Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies
Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies are a delightful twist on the classic chocolate chip cookie recipe. These cookies are soft, chewy, and bursting with the flavors of sweet maraschino cherries and rich chocolate chips.
Why Make This Recipe
If you’re a fan of chocolate chip cookies and want to try something new, these Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies are perfect for you! The combination of maraschino cherries and chocolate chips creates a deliciously sweet and slightly tangy flavor that everyone will love.
How to Make Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies
Ingredients:
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
- ½ cup white granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 egg, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon maraschino cherry juice (from the jar)
- Pink gel food coloring
- 1 ½ – 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chopped maraschino cherries
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer on medium speed to cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract to the mixture, and continue mixing until fully combined.
- Reduce the electric mixer speed to low. Add the cherry juice and pink gel coloring, and mix until well distributed. Set aside.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt until fully combined.
- Gradually add 1 ½ cups of the flour mixture to the large bowl, mixing on low speed until well combined. The dough should be slightly sticky from the cherry syrup but still manageable enough to form dough balls. If needed, add up to an additional ½ cup of flour to achieve the desired consistency.
- Stir in the chopped cherries and chocolate chips using a spoon or spatula.
- Using a 2-tablespoon cookie scoop, form dough balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the tops are set and the edges begin to turn golden brown.
- Transfer the cookies to a cooling rack to cool completely before serving.
How to Serve Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies
Serve these Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies warm with a glass of milk for a delicious treat. They are perfect for parties, bake sales, or just as an afternoon snack.
How to Store Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. You can also freeze the cookies for up to 2 months. Simply place them in a single layer in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag.
Tips to Make Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Make sure the butter and egg are at room temperature for the best results.
- Do not overmix the dough once you add the flour mixture.
- If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour until you reach the desired consistency.
- Be careful not to overbake the cookies to keep them soft and chewy.
Variation
You can add chopped nuts, such as pecans or almonds, for extra crunch and flavor.
FAQs
1. Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries?
No, fresh cherries will release too much moisture and affect the texture of the cookies. Maraschino cherries work best for this recipe.
2. Can I omit the pink food coloring?
Yes, the food coloring is optional and can be omitted if desired. It is mainly for aesthetic purposes.
3. Can I use milk chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet?
Yes, you can use milk chocolate chips if you prefer a sweeter flavor. However, the cookies may be overly sweet due to the addition of maraschino cherries.
