Description
Buttery soft cookies loaded with juicy maraschino cherries and rich semisweet chocolate chips. These Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies deliver nostalgic flavor, festive bursts of color, and irresistible chew in every bite.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional but highly recommended)
- 3 cups all‑purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup maraschino cherries, drained and halved (patted completely dry)
- 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 2‑3 minutes.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract and almond extract (if using).
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined.
- Gently fold in the chocolate chips and the well‑dried maraschino cherries.
- Scoop tablespoon‑sized portions 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 and the centers look just set.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Ensure the maraschino cherries are drained thoroughly and patted dry—excess moisture can lead to spreading or soggy cookies. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
- If dough feels too soft or cookies are spreading too much, chill the dough 30 minutes before baking. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
- For a twist, substitute white chocolate chips or add chopped nuts for texture.
- Cherries add both flavor and color—consider adding an extra handful on top of each dough ball before baking for visual impact. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
- Store cookies in an airtight container once cooled to preserve softness. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10–12 minutes
- Category: Dessert / Cookie
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: approx. 160
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
