Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies

These Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies combine the sweetness of maraschino cherries with the rich flavor of chocolate chips, making for a delightful twist on the classic chocolate chip cookie. The soft, chewy texture and burst of fruity flavor in every bite make these cookies perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

• 1 cup butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 cup maraschino cherries, chopped
• 1 cup chocolate chips

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth and fluffy.
3. Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated. Then, stir in the vanilla extract.
4. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.
5. Gently fold in the chopped maraschino cherries and chocolate chips.
6. Drop rounded spoonfuls of dough onto ungreased cookie sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
7. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are golden brown.
8. Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 24 cookies
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
• Total Time: 25-27 minutes

Variations

1. Nuts: Add 1/2 cup of chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, for added texture and flavor.
2. Chocolate Variations: Try using white chocolate chips or dark chocolate chunks for a different twist on the chocolate flavor.
3. Dried Fruit: If you love fruit, you can add dried cranberries or raisins to complement the maraschino cherries.
4. Almond Extract: For a nutty flavor, try substituting almond extract for the vanilla extract.
5. Gluten-Free: You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version of these cookies.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain their freshness.
• Freezing: To freeze the dough, portion it into balls and freeze on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer the dough balls to a freezer-safe bag. Bake from frozen, adding 2-3 extra minutes to the baking time.
• Reheating: To warm up cookies, microwave them for 10-15 seconds or heat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes.

10 FAQs

1. Can I use maraschino cherry juice in the recipe? It’s best to use chopped maraschino cherries, but if you want to incorporate the juice, reduce the amount of sugar slightly to balance the sweetness.
2. What if I don’t have maraschino cherries? You can substitute with fresh cherries, dried cherries, or even cranberries for a different but still fruity flavor.
3. Can I use salted butter? Yes, but if you use salted butter, omit the 1/2 teaspoon of salt in the recipe.
4. How can I make these cookies chewier? To make the cookies chewier, slightly underbake them (remove from the oven when they are just beginning to brown at the edges) and allow them to cool on the baking sheet.
5. Can I make these cookies smaller? Yes, simply reduce the size of the dough balls, but make sure to adjust the baking time accordingly (they may bake faster).
6. Can I use different types of sugar? You can try using coconut sugar or cane sugar, but the texture and flavor may vary slightly from the original recipe.
7. How do I know when the cookies are done? The cookies should be golden around the edges, but still soft in the center. They will continue to firm up as they cool.
8. Can I add more maraschino cherries? Yes, feel free to add more cherries, but keep in mind that too many cherries could affect the dough’s texture and cause the cookies to spread more than desired.
9. How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much? Ensure your dough is chilled before baking, and avoid using too much butter or liquid in the recipe.
10. Can I make these cookies dairy-free? Yes, substitute the butter with a dairy-free margarine or coconut oil, and ensure the chocolate chips are dairy-free.

Conclusion

Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies are a fun and delicious take on the classic chocolate chip cookie. The combination of sweet, fruity cherries and rich chocolate chips creates a unique and irresistible flavor. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, special occasion, or just because, these cookies are sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

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