Name: Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 2⅔ cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1 cup salted sweet cream butter (softened); ½ cup granulated sugar; ⅔ cup light brown sugar (packed); 1 large egg (room temperature); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; ¼ teaspoon almond extract; 2 tablespoons reserved cherry juice; 2 to 3 drops pink food color; 1 cup maraschino cherries (drained and chopped); 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips

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There’s something so wonderfully comforting about baking a batch of Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies. I still remember the first time I baked these cookies with my grandmother during summer breaks. The aroma that wafted through the kitchen as the cookies baked was simply irresistible. As we mixed the dough, she always said, ‘A little chocolate makes everything better,’ and she couldn’t have been more right! The sweetness of the cherries combined with the rich chocolate chips creates a delightful combination that brings back memories of laughter and joy. These cookies are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family gathering or a cozy night in with a glass of milk. Every bite is a little piece of heaven, and they’re always a hit with friends and family!

Recipe Snapshot

Total Time:
25 mins

Prep Time:
15 mins

Cook Time:
10 mins

Difficulty:
Medium

Calories:
150 kcal

Protein:
2 g

Diet:
Gluten-Free

Fat:
7 g

Tools Used:
Whisk, Oven, Chef’s Knife, Mixing Bowl, Baking Sheet

Why This Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies Shines

Uniquely Delicious Flavor

The first reason to love these Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies is the unique flavor combination. The tartness of the cherries balances perfectly with the sweetness of the chocolate chips, creating a delightful treat that satisfies a variety of taste buds.

Perfect Texture

These cookies boast the perfect texture. They’re chewy on the inside, with crispy edges that give a satisfying crunch. This delightful contrast keeps you coming back for more!

Easy to Make

Even if you’re a beginner in the kitchen, these cookies are easy to whip up. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll have a delicious batch in no time!

Customizable

Another fantastic aspect of these cookies is their versatility. You can add nuts, swap in different types of chocolate, or even throw in a sprinkle of sea salt for a gourmet twist!

Great for Any Occasion

Whether it’s a birthday party, a holiday celebration, or just a cozy evening at home, these cookies are perfect for any occasion. They’re sure to impress guests and family alike!

Make Ahead and Freeze

These cookies are also freezer-friendly! You can prepare the dough ahead of time and freeze it, making it easy to bake fresh cookies whenever the craving strikes.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies

When it comes to baking the perfect batch of cookies, the ingredients you choose play a crucial role. For these Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies, each component is selected to enhance the flavor and texture of the final cookie. The combination of all-purpose flour, butter, and chocolate chips creates the classic base, while the addition of maraschino cherries and almond extract adds a burst of flavor that truly makes these cookies special.

2⅔ cups all-purpose flour – This is the backbone of our cookie, providing structure and texture.
1 teaspoon baking soda – This ingredient helps the cookies rise and become fluffy.
1 cup salted sweet cream butter (softened) – Adding richness and a buttery flavor to the cookies.
½ cup granulated sugar – For sweetness and a tender texture.
⅔ cup light brown sugar (packed) – Adds moisture and a hint of caramel flavor.
1 large egg (room temperature) – Binds the ingredients together and adds richness.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Essential for enhancing the overall flavor.
¼ teaspoon almond extract – Gives a lovely nutty flavor that complements the cherries.
2 tablespoons reserved cherry juice – Infuses the dough with a cherry flavor.
2 to 3 drops pink food color – Just a touch of color to make the cookies visually appealing.
1 cup maraschino cherries (drained and chopped) – Provides bursts of sweetness and cherry flavor.
2 cups semisweet chocolate chips – The classic addition for a rich chocolatey taste.

Step by Step Guide for Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies

Getting ready to bake some delicious cookies? The process for making these Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies is straightforward and fun! Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and let’s get started. You’ll have a mouthwatering batch ready in no time!

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside. This step ensures your cookies bake evenly and don’t stick to the pan.
Using a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together the flour and baking soda. This helps to incorporate air into the mixture, which is key for fluffy cookies.
In a separate bowl, using either a stand mixer or a medium-sized mixing bowl with a handheld mixer, on medium-high speed, beat the softened butter for about one minute until smooth. You want it to be creamy and well-aerated.
Add the granulated sugar and light brown sugar, continuing to mix for one to one and a half minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy. This is where the cookies begin to come to life!
Crack in the egg, and pour in the vanilla extract, almond extract, and reserved cherry juice. Mix until everything is well combined and smooth.
Lower the mixer speed to medium and gradually add the flour mixture. Mix just until incorporated; overmixing can lead to tough cookies, and we want them to be soft and chewy!
Next, add the pink food coloring and mix until the color is evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Gently fold in the chopped maraschino cherries and semisweet chocolate chips with a spatula. This ensures the cherries and chocolate are well distributed without breaking them apart.
Using a one tablespoon cookie scoop, scoop the dough and place it on the prepared baking sheet. Make sure to space the dough about two inches apart for even baking.
Bake the cookies for ten to twelve minutes until the edges are just golden. They will continue to cook a bit once removed from the oven, so don’t overbake!
Allow the cookies to rest on the baking sheet for three to four minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack. This helps maintain their shape and texture as they cool down.
Once cooled completely, enjoy your delicious Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies with a glass of milk or a cup of tea!

Things Worth Knowing

Always use room temperature butter for a smoother dough and better incorporation of ingredients.
Try mixing in a variety of chocolate chips such as dark or milk chocolate for different flavor profiles.
For a chewier cookie, consider chilling the dough for at least an hour before baking.
Experiment with adding nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, for added texture and flavor.

How to Switch It Up

If you’re looking for ways to customize your Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies, you’re in luck! There are many fun variations you can try to put your own spin on this classic recipe.

Storage: Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days.
Freezing: You can freeze the dough before baking. Scoop the dough onto a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag. When ready, bake straight from the freezer, just add a minute or two to the baking time.
Pairing: These cookies pair perfectly with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a delightful dessert.
Add-ins: Feel free to mix in some chopped nuts or substitute half the chocolate chips with peanut butter chips for a unique flavor combination.
Seasonal Variations: During the holidays, add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, spiced flavor.
Make it Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to cater to dietary needs.

Serving Options for Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies

When it comes to serving your Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies, the options are endless! Here are some fun ideas to elevate your cookie experience:

With Milk: A classic pairing that never gets old. Dip your cookies in a cold glass of milk for the perfect treat.
Ice Cream Sandwiches: Use two cookies to make ice cream sandwiches. Choose your favorite flavor, and you’ll have a delightful dessert!
As Party Favors: These cookies make excellent party favors. Package them in cute bags for guests to take home.
On a Dessert Table: Include these cookies as part of a dessert spread at gatherings. They pair well with fruit, cakes, and other sweets.
During the Holidays: Perfect for cookie exchanges, these cookies can be decorated with festive sprinkles for a holiday touch.
Gifts: Bake a batch and gift them to friends or family. Everyone loves homemade cookies!
Picnic Treats: These cookies are easy to pack and perfect for a picnic with friends or family outdoors.

FAQ

Absolutely! Fresh cherries can be a delightful alternative to maraschino cherries. Just make sure to pit and chop them finely to ensure they blend well into the cookie dough. Fresh cherries can add a nice burst of flavor and a slightly different texture to your Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies.

To keep your Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They can last for up to five days. If you want to keep them for a longer period, consider freezing them. Just make sure they are completely cooled before wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap or placing them in a freezer-safe bag.

Yes! You can prepare the cookie dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to three days. Just make sure to cover it tightly to prevent it from drying out. You can also scoop the dough into balls and freeze them for an even quicker baking option. When you’re ready to bake, just add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.

The secret to chewy Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies lies in the combination of butter and sugars. The butter provides a rich flavor, and when you use both brown and white sugars, the brown sugar adds moisture which contributes to the chewiness. Additionally, the baking soda helps create a softer texture, resulting in cookies that are perfectly chewy.

Conclusion

The Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies are a perfect blend of sweet and tart, making them a delightful treat any time of year. With their chewy texture and rich flavor, they can brighten up any day. I encourage you to try baking a batch soon; you’ll love how easy it is and how delicious they turn out!