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Heavenly Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies

Heavenly Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies

Heavenly Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies are irresistibly chewy treats blending the sweetness of maraschino cherries with rich chocolate chips. These cookies deliver perfect chewiness and a festive appearance with bright red cherry bursts, making them ideal for snacks, holidays, or gifts.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

  • 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
  • 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Add-ins

  • 1 cup maraschino cherries, drained and chopped
  • 1 cup chocolate chips

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Cherry and Chocolate: Drain and pat dry the maraschino cherries to remove excess liquid, then chop them into small pieces to avoid soggy cookies. Measure out your chocolate chips or chunks and set aside.
  2. Cream the Butter and Sugars: Using a mixer, beat the room temperature butter with brown and granulated sugars until light and fluffy, incorporating air to create a tender cookie texture.
  3. Combine Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract to infuse the dough with a warm, aromatic flavor.
  4. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agents and seasoning.
  5. Incorporate Dry Ingredients Into Wet: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture, mixing until just combined to avoid overworking the dough.
  6. Fold in Cherries and Chocolate: Gently fold the chopped maraschino cherries and chocolate chips into the dough to ensure even distribution and flavorful bursts in every cookie.
  7. Scoop and Bake: Drop cookie dough onto parchment-lined baking sheets using a cookie scoop or spoon, leaving space between each. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes or until edges are lightly golden but centers remain chewy.
  8. Cool and Enjoy: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks. This resting period helps the cookies firm up without crumbling.

Notes

  • Use room temperature butter for better mixing and fluffier texture.
  • Drain cherries thoroughly to prevent soggy cookies.
  • Do not overmix the dough to keep cookies soft and tender.
  • Optional: Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking for thicker cookies.
  • Use parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking and promote even baking.
  • Sprinkle sea salt on baked cookies to enhance sweet-tart contrast.
  • Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days.
  • Freeze baked cookies with parchment layers up to three months; freeze dough balls for later baking.
  • Warm leftover cookies briefly to restore softness and melted chocolate texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: cherry cookies, chocolate chip cookies, maraschino cherry, chewy cookies, festive cookies, holiday cookies