Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies are a delightful twist on the classic cookie. The combination of sweet maraschino cherries and rich dark chocolate creates a mouthwatering flavor that you won’t be able to resist. These cookies are perfect for any occasion, whether you’re baking for a holiday party, a gathering with friends, or just a treat for yourself. The irresistible aroma that fills your kitchen while they bake is just the beginning of the joy these cookies bring.
Why We Love This Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
These Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies aren’t just delicious; they are also surprisingly simple to make. The cherries add a burst of flavor and color that makes each cookie pop. The melty chocolate chips create a rich, indulgent experience that balances the fruity notes perfectly. This recipe combines straightforward ingredients and easy steps, making it an excellent choice for bakers of all skill levels. Plus, who can say no to freshly baked cookies that taste as good as they look?
Ingredients about Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies
- 1 cup maraschino cherries (140g/5oz, drained)
- 113 g unsalted butter (1 stick / ½ cup / 4oz)
- 225 g plain flour (all-purpose flour) (1 ¾ cups / 8oz)
- ¾ teaspoon baking soda (bicarb soda)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ⅔ cup white granulated sugar (135g / 4.8oz)
- ¼ cup light brown sugar (50g / 1.8oz)
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup dark chocolate chips (semi-sweet) (180g / 6.4oz)
How to Make Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies Directions
Making Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies is a fun and straightforward process. Start by preheating your oven to 180°C (or 350°F). You’ll want to line two large baking sheets with baking paper to make cleanup a breeze. Next, take your maraschino cherries, drain them, and chop them into small pieces. It’s essential to dry the chopped cherries on paper towels to prevent excess moisture in your cookies.
In a saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over low to medium heat until it turns a lovely amber brown color. Let it cool down a bit to room temperature. In a separate bowl, whisk the plain flour, baking soda, and salt until well combined. This step ensures that the leavening agent is evenly distributed throughout the flour.
Now, in a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled butter with the white granulated sugar and light brown sugar. Whisk them together until the mixture is smooth and well-blended. Next, add one large egg and the vanilla extract. Continue whisking until everything is nicely incorporated.
Once your wet ingredients are ready, fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Take your time with this step; overmixing can make your cookies tough. After the dough is ready, gently fold in the chopped cherries and dark chocolate chips. Make sure they are evenly distributed throughout the dough for the best flavor in every bite.
Scoop out the dough onto your prepared baking sheets, leaving enough space between each scoop. You can even press some extra chocolate chips and cherries onto the tops of the dough for a decorative touch. Pop the baking sheets into your preheated oven and let them bake for about 12 to 14 minutes. The cookies should be golden around the edges but look slightly soft in the center. Once they’re done, let them cool on the sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
How to Serve Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies
Serving your Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies is just as fun as baking them! You may enjoy these cookies warm, with the chocolate chips melting in your mouth. Pair them with a glass of cold milk or a warm cup of coffee or tea for a delightful treat at any time of the day.
You can also create a cookie platter for gatherings, mixing in various kinds of cookies to appeal to different tastes. Add some sprigs of mint or a few extra chopped cherries on the side to make the plate visually appealing. For a special touch at parties, consider using festive plates or wrapping the cookies in colorful cellophane as a sweet take-home gift for your guests.
Expert Tips: Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies
To ensure your Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies come out perfect every time, consider these expert tips. First, make sure your butter is properly cooled before mixing it with the sugars, as hot butter can lead to overly flat cookies. Next, when chopping your maraschino cherries, aim for small, even pieces for uniformity in your cookies.
If you want to add a special twist, consider using different types of chocolate, like white chocolate or milk chocolate chips, to vary the flavor. Additionally, be mindful not to overbake; cookies should look soft in the middle even when removed from the oven, as they will continue to firm up as they cool.
Lastly, for easier dough handling, you can chill the dough for about 30 minutes before scooping and baking. Chilled dough will lead to thicker cookies with a better texture.
How to Store Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies
Once you’ve baked your Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies, proper storage is crucial for keeping them fresh and delicious. Allow the cookies to cool completely before placing them in an airtight container. If stored this way at room temperature, they can last for up to a week.
If you want to keep them longer, think about freezing them. You can flash freeze the cookies on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can last in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply take them out and let them thaw at room temperature, or warm them gently in the oven for a few minutes.
Variation of Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies
There are countless ways to play around with your Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies! If you’re looking for a nutty flavor, consider adding chopped walnuts or pecans to the dough along with the chocolate chips and cherries. This addition not only brings a new texture but also enhances the flavor profile beautifully.
For a unique twist, try incorporating different extracts like almond or coconut to give a new layer of flavor to your cookies. If you’re a fan of textures, you can also add rolled oats to create oatmeal cherry chocolate chip cookies, providing a wholesome chewiness.
If you’re in the mood for a little experimentation, try adding a touch of orange zest for a refreshing citrus note or swapping out the dark chocolate chips for fun variations like caramel chips or butterscotch chips. The possibilities are endless when it comes to personalizing your Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies!
FAQ
What makes Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies unique?
Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies are unique due to the combination of sweet maraschino cherries and rich dark chocolate. This union creates a delightful contrast of flavors, making each bite a flavorful experience.
Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries?
Yes! You can use fresh cherries, but remember to pit and chop them before adding them to the cookie dough. Fresh cherries may have a different moisture level, so adjust your baking time accordingly.
How can I prevent my cookies from spreading too much?
To prevent your cookies from spreading, ensure your butter is adequately cooled before mixing. Chilling the dough for about 30 minutes before baking can also help maintain their shape.
How do I know if my cookies are done baking?
Your cookies are done baking when the edges are golden brown, and the centers are slightly soft but not raw. They will firm up as they cool on the baking sheets.
Can I freeze Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies?
Absolutely! You can freeze them after baking or freeze the dough before baking. Just make sure to store them in airtight containers or freezer bags to prevent freezer burn.
Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies
Ingredients
Main ingredients
- 1 cup maraschino cherries, drained Chopped and dried on paper towels
- 113 g unsalted butter (1 stick / ½ cup / 4oz) Melted and cooled
- 225 g plain flour (all-purpose flour) (1 ¾ cups / 8oz) Whisked with baking soda and salt
- ¾ teaspoon baking soda For leavening
- ½ teaspoon salt To enhance flavor
- ⅔ cup white granulated sugar (135g / 4.8oz) Combined with brown sugar
- ¼ cup light brown sugar (50g / 1.8oz) Adds moisture and flavor
- 1 large egg Room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract For flavor
- 1 cup dark chocolate chips (semi-sweet) (180g / 6.4oz) Folded into the dough
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and line two large baking sheets with baking paper.
- Chop the drained maraschino cherries into small pieces and dry them on paper towels.
- Melt the unsalted butter in a saucepan over low to medium heat until it turns amber brown, then let it cool to room temperature.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the plain flour, baking soda, and salt.
Mixing
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled butter with white granulated sugar and light brown sugar until smooth.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract, whisking until incorporated.
- Fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
- Gently fold in the chopped cherries and dark chocolate chips until evenly distributed.
Baking
- Scoop out the dough onto your prepared baking sheets, leaving space between each scoop.
- Press some extra chocolate chips and cherries onto the tops of the dough if desired.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 14 minutes until golden around the edges and slightly soft in the center.
- Let the cookies cool on the sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Send me this recipe!
Just enter your email below and get it sent straight to your inbox!