These Easy Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies are a fun twist on the classic! They are soft, chewy, and packed with fruity cherries and sweet chocolate chips. Yum!
Every bite is like a little celebration! I often find myself adding extra cherries because, let’s face it, who can resist the bright pop of red? 😄
Making these cookies is super easy, too. Just mix, scoop, and bake – then enjoy the happy faces around your kitchen when they smell that deliciousness!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Unsalted Butter: This is key for a rich flavor. If you prefer, you can use margarine or a dairy-free butter substitute for a vegan option. Just check the consistency to ensure your cookies still turn out great!
Granulated Sugar & Brown Sugar: Both sugars are essential for sweetness and moisture. You can use all granulated sugar if you’re out of brown, but the brown sugar adds a lovely depth. Coconut sugar can work as a substitute too!
Maraschino Cherries: Chopped cherries give a sweet pop. If you’re looking for a healthier option, try dried cranberries or chopped dried cherries. They will give a different flavor but still work wonderfully.
Chocolate Chips: Semi-sweet chips are classic, but feel free to use dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or even white chocolate for a twist. You can also use a sugar-free version to cut down on sugar!
How Do I Get the Perfect Cookie Texture?
Texture is crucial for yummy cookies! Here are some tips to get them just right:
- **Cream Butter and Sugar Well:** Make sure they are light and fluffy, which adds air for a soft texture.
- **Don’t Overmix:** Once you combine the dry and wet ingredients, mix just until combined to keep the cookies tender.
- **Chill the Dough:** For thicker cookies, chill the dough for 30 minutes before scooping. This helps them spread less while baking.
- **Baking Time:** Keep an eye on your cookies in the last few minutes. They should look slightly underbaked; they’ll firm up as they cool.
These tips will help you achieve cookies that are perfectly chewy, flavorful, and just plain delightful! Enjoy baking!
Easy Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1 cup maraschino cherries, chopped and patted dry
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious cookie recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare and 10-12 minutes to bake. Plus, you’ll want to let them cool for about 5 minutes on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack. In total, you’re looking at around 30-35 minutes from start to finish before you can enjoy these tasty treats!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat & Prepare:
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking. This will make your cleanup super easy!
2. Creaming the Sugars:
In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until it becomes light and fluffy. This usually takes a minute or two. It’s important to get a good mix here as it adds air to the dough!
3. Mixing in the Egg & Vanilla:
Add the large egg and vanilla extract to your butter-sugar mixture. Beat it all together until it’s well combined. This adds sweetness and flavor to your dough.
4. Combining Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures that the baking soda is evenly distributed, which is key for those lovely rising cookies!
5. Mix Wet and Dry:
Now, gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir gently just until everything is combined. Do not overmix, as this can make the cookies tough!
6. Add Oats, Cherries, and Chocolate:
Stir in the rolled oats, chopped maraschino cherries (make sure to pat them dry to prevent excess moisture), and chocolate chips until evenly distributed throughout the cookie dough. You’ll see lovely specks of red and dark chocolate!
7. Dollop the Dough:
Using a spoon or a cookie scoop, drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie. They will spread a bit while baking!
8. Bake to Perfection:
Place your baking sheet in the oven and let the cookies bake for about 10-12 minutes. The edges should be lightly golden while the centers look soft. This is key for that chewy texture!
9. Cooling Time:
Once they are done, remove your cookies from the oven and let them rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. This helps them firm up a little. After that, transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Enjoy:
Your chewy, sweet Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies are ready to be enjoyed! Share them with friends or keep them all to yourself—you deserve a treat!
These cookies combine the sweet and tart flavors of maraschino cherries with rich chocolate and chewy oats, creating a delightful dessert experience. Happy baking!
FAQ for Easy Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies
Can I Use Different Types of Cherries?
Absolutely! If you prefer a more natural option, you can use fresh cherries, but be sure to pit and chop them. Dried cherries are also a great substitute, adding a slightly different texture and flavor.
How Do I Store Leftover Cookies?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the baked cookies. Just place them in a freezer-safe container, and they will keep well for up to 3 months!
Can I Make These Cookies Gluten-Free?
Yes, you can easily make these cookies gluten-free by substituting all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just ensure the blend you use has a good mix of starches and fibers for the best texture.
What If My Dough Is Too Wet?
If your cookie dough seems too wet, try adding a bit more flour, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches a manageable consistency. This can happen depending on the moisture content of the cherries.
These questions should help you along the way in making the best Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies! Enjoy your baking adventure!
