Chef's Essential Tips

Ingredient Substitutions: For a dairy-free version, substitute the butter with coconut oil or a vegan butter alternative, and use dairy-free chocolate chips.
Chill the Dough: To enhance the flavors and improve the texture, consider chilling the cookie dough for about 30 minutes before baking.
Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week for optimal freshness.
Batch Size: If you want to make a larger batch, you can double the recipe without any adjustments needed.
Baking Sheet: Use a silicone baking mat or parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking to the baking sheet.
Flavor Boost: For an extra flavor kick, consider adding a pinch of almond extract along with the vanilla.

Essential Ingredients Selection

Unsalted Butter: The base fat for the cookies, unsalted butter contributes richness and flavor. It helps create a tender texture and can be substituted with margarine or vegan butter for dietary preferences.
Brown Sugar: Brown sugar adds moisture and a hint of caramel flavor to the cookies. It helps achieve a chewy texture compared to using only granulated sugar.
Granulated Sugar: This sweetener is essential for providing sweetness and structure to the cookies. Using a mix of granulated and brown sugars enhances the cookie's overall flavor and texture.
Egg: The egg is a binding agent that helps hold the ingredients together and adds moisture. It can be replaced with a flax egg for a vegan option.
Vanilla Extract: Vanilla enhances the sweetness and depth of flavor in the cookies. Use high-quality extract for the best results.
All-Purpose Flour: This is the primary dry ingredient that provides structure to the cookies. It can be substituted with gluten-free flour blends if needed.
Baking Soda: This leavening agent helps the cookies rise and achieve a soft, chewy texture. Be sure to measure accurately for the right results.
Salt: A pinch of salt balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors in the cookies.
Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: These are a classic addition, providing rich, melty pockets of chocolate in each cookie. You can substitute with dark or milk chocolate chips based on preference.
Maraschino Cherries: These sweet, tangy cherries add a unique flavor and a burst of color to the cookies. Ensure they are well-drained to avoid excess moisture in the dough.

Creating Your Masterpiece

Storing Cookies:

Store baked cookies in an airtight container to retain their freshness. They can be kept at room temperature for up to a week, making them a perfect treat to enjoy anytime.

Cooling Procedure:

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This process allows them to set perfectly while maintaining their chewy center.

Monitoring Baking Time:

Keep an eye on the cookies as they bake. Remove them from the oven when the edges are golden brown but the centers still look slightly underbaked for a chewy texture.

Portioning Cookies:

Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to portion the dough onto the baking sheet. Ensure to leave enough space between each cookie to allow for spreading during baking.

Chilling Dough:

Optional, but chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes can enhance the flavors and improve the texture of the cookies, giving them a thicker and chewier consistency.

Folding in Mix-Ins:

Gently fold in the chocolate chips and maraschino cherries to the cookie dough. Use a spatula to carefully combine, ensuring not to break the cherries while evenly distributing the chocolate.

Incorporating Ingredients:

When adding the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, do it gradually. This method helps prevent overmixing, which can lead to tough cookies. Mix just until combined for the best texture.

Whisking Dry Ingredients:

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This step ensures even distribution of the leavening agent and prevents clumps, which is critical for achieving a uniform cookie texture.

Creaming Butter and Sugar:

Begin by creaming the softened butter with brown and granulated sugars until light and fluffy. This process aerates the mixture, helping the cookies rise and become tender. Aim to beat for about 3-4 minutes for optimal results.

The Complete Guide to Mastering Classic Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies

Storing Cookies:

Store baked cookies in an airtight container to retain their freshness. They can be kept at room temperature for up to a week, making them a perfect treat to enjoy anytime.

Cooling Procedure:

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This process allows them to set perfectly while maintaining their chewy center.

Monitoring Baking Time:

Keep an eye on the cookies as they bake. Remove them from the oven when the edges are golden brown but the centers still look slightly underbaked for a chewy texture.

Portioning Cookies:

Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to portion the dough onto the baking sheet. Ensure to leave enough space between each cookie to allow for spreading during baking.

Chilling Dough:

Optional, but chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes can enhance the flavors and improve the texture of the cookies, giving them a thicker and chewier consistency.

Folding in Mix-Ins:

Gently fold in the chocolate chips and maraschino cherries to the cookie dough. Use a spatula to carefully combine, ensuring not to break the cherries while evenly distributing the chocolate.

Incorporating Ingredients:

When adding the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, do it gradually. This method helps prevent overmixing, which can lead to tough cookies. Mix just until combined for the best texture.

Whisking Dry Ingredients:

Creaming Butter and Sugar:

Pro Chef Secrets for Perfect Cookies

Feel free to experiment with different mix-ins like nuts or dried fruit for added texture and flavor.

Adjust the size of the cookie dough balls for larger or smaller cookies, but be mindful of baking time.

Always use an oven thermometer to ensure your oven is at the correct temperature for baking.

Let cookies cool completely on the wire rack to maintain their chewy texture.

Decadent Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies with a Chewy Texture

Name: Decadent Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies with a Chewy Texture
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Yield: 24 cookies
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: For the Cookie Base:; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed; 3/4 cup granulated sugar; 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips; 1/2 cup maraschino cherries, chopped and drained

Indulge your sweet tooth with these Classic Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies, a delightful twist on the traditional favorite. Bursting with the rich flavors of semi-sweet chocolate chips and tangy maraschino cherries, each bite offers a perfect balance of sweetness and a hint of tartness. The chewy texture combined with a soft, buttery base creates a mouthwatering treat that will transport you to your childhood. Ideal for holiday gatherings, birthday parties, or as an afternoon snack, these cookies are sure to delight both kids and adults alike. People love them for their nostalgic charm and the way they evoke memories of festive celebrations. The vibrant red cherries add a pop of color, while the chocolate chips melt beautifully, making every cookie a joyful experience. Bake up a batch for your next event, or simply enjoy them with a glass of milk for a cozy night in. These cookies are not just a treat; they’re a taste of happiness in every bite.

Prep Time

15 Minutes

Cook Time

12 Minutes

Total Time

27 Minutes

Chef

JUE

Ingredients

For the Cookie Base:

1 cup unsalted butter, softened

3/4 cup brown sugar, packed

3/4 cup granulated sugar

1 large egg

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

1/2 cup maraschino cherries, chopped and drained

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the cookies bake evenly and achieve that perfect chewy texture.

Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until fluffy. This process typically takes about 3-4 minutes and is crucial for incorporating air into the dough.

Step 3: Add the egg and vanilla extract to the mixture, beating well until fully combined. The egg helps bind the ingredients together, contributing to the cookie's overall texture.

Step 4: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This step helps to evenly distribute the leavening agent throughout the flour.

Step 5: Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough cookies.

Step 6: Fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips and chopped maraschino cherries. The cherries should be well-drained to prevent excess moisture from affecting the cookie dough.

Step 7: Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

Step 8: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, until the edges are golden brown. The centers may look slightly underbaked, but they will firm up as they cool.

Step 9: Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 10: Enjoy your delicious Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies with a glass of milk or as a delightful treat at your next gathering!