Ingredients:
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
1 cup maraschino cherries, chopped and drained
Optional: 1 teaspoon almond extract for enhanced flavor
Instructions:
Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line cookie sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
Cream Butter and Sugars:
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
Add Eggs and Vanilla:
Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Add almond extract here if using.
Combine Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
Add Chocolate Chips and Cherries:
Fold in the chocolate chips and chopped maraschino cherries, ensuring they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Form the Cookies:
Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared cookie sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Bake:
Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
Cool:
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your Maraschino Cherry Chip Cookies with a glass of milk or your favorite beverage.
Storage:
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
These cookies offer a wonderful balance of flavors with the sweetness of maraschino cherries and the depth of chocolate chips. They’re perfect for special occasions, holidays, or as a delightful treat to brighten any day. Enjoy baking and sharing these unique and flavorful cookies!