These Easy Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies are a fun twist on classic cookies! Soft and chewy, they mix sweet chocolate chips with bright cherry pieces for a yummy treat.
Every bite feels like a little celebration! 🍒 I love making these for a snack or to share with friends. They’re super easy—just mix everything up and enjoy the sweet aroma while they bake!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Unsalted Butter: Softened butter gives these cookies a rich flavor. If you’re out of unsalted butter, use salted butter but reduce the added salt in the recipe.
Maraschino Cherries: These cherries add a sweet touch. If you want a lighter option, try using dried cherries or chopped fresh cherries, but make sure to adjust sweetness.
All-Purpose Flour: This is a staple for texture. For a gluten-free option, you can substitute with gluten-free all-purpose flour, making sure it contains xanthan gum for binding.
Chocolate Chips: Semi-sweet chips are tasty, but dark chocolate or even white chocolate can be fun alternatives. You could also mix in some butterscotch chips for extra sweetness!
How Do I Ensure My Cookies are Chewy and Not Dry?
Getting that perfect chewy texture takes a bit of care. Here are some tips:
- Do not overmix the dough once you add the flour. Mix until just combined to keep them soft.
- Keep an eye on baking time. Pull them out when the edges are lightly golden, and they’ll firm up as they cool.
- Let them rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a rack. This helps them set just right!
Easy Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 1/2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup chopped maraschino cherries (drained and patted dry)
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This cookie recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 10-12 minutes to bake. Including cooling time, you’ll want to set aside about 30 minutes to enjoy your fresh cookies!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This prevents the cookies from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze!
2. Cream the Butters and Sugars:
In a large bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and packed brown sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. A hand mixer or stand mixer works great for this part!
3. Add Eggs and Vanilla:
Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each one is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then, stir in the vanilla extract to give your cookies a wonderful aroma.
4. Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This mingling of dry ingredients ensures even baking and helps prevent clumps in your cookie dough.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet mixture. Mix until just combined—no need to overdo it! Over-mixing can lead to tough cookies.
6. Add Oats, Chocolate Chips, and Cherries:
Fold in the rolled oats, semisweet chocolate chips, chopped maraschino cherries, and optionally, the chopped nuts. This colorful mix will make your cookies extra special!
7. Shape the Cookies:
Drop rounded tablespoons of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheet, making sure to space them about 2 inches apart. They’ll spread a little while baking!
8. Bake the Cookies:
Pop the cookies in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. You’re looking for a light golden color around the edges, but the centers should still look soft and a tad underbaked—this is how they stay chewy!
9. Cool the Cookies:
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. This helps them set before you move them. After that, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Enjoy!
Once your cookies have cooled, it’s time to dig in! Enjoy the chewy, chocolaty goodness with a delicious burst of maraschino cherry flavor. Perfect with a glass of milk!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Coconut Oil Instead of Butter?
Yes, you can substitute melted coconut oil for butter! Just use the same amount (1 cup). Keep in mind that this might slightly alter the flavor and texture, adding a light coconut taste to your cookies.
Are Maraschino Cherries Necessary for This Recipe?
While the maraschino cherries add a fun burst of color and flavor, you can omit them if you prefer or substitute with dried cherries or other fruits for a different twist. Just adjust the sweetness if using unsweetened fruits.
How Should I Store Leftover Cookies?
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them or freeze them in a freezer-safe bag for up to three months. Just thaw at room temperature before enjoying!
Can I Add Other Ingredients to This Recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to customize your cookies by adding chopped nuts, different types of chocolate chips, or even seasonal spices like cinnamon or nutmeg. Just keep the overall ratios in mind to maintain texture!
