Name: Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ¾ cup butter, softened (dairy-free or regular); ½ cup granulated sugar; ½ cup light brown sugar; 1 egg; ½ tablespoon vanilla extract; ¾ teaspoon salt; ¾ teaspoon baking soda; 2 cups + 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour; ¾ cup maraschino cherries, pitted and chopped small; ¾ cup chopped dark or semisweet chocolate; Flakey sea salt, for sprinkling on top

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These Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies are a delicious twist on the classic chocolate chip cookie. They offer the perfect balance of sweetness from the maraschino cherries and rich, indulgent chocolate chips, with a hint of saltiness from the sea salt sprinkled on top. The combination of chewy texture and bursts of flavor makes these cookies an irresistible treat for anyone with a sweet tooth. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion, a casual afternoon snack, or just because, these cookies will hit the spot every time.

What makes these cookies stand out is the unexpected but delightful addition of maraschino cherries. The cherries lend a burst of fruity sweetness that pairs perfectly with the bittersweet notes of the chocolate. Plus, the flakey sea salt adds a touch of sophistication and enhances the flavors in every bite. Whether enjoyed with a glass of milk or served as a festive treat, these cookies will surely become a new favorite in your baking repertoire.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Unique Flavor: The addition of maraschino cherries to chocolate chip cookies gives a sweet, fruity flavor that perfectly complements the rich chocolate chips.

Chewy and Delicious: The texture is perfectly chewy, with a slight crunch from the chocolate and cherries in every bite.
Easy to Make: This recipe uses common ingredients and can be made in less than 30 minutes, making it a quick and easy dessert option.
Perfect for Any Occasion: These cookies are versatile enough for holiday baking, birthdays, or just a sweet snack at home.

Sea Salt Enhances the Flavor: A sprinkle of flakey sea salt on top elevates the sweetness, giving the cookies a sophisticated and balanced flavor.

Ingredients

Butter (dairy free or regular), softened
Granulated sugar

Light brown sugar
Egg
Vanilla extract

Salt
Baking soda
All-purpose flour

Maraschino cherries, pitted and chopped small
Dark or semisweet chocolate, chopped
Flakey sea salt, for sprinkling on top

Variations

Add Nuts

To add crunch and richness, consider mixing in some chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds. This will bring an additional texture and flavor profile to your cookies.

Try Different Cherries

If you want a variation in flavor, you can substitute maraschino cherries with jarred sour cherries for a tangier, more complex taste.

Experiment with Chocolate

While dark or semisweet chocolate works perfectly in this recipe, feel free to experiment with white chocolate chips or milk chocolate for a different sweetness.

Make Them Smaller

For bite-sized treats, you can shape the dough into smaller balls. Just reduce the baking time by a couple of minutes to ensure the cookies don’t overbake.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with granulated sugar and light brown sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy.

Step 2: Add Wet Ingredients

Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter and sugar mixture. Continue mixing until everything is well combined.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the salt, baking soda, and all-purpose flour. Slowly add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.

Step 4: Add the Mix-ins

Fold in the chopped maraschino cherries and dark or semisweet chocolate. Mix gently to avoid crushing the cherries, but ensure everything is evenly distributed.

Step 5: Shape the Cookies

Scoop spoonfuls of dough onto a lined baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. For a perfect round shape, roll the dough into balls before placing them on the baking sheet.

Step 6: Bake

Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden but the centers are still soft. Keep an eye on them to prevent overbaking.

Step 7: Finish with Sea Salt

Once the cookies are out of the oven, immediately sprinkle a pinch of flakey sea salt on top of each cookie. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Chill the Dough: If you have time, chill the cookie dough for 30 minutes before baking. This will prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking and will result in thicker cookies.

Don’t Overmix the Dough: When adding the flour, mix until just combined. Overmixing can make the cookies tough.
Use Room Temperature Butter: Ensure your butter is softened but not melted for the perfect texture in your cookies.
Fresh Cherries for Better Flavor: If you prefer fresh cherries, chop them and reduce the liquid in the dough slightly to keep the cookies from getting too wet.

How to Serve

These Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies are perfect for a variety of occasions. Serve them as a delightful snack with a glass of milk, or pack them up as a sweet gift for friends and family. They’re great for holiday cookie exchanges or as a sweet addition to any dessert table. You can even serve them alongside a scoop of vanilla or cherry ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They’ll remain soft and chewy, making them the perfect treat to enjoy over several days.

Freezing

These cookies freeze well! After baking and cooling, place them in a freezer-safe container or bag, and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months. To thaw, simply let them sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes.

Reheating

To enjoy your cookies warm, pop them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or heat them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 3-5 minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of sugar?

Yes! You can substitute light brown sugar with dark brown sugar for a richer flavor, or use coconut sugar for a healthier alternative.

2. Can I use a different type of flour?

While this recipe calls for all-purpose flour, you can experiment with gluten-free flour if you need a gluten-free option. Just be sure to use a flour blend that works for baking.

3. Can I omit the maraschino cherries?

Yes, you can substitute the maraschino cherries with another fruit, like dried cranberries or raisins, or simply make the cookies with just chocolate chips.

4. How can I make the cookies thicker?

If you prefer thicker cookies, chill the dough before baking. Additionally, you can add a bit more flour to the dough, but be careful not to overdo it, or they might turn out dry.

5. Can I make these cookies without an egg?

Yes, you can substitute the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flax seeds mixed with 3 tablespoons water) or use a store-bought egg replacer for a vegan version.

6. How do I keep my cookies soft?

To keep your cookies soft, store them in an airtight container and consider placing a slice of bread in with them. The bread will help maintain moisture.

7. How do I know when the cookies are done?

The cookies are done when the edges are golden brown, but the center still looks slightly soft. They will firm up as they cool.

8. Can I make these cookies without the sea salt?

While the sea salt adds a nice balance to the sweetness, you can make these cookies without it. The cookies will still taste great without the added salt.

9. How can I make the cookies more festive?

For a more festive look, try adding colorful sprinkles or using red and green maraschino cherries for a holiday twist.

10. Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely! You can double the ingredients and bake two batches if you’re making cookies for a large crowd or want to stock up on extras.

Conclusion

These Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies are a delightful twist on the traditional chocolate chip cookie. With their chewy texture, sweet maraschino cherry flavor, and rich chocolate chips, they’re perfect for any occasion. Plus, the touch of sea salt on top takes these cookies to the next level, balancing out the sweetness and enhancing the overall flavor. Whether you’re baking for the holidays, a party, or just because, these cookies will definitely become a favorite!