Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies (Printable)
Soft, chewy cookies loaded with chocolate chips and chopped maraschino cherries for a perfect sweet treat.
# What You'll Need:
→ Wet Ingredients
01 - 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
02 - 3/4 cup granulated sugar
03 - 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
04 - 2 large eggs
05 - 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
→ Dry Ingredients
06 - 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
07 - 1 teaspoon baking soda
08 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
→ Add-Ins
09 - 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
10 - 3/4 cup maraschino cherries, drained, patted dry, and chopped
11 - 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
# Directions:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
02 - In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together using an electric mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes.
03 - Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract until fully combined.
04 - In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt until evenly distributed.
05 - Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed just until the flour is incorporated. Do not overmix.
06 - Using a spatula, gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips, chopped maraschino cherries, and walnuts if using, until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
07 - Drop rounded tablespoon-sized scoops of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing each scoop about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
08 - Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers appear set but still slightly soft.
09 - Let the cookies rest on the baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire cooling rack to cool completely before serving or storing.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The cherries create little pockets of sweet tanginess that cut through the rich chocolate in the most satisfying way.
- These cookies stay soft and chewy for days, making them perfect for gifting or sneaking from the cookie jar at midnight.
02 -
- Soggy cherries will make your cookies spread into flat, sad puddles, so press them between paper towels like your cookie reputation depends on it.
- Underbaking slightly and letting them finish on the hot pan is the secret to that perfect chewy center everyone asks about.
03 -
- Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking if your kitchen is warm, as it helps the cookies hold their shape and develop deeper flavor.
- Reserve a handful of chocolate chips and cherry pieces to press on top of each dough scoop right before baking for that bakery style look.