Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies – Immerse yourself in the world of Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies, where sweetness and tenderness unite. These cookies, roused by American-style desserts are a vision come true for those, with a love for all things. In 40 minutes you’ll have a batch of 20 mouthwatering cookies to be savored. Let’s dig into this recipe that’s sure to please your desire for something sugary.
The narrative behind these Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies started when I stumbled upon a jar of cherries in my pantry. Unsure how to put them to use I decided to get creative with a chocolate chip cookie recipe. Little did I know that this straightforward experiment would become an instant family choice! The first time I made these cookies my husband and child couldn’t resist them. Their faces lit up with delight as they enjoyed each bite turning it into a cherished tradition in our household.
What makes this Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies truly special?
What makes these cookies truly special is their medley of flavors and their charming pink impression. The maraschino cherries offer a burst of sweetness and a subtle hint of flavor while the semi-sweet chocolate chips provide a melty contrast. Their light pink hue makes them visually stunning. Ideal, for marking affairs like Valentine’s Day or birthdays. A touch of nostalgia, with a touch of innovation. They set a spin on the chocolate chip cookie. Assured to grab hearts and taste buds alike.
What You Need To Make This Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe?
Butter: Think of butter as the conductor, in this symphony of flavors. The softened unsalted butter adds a richness to our cookie dough ensuring that each bite melts in your mouth. When it’s time to combine the ingredients make sure the butter is at room temperature; this will help it blend smoothly and evenly.
Brown Sugar: Light brown sugar brings sweetness and depth to these cookies. It’s the dance between the sugar and butter that creates that irresistible caramel-like flavor. It’s like an embrace, for your taste buds.
Egg and Extracts: Our recipe calls for an egg and a touch of vanilla and almond extracts. These ingredients infuse our cookies with a comforting aroma. Create an orchestra of mouthwatering flavors. The extracts add layers of deliciousness while the egg binds everything together resulting in a texture.
Pink Gel Food Coloring: For a touch add a dash of gel food coloring to give these cookies their charming pink hue. Remember to use it as even a small amount goes a long way. This subtle hint of color not only delights the eye. Also surprises your loved ones when they take their first bite.
All-Purpose Flour: Our reliable all-purpose flour gives the cookies their structure and stability. It ensures a texture, neither dense nor too crumbly. It’s, like a canvas where our cookie masterpiece comes to life.
Baking Soda and Salt: These unsung heroes are vital for cookie chemistry. Baking soda adds a lift making the cookies soft and tender. A pinch of salt enhances all the flavors creating a balance that keeps you coming for more.
Maraschino Cherries: Finely chopped maraschino cherries take center stage in our recipe. These vibrant and sweet cherries provide bursts of fruity goodness with a hint of almond essence. Make sure to drain them before chopping to prevent moisture in the dough.
Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: What would a cookie be, without chocolate? Semi-sweet chocolate chips create pockets of gooey chocolatey goodness. They melt in your mouth perfectly complementing the sweetness of the cherries. Feel free to add chips on top for a burst of chocolaty delight!
Steps To Make Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies:
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
Step 2: In a mixing bowl use a mixer to beat the butter and light brown sugar together for about a minute until they are well combined. Then add the egg and extracts, to the mixture and beat again.
Step 3: To achieve the desired color add an amount of pink gel food coloring and mix it in.
Step 4: In a bowl whisk together the flour baking soda and salt. Gradually add these ingredients into the wet ingredients while mixing by hand with a spatula.
Step 5: Carefully fold in the chopped cherries and semi-sweet chocolate chips. The batter will become thick and beautifully colorful.
Step 6: Using a cookie scoop drop dough balls onto a baking sheet lined with silicone. For an appeal press additional cherries and chocolate chips onto the outside of each dough ball.
Step 7: Bake, for 14 to 16 minutes being careful not to overbake. The cookies should maintain their color. Turn out soft and chewy.
Step 8: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 15 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack.
Tip:
When working with cherries in this recipe it’s important to pay attention to their moisture levels. Maraschino cherries are generally preserved in syrup. If too much moisture gets into your cookie dough it can affect the final outcome.
Here’s how you can properly prepare your cherries:
1. Drain Thoroughly: Start by draining the cherries from their syrup using a sieve or strainer. Let them sit for a moment to allow any excess syrup to drip away.
2. Gently Pat Dry: To remove any remaining moisture softly pat the cherries dry, with a paper towel. There’s no need to squeeze them; gentle patting will do. This step is crucial as it helps prevent moisture from changing the texture of your cookie dough.
3. Chop with Care: Once the cherries are well drained and dried finely chop them. The goal is to distribute these pieces throughout the dough ensuring bursts of cherry flavor in every bite.
By following these steps to ensure that your maraschino cherries are thoroughly drained and dried you’ll maintain cookie texture and retain their vibrant pink color. This attention to detail will elevate your Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies making them a delightful treat, for any occasion. Enjoy baking!
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use regular food coloring instead of gel food coloring?
Of course! You can definitely use food coloring instead of gel food coloring. Just be careful, with the amount you use as adding much might change the consistency of the dough. Gel food coloring is often recommended for achieving vibrant colors.
Can I freeze the cookie dough for later use?
Absolutely! Freezing the cookie dough, for later use is an idea. You can scoop out the dough. Freeze it in balls. When you’re ready to bake simply let them thaw slightly and follow the baking instructions as usual.
How long can I store these cookies?
If stored in an airtight container these cookies should stay fresh for 3 to 4 days. Alternatively you can also freeze them for longer-term storage if needed.
Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies
Ingredients
- 1/4 c ½ stick unsalted butter, softened (approximately 57g)
- ¾ c light brown sugar approximately 150g
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ⅛ teaspoon almond extract
- Small amount of pink gel food coloring
- 1 ½ c all-purpose flour approximately 180g
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¾ c drained & finely chopped maraschino cherries
- ¾ c semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350º F (175º C).
- In a bowl use a mixer to combine softened butter and light brown sugar for 1 minute. Then add the egg and both extracts and mix more.
- To achieve your desired shade incorporate an amount of pink gel food coloring into the mixture and blend well.
- In another bowl whisk together flour, baking soda and salt. Gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients while gently mixing with a spatula.
- Fold in the chopped cherries and semi-sweet chocolate chips until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Use a cookie scoop to drop portions of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- Press cherries and chocolate chips, onto each dough balls surface for an appealing appearance.
- Place in the oven. Bake for 14 to 16 minutes until the cookies have a golden color, at their edges. Be careful not to overbake them so that they maintain their hue.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 15 minutes before transferring them onto a cooling rack. Once cooled savor every bite! Indulge, in the experience of savoring your exquisite Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies!
Notes
