Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies are a delightful twist on classic chocolate chip cookies, offering a perfect balance of sweetness, chewiness, and a burst of cherry flavor. These cookies are soft, buttery, and studded with rich chocolate chips and juicy maraschino cherries, making them an ideal treat for holidays, special occasions, or simply satisfying your sweet cravings. The combination of chocolate and cherries creates a luxurious taste that will keep you coming back for more. Follow this easy-to-make recipe and enjoy the perfect homemade cookies that will impress your family and friends.
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¾ cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional)
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- ¾ cup maraschino cherries, drained, patted dry, and chopped
- ½ cup chopped nuts (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Cherries – Drain the maraschino cherries thoroughly using a paper towel to remove excess moisture. Chop them into small pieces and set them aside.
- Preheat the Oven – Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients – In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures even distribution of leavening agents for uniform cookies.
- Cream the Butter and Sugars – In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This step helps create soft and chewy cookies.
- Incorporate the Eggs and Flavorings – Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract and almond extract for a hint of extra flavor.
- Combine the Dry and Wet Mixtures – Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, stirring just until combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies soft.
- Fold in the Chocolate and Cherries – Gently fold in the chocolate chips, chopped maraschino cherries, and nuts (if using). Ensure even distribution for every bite to be flavorful.
- Scoop the Dough – Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow spreading.
- Bake the Cookies – Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden while the centers remain slightly soft.
- Cool and Enjoy – Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.