Irresistible Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies

Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe: The Only Recipe You’ll Ever Need

Imagine transforming a classic chocolate chip cookie into something extraordinary—bursting with the vibrant, sweet-tangy flavor of maraschino cherries that make every bite irresistibly chewy and unforgettable. As a devoted home baker, I’ve always struggled with adding fruits to cookies without turning them soggy, but this Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe solves that dilemma with ease. Crafted by Chef Lalybeth, this recipe delivers soft, chewy perfection that elevates your dessert game, making it the ultimate treat for family gatherings or a simple afternoon indulgence. With its unique angle of achieving an irresistibly chewy texture through perfectly balanced moisture and ingredients, this recipe stands out as the best on the internet for maraschino cherry chocolate chip cookies.

The moment these cookies emerge from the oven, you’re greeted by an aroma that blends rich, buttery warmth with the playful tartness of maraschino cherries and the deep, melty allure of chocolate chips. Each cookie boasts a soft, chewy center that yields just the right amount of resistance, while the cherries provide juicy bursts that contrast beautifully with the creamy chocolate. The texture is spot-on—neither too crisp nor overly soft—ensuring every mouthful is a harmonious mix of sweetness and slight acidity, making maraschino cherry chocolate chip cookies a sensory delight that keeps you coming back for more.

What sets this Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe apart on cookinwithlalyta.com is Chef Lalybeth’s expertise, honed through years of testing and perfecting desserts to guarantee foolproof results. You’ll discover the Chef’s Secret: a simple yet crucial technique for draining cherries to lock in that irresistible chewy texture without excess moisture ruining the dough. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything from ingredient selection and step-by-step instructions to storage tips and FAQs, empowering you to bake with confidence and create cookies that wow your loved ones every time.

Why This Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe is a Game-Changer

The Chef’s Secret lies in the meticulous draining and chopping of maraschino cherries, which ensures an irresistibly chewy texture that sets this recipe apart from ordinary chocolate chip cookies. By removing excess syrup, we prevent the dough from becoming too moist, allowing the cherries to infuse their sweet-tangy flavor without compromising the structure. This technique, combined with the use of high-quality butter and sugars, creates a cookie that’s perfectly balanced and crave-worthy.

Unbeatable Texture: The science behind this comes from the interaction between the softened butter and sugars, which aerate the dough for that signature chewiness. The cherries add natural pectin that enhances moisture retention, resulting in cookies that stay soft for days—thanks to the even distribution of ingredients that prevents over-baking the edges while keeping the center tender.

Foolproof for a Reason: This recipe has been tested multiple times in real home kitchens to ensure consistent results, even for beginners. With clear steps and tips, you’ll avoid common pitfalls, making this Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe the most reliable option online for achieving bakery-quality treats every single time.

Ingredient Spotlight: Quality Makes the Difference

All-Purpose Flour: Serving as the base of the dough, all-purpose flour provides structure and absorbs moisture effectively, ensuring your cookies hold their shape without becoming dense. Opt for unbleached flour for better flavor and texture; it’s less processed and enhances the overall taste. If you’re out of all-purpose flour, substitute with an equal amount of whole wheat pastry flour for a nuttier undertone, but note it may slightly alter the chewiness.

Unsalted Butter, Softened: Butter is the heart of these cookies, delivering richness and that melt-in-your-mouth quality. Using unsalted butter allows you to control the salt level, preventing overly salty results. Always choose high-fat, European-style butter for extra creaminess that amplifies the chewy texture in maraschino cherry chocolate chip cookies. A great substitute is vegan butter if you’re dairy-free, but ensure it’s at room temperature to mimic the softening process accurately.

Granulated and Brown Sugars: These sugars not only sweeten the dough but also contribute to the moisture and chewy consistency. Granulated sugar caramelizes for a slight crisp, while brown sugar adds depth and softness through its molasses content. Use fresh, high-quality sugars to avoid grainy textures; substitute coconut sugar for a lower-glycemic option, though it will impart a subtle caramel note to your maraschino cherry chocolate chip cookies.

Maraschino Cherries, Chopped and Drained: The star ingredient, these cherries bring a burst of fruity sweetness and vibrant color, elevating the flavor profile of classic chocolate chip cookies. Draining them well is crucial to maintain the dough’s integrity and achieve that irresistible chewy texture. Choose jarred cherries without artificial colors for a more natural taste; fresh cherries can be substituted, but pit and macerate them first to replicate the syrupy essence.

Semisweet Chocolate Chips: These add melty pockets of chocolate that complement the cherries’ tanginess, creating a balanced sweet treat. High-quality chips with real cocoa ensure even melting and superior flavor. For a healthier twist, use dark chocolate chips to reduce sugar, or opt for dairy-free versions if needed, ensuring they maintain the gooey consistency in your maraschino cherry chocolate chip cookies.

Egg and Vanilla Extract: The egg binds the ingredients for structure, while vanilla extract enhances the overall aroma and taste. Fresh eggs provide better emulsification for a tender crumb, and pure vanilla extract offers authentic flavor over imitations. If egg-free, substitute with a flax egg for binding, and always use real vanilla to preserve the recipe’s irresistible chewy charm.

Baking Soda and Salt: Baking soda acts as a leavening agent for the perfect rise and chew, while salt balances sweetness and enhances flavors. Use aluminum-free baking soda to avoid metallic tastes, and fine sea salt for even distribution. There’s no direct substitute, but adjust quantities carefully to keep your maraschino cherry chocolate chip cookies light and airy.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets

Start by preheating your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper to ensure even heat distribution and prevent sticking. This step is essential for achieving the perfect golden edges without burning the bottoms.

Pro Tip: Use high-quality parchment paper that’s oven-safe up to 425 degrees F to avoid any tears or shifts during baking, ensuring your maraschino cherry chocolate chip cookies bake uniformly.

Step 2: Whisk Together the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt until fully combined. This creates a uniform mixture that will integrate smoothly into the wet ingredients, promoting even rising and texture.

Common Mistake to Avoid: Don’t over-whisk, as this can activate the baking soda prematurely and lead to tough cookies; mix just until blended to keep the dough light for that irresistible chewy finish in maraschino cherry chocolate chip cookies.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl, cream together 1 cup of softened unsalted butter, 3/4 cup of granulated sugar, and 3/4 cup of packed brown sugar using a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. This incorporates air for a tender crumb.

Pro Tip: Ensure the butter is at room temperature for easy creaming; if it’s too cold, microwave it briefly to soften, which helps achieve the signature chewy texture in your maraschino cherry chocolate chip cookies.

Step 4: Beat in the Egg and Vanilla

Add 1 large egg and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract to the creamed mixture, beating on medium speed until well combined and smooth. This step binds the ingredients and infuses flavor throughout the dough.

Common Mistake to Avoid: Over-beating at this stage can make the cookies spread too much; stop once everything is incorporated to maintain the perfect shape and chewiness of maraschino cherry chocolate chip cookies.

Step 5: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients in the large bowl, mixing on low speed until just combined. This prevents overworking the dough, which could result in tough cookies.

Pro Tip: Add the dry ingredients in two or three batches for easier mixing, ensuring an even blend that supports the irresistible chewy texture without lumps in your maraschino cherry chocolate chip cookies.

Step 6: Fold in the Cherries and Chocolate Chips

Gently fold in 1 cup of chopped, well-drained maraschino cherries and 1 cup of semisweet chocolate chips using a spatula. This distributes the add-ins evenly without deflating the dough.

Common Mistake to Avoid: Forgetting to drain the cherries thoroughly can introduce excess moisture, making the dough soggy—always pat them dry for the best results in maraschino cherry chocolate chip cookies.

Step 7: Scoop and Place the Dough

Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading during baking.

Pro Tip: Use a cookie scoop for uniform sizes, which ensures even baking and that perfect chewy center in every maraschino cherry chocolate chip cookie.

Step 8: Bake the Cookies

Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Keep a close eye to avoid over-baking, which can dry them out.

Common Mistake to Avoid: Opening the oven door too early can cause uneven rising; wait until at least 8 minutes have passed for optimal texture in maraschino cherry chocolate chip cookies.

Step 9: Cool the Cookies

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This resting period helps them set without becoming crumbly.

Pro Tip: Cooling on the sheet first locks in that irresistible chewy texture, making your maraschino cherry chocolate chip cookies even more enjoyable.

Serving & Presentation

Elevate your maraschino cherry chocolate chip cookies by arranging them on a rustic wooden platter for a cozy, homemade vibe, or stack them in a clear jar for a visually appealing centerpiece at parties. Garnish with a light dusting of powdered sugar or a few extra chocolate chips on top for added elegance. For the best flavor, pair these cookies with a cold glass of milk, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or even a cup of hot coffee to enhance the cherry-chocolate notes. They’re perfect as a standalone dessert or as a sweet complement to a light fruit salad, making them ideal for American-style dessert courses during holidays or casual get-togethers.

Make-Ahead & Storage Solutions

Make-Ahead Strategy: Prepare the dough up to 3 days in advance by mixing all ingredients except the cherries and chocolate chips, then cover and refrigerate. Add the cherries and chips just before baking to preserve their texture, allowing you to have fresh-baked maraschino cherry chocolate chip cookies ready in minutes.

Storing Leftovers: Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain their irresistible chewy texture. For longer storage, freeze them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months—just thaw at room temperature before enjoying.

The Best Way to Reheat: To restore the original chewy goodness, warm cookies in a 300 degrees F oven for 5 minutes or microwave them for 10-15 seconds, which revives the soft center and melts the chocolate chips perfectly.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Print

Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies

---

• Author: Chef Lalybeth
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 24 cookies 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Soft and chewy cookies packed with maraschino cherries and chocolate chips, perfect for a sweet treat.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup chopped maraschino cherries, drained
• 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips

---

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
6. Fold in the chopped maraschino cherries and chocolate chips.
7. Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, about 2 inches apart.
8. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
9. Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

Make sure to drain the cherries well to avoid excess moisture in the dough. These cookies can be stored in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Method: Dessert
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 10g
• Fat: 8g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Protein: 2g