Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies

Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies are a delightful twist on classic chocolate chip cookies. They offer a sweet and slightly tart flavor from the maraschino cherries, combined with the richness of semi-sweet chocolate chips. Their soft and chewy texture, vibrant pink hue, and festive look make them a perfect treat for special occasions, holidays, or just a fun baking project. Plus, they are easy to make with simple ingredients!

Essential Ingredients

• 1/2 stick unsalted butter, softened (1/4 cup)
• 3/4 cup light brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/8 tsp almond extract
• Small amount of pink gel food coloring
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (180 grams, properly measured)
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 3/4 cup drained & finely chopped maraschino cherries (plus extra for garnish)
• 3/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (plus extra for garnish)

Preparation Steps

1. Preheat Oven – Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
2. Mix Butter & Sugar – In a mixing bowl, beat the butter and brown sugar together with an electric mixer for one minute, just until combined.
3. Add Wet Ingredients – Mix in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Then, add a small amount of pink gel food coloring to enhance the cookie’s color.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients – In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients using a spatula until just combined.
5. Incorporate Cherries & Chocolate – Fold in the chopped maraschino cherries and chocolate chips, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
6. Form Cookies – Use a cookie scoop or spoon to drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Press a few extra chocolate chips and cherries on top for decoration.
7. Bake – Bake for 14 to 16 minutes, being careful not to overbake to maintain their soft texture and pink hue.
8. Cool – Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for about 15 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack.

Health Benefits

While these cookies are a sweet indulgence, they offer some nutritional benefits:

• Maraschino cherries provide antioxidants and a fun, fruity flavor.
• Dark chocolate chips contain flavonoids, which support heart health.
• Almond extract adds a subtle nutty aroma without the need for additional nuts, making them allergy-friendly.
• Brown sugar helps retain moisture, making the cookies softer and chewier.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve warm with a glass of milk for a comforting treat.
• Pair with vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.
• Add them to holiday cookie trays or dessert platters for a festive touch.
• Package them in decorative boxes for a thoughtful homemade gift.

Creative Variations

• White Chocolate Cherry Cookies – Swap the semi-sweet chocolate chips for white chocolate chips for a creamy and sweet contrast.
• Nutty Delight – Add 1/2 cup of chopped pecans or almonds for an extra crunch.
• Cherry Almond Bars – Press the dough into a baking dish to create cookie bars instead of individual cookies.

Storage Tips

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Refrigeration: If you want them to last longer, keep them refrigerated for up to 10 days.
• Freezing: Freeze the unbaked cookie dough balls for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.

Pro Tips

• Use high-quality chocolate chips for the best flavor.
• Pat dry the maraschino cherries before chopping to prevent excess moisture in the dough.
• Don’t overmix the dough once you add the flour to avoid tough cookies.
• Adjust the amount of pink food coloring to achieve the desired color intensity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries?

Yes! However, fresh cherries will add more moisture to the dough. Make sure to pat them dry before adding them in.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

Why did my cookies spread too much?

Make sure to properly measure the flour and drain the cherries well. If the dough is too soft, refrigerate it for 20 minutes before baking.

Can I freeze baked cookies?

Yes! Store them in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers and freeze for up to 2 months.

Enjoy baking and sharing these delightful Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies!

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