Step-by-Step Instructions:
1️⃣ Cream the Butter and Sugars:
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes). You can use a hand or stand mixer here.
2️⃣ Add Eggs and Vanilla:
Beat in the eggs one at a time, then mix in the vanilla extract until smooth and combined.
3️⃣ Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.
4️⃣ Add the Cherries and Chocolate:
Gently fold in the chopped maraschino cherries and chocolate chips. The dough will be a little soft and slightly sticky—perfect for chewy cookies!
5️⃣ Chill the Dough (Optional but Recommended):
Cover the bowl and chill the dough for at least 30 minutes to prevent spreading.
6️⃣ Bake the Cookies:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Scoop out tablespoons of dough, roll into balls, and place about 2 inches apart on the prepared sheets. Press a few extra chocolate chips or cherry bits on top if you like that “bakery look.”
Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers still look slightly soft.
Serve and Savor:
Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Serve warm, cold, or somewhere in between—they’re amazing either way!
Pro Tips for Cherry Cookie Perfection:
- Dry Those Cherries: Pat them dry with paper towels before chopping to prevent soggy spots.
- Chill for Control: Chilling helps the dough firm up and prevents spreading too much.
- Use Good Chocolate: High-quality chips or chopped chocolate bars take it up a notch.
Why You’ll Love These Cookies:
- Sweet Meets Tart: Juicy cherries + chocolate = flavor heaven.
- Soft, Chewy Texture: Thanks to the perfect sugar-to-butter ratio.
- A Pretty Pop of Color: Great for gifting or holidays.
- Fun Twist on a Classic: Familiar, but with an irresistible upgrade.
Nutritional Info (per cookie, approx.):
- Calories: 160
- Protein: 2g
- Carbs: 22g
- Fat: 8g
- Sugar: 14g
FAQ About Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies:
Can I use fresh cherries?
Fresh cherries release more juice and can make the cookies soggy. Stick with maraschino (or try dried cherries for a different vibe).
Can I freeze the dough?
Yes! Scoop dough balls onto a tray, freeze until firm, then store in a freezer bag. Bake straight from frozen—just add 1–2 extra minutes.
Do I have to chill the dough?
It’s optional, but recommended if you want thicker, chewier cookies that hold their shape.
Troubleshooting & Tips:
- Spreading too much? Be sure your butter isn’t overly soft and that you’ve patted the cherries dry.
- Cookies too cakey? Try reducing the baking powder by half.
- Want richer flavor? Add a touch of almond extract along with the vanilla!
Flavor Twists to Try:
- Cherry-Almond Cookies: Swap vanilla for almond extract and sprinkle with sliced almonds.
- Dark Chocolate Dream: Use chopped dark chocolate chunks for a richer flavor.
- Cherry Cheesecake Cookies: Swirl in a few spoonfuls of cream cheese into the dough for a creamy surprise.
Perfect For:
- Valentine’s Day treats
- Cookie exchanges
- Bake sales
- Late-night cravings with a glass of milk
Chewy, Cherry-Laced Cookie Bliss
These Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies are buttery, chewy, and packed with sweet-tart cherry magic. They bake up beautifully, taste like a dream, and are just different enough to stand out from the usual cookie crowd.
Tried them? Snap a pic and tag us—your batch of cherry-chocolate deliciousness deserves the spotlight!
