These Easy Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies are a fun twist on a classic treat! They’re soft, chewy, and packed with sweet chocolate chips and juicy cherries for a burst of flavor.
Who knew cherries could be so much fun in a cookie? I can’t resist stealing a warm cookie right out of the oven—it’s just too good! 🍪 Just mix, scoop, and bake for a sweet treat everyone will love!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butter: Use unsalted butter for better control of saltiness. If you’re out, you can substitute with margarine or coconut oil, but the taste may vary slightly.
Granulated Sugar & Brown Sugar: Both sugars give a nice sweetness and texture. You could use coconut sugar or a sugar substitute for a healthier twist, but this may affect the final flavor and texture.
Maraschino Cherries: These cherries add a lovely sweetness. If you prefer less sugar, you can replace them with fresh cherries, just be sure to chop them small and drain any excess juice!
Chocolate Chips: I love semisweet chocolate chips, but you can try dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or even white chocolate chips. You can also use carob chips for a caffeine-free option.
How Do I Ensure My Cookies Stay Soft and Chewy?
To get the perfect soft and chewy cookie, pay attention to the baking time. Take them out of the oven when they are golden around the edges but still soft in the center. They’ll firm up as they cool.
- Allow the dough to chill in the fridge for about 30 minutes before baking—this helps with texture.
- Don’t skip the parchment paper; it prevents sticking and helps even baking.
- Always use fresh ingredients, especially baking soda. Outdated baking soda may not give the right rise!
Easy Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 1/2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup chopped maraschino cherries, drained and patted dry
- Optional: 1/2 cup chopped nuts (e.g., walnuts or pecans)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious cookie recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and another 10 to 12 minutes to bake. Don’t forget to let them cool for about 5 minutes before transferring them to wire racks. All together, you’re looking at about 30-35 minutes from start to satisfying bite!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating up, line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking.
2. Creaming the Sugars:
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Use an electric mixer to beat them together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes.
3. Add Eggs and Vanilla:
Beat in the eggs one at a time—this helps them incorporate better. After that, mix in the vanilla extract until everything is nicely combined.
4. Mixing the Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures that your leavening agent is evenly distributed throughout the flour.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix to ensure your cookies stay soft!
6. Fold in the Goodies:
Now, it’s time to fold in the chocolate chips and chopped maraschino cherries. If you’re using nuts, add those too! Just mix them until they’re dotted throughout the dough evenly.
7. Scoop the Dough:
Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, making sure they’re about 2 inches apart.
8. Time to Bake:
Pop them in the oven and bake for about 10–12 minutes, or until they are golden brown around the edges but still soft in the center. The cookies will continue to cook a bit after being removed from the oven.
9. Cooling Off:
After baking, let your cookies cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes. This step is important as it helps them hold their shape when transferred. Then, move them to wire racks to cool completely.
10. Time to Enjoy!
Your cookies are ready to be enjoyed! Serve them warm with a glass of milk or your favorite beverage. These cookies are a delightful treat packed with sweet cherry and chocolate flavors!
Enjoy these sweet, chewy delights with friends and family—you won’t be able to stop at just one!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Fresh Cherries Instead of Maraschino Cherries?
Absolutely! If you prefer fresh cherries, just make sure to pit and chop them into small pieces. You may want to reduce the amount slightly to avoid excess moisture in the cookies.
How Do I Store Leftover Cookies?
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months. Just make sure to separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking!
Can I Substitute the Butter with Coconut Oil?
Yes, you can substitute softened coconut oil for butter in a 1:1 ratio. Keep in mind that this might change the flavor slightly and make the cookies a bit more chewy.
What if My Dough is Too Sticky to Scoop?
If your cookie dough feels too sticky, try chilling it in the fridge for about 30 minutes. This will make it easier to handle and help the cookies maintain their shape while baking!
