Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies Delight in 8 Steps

Name: Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies Delight in 8 Steps
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 cup brown sugar, packed; 2 large eggs; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 3 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 cup chocolate chips; 1 cup maraschino cherries, chopped

June 8, 2025

By:

Julia marin

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Oh my goodness, let me tell you why maraschino cherry chocolate chip cookies delight are one of my absolute favorites! The moment you take a bite, you’re hit with this incredible contrast of rich chocolate and the sweet, slightly tart cherry that just dances on your taste buds. It’s like a party in your mouth! Plus, the texture is simply divine—chewy, soft cookies with little pockets of gooey chocolate and fruity cherry goodness. I remember making these for the first time, and my friends couldn’t get enough; it was such a hit! They’re perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a gathering or just treating yourself on a cozy night in. Trust me, once you try these cookies, you’ll be hooked!

maraschino cherry chocolate chip cookies delight - detail 1

Ingredients List

1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Make sure it’s nice and soft for easy mixing—no one likes a lumpy dough!
1 cup granulated sugar: This adds sweetness and helps create that lovely chewy texture.
1 cup brown sugar, packed: The molasses in brown sugar gives these cookies a rich flavor and moisture.
2 large eggs: These help bind everything together—room temperature eggs work best!
2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Trust me, this adds a depth of flavor that makes everything taste amazing.
3 cups all-purpose flour: This is the base of our cookies, so make sure to measure it accurately for the perfect texture.
1 teaspoon baking soda: This will help our cookies rise and get that deliciously soft texture.
1/2 teaspoon salt: Just a pinch to balance the sweetness—don’t skip this step!
1 cup chocolate chips: I like to use semi-sweet, but you can go for milk chocolate if you prefer it sweeter!
1 cup maraschino cherries, chopped: These little gems add a pop of flavor and color to our cookies—chop them up small for even distribution!

How to Prepare Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies Delight

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

First things first—let’s get that oven preheated to 350°F (175°C). Preheating is super important because it helps the cookies bake evenly, giving you that perfect chewy texture we all crave. So, don’t skip this step!

Step 2: Creaming the Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl, add the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together. Now, using a hand mixer or a sturdy spoon, cream them together until the mixture is smooth and creamy. You want it to be light and fluffy, which usually takes about 2-3 minutes of mixing. If it’s still a bit lumpy, keep going! Trust me, this step is key to creating those deliciously chewy cookies.

Step 3: Incorporating the Eggs

Next up, it’s time for the eggs! Crack them in one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This helps to incorporate air into the mixture, making the cookies even fluffier. Don’t rush this part; take your time to ensure each egg is fully blended before adding the next one. Your dough will thank you!

Step 4: Adding Vanilla Extract

Now, let’s add in that lovely vanilla extract. This little ingredient is a game changer, bringing warmth and depth to the flavor of your cookies. Measure out 2 teaspoons, and pour it in. Give it a good mix to combine it well with the other ingredients!

Step 5: Mixing Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This step is essential because it ensures that your leavening agent (baking soda) and salt are evenly distributed throughout the flour. Just whisk it together until it’s blended, and you’re good to go!

Step 6: Combining Wet and Dry Ingredients

Now it’s time to bring everything together! Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix here; we want to keep that light texture. If you see a bit of flour still peeking through, that’s perfectly fine!

Step 7: Folding in Chocolate Chips and Cherries

Here comes the fun part! Gently fold in the chocolate chips and chopped maraschino cherries. Use a spatula to lift and turn the dough, making sure those tasty bits get evenly distributed. This technique is crucial because it helps keep the dough light and airy—no one wants a dense cookie!

Step 8: Dropping the Dough

Using a spoon or a cookie scoop, drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto ungreased baking sheets. Make sure to leave enough space between each dollop—about 2 inches apart works well. This gives them room to spread while baking and helps them get that nice golden edge.

Step 9: Baking and Cooling

Pop those trays in the oven and bake for about 10-12 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the edges are golden brown but the centers look a little soft—that’s the sweet spot! Once baked, allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This cooling time helps them firm up without losing that deliciously chewy texture. Enjoy the delightful aroma wafting through your kitchen!

Tips for Success

Soften Your Butter: Make sure your butter is softened before you start mixing. If it’s too hard, it won’t cream properly with the sugars, which can result in a dense cookie. If you forget to take it out in advance, just microwave it for about 10-15 seconds—just enough to soften, not melt!
Don’t Overmix: When you combine the wet and dry ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies instead of the soft, chewy ones you want. A few flour streaks are totally fine!
Chop Cherries Small: For even distribution of flavor, chop those maraschino cherries into small pieces. This way, you’ll get a bit of cherry in every bite without overwhelming your cookie.
Spacing is Key: When dropping the dough on the baking sheet, remember to give them enough space. They spread as they bake, so about 2 inches apart is perfect to avoid cookie collisions!
Cooling Time Matters: Let your cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before moving them to a wire rack. This helps them set properly and keeps them from falling apart. Patience is a virtue here!

FAQ Section

How do I store these cookies?
To keep your maraschino cherry chocolate chip cookies delight fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay delicious for about a week—if they last that long! For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to two months. Just make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or place them in a freezer bag.

Can I use different types of cherries?
Absolutely! If maraschino cherries aren’t your thing, feel free to experiment with other varieties. Fresh cherries chopped up finely can add a nice twist, or even dried cherries for a chewy texture. Just keep in mind that fresh cherries will add moisture, so you might need to adjust the flour slightly.

What if I don’t have chocolate chips?
No worries at all! If you find yourself without chocolate chips, you can chop up a chocolate bar into chunks or even use white chocolate chips for a sweeter take. Nuts like walnuts or pecans can also be a tasty addition if you want to add some crunch!

Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can! If you want to save some time, feel free to prepare the dough in advance. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for a bit before scooping and baking.

Why are my cookies spreading too much?
If your cookies are spreading too much while baking, it could be due to the butter being too warm or melted when you started. Make sure to use softened butter, not melted. Also, chilling the dough for about 30 minutes before baking can help them hold their shape better!

Nutritional Information

Just a heads up, the nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so consider this as a general guide. For each maraschino cherry chocolate chip cookie delight, you can expect approximately:

Calories: 150
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 2g
Trans Fat: 0g
Sodium: 100mg
Carbohydrates: 20g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 10g
Protein: 2g
Cholesterol: 30mg

So, there you have it! Enjoy these delightful cookies in moderation as part of a balanced diet, and don’t forget to share (or not!)—they’re hard to resist!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick Preparation: With just a 15-minute prep time, you can whip up a batch of these delightful cookies in no time!
Unique Flavor Combination: The mix of sweet chocolate chips and tart maraschino cherries creates a deliciously unexpected treat that’ll impress everyone.
Easy Steps for Beginners: I break down every step for you, making it super easy for even novice bakers to create cookie magic!
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a casual snack, a party treat, or a gift for friends, these cookies are a hit every time.
Customizable: Feel free to switch up ingredients or add your favorite nuts or different types of chocolate for a fun twist!
Soft and Chewy Texture: These cookies bake up wonderfully soft and chewy, making them hard to resist right out of the oven!

Equipment List

Mixing Bowls: You’ll need at least two bowls—one for your wet ingredients and another for the dry ingredients. A large bowl for creaming the butter and sugars is essential!
Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements are key to cookie success, so make sure you have both cup and tablespoon measurements handy.
Hand Mixer or Spoon: A hand mixer makes creaming the butter and sugars a breeze, but if you don’t have one, a sturdy spoon will do just fine—just put in a little elbow grease!
Cookie Scoop or Spoon: To drop the dough onto the baking sheet evenly, a cookie scoop is super handy, but a regular spoon works perfectly too!
Baking Sheets: You’ll need ungreased baking sheets for placing your cookie dough. If you have parchment paper, that’s a great option to prevent sticking!
Wire Rack: A wire rack is perfect for cooling your cookies after baking, allowing air to circulate and keeping them from getting soggy.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

To keep your maraschino cherry chocolate chip cookies delight fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay delicious for about a week, but I bet they won’t last that long! If you want to keep them for a longer time, you can freeze them. Just wrap each cookie tightly in plastic wrap or place them in a freezer bag, and they’ll be good for up to two months.

When you’re ready to enjoy a frozen cookie, simply take it out and let it thaw at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes. If you prefer a warm cookie, pop it in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds to warm it up. Just be careful not to overheat it, or it might get a little too soft. Enjoy your delightful cookies whenever the craving hits!

Serving Suggestions

Oh, let me tell you, these maraschino cherry chocolate chip cookies delight are perfect for serving up in a variety of ways! Whether you’re hosting a get-together or just enjoying a cozy night in, here are some fun ideas to elevate your cookie experience:

Milk or Coffee Pairing: Serve these cookies with a tall glass of cold milk or a warm cup of coffee. The rich chocolate and sweet cherries pair beautifully with either beverage, enhancing the flavors of both!
Cookie Platter: Create a stunning cookie platter by mixing these cookies with other varieties like oatmeal raisin or classic chocolate chip. It’s perfect for parties and gatherings—people love a good variety!
Ice Cream Sandwiches: For a decadent treat, take two cookies and sandwich a scoop of vanilla or cherry ice cream in between. Trust me, this will be the highlight of your dessert table!
Gift-Worthy Treats: Package these cookies in a cute tin or a decorative box for a thoughtful homemade gift. Tie it with a pretty ribbon, and you’ve got a delightful present for friends or family.
Festive Decorations: For special occasions, consider decorating your cookies with a drizzle of chocolate or a sprinkle of colorful sprinkles. It adds a festive touch that everyone will love!
Sweet Snack Board: Arrange these cookies on a charcuterie board alongside fresh fruits, nuts, and cheese. It makes for a fun and interactive dessert option, and the flavors complement each other nicely!

Whichever way you choose to serve them, I promise these cookies will be a delightful addition to any setting. Enjoy the smiles they bring!

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About me

Hi, my name is Julia, I am the heart of Vihaad Recipes and a passionate lover of good food. My love for cooking began in childhood, inspired by my grandmother's delicious meals. Today, I share tasty recipes that bring people together through the shared enjoyment of food.