Description
Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies packed with sweet cherries & chocolate chunks. Perfectly chewy and decadent treat for any cookie lover!
Ingredients
Scale
- 2¾ cups (345g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
- ¾ cup (165g) light brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon almond extract
- 1 cup (180g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 jar (10oz/283g) maraschino cherries, drained and chopped (about 1 cup)
Instructions
- Step 1: Begin by properly preparing your maraschino cherries Drain them thoroughly, then chop them into small pieces (about the size of chocolate chips). Place the chopped cherries on several layers of paper towels and gently press with additional paper towels to remove as much excess moisture as possible. Set aside.
- Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt until well combined. This ensures your leavening agent is evenly distributed throughout the Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies.
- Step 3: Using a stand mixer or hand mixer, cream the softened butter with both sugars on medium speed for 2-3 minutes until light and fluffy. Proper creaming incorporates air into the dough, creating a better texture.
- Step 4: Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed. Then add vanilla extract and almond extract, mixing until combined.
- Step 5: Gradually add the flour mixture on low speed and mix just until no dry streaks remain. Over-mixing can develop too much gluten, resulting in tough cookies instead of tender ones.
- Step 6: Gently fold in the chocolate chips and the dried maraschino cherries by hand using a rubber spatula. This prevents crushing the cherries and maintains those beautiful red pieces throughout the dough.
- Step 7: Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or up to 24 hours for enhanced flavor). This resting period is essential for perfectly textured Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies.
- Step 8: When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper. Scoop rounded tablespoons of dough (about 1.5 tablespoons each) and place 2 inches apart on prepared sheets.
- Step 9: Bake for 9-11 minutes, rotating pans halfway through, until the edges are set and lightly golden while the centers still look slightly underdone. Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
Fresh ingredients will always yield the best flavor results.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg