When the sweet scent of freshly baked cookies fills the air, it’s like an instant hug for the soul. That’s exactly what happened one lazy afternoon when I decided to shake things up in the kitchen. Instead of my usual chocolate chip cookies, I had a jar of maraschino cherries staring back at me, begging to be included. The idea struck me like a bolt of lightning—cherry chocolate chip cookies!
These delightful cookies are more than just a whimsical twist; they bring together the classic richness of chocolate with the vibrant sweetness and subtle tartness of cherries for a combination that dances on your taste buds. With every bite, I was reminded that sometimes, a simple addition can elevate a beloved classic into something extraordinary. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or just satisfy your own sweet cravings, these Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies will not disappoint. Let’s dive into this easy and fun recipe that is bound to become a new favorite!
Why are Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies so special?
Uniqueness: This recipe revamps the classic chocolate chip cookie, offering a refreshing burst of cherry flavor that surprises and delights.
Ease of Preparation: With straightforward steps, you’ll be enjoying warm cookies right from your oven in no time.
Irresistible Aroma: The heavenly scent of baking cookies will fill your kitchen, drawing everyone in for a taste.
Crowd-Pleasing: These cookies are perfect for gatherings, guaranteed to leave your friends and family asking for the recipe!
Versatile: Feel free to mix things up by incorporating nuts or other fruits, making each batch uniquely yours.
For more scrumptious cookie recipes, don’t miss my Ultimate Chocolate Chip Cookies!
Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies Ingredients
• Get ready to bake with these delightful treats!
For the Dough
- Butter – Provides richness and moisture; can use margarine for a dairy-free option.
- Packed Brown Sugar – Adds sweetness and moisture, contributing to a chewy texture; light brown sugar is a good substitute.
- Granulated Sugar – Balances sweetness and helps achieve the cookie’s structure; can swap for coconut sugar for a healthier option.
- Large Eggs – Binds the ingredients and aids in leavening; use room temperature eggs for better mixing.
- Pure Vanilla Extract – Enhances flavor complexity; almond extract offers a unique twist.
- All-Purpose Flour – Provides structure; substitute with a gluten-free flour mix for a gluten-free alternative.
- Baking Soda – Acts as a leavening agent for a puffy texture; ensure it’s fresh for optimal rise.
- Kosher Salt – Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor; table salt can be used but reduce the amount slightly.
For the Mix-ins
- Chocolate Chips – Offers rich chocolate flavor throughout; dark or white chocolate chips are great alternatives.
- Chopped Maraschino Cherries – Adds sweetness with a pop of tartness; consider using fresh or freeze-dried cherries for a fresher taste.
Get ready to transform your classic cookie experience with these Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies!
How to Make Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures your cookies bake evenly and don’t stick.
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Cream the softened butter, packed brown sugar, and granulated sugar in a large bowl until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes. This will create a wonderful base for your cookies!
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Beat in the large eggs one at a time, followed by the pure vanilla extract. Make sure everything is well combined and smooth for the best flavor.
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Whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and kosher salt in a separate bowl. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients until just combined to avoid overmixing.
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Fold in the chocolate chips and chopped maraschino cherries gently, using a spatula. This ensures they are evenly distributed without breaking them down too much.
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Scoop tablespoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them apart to give the cookies room to spread. Aim for about 2 inches apart for perfect baking.
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Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden brown and centers are set but still soft. Keep an eye on them as they can bake quickly!
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Cool the cookies on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely. This helps them set without becoming too crumbly.
Optional: Drizzle with a bit of melted chocolate for an extra indulgent touch!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
These Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies are perfect for meal prep and can save you valuable time during the week! You can prepare the dough ahead and refrigerate it for up to 3 days—just be sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap to maintain freshness and prevent drying out. If you’re looking to save even more time, you can also scoop the cookie dough onto the baking sheet and freeze the uncooked dough balls for up to 1 month. When you’re ready to bake, simply place the frozen dough balls directly in a preheated oven, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time for delicious, freshly baked cookies. Enjoy the ease of having homemade treats available at a moment’s notice!
How to Store and Freeze Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week to maintain their chewy texture and flavor.
- Fridge: If you prefer a firmer cookie, refrigerate them in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks. Just allow them to come to room temperature before enjoying.
- Freezer: Freeze the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to an airtight freezer bag. They can be stored for up to 3 months for optimal freshness.
- Reheating: To enjoy warm cookies from frozen, simply bake them at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes, enhancing that delightful taste of fresh-baked Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies.
Cherry Chocolate Chip Variations
Indulge your creativity with these delightful twists to make your Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies even more special!
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Dried Fruit: Replace maraschino cherries with dried cranberries for a tangy alternative that adds a chewy texture and a burst of flavor.
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Nuts Galore: Mix in some chopped walnuts or pecans for a crunchy element that contrasts beautifully with the softness of the cookie.
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Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cinnamon or ground ginger to the dough for a warming spice that harmonizes with the sweet chocolate and fruity cherries.
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Zesty Lemon: Incorporate lemon zest into your dough for a refreshing citrus flavor that cuts through the sweetness, providing a delightful balance.
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Coconut Bliss: Stir in shredded coconut for a tropical flair and added chewiness that enhances the overall cookie experience!
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Minty Fresh: Include crushed peppermint candies or a few drops of peppermint extract for a refreshing minty kick that elevates the cookie to a new festive level.
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Alternative Sweeteners: Swap out granulated sugar for honey or maple syrup for a natural, richer sweetness that harmonizes wonderfully with the cherries.
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Chunky Style: Use chocolate chunks instead of chips for an ultra-decadent touch, bringing more gooey chocolate to each bite!
Feel free to mix and match these variations, and create your perfect Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookie masterpiece!
What to Serve with Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies?
Creating the perfect setting for these cookies can elevate any snack time into a delightful experience.
- Tall Glass of Milk: A classic pairing that balances the sweetness of cookies and enhances their rich flavor.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy, cold scoop pairs beautifully, creating a delicious contrast to the warm, chewy cookies.
- Fresh Fruit Salad: The lightness and refreshing nature of fruit complements the richness of the cookies, adding a burst of freshness.
- Chocolate Sauce Drizzle: A drizzle over cookies brings an extra layer of indulgence, especially for chocolate lovers.
- Coffee or Espresso: The rich, bold flavor of coffee pairs exquisitely with the sweetness of the cookies, enhancing their flavors.
- Chilled Sparkling Water: A refreshing, palate-cleansing beverage that lightens the dessert experience without overpowering it.
Each of these pairings enriches the experience of enjoying your Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies, making them an even more delightful treat!
Expert Tips for Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies
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Don’t Overmix: Gently combine the wet and dry ingredients to keep your cookies tender and chewy. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
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Perfect Baking Time: Check the cookies at the lower end of the baking time (10 minutes) for a softer texture; they will continue to firm up as they cool.
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Fresh Ingredients: Always use fresh baking soda for maximum rise. Stale ingredients can lead to flat cookies.
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Chill the Dough: For extra thick cookies, chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This helps them maintain their shape.
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Test Different Cherries: Experiment with fresh or freeze-dried cherries for varied flavor and texture—each contributes its own unique taste to your Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies!
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Give Them Space: When scooping dough onto the baking sheet, allow at least 2 inches of space between each cookie to prevent them from merging during baking.
Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe FAQs
What kind of cherries should I use for the cookies?
I recommend using maraschino cherries for that classic flavor and sweetness. However, you can also opt for fresh or freeze-dried cherries for a fresher taste. If using fresh cherries, pit and chop them finely before adding to the dough.
How should I store my Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies?
Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. This helps maintain their chewy texture and delicious flavor. If you prefer, you can refrigerate them for up to 2 weeks, just remember to let them come back to room temperature before indulging!
Can I freeze Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies?
Absolutely! To freeze, first lay the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze for about 1-2 hours. Once firm, transfer them to an airtight freezer bag or container. They can be kept frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply bake them at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes until warm.
What should I do if my cookies come out too flat?
If you find that your cookies turned out flat, it might be due to melted butter or not enough flour. Make sure to use softened butter (not melted), and if necessary, you can add a bit more flour to achieve the right dough consistency. Also, check that your baking soda is fresh, as expired leavening agents won’t create enough lift.
Are Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies suitable for people with nut allergies?
These cookies are naturally nut-free, making them suitable for most people with nut allergies. However, always ensure that none of your additional ingredients (like chocolate chips) contain nuts or are processed in a facility with nuts if you are especially cautious.
Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Yes! You can make the cookie dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 3 days before baking. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. When you’re ready, scoop and bake as usual. These cookies are sure to bring a delightful treat whenever you’re ready to bake!
Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies with a Fruity Twist Await You
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cream the softened butter, packed brown sugar, and granulated sugar in a large bowl until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes.
- Beat in the large eggs one at a time, followed by the pure vanilla extract.
- Whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and kosher salt in a separate bowl.
- Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients until just combined.
- Fold in the chocolate chips and chopped maraschino cherries gently.
- Scoop tablespoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spaced about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden brown.
- Cool cookies on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to wire racks.