Description
Classic maraschino cherry delight cookies merge sweet nostalgia with simple baking techniques. Crisp edges, tender centers, and delicate cherry flavor invite bakers to create memorable treats that spark joy and connection.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup (226 grams) unsalted butter, at room temp
- 2 large eggs
- 3 cups (360 grams) all-purpose flour
- 1¼ cups (267 grams) light brown sugar
- ¼ cup (50 grams) granulated sugar
- 2 cups (12 oz) semi-sweet chocolate chips, plus extra for garnish
- 1 cup drained & finely chopped maraschino cherries, plus extra for garnish
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp cornstarch
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
- ⅛ tsp almond extract
- small amount of pink gel food coloring
Instructions
- Preparation Groundwork: Meticulously sift flour and whisk together with cornstarch, baking soda, and salt in a mixing bowl, ensuring a uniform dry ingredient foundation.
- Butter Transformation: Cream butter with granulated and brown sugars until the mixture becomes pale and voluminous, then seamlessly blend in eggs, vanilla, and almond extracts to create a smooth, aromatic base.
- Color and Texture Enhancement: Delicately pat maraschino cherries dry and finely dice, then infuse the dough with a soft pink gel food coloring, stirring until the hue is evenly distributed.
- Dough Assembly: Gradually fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients at low speed, creating a thick, cohesive dough. Gently incorporate chopped cherries and chocolate chips, ensuring an even dispersion of each delectable element.
- Shaping and Positioning: Preheat the oven to 350º F (177º C) and line a baking sheet with a silicone mat or parchment paper. Sculpt the dough into generous spheres using a cookie scoop, strategically pressing additional chocolate chips and cherry pieces onto the surface.
- Baking Precision: Arrange cookies on the prepared baking sheet with ample spacing, then bake for 10-13 minutes, vigilantly monitoring to preserve the cookies’ vibrant color and tender texture.
- Cooling and Finishing: Allow cookies to rest on the baking sheet for 15 minutes, then carefully transfer to a wire rack for complete cooling, ensuring a perfect, delightful treat.
Notes
- Precision Matters: Sift flour carefully and spoon into measuring cups to avoid dense, heavy cookies that can ruin the delicate texture.
- Cherry Preparation: Pat maraschino cherries completely dry to prevent excess moisture from making cookies soggy or affecting overall consistency.
- Color Control: Use gel food coloring sparingly for a soft pink hue; overmixing can create uneven color and alter cookie texture.
- Baking Vigilance: Monitor cookies closely during the 10-13 minute baking window to maintain their vibrant color and prevent over-browning.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes (per batch)
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 25
- Calories: 193
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 87 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 38 mg