Description of this recipe
These Cherry Chocolate Chewy Cookies are a delightful twist on the classic chocolate chip cookie, combining the rich, comforting flavors of chocolate with the sweet, tangy burst of maraschino cherries. These cookies are designed to be soft, chewy, and utterly irresistible, making them perfect for any occasion – from a simple afternoon treat to a festive holiday gathering. The vibrant red cherries not only add a pop of color but also introduce a unique flavor profile that complements the deep, decadent chocolate. This recipe is crafted to be easy to follow, ensuring that even novice bakers can achieve perfect results every time.
Why you will love this recipe
You will absolutely fall in love with these Cherry Chocolate Chewy Cookies for several reasons. First and foremost, the texture is spot on – a perfect balance of soft, chewy centers and slightly crisp edges. The combination of brown sugar and granulated sugar ensures a moist, tender crumb that stays soft for days. The addition of maraschino cherries provides a burst of sweetness and a subtle tartness that cuts through the richness of the chocolate, creating a harmonious flavor combination. The semisweet chocolate chips add a classic touch, offering a comforting, familiar element that everyone loves.
These cookies are incredibly versatile, making them ideal for any occasion. Whether you’re baking for a holiday cookie exchange, a bake sale, or simply to satisfy a sweet craving, they are guaranteed to be a hit. Plus, the recipe is easy to customize – you can add different types of chocolate, nuts, or even a sprinkle of sea salt to enhance the flavors. The vibrant red cherries make these cookies visually appealing, adding a festive touch that is especially perfect for Christmas or Valentine’s Day.
The simplicity of this recipe is another reason to adore it. With just a few basic ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up a batch of these delectable cookies in no time. The recipe is designed to be foolproof, so even if you’re not an experienced baker, you can achieve bakery-quality results with ease. The chewy texture and rich flavors make these cookies a comforting and satisfying treat that will quickly become a family favorite.
In summary, these Cherry Chocolate Chewy Cookies are a perfect blend of flavor, texture, and simplicity, making them an irresistible treat that you’ll want to bake again and again.
Ingredients:
- Unsalted butter, 1 cup (2 sticks), softened
- Granulated sugar, 1 cup
- Brown sugar, 1 cup, packed
- Large eggs, 2
- Vanilla extract, 2 teaspoons
- All-purpose flour, 3 cups
- Baking soda, 1 teaspoon
- Salt, 1/2 teaspoon
- Maraschino cherries, 1 cup, drained and chopped
- Semisweet chocolate chips, 1 cup
Preparation:
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare your baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper. This will prevent the cookies from sticking and make cleanup a breeze. Parchment paper also helps the cookies bake evenly, preventing the bottoms from burning.
Step 2: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Use an electric mixer (either a stand mixer or a handheld mixer) to beat the ingredients together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial for achieving the right texture. Creaming the butter and sugar incorporates air into the mixture, which contributes to the cookies’ soft and chewy texture. This should take about 3-5 minutes.
Step 3: Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then, stir in the vanilla extract. The eggs add moisture and richness to the cookies, while the vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor. Ensure that the eggs are at room temperature for better emulsification and a smoother batter.
Step 4: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Whisking these dry ingredients together ensures that the baking soda and salt are evenly distributed throughout the flour. This is important for proper leavening and flavor balance. Gradually blend this dry mixture into the wet butter mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough, as this can result in tough cookies.
Step 5: Gently fold in the chopped maraschino cherries and semisweet chocolate chips. Evenly distribute them throughout the dough. Folding ensures that the cherries and chocolate chips remain intact and don’t get crushed during mixing. This step adds the signature flavors and textures to the cookies.
Step 6: Drop rounded spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving enough space between each cookie to allow for spreading. Use a cookie scoop for uniform size or simply use a spoon. Aim for about 2 inches of space between each cookie.
Step 7: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are set. Keep a close eye on the cookies to prevent overbaking. Overbaked cookies will be dry and crispy, while perfectly baked cookies will be soft and chewy.
Step 8: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely. This prevents the cookies from breaking apart while they are still warm and soft. Cooling them on wire racks allows air to circulate, preventing the bottoms from becoming soggy.
COOKING Rating:
Easy
Serving Suggestions:
These Cherry Chocolate Chewy Cookies are perfect on their own with a glass of cold milk or a cup of hot coffee. They also make a wonderful addition to a dessert platter or a gift for friends and family. For an extra touch, serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. During the holidays, these cookies can be part of a festive cookie assortment or a thoughtful homemade gift.
Tips:
- Soft Butter: Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature before creaming it with the sugars. This will ensure a smooth and creamy mixture, which is essential for achieving the right texture.
- Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the dough can develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough cookies. Mix until just combined.
- Chill the Dough: For even chewier cookies, chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This will also help prevent the cookies from spreading too much in the oven.
- High-Quality Chocolate: Use high-quality semisweet chocolate chips for the best flavor. You can also experiment with different types of chocolate, such as dark chocolate or milk chocolate.
- Even Baking: Rotate the baking sheets halfway through baking to ensure even browning.
- Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Prep Time:
15 minutes
Cook Time:
10-12 minutes
Total Time:
25-27 minutes
Nutritional Information:
(Note: Nutritional information is approximate and can vary based on specific ingredients and serving size.)
Calories: Approximately 180-220 per cookie
Protein: Approximately 2-3 grams per cookie
Sodium: Approximately 50-70 milligrams per cookie
Conclusion
These Cherry Chocolate Chewy Cookies are a delightful treat that combines the best of both worlds: the comforting familiarity of chocolate chip cookies with the unique and festive flavor of maraschino cherries. The soft, chewy texture, combined with the rich flavors, makes these cookies irresistible. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply craving a sweet treat, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. The easy-to-follow instructions and simple ingredients make it accessible for bakers of all skill levels. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a batch of these delicious and memorable cookies. They’re perfect for sharing, gifting, or simply indulging in a moment of sweet bliss.
5 Questions and Answers About This Recipe
Q1: Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries?
A: While you can use fresh cherries, keep in mind that they will have a different flavor and moisture content than maraschino cherries. Fresh cherries are less sweet and more tart, so you may want to add a bit more sugar to the recipe to compensate. Also, make sure to pit and chop the fresh cherries before adding them to the dough. The texture and overall flavor profile will be different, but it can still be a delicious variation.
Q2: Can I freeze the cookie dough for later use?
A: Absolutely! Freezing the cookie dough is a great way to have fresh cookies on hand whenever you want them. Simply scoop the dough into individual portions and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze them until solid, then transfer the frozen dough balls to a freezer bag or airtight container. When you’re ready to bake, you can bake them directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Q3: What can I substitute for vanilla extract if I don’t have any on hand?
A: If you don’t have vanilla extract, you can use other flavorings such as almond extract, maple extract, or even a pinch of cinnamon. These alternatives will add a different flavor dimension to the cookies, but they can still be delicious. Alternatively, you can simply omit the vanilla extract – the cookies will still be tasty, although they may lack a bit of depth in flavor.
Q4: How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too thin while baking?
A: To prevent the cookies from spreading too thin, make sure your butter is not too soft. It should be softened but still cool to the touch. Chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking can also help prevent excessive spreading. Additionally, ensure that your oven temperature is accurate, and avoid using greased baking sheets – parchment paper is the best option for preventing sticking and controlling spread.
Q5: Can I add nuts to this recipe?
A: Yes, adding nuts can be a great way to enhance the flavor and texture of these cookies. Chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds would all be delicious additions. Simply fold them into the dough along with the maraschino cherries and chocolate chips. About 1/2 to 1 cup of chopped nuts should be a good amount, but you can adjust according to your preference.
