Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies – Grandma’s Express Recipe

Growing up, my grandma always had a jar of bright red maraschino cherries in her fridge. Whenever I’d visit, she’d let me sneak a few from the jar as a special treat. Those sweet, syrupy cherries quickly became one of my favorite snacks. Years later, I discovered the magic that happens when you combine those cherished maraschino cherries with another beloved ingredient – chocolate chips. That’s how my love affair with Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies began, and it’s a recipe I’ve treasured ever since.

Why This Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe Will Become Your Go-To

The Secret Behind Perfect Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies

There’s something truly special about the way the tart, juicy maraschino cherries complement the rich, decadent chocolate chips in these cookies. The contrast of flavors creates an explosion of taste in every bite, leaving you craving more. But the real secret to this recipe’s perfection lies in the technique. By chopping the cherries into small pieces and gently folding them into the cookie dough, you get that perfect cherry flavor distributed evenly throughout. Plus, the addition of both granulated and brown sugar gives these cookies a chewy, melt-in-your-mouth texture that’s simply irresistible.

Essential Ingredients You’ll Need

To make these Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies, you’ll need a few key ingredients:

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour – The foundation of the cookie dough, providing structure and stability.
• 1 teaspoon baking soda – Helps the cookies rise and achieve that perfect soft, yet slightly crisp, texture.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt – Enhances the sweetness and brings out the other flavors in the dough.
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened – Adds richness and creates a tender, melty cookie.
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar – Provides sweetness and contributes to the cookie’s signature crunch.
• 3/4 cup brown sugar – Gives the cookies a deeper, more complex flavor and chewy texture.
• 2 large eggs – Binds the ingredients together and adds moisture.
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract – Amplifies the cookie’s overall flavor profile.
• 1 cup maraschino cherries, chopped – The star of the show, providing a burst of fruity, tart sweetness.
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips – The perfect pairing for the maraschino cherries, offering rich chocolate notes.

Step-by-Step Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies Instructions

Preparing Your Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies

With a prep time of just 15 minutes and a cook time of 12 minutes, for a total time of 27 minutes, these Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies come together in a flash. All you’ll need is a mixing bowl, a hand mixer or stand mixer, and a baking sheet. Let’s get started!

1- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2- In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
3- In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
4- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract until everything is fully incorporated.
5- Gradually add the dry ingredients from the first step into the wet ingredients, mixing just until a dough forms. Fold in the chopped maraschino cherries and chocolate chips.
6- Scoop the cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are still slightly soft.

Pro Tips for Success

1. Chill the dough: For an even chewier texture, try chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This helps the cookies hold their shape better.
2. Use high-quality ingredients: Opt for fresh, high-quality maraschino cherries and chocolate chips for the best flavor and texture.
3. Don’t overmix: Be careful not to overmix the dough, as this can result in tough, dry cookies. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
4. Let them cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps them set up properly.
5. Customize the add-ins: Feel free to experiment with different mix-ins, like chopped nuts or coconut flakes, to create your own unique version of these cookies.

Serving and Storing Your Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies

Perfect Pairings for Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies

This recipe makes 24 delectable cookies, so there’s plenty to share. Serve these Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies alongside a tall glass of cold milk for a classic pairing, or enjoy them with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a cozy afternoon treat. They also make a wonderful addition to any holiday cookie platter or dessert table. These cookies are sure to be a hit at potlucks, picnics, and family gatherings.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

These Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you’d like to enjoy them for longer, you can freeze the baked cookies for up to 3 months. Simply place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to serve, thaw the cookies at room temperature for about 30 minutes, then enjoy! You can also prepare the dough in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days before baking. This makes it easy to have freshly baked cookies on demand.

Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies

Creative Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies Variations

While the original Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies are a classic, there are plenty of ways to put your own spin on this recipe. Try swapping out the semi-sweet chocolate chips for white chocolate chips or even a combination of both. For a festive touch, add a sprinkle of crushed candy canes or chopped pecans. You can also experiment with different extracts, like almond or orange, to complement the cherry and chocolate flavors. And for a seasonal twist, try adding a touch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough.

Making Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies Diet-Friendly

If you’re looking to make these cookies a bit more diet-friendly, there are a few simple substitutions you can try. For a gluten-free version, swap the all-purpose flour for a high-quality gluten-free flour blend. To make them vegan, replace the butter with a plant-based alternative, like coconut oil or vegan butter, and use flax eggs in place of the regular eggs. For a low-carb spin, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with almond flour or a keto-friendly flour blend and use sugar-free chocolate chips and a sugar substitute like erythritol or stevia.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use maraschino cherry juice instead of chopped cherries?
A: While you can try adding a tablespoon or two of maraschino cherry juice to the dough, we don’t recommend using it as a direct substitute for the chopped cherries. The cherries provide a delightful texture and burst of flavor that the juice alone won’t replicate.

Q: How long do these cookies take to bake?
A: According to the recipe, the total time for these Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies is 27 minutes, with a prep time of 15 minutes and a cook time of 12 minutes.

Q: Can I freeze the baked cookies?
A: Yes, you can absolutely freeze these cookies! Simply place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep for up to 3 months in the freezer.

Q: How many cookies does this recipe make?
A: This recipe yields 24 delicious Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies.

Q: What if my cookies spread too much during baking?
A: If your cookies are spreading too much, try chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This will help the cookies hold their shape better. You can also try reducing the amount of butter or adding an extra 1-2 tablespoons of flour to the dough.

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Conclusion

These Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies are a true delight, combining the sweet, tart flavor of maraschino cherries with the rich, indulgent taste of chocolate chips. With their perfectly chewy texture and irresistible aroma, it’s no wonder this recipe has become a beloved classic. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply craving a delicious homemade treat, these cookies are sure to bring a smile to your face and a taste of nostalgia to your day. So preheat your oven, gather your ingredients, and get ready to create a batch of these irresistible Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies. I can’t wait to hear how much you and your loved ones enjoy them!