Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies are a delightful twist on the classic chocolate chip cookie, combining the rich flavor of semi-sweet chocolate with the sweet and tangy taste of maraschino cherries. Perfect for any occasion, these cookies are sure to impress friends and family alike. With their soft and thick texture, they deliver a balanced cherry flavor that keeps you coming back for more. Whether you’re celebrating a holiday or just want a sweet treat, this recipe is a must-try.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Irresistible flavor: The combination of chocolate and maraschino cherries creates a unique taste that stands out.
- Easy to follow: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe accessible for bakers of all levels.
- Versatile treat: Perfect for holidays, parties, or just a cozy night in with your favorite book.
- Soft and chewy texture: These cookies come out delightfully soft and thick, making each bite a joy.
- Customizable additions: Feel free to add nuts or other mix-ins to make them your own!
Tools and Preparation
To make these delicious Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies, you’ll need some essential tools. Having the right equipment can streamline your baking process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Electric mixer
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients without making a mess.
- Baking sheet: Provides a sturdy surface to bake cookies evenly.
- Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
- Electric mixer: Saves time when creaming butter and sugars together.
Ingredients
To create these delightful cookies, gather the following ingredients:
Dry Ingredients
- 3 cups (360g) all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp cornstarch
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
Chocolate & Cherries
- 2 cups (12 oz bag) semi-sweet chocolate chips (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 cup drained & finely chopped maraschino cherries (plus extra for garnish)
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 1¼ cups (267g) light brown sugar
- ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/8 tsp almond extract
- ¼ tsp pink gel food coloring
How to Make Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cookies bake evenly.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, combine the dry ingredients:
1. Whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt until well mixed.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars
In another large bowl:
1. Use an electric mixer to cream the room-temperature butter with both sugars until light and fluffy.
2. Add in eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
3. Stir in vanilla extract, almond extract, and pink gel food coloring until combined.
Step 4: Combine Mixtures
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture:
1. Stir gently until just combined; be careful not to overmix.
2. Fold in chocolate chips and chopped maraschino cherries.
Step 5: Bake the Cookies
On a prepared baking sheet lined with parchment paper:
1. Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the sheet, leaving space between each cookie.
2. Bake in the preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
Step 6: Cool and Enjoy!
Once baked:
1. Remove from oven and let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to wire racks.
2. Garnish with additional chocolate chips and maraschino cherries if desired.
Enjoy your homemade Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies warm or store them in an airtight container for later!
How to Serve Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies
These delightful cookies can be enjoyed in various ways that highlight their unique flavor and texture. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply indulging at home, here are some creative serving suggestions.
Classic with a Twist
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious cookie sundae.
Snack Time Delight
- Pair these cookies with a glass of cold milk for the ultimate afternoon snack.
Festive Platter
- Arrange them on a beautiful platter for parties or holiday gatherings, garnished with extra maraschino cherries for a pop of color.
Coffee Companion
- Enjoy alongside your morning coffee or afternoon tea for a sweet pick-me-up.
Gift Idea
- Package them in decorative boxes as homemade gifts for friends and family during holidays or special occasions.
How to Perfect Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies
Creating the perfect batch of Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies is all about technique and attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your cookies turn out amazing every time.
Use softened butter: Ensure your butter is at room temperature. This helps create a light and fluffy dough.
Don’t overmix: Mix the ingredients just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
Chill the dough: If time allows, chill the cookie dough for 30 minutes before baking. This helps the flavors meld together and improves texture.
Check your oven temperature: Use an oven thermometer to ensure accurate baking temperatures, as inaccurate readings can affect cookie doneness.
Adjust baking time: Keep an eye on the cookies in the oven. For softer cookies, remove them when they’re slightly underbaked, as they will continue to firm up while cooling.
Best Side Dishes for Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies
Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies pair well with several side dishes that complement their sweet flavors. Here are some fantastic options to consider.
Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits balances out the sweetness of the cookies.
Cheese Platter: Include various cheeses like creamy brie or tangy goat cheese for a savory contrast.
Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and fresh fruit for a healthy side that still feels indulgent.
Chocolate Fondue: Offer melted chocolate with skewers of fruits and marshmallows for dipping alongside your cookies.
Nut Mix: A combination of salted nuts provides a crunchy texture and salty flavor that pairs nicely with sweet treats.
Ice Cream Float: Combine soda and ice cream in tall glasses for a fun dessert drink that complements cookie enjoyment.
Coffee Cake: Serve slices of coffee cake alongside your cookies for an added layer of flavor at brunch gatherings.
Milkshake: Blend ice cream with milk and add chocolate syrup for a rich shake that enhances the cherry-chocolate experience.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When baking Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies, it’s easy to make a few common errors. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:
- Ignoring ingredient temperature: Using cold butter can lead to cookies that don’t spread properly. Ensure your butter is at room temperature for best results.
- Overmixing the dough: Mixing too much can make your cookies tough. Mix just until combined for a soft texture.
- Not measuring flour correctly: Adding too much flour will result in dry cookies. Use the spoon-and-level method for accurate measurements.
- Skipping the chilling step: Chilling the dough helps enhance flavors and prevents excessive spreading. Allow at least 30 minutes in the fridge before baking.
- Baking on ungreased sheets: This can cause cookies to stick and break apart. Always either grease your baking sheet or use parchment paper.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store cookies in an airtight container.
- They will stay fresh for up to one week.
Freezing Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Place cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag.
- They can be stored for up to three months.
Reheating Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat for about 5-7 minutes until warm.
- Microwave: Heat individually on high for about 10-15 seconds; watch closely to prevent overheating.
- Stovetop: Place in a skillet over low heat, cover with a lid, and warm for about 1-2 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have questions about Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies, here are some common ones:
Can I use frozen maraschino cherries?
Yes, you can use frozen cherries, but ensure they are thawed and drained before adding them to the dough.
What makes these cookies soft?
The combination of cornstarch and brown sugar contributes to their softness, creating a chewy texture.
How do I know when my cookies are done?
Look for edges that are set but still soft in the center. They will continue baking slightly after removal from the oven.
Can I customize this recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap chocolate chips for white chocolate or add nuts for extra crunch.
Final Thoughts
These Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies are not only delicious but also versatile. You can experiment with various flavors and mix-ins according to your preference. Don’t hesitate to try this recipe; it’s sure to impress family and friends!
Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies
Indulge in the delightful taste of Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies, a scrumptious twist on the classic chocolate chip cookie. These cookies combine rich semi-sweet chocolate with the sweet and tangy burst of maraschino cherries, creating a flavor profile that’s both unique and irresistible. With their soft and chewy texture, these cookies are perfect for any occasion, from holiday celebrations to cozy evenings at home. Easy to make and customizable with your favorite mix-ins, this recipe will surely impress friends and family alike. Treat yourself to these delightful cookies that promise to satisfy your sweet tooth!
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp cornstarch
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup drained & finely chopped maraschino cherries
- 1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 1¼ cups light brown sugar
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/8 tsp almond extract
- ¼ tsp pink gel food coloring
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt until well mixed.
- In another large bowl, cream the room-temperature butter with both sugars until light and fluffy.
- Add in eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in vanilla extract, almond extract, and pink gel food coloring until combined.
- Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture and stir gently until just combined; be careful not to overmix.
- Fold in chocolate chips and chopped maraschino cherries.
- Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto a prepared baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving space between each cookie.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
- Remove from oven and let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to wire racks.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: Chilling the dough for 30 minutes can enhance flavor and texture. Feel free to add nuts or substitute chocolate chips with white chocolate for variety.