Heavenly Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies are a delightful treat that combines the rich flavors of chocolate chips with the sweet and tangy taste of maraschino cherries. These cookies are soft, chewy, and bursting with flavor, making them a perfect dessert for any occasion!

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup brown sugar (packed)
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 cup maraschino cherries (drained and chopped)
• 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional, such as walnuts or pecans)

Timing

Making Heavenly Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies takes about 15 minutes for preparation and 10-12 minutes for baking.

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 2: Make the Cookie Dough

1. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
2. Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
4. Mix Together: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

Step 3: Fold in Add-Ins

1. Add Chocolate Chips and Cherries: Gently fold in the chocolate chips, chopped maraschino cherries, and nuts (if using) until evenly distributed.

Step 4: Bake the Cookies

1. Scoop Dough: Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
2. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers look set.
3. Cool: Remove from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 5: Serve

1. Enjoy: Serve the cookies warm or at room temperature. They can be stored in an airtight container for several days.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick overview of the nutritional content of Heavenly Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies (per cookie, based on 24 cookies):

Nutrient	Amount per Cookie
Calories	180
Protein	2g
Fat	8g
Carbohydrates	26g
Fiber	1g
Sugar	12g

Tips for Customization

• Different Cherries: Substitute maraschino cherries with dried cherries or cranberries for a different flavor.
• Add Spices: Incorporate a pinch of cinnamon or almond extract for extra flavor.
• Chocolate Variations: Use white chocolate chips or dark chocolate for a unique twist.

Conclusion

Heavenly Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies are a delightful combination of flavors that will satisfy your sweet tooth. With their chewy texture and bursts of cherry and chocolate, these cookies are sure to be a hit with family and friends!