These Easy Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies are chewy and packed with sweet cherries and chocolate. They are perfect for a fun twist on the classic cookie!
Whenever I bake these, my kitchen smells heavenly! I love how the cherries add a pop of color and flavor. They’re a hit at every gathering, and trust me, they’re hard to resist! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Unsalted Butter: Softened unsalted butter gives these cookies a rich flavor. If you’re out of unsalted butter, you can use salted butter. Just reduce the added salt in the recipe to 1/4 tsp.
Flour: All-purpose flour provides structure. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. The cookies will still turn out delicious!
Maraschino Cherries: These are the star of the show! If you prefer a more natural alternative, try dried cherries or cranberries, but chop them small. They won’t have the same sweetness, so you may want to add a bit more sugar.
Chocolate Chips: Semisweet chips add sweetness and richness. You can swap these for dark chocolate or even milk chocolate chips based on your taste preference. White chocolate chips would also be a fun twist!
How Do You Ensure Your Cookies Stay Chewy?
To make sure your cookies are perfectly chewy, focus on the baking time and the cooling process.
- Don’t overbake! Pull them out when the edges are golden but the centers are soft. They’ll continue to cook slightly from residual heat.
- Let them rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack. This helps them set without getting too hard.
- Chilling the dough for about 30 minutes before baking can help prevent the cookies from spreading too much, resulting in a thicker, chewier cookie.
Easy Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 1/2 cups rolled oats
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup chopped maraschino cherries, patted dry
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious cookie recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and 10-12 minutes of baking time. Allow an extra few minutes for cooling on the baking sheet. In total, you’ll need around 40-45 minutes to have these tasty treats ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cookies bake evenly. While the oven heats, prepare your baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
2. Cream the Butters and Sugars:
In a large mixing bowl, add the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Using a hand mixer or a sturdy spoon, cream these ingredients together until they are light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes and helps create a nice, soft texture in the cookies.
3. Add the Eggs and Vanilla:
Beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then, stir in the vanilla extract. This will add a lovely flavor to your dough!
4. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This helps to evenly distribute the baking soda throughout the flour, which is important for proper rising.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually blend the flour mixture into the butter and sugar mixture. Mix until just combined; try not to overmix, as this can make the cookies tough.
6. Add Oats, Chocolate Chips, and Cherries:
Fold in the rolled oats, semisweet chocolate chips, and chopped maraschino cherries. Use a spatula to ensure everything is evenly distributed throughout the dough.
7. Portion the Dough:
Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie. This allows for spreading while baking.
8. Bake the Cookies:
Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes. The edges should be golden while the centers look a little soft—they’ll firm up as they cool.
9. Cool and Transfer:
Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. This helps them set but still keeps them soft. Then, transfer the cookies to wire racks to cool completely.
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Once cool, serve your chewy, cherry chocolate chip cookies to friends and family. Enjoy a delicious treat that’s colorful and bursting with flavor!
These cookies are sure to be a crowd-pleaser at any gathering. Happy baking!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Margarine Instead of Butter?
Yes, you can substitute margarine for butter, but the cookies may turn out slightly different in texture. Make sure to choose a stick margarine for the closest results, as tub margarine can contain more water.
How Do I Store Leftover Cookies?
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you want to keep them fresh longer, consider freezing them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transferring them to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Just let them thaw at room temperature before enjoying!
Can I Omit the Oats?
If you’d like, you can omit the oats for a smoother cookie texture. However, this will change the overall consistency and may lead to slightly less chewy cookies. You can replace the oats with an additional 1/2 cup of flour if desired.
What Other Add-ins Can I Use?
Feel free to get creative! You can replace chocolate chips with white or dark chocolate, mix in nuts like walnuts or pecans, or even add coconut flakes for a tropical twist. Just keep in mind that this may alter the cookie’s texture and flavor profile!
