Few things in life compare to the blissful combination of cherries and chocolate. These Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies are the perfect treat, blending the juicy sweetness of maraschino cherries with the richness of chocolate chips. Soft, chewy, and bursting with flavor, these pink-hued delights will brighten up any dessert table.
Why You’ll Love Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Unique Flavor: A delightful balance of cherry sweetness and deep chocolate richness.
- Soft & Chewy Texture: Perfectly tender with a gooey cherry preserve center.
- Visually Stunning: The naturally pink dough (with or without food coloring) makes these cookies pop!
- Easy to Make: A simple dough with a surprise filling—great for special occasions or a fun baking project.
Ingredients
- ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp almond extract
- ¼ cup (60ml) maraschino cherry juice
- 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¾ cup (120g) chocolate chips
- ½ cup (80g) chopped maraschino cherries
- ½ cup cherry preserves (for filling)
- Pink food coloring (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cream Butter & Sugar: In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: Add in the egg, vanilla extract, almond extract, and cherry juice. Mix until well combined.
- Add Dry Ingredients: In a another bowl, whisk together the baking soda, baking powder, flour, and salt. Gradually add this to the wet mixture, mixing until a dough forms.
- Add Cherries & Chocolate: Fold in the chocolate chips and chopped maraschino cherries. If using food coloring, add a few drops for a vibrant pink hue.
- Shape & Fill: Scoop out small dough balls, flatten slightly, and place a small amount of cherry preserves in the center. Cover with another small piece of dough and seal the edges.
- Bake to Perfection: Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are set. After five minutes of cooling on the pan, move to a wire rack.
Pro Tips for the Best Cookies
- Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the dough can make the cookies dense. Stir until just combined.
- Chill the Dough: For a thicker cookie, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking.
- Use Quality Chocolate: Semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips balance the sweetness of the cherries beautifully.
- Control the Filling: Avoid overfilling with cherry preserves to prevent leaks during baking.
Serving Suggestions
These cookies are fantastic on their own, but here are a few fun ways to enjoy them:
- With a Glass of Milk: A classic pairing for a nostalgic treat.
- As an Ice Cream Sandwich: Sandwich a scoop of vanilla or cherry ice cream between two cookies.
- With a Cup of Coffee: Perfect for an afternoon indulgence.
How to Store Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies
- At room temperature, keep for up to five days in an airtight container.
- Freezing: Freeze baked cookies for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
- Reheating: Warm in the microwave for 10 seconds to restore softness.
FAQs
Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries?
Yes! Fresh cherries can be chopped and used, but they may add extra moisture, so adjust the flour slightly.
Do I have to use almond extract?
No, but almond extract enhances the cherry flavor beautifully. You can substitute with extra vanilla extract.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! To make these cookies gluten-free, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. This ensures that the texture stays as soft and chewy as traditional Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies.
What chocolate is best for Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies?
Semi-sweet chocolate chips balance the cherry’s sweetness, but dark, milk, or white chocolate also work for variety.
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Final Thoughts
If you love cherries and chocolate, these cookies are a must-try! Whether for a festive occasion, Valentine’s Day, or just a sweet treat, they’re guaranteed to impress. Try them out and let us know your thoughts in the comments below! Don’t forget to share your creations on social media and tag us!