Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip

This hearty Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies recipe transforms the classic chocolate chip cookie into something extraordinary with the sweet, vibrant addition of maraschino cherries. These cookies offer the perfect balance of chewy texture, rich chocolate, and bright cherry flavor that will have everyone reaching for seconds.

I first made these cookies for my niece's birthday party when I was scrambling for a unique dessert. The bright red cherries against the chocolate background not only looked festive but created such a memorable flavor combination that they've become my signature bake for every family gathering.

Ingredients

• Unsalted butter: Softened to room temperature provides the perfect rich base and allows you to control salt content
• Granulated sugar: Creates crispness around the edges
• Brown sugar: Adds moisture and chewiness to the center
• Large eggs: Bind everything together while adding structure
• Vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors, particularly the chocolate
• All purpose flour: Provides the perfect structure, try unbleached for best flavor
• Baking soda: Ensures proper rise and tender texture
• Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances flavor profiles
• Maraschino cherries: Drained and chopped add bright color and fruity sweetness
• Semisweet chocolate chips: Provide rich cocoa notes that complement the cherries

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat the Oven:

Set your oven to 350°F and line your baking sheets with parchment paper. This temperature creates the perfect environment for cookies to rise properly then set with golden edges while maintaining soft centers. Allow at least 10 minutes for your oven to fully preheat before baking.

Cream the Butter and Sugars:

In a large bowl beat the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture becomes notably lighter in color and fluffy in texture. This crucial step incorporates air into the dough and typically takes 3-4 minutes with an electric mixer. Proper creaming creates cookies with the ideal texture.

Add Wet Ingredients:

Beat in the eggs one at a time, allowing each to fully incorporate before adding the next. This prevents the mixture from curdling and ensures even distribution. Add the vanilla extract and beat until completely combined, about 30 seconds more.

Combine Dry Ingredients:

In a separate bowl whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt until evenly distributed. This prevents any pockets of salt or baking soda in your finished cookies. Gradually add this mixture to your wet ingredients, mixing on low speed just until combined. Overmixing at this stage will develop gluten and create tough cookies.

Fold in Cherries and Chocolate Chips:

Using a rubber spatula gently fold in the drained and chopped maraschino cherries and chocolate chips. Take care to distribute them evenly throughout the dough without overmixing. The cherries should be well drained and patted dry with paper towels to prevent excess moisture from affecting the cookie texture.

Form and Bake:

Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes until the edges are golden but the centers still look slightly underdone. This ensures perfectly chewy cookies that won't dry out.

Cool Properly:

Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes. They'll continue cooking from residual heat and firm up enough to move. Then transfer to wire racks to cool completely, allowing air to circulate around the cookies and prevent sogginess.

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My grandmother used to say that the maraschino cherries were what made these cookies special. She would always set aside a few extra cherries for me to snack on while we baked together. Those moments in her kitchen, with the smell of these cookies baking, are some of my most cherished childhood memories.

Perfect Cherry Selection

When choosing maraschino cherries for this recipe, look for jars with vibrant red color and minimal artificial ingredients if possible. Premium maraschino cherries without corn syrup make a noticeable difference in flavor. For best results, chop the cherries into quarters rather than mincing them too finely. This preserves those beautiful bursts of cherry flavor throughout the cookie rather than having them disappear into the dough. Always drain and pat them thoroughly with paper towels to remove excess moisture that could affect the cookie texture.

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Storage Solutions

These cookies maintain their freshness at room temperature in an airtight container for up to one week. The key is complete cooling before storage to prevent condensation from making them soggy. For longer storage, place completely cooled cookies in freezer bags separated by parchment paper layers and freeze for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature for about an hour before serving, or warm individual cookies in the microwave for 10-15 seconds for that fresh baked experience. The cherries actually help these cookies maintain moisture longer than traditional chocolate chip cookies.

Clever Variations

The basic recipe provides an excellent foundation for creative variations. White chocolate chips create a stunning visual contrast with the red cherries and offer a creamier, sweeter flavor profile. For a more sophisticated flavor, try adding 1/2 teaspoon of almond extract alongside the vanilla to complement the cherry notes. During holiday season, add 1/2 cup of chopped pistachios for a red and green color scheme that's festively appropriate. For chocolate lovers, substitute some of the all purpose flour with cocoa powder to create a chocolate cookie base that makes the cherries really pop visually.

Serving Suggestions

These cookies shine when served slightly warm with a glass of cold milk or hot coffee. For an elegant dessert option, sandwich vanilla bean ice cream between two cookies and freeze for homemade ice cream sandwiches. The cherry chocolate combination pairs beautifully with after dinner drinks like port wine or coffee liqueurs for adult gatherings. Consider serving them alongside other fruit-forward desserts for a themed party spread that celebrates seasonal fruit flavors.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries?

Yes, fresh cherries can be used if you pit, chop, and slightly dry them to remove excess moisture, which can affect the cookie texture.

→ What can I use instead of chocolate chips?

You can replace chocolate chips with white chocolate chips, dark chocolate chunks, or add nuts like pecans or walnuts for variety.

→ How can I make the cookies chewier?

To achieve a chewier texture, slightly underbake the cookies and allow them to cool on the baking sheet before transferring them to a rack.

→ Can I make these cookies dairy-free?

Yes, substitute the butter with vegan butter and use dairy-free chocolate chips for a dairy-free version.

→ How should I store these cookies?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or freeze for up to three months.