These fun cookies combine rich chocolate chips and sweet maraschino cherries. They’re chewy, soft, and perfect for cookie lovers who enjoy a little twist!
Every bite is like a party in your mouth! I love making these when friends visit and watching their eyes light up. They’re super easy to whip up, too—just mix, scoop, and bake!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Unsalted Butter: Softened butter helps create a chewy texture. If you’re in a pinch, you can use margarine or a dairy-free spread for a non-dairy option.
Sugars: Both granulated and brown sugar add sweetness and a slight chewiness to the cookies. If you need a healthier option, coconut sugar works as a substitute but may alter the cookie color slightly.
Maraschino Cherries: These cherries add a lovely pop of color and flavor. If you prefer a fresher taste, you can use chopped strawberries or raspberries. Just make sure to drain any juice.
Chocolate Chips: Semi-sweet are classic, but you can switch it up with dark chocolate or white chocolate chips depending on your preference.
How Do You Get Soft and Chewy Cookies?
The key to achieving that soft, chewy texture is in the mixing and baking process:
- Make sure your butter is at room temperature, so it blends smoothly with the sugars.
- Avoid over-mixing once you add the flour, as this develops the gluten and can make the cookies tough.
- Take them out of the oven while they still look slightly underbaked in the center. They will continue to set as they cool on the baking sheet.
- Consider chilling your dough for 30 minutes if you want a thicker cookie that holds its shape better!
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
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup maraschino cherries, drained and chopped (reserve a few whole for topping if desired)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare, and then you’ll need 8-10 minutes to bake the cookies. Plus, don’t forget to let them cool for 5 minutes on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack. So total time is roughly 30 minutes from start to finish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lining your baking sheets with parchment paper to make clean-up easier.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugars:
In a large mixing bowl, add the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Use a mixer or a strong spoon to beat them together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes. It’s important for the texture of your cookies!
3. Add the Wet Ingredients:
Next, beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract until everything is well combined and creamy.
4. Combine the Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This helps to evenly distribute the baking soda so your cookies rise beautifully!
5. Mix It All Together:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to over-mix, or your cookies might be tough.
6. Fold in the Good Stuff:
Gently fold in the chocolate chips and chopped maraschino cherries. Try to keep your cherries intact for a nice pop of flavor in each cookie!
7. Scoop the Dough:
Using a tablespoon or a cookie scoop, drop rounded balls of cookie dough onto your prepared baking sheets. Leave about 2 inches of space between each cookie to allow for spreading.
8. Optional Toppings:
If you like, press a whole maraschino cherry or a few extra chocolate chips on top of each cookie before baking for an extra touch of sweetness and decoration.
9. Bake the Cookies:
Pop the baking sheets into the preheated oven and bake for 8-10 minutes. Keep an eye on them! You want the edges to turn golden while the centers remain soft.
10. Cool and Enjoy:
Once baked, take the cookies out of the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy your delicious cookies while they’re fresh!
These sweet, chewy treats are perfect for sharing or enjoying all by yourself! Happy baking!
FAQ for Easy Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies
Can I Use Different Types of Cherries?
Yes, if you prefer a different flavor, you can substitute maraschino cherries with fresh cherries, dried cherries, or even raspberries. Just ensure any fresh cherries are pitted and chopped for easy mixing!
What if I Don’t Have Brown Sugar?
If you run out of brown sugar, you can use granulated sugar instead. For a similar flavor, you can mix 1 cup of granulated sugar with 1 tablespoon of molasses to create a quick brown sugar substitute!
How Should I Store Leftover Cookies?
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Just thaw them at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy!
Can I Make the Dough Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can make the cookie dough up to 3 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just be sure to let it sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes before scooping and baking for best results!
