In the bustling realm of baking, I recently found myself enchanted by an unexpected combination: the delightful marriage of Maraschino cherries and chocolate chip cookies. These Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies offer a soft, chewy texture that’s a joyous departure from your standard cookie affair. What’s even better? They come together effortlessly, perfect for anyone who craves a homemade dessert without the fuss. These whimsical treats not only bring a splash of color to your cookie jar but also create a flavor explosion that your friends and family won’t soon forget. Plus, with a gluten-free option available, everyone can join in on the fun. Ready to whip up a batch that will make your kitchen smell divine? Let’s dive into this sweet adventure!
Why are Maraschino Cherry Cookies amazing?
Irresistible Flavor: These cookies perfectly blend the sweetness of Maraschino cherries with the rich taste of chocolate, creating a treat that’s both unique and delightful.
Easy to Make: You don’t need to be a pro baker! This recipe is simple and straightforward, ensuring that you’ll impress everyone with minimal effort.
Customizable Options: Feel free to play around by using mini chocolate chips, or even adding different extracts to heighten flavors, making it versatile for any occasion. If you’re looking for more fun cookie recipes, check out our Kitchen Sink Cookies and Red Velvet Crinkle.
Crowd-Pleaser: Bake these for gatherings, and you’ll quickly become the star of the dessert table! These cookies have that perfect balance of soft and chewy textures, which everyone loves.
Colorful Presentation: The light pink hue from the cherries not only makes these cookies visually appealing, but they add a fun touch to any dessert spread. You can’t help but smile when you see them!
Maraschino Cherry Cookie Ingredients
For the Cookie Dough
• All-Purpose Flour – Provides the structure. A kitchen scale ensures you’ve got the right measurement for your Maraschino Cherry Cookies.
• Cornstarch – Enhances softness and chewiness. This is key for that perfect texture.
• Baking Soda – This leavening agent helps the cookies to rise beautifully.
• Salt – Balances sweetness and enhances the delicious flavors.
• Unsalted Butter – Adds richness and moisture; make sure it’s at room temperature for easy mixing.
• Light Brown Sugar – Contributes moisture and a lovely soft texture.
• Granulated Sugar – Increases sweetness and adds crispness to the edges.
• Eggs – Binds ingredients together and adds moisture. Room temperature eggs mix in better.
• Vanilla Extract – Provides deep flavor and complements the cherries.
• Almond Extract – Enhances the cherry notes. Use sparingly; it’s potent!
• Pink Gel Food Coloring – Adds a pop of color for visual appeal. Gel is best when you want that vibrant hue.
• Maraschino Cherries – The star of the show! These sweet treats bring moisture and flavor. Chop finely and drain well to avoid excess moisture.
For the Chocolate
• Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips – Adds a touch of chocolate flavor and great texture. Consider adding a few extra chips on top for garnish!
Feel free to gather these ingredients and jump into the joyful baking experience that awaits you!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Maraschino Cherry Cookies
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of cornstarch, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and a pinch of salt until evenly mixed. In a larger bowl, cream ¾ cup of unsalted butter with ½ cup light brown sugar and ½ cup granulated sugar until fluffy and pale, about 3-4 minutes. Beat in 1 large egg, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and ½ teaspoon almond extract until fully combined. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, ensuring everything is blended well.
Step 2: Fold in the Goodies
Gently fold in 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips and 1 cup of finely chopped and well-drained maraschino cherries into the cookie dough. The cherries should be evenly distributed to provide that delightful burst of flavor in each cookie. You want to see a colorful speckled dough where reds from the cherries and browns from the chocolate chips blend harmoniously, creating an irresistible treat!
Step 3: Shape the Cookies
Using a cookie scoop, portion out the cookie dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving about 2 inches between each dough ball. For added texture and presentation, press a few extra chocolate chips and cherry pieces on the top of each cookie ball. The dough will look generous and mound slightly, signaling that they’ll bake up beautifully puffy and soft.
Step 4: Chill for Perfect Cookies
Once shaped, pop the baking sheet into the freezer and chill the cookie dough balls for about 30 minutes. This step is crucial for your Maraschino Cherry Cookies to maintain their shape while baking and avoid spreading too much. You’ll know they’re ready when they slightly firm up and are no longer sticky to the touch.
Step 5: Bake the Cookies
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once preheated, bake the chilled cookie dough balls for 10-13 minutes, or until the edges are golden while the centers appear slightly underbaked – they’ll continue to set as they cool. Keep an eye on them, as the perfect Maraschino Cherry Cookies should remain soft and chewy in the center.
Step 6: Cool and Enjoy
Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes after removing them from the oven. This allows them to firm up slightly. Then, transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. As they cool, their delightful aroma will fill your kitchen, making it hard to resist digging in!
Expert Tips for Maraschino Cherry Cookies
• Measure Flour Accurately: Using a kitchen scale helps avoid dense cookies, ensuring a light and tender texture in your Maraschino Cherry Cookies.
• Chill the Dough: Always chill the cookie dough for at least 30 minutes to prevent excessive spreading during baking, resulting in perfectly shaped cookies.
• Don’t Overbake: Remove the cookies from the oven when they are slightly underbaked to maintain their chewy consistency and vibrant color.
• Store Openly: To keep your cookies from becoming soggy, store them uncovered, as the cherries can release moisture if sealed.
• Gluten-Free Option: If you need a gluten-free treat, simply substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for delicious results.
Maraschino Cherry Cookies Variations & Substitutions
Feel free to get creative with these Maraschino Cherry Cookies, transforming them into your very own delightful creation!
- Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free delight.
- Fruit Variations: Try using dried cranberries or blueberries instead of maraschino cherries for a different fruity twist.
- Chunky Chocolate: Replace mini chocolate chips with chopped chocolate bars for an extra decadent texture and rich chocolate experience.
- Nutty Crunch: For added crunch, mix in some coarsely chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans alongside the chocolate chips.
- Spiced Delight: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a warm, cozy flavor that pairs beautifully with the cherries.
- No Chocolate: Omit the chocolate chips completely for a purer cherry experience that highlights the sweet and tangy notes of the cherries.
- Frosted Cookies: Top your cooled cookies with a simple glaze made of powdered sugar and almond extract for an extra sweet touch.
- Colorful Sprinkles: Add a festive flair by sprinkling colorful sugar or sprinkles on top of the cookie dough balls before baking for a vibrant finish.
These delightful variations ensure that your Maraschino Cherry Cookies remain a fun and exciting treat for all occasions! If you love experimenting with cookies, don’t forget to check out our Kitchen Sink Cookies or try the luscious Red Velvet Crinkle for more delicious inspiration!
What to Serve with Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies
Imagine delighting your family and friends with a complete meal that perfectly complements the indulgent sweetness of these vibrant cookies.
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Rich Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy texture and flavor balance the tartness of the cherries, making each bite a refreshing experience.
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Chocolate Milkshake: A classic pairing, the chocolatey richness enhances the cookie’s chocolate chips while offering a nostalgic, playful touch.
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Fresh Fruit Salad: Bright and juicy seasonal fruits can provide a refreshing contrast, cleansing the palate between sweet bites.
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Nutty Espresso: The bold flavors of espresso can cut through the cookie’s sweetness, providing a sophisticated finish to any meal.
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Homemade Whipped Cream: Light and airy, it adds a luxurious touch to the cookie’s depth, perfect for those who love a bit of creaminess.
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Warm Mint Tea: This soothing beverage complements the cherry flavor without overwhelming it, making for a cozy dessert experience.
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Chocolate Fondue Station: Melted chocolate invites fun and creativity, allowing guests to dip cookie halves or fresh fruit for an interactive dessert moment.
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Cheese Platter: A selection of soft cheeses adds a savory depth to counteract the sweet cookies, creating a balanced treat platter.
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Berry Sorbet: The tartness of the sorbet brightens each bite of the cookie, making it feel light and deliciously indulgent.
How to Store and Freeze Maraschino Cherry Cookies
Room Temperature: Store cookies uncovered at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain their soft texture.
Fridge: If you have leftovers, you can refrigerate the cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days, but note they may lose some softness.
Freezer: Freeze unbaked cookie dough for up to 3 months. Simply scoop and freeze the dough balls on a baking sheet, then transfer to a sealed bag.
Reheating: To enjoy freshly baked Maraschino Cherry Cookies, bake from frozen, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time for best results.
Make Ahead Options
These Soft Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 72 hours in advance by shaping it into balls and placing them in an airtight container in the fridge. For longer storage, freeze the unbaked cookie dough for up to 3 months. Just be sure to freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer bag to prevent sticking. When you’re ready to bake, simply pull out the desired number of cookie dough balls, let them thaw for about 30 minutes, and then bake as directed. This way, you can enjoy freshly baked cookies at a moment’s notice without the fuss!
Maraschino Cherry Cookies Recipe FAQs
What ripeness are the Maraschino cherries?
Absolutely! When using maraschino cherries, opt for cherries that are plump and vibrant in color, without dark spots or signs of mold. Make sure to drain them thoroughly to prevent excess moisture in your cookie dough.
How should I store Maraschino Cherry Cookies?
To keep your Maraschino Cherry Cookies deliciously soft, store them uncovered at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you’d like to extend their freshness, transfer them to an airtight container, but be aware that they might lose some of their soft texture.
Can I freeze Maraschino Cherry Cookies?
Very! You can freeze unbaked cookie dough for up to 3 months. Here’s how: Scoop the dough into balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment. Freeze until solid, then transfer the balls to a sealed freezer bag. When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven and bake directly from frozen, adding just 1-2 minutes to the baking time.
What if my cookie dough is too sticky?
If your Maraschino Cherry cookie dough seems too sticky, it may be due to the moisture from the cherries or butter that wasn’t properly creamed. Chill the dough for 30 minutes to firm it up. You can also add a tablespoon of flour at a time until you achieve the desired consistency.
Are Maraschino Cherry Cookies suitable for gluten-free diets?
Yes, you can easily make these cookies gluten-free! Simply swap all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Make sure to double-check that your chocolate chips are also gluten-free if that’s a concern.
How do I know when my cookies are done baking?
Pay close attention to those delightful cookies as they bake! They should be golden at the edges while the centers appear slightly underbaked. This balance ensures a soft center while the cookies continue to cook slightly once removed from the oven.
Deliciously Soft Maraschino Cherry Cookies You'll Love
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt.
- In a larger bowl, cream butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until fluffy.
- Beat in egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract until combined.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture and blend well.
- Gently fold in chocolate chips and finely chopped cherries.
- Scoop dough onto a baking sheet, leaving space between each ball.
- Chill the cookie dough balls for 30 minutes in the freezer.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 10-13 minutes.
- Cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire rack.
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