Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip CookiesDelight are a delightful combination of sweet, tangy maraschino cherries and rich chocolate chips. These chewy cookies are perfect for any occasion, from holiday gatherings to casual snacking, offering a burst of flavor in every bite.
Ingredients:
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 cup brown sugar, packed
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup maraschino cherries, drained and chopped
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
Directions:
Preheat and Prepare: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper or lightly grease them to prevent the cookies from sticking.
Cream the Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with both the granulated sugar and brown sugar. Mix until the texture is creamy and smooth.
Add Eggs and Vanilla: Crack the eggs, adding them one at a time, and beat well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract for added flavor.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overwork the dough.
Fold in the Cherries and Chocolate Chips: Gently fold in the chopped maraschino cherries and chocolate chips. Ensure they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough for a balanced taste in every bite.
Form the Cookies: Use a tablespoon or cookie scoop to drop rounded portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing each one about 2 inches apart.
Bake to Perfection: Bake the cookies for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges turn lightly golden while the centers remain soft. Once baked, allow the cookies to cool on the sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Serving Tips:
Pair with Drinks: These cookies are perfect when paired with a cold glass of milk, a hot cup of coffee, or even a chilled glass of iced tea. The combination of chocolate chips and cherries complements both sweet and savory beverages.
Top with Ice Cream: For an indulgent treat, serve your cookies with a scoop of vanilla or cherry ice cream. The soft, warm cookies contrast perfectly with the cold ice cream, making it an extra-special dessert.
Perfect for Parties: These cookies are great for sharing at gatherings or parties. Their vibrant red hue from the maraschino cherries adds a fun pop of color to any dessert table.
Gift Idea: Package these cookies in a festive tin or cellophane bag to give as a homemade gift. They make a thoughtful and delicious present for holidays, birthdays, or any special occasion.
Storage Tips:
At Room Temperature: Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. Be sure to place a piece of parchment paper between layers to prevent them from sticking together.
Freezing for Later: If you’d like to save some for later, these cookies freeze beautifully. Allow them to cool completely, then place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about 2 hours. Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 months. To thaw, simply leave them at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
Avoid Moisture: To keep your cookies from becoming too soft, ensure that any moisture from the maraschino cherries is removed before mixing them into the dough. This will help maintain their chewy texture.
Can I use a different type of cherry instead of maraschino cherries?
Yes, while maraschino cherries provide a sweet and tangy flavor, you can substitute them with other types of cherries, such as fresh or dried cherries. If using fresh cherries, be sure to chop them and remove any excess moisture to prevent the dough from becoming too soft. Dried cherries may add a slightly different texture but will still offer a delightful flavor.
How can I make these cookies more chewy?
To enhance the chewiness of these cookies, consider slightly underbaking them. Remove the cookies from the oven when the edges are golden but the centers are still soft. Additionally, using more brown sugar than white sugar helps retain moisture, contributing to a chewier texture.
Can I freeze the dough to bake later?
Yes! You can freeze the cookie dough for later use. After forming the dough into rounded scoops, place them on a baking sheet and freeze them for about 2 hours. Once frozen, transfer the dough balls to an airtight container or freezer bag. When ready to bake, place the frozen dough on a baking sheet and bake at the usual temperature. You may need to add an extra minute or two to the baking time.
How can I prevent my cookies from spreading too much during baking?
To prevent excessive spreading, chill the cookie dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before baking. This helps the dough firm up, leading to thicker, puffier cookies. Additionally, ensure your butter is softened but not melted, as melted butter can cause cookies to spread more than desired.
Conclusion:
For an indulgent yet simple dessert, these Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies Delight are sure to impress. With just a few basic ingredients and a little bit of time, you can create a batch of cookies that everyone will love. Make them today and savor every bite of this delicious, cherry-chocolate goodness!
If you’re looking for a delicious and unique twist on your classic chocolate chip cookies, look no further than these Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies Delight. Combining the tangy sweetness of maraschino cherries with the rich, melty goodness of chocolate chips, these cookies are an absolute treat for any occasion. Whether you’re baking for a special event or simply want a delightful snack, these cookies will not disappoint. With a chewy texture and bursts of flavor, they’re sure to be a hit with friends and family!
Ingredients
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup brown sugar, packed
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup maraschino cherries, drained and chopped
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper or lightly grease them.
In a large bowl, beat the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until creamy and smooth.
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then mix in the vanilla extract.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
Gently fold in the maraschino cherries and chocolate chips, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers are still soft. Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
Pat maraschino cherries dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture before adding them to the dough.
For extra chewiness, slightly underbake the cookies and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week or freeze for up to 3 months.