilla, and chocolate filling the air. What’s more, these cookies are versatile and can be adapted in many ways depending on your taste, such as adding nuts, extra vanilla, or even a little coconut.

So, why not give these Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies a try? They’re fun to make, they taste amazing, and they’ll become a new favorite for anyone who loves the classic combination of chocolate and fruit. Plus, the burst of color they provide makes them perfect for celebrations like Christmas, Valentine’s Day, or any time you want to add a cheerful touch to your cookie jar!

Ingredients for Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies:

For the cookie dough:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: The key to a rich, soft, and chewy cookie is the butter. Make sure it’s softened to room temperature, as this will make mixing much easier and result in a smoother dough.
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar: Granulated sugar contributes to the cookie’s sweetness while helping achieve the crispiness around the edges.
• 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed: The brown sugar adds a hint of caramel flavor and moisture to the dough, contributing to the soft, chewy texture of the cookies.
• 2 large eggs: Eggs are essential for binding the dough together and providing the necessary structure and moisture to keep the cookies soft and chewy.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Vanilla adds depth and richness to the flavor of the cookie, making it more aromatic and enjoyable.
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour: Flour is the backbone of the cookie dough, giving the cookies structure. It also helps absorb the moisture from the butter and eggs, allowing the dough to hold its shape while baking.
• 1 teaspoon baking soda: Baking soda helps the cookies rise and spread in the oven. It also promotes browning, giving the cookies a desirable golden hue.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: A small pinch of salt enhances the sweetness of the cookies and balances the flavor of the dough, preventing it from becoming overly sweet.
• 1 cup chocolate chips: Semi-sweet chocolate chips are a classic choice for these cookies. Their rich, slightly bitter taste contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the dough and cherries.
• 1/2 cup maraschino cherries, drained and chopped: Maraschino cherries are the star ingredient here. They offer a tangy sweetness and a vibrant red color that makes each cookie feel festive and fun. Make sure to drain the cherries well to avoid excess moisture in the dough.

Optional Ingredients for Extra Flavor:

• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans: Add chopped nuts if you want to introduce a crunchy texture and a nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with the cherries and chocolate.
• 1/4 teaspoon almond extract: For those who enjoy a more complex flavor, a dash of almond extract complements the cherry flavor beautifully and adds a layer of sweetness to the dough.
• Shredded coconut: Adding coconut to the dough introduces a tropical twist to the cookies and enhances their flavor with a delightful sweetness and chewy texture.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven Before you begin mixing the dough, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. These will prevent the cookies from sticking and make for easy cleanup after baking.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer or stand mixer to cream the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together. Beat them on medium speed for 2-3 minutes until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color. This step is crucial as it helps to incorporate air into the dough, ensuring the cookies will be soft and chewy rather than dense.

Step 3: Add the Eggs and Vanilla Once the butter and sugars are fully mixed, add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. This will help the eggs fully incorporate into the dough and create a smoother texture. Then, add the vanilla extract (and almond extract, if using) and mix until the dough becomes fragrant and smooth.

Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed or folding in by hand with a spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this could result in tough cookies. The dough should be thick and slightly sticky.

Step 5: Add the Chocolate Chips and Chopped Cherries Fold in the chocolate chips and chopped maraschino cherries. You want the cherries and chocolate chips to be evenly distributed throughout the dough, so gently mix them in. This is a good time to add in any optional ingredients, like chopped nuts or shredded coconut, if you want to experiment with variations.

Step 6: Scoop the Dough Use a cookie scoop or a tablespoon to portion out the dough onto your prepared baking sheets. Space the dough balls about 2 inches apart, as the cookies will spread a little during baking. If you prefer larger cookies, you can make the dough portions bigger, but be sure to adjust the baking time accordingly to ensure they cook through.

Step 7: Bake the Cookies Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown, and the centers are still soft. Keep a close eye on the cookies to ensure they don’t overbake, as they will continue to firm up once removed from the oven. If you prefer a chewier cookie, aim for slightly underbaked cookies and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes.

Step 8: Cool the Cookies Once they are baked to your desired level of doneness, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. Afterward, transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. This step helps them set and prevents them from breaking apart while still warm.

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy! Once fully cooled, the cookies are ready to be enjoyed. You’ll be amazed by the delightful contrast of textures – soft, chewy dough, melty chocolate chips, and the juicy bursts of maraschino cherry in every bite. Serve them at a party, share them with friends, or keep them in a cookie jar to enjoy throughout the week.

Tips for Perfect Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies:

1. Properly Drain the Cherries: To avoid excess moisture, make sure to drain the maraschino cherries well. You can even pat them dry with a paper towel before chopping them.
2. Don’t Overmix the Dough: Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, so mix until just combined once the dry ingredients are added.
3. Chill the Dough for Thicker Cookies: If you prefer thicker cookies, chill the dough for about 30 minutes to an hour before baking. This helps prevent the dough from spreading too thin.
4. Use Room Temperature Butter: Room temperature butter incorporates more easily into the dough and ensures a smoother texture.
5. Add Toppings After Baking: For extra decoration, you can sprinkle some additional chocolate chips or chopped cherries on top of the cookies before baking.

Variations of Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies:

1. Cherry Almond Cookies: Add 1/2 teaspoon almond extract to the dough along with the vanilla extract for a delightful cherry-almond flavor combination.
2. Chocolate Cherry Coconut Cookies: Add shredded coconut to the dough to give the cookies a tropical flair and an extra chewy texture.
3. Double Chocolate Chip Cherry Cookies: For an indulgent chocolate experience, add cocoa powder to the dough and use white chocolate chips in addition to semi-sweet chocolate chips.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

1. Can I freeze the dough? Yes, you can freeze the cookie dough! Scoop the dough into balls and freeze them on a baking sheet. Once frozen, store the dough balls in an airtight container or freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
2. Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries? While maraschino cherries provide sweetness and moisture, you can substitute fresh cherries, but you’ll need to adjust the sugar in the dough and remove any excess moisture from the fresh cherries.
3. How do I store the cookies? Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They will stay soft and chewy. For longer storage, freeze the cookies for up to 3 months.

Conclusion:

Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies are an exciting variation of the classic chocolate chip cookie. The burst of juicy cherries, combined with the rich chocolate and buttery dough, makes for an irresistible treat. Whether you’re making them for the holidays, a family gathering, or just as a sweet snack, these cookies are guaranteed to be a hit. They’re easy to make, fun to bake, and even more fun to eat!