Delight your taste buds with these Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies. The perfect blend of sweet maraschino cherries and rich chocolate chips makes these cookies ideal for any occasion.
Ingredients:
- Wet Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- Dry Ingredients:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- Add-Ins:
- 1 cup maraschino cherries, chopped
- 1 1/2 cups chocolate chips
Directions:
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cream Butter and Sugars:
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla:
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Combine Mixtures:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in Cherries and Chocolate:
- Gently fold in the chopped maraschino cherries and chocolate chips.
- Form Cookies:
- Drop spoonfuls of dough onto baking sheets lined with parchment paper.
- Bake:
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden brown.
- Cool Cookies:
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cook Time: 12 minutes | Total Time: 32 minutes | Calories: Approx. 200 kcal per cookie
Tips for Perfect Cookies:
- Softened Butter: Ensure your butter is softened to make mixing easier and to achieve the perfect cookie texture.
- Dry Cherries: Pat the maraschino cherries dry before chopping to avoid adding excess moisture to the dough.
- Parchment Paper: Use parchment paper on baking sheets for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
FAQs
1. Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries? Yes, but make sure to pit and chop them finely. Fresh cherries will add a slightly different texture and flavor.
2. How should I store the cookies? Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the cookies.
3. Can I add nuts to the recipe? Absolutely! Chopped walnuts or pecans make a great addition to these cookies.
4. What type of chocolate chips work best? Semi-sweet chocolate chips are ideal, but you can use milk or dark chocolate chips based on your preference.
The Magic of Maraschino Cherries
Maraschino cherries are not just for cocktails; they add a delightful burst of sweetness and a pop of color to these cookies. Their unique flavor complements the rich chocolate chips perfectly, creating a balanced and irresistible treat.
The Importance of Proper Mixing
Creaming the butter and sugars together until light and fluffy is crucial for achieving the perfect texture in your cookies. This step incorporates air into the mixture, making your cookies soft and tender.
Baking Tips for Success
Using parchment paper not only makes cleanup easier but also ensures that your cookies bake evenly and don’t stick to the baking sheet. Additionally, be careful not to overbake the cookies; they should be just golden around the edges.
Serving Suggestions
These cookies are perfect on their own, but you can take them to the next level by serving them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a cold glass of milk. They also make great gifts for friends and family during the holidays.
Conclusion
Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies are a delightful treat that combines the best of both worlds: the sweetness of cherries and the richness of chocolate. Perfect for any occasion, these cookies are sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire. Enjoy baking and sharing these delicious cookies!