Description
Soft, chewy, and filled with melty chocolate chips and juicy maraschino cherries, these cookies are the ultimate festive treat. With their vibrant pink hue and rich flavor, they’re perfect for Christmas, Valentine’s Day, birthdays, or any time you want a dessert that stands out on the table.
Ingredients
Base Dough
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1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
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1 cup granulated sugar
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½ cup light brown sugar, packed
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2 large eggs, room temperature
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1 tsp pure vanilla extract
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½ tsp almond extract (optional, enhances cherry flavor)
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2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
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1 tsp baking soda
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½ tsp baking powder
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½ tsp salt
Mix-ins
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1 cup maraschino cherries, well-drained, patted dry, and chopped
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1 ½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips (or chunks)
Optional Variations
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½ tsp red gel food coloring (for deeper pink hue)
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½ cup white chocolate chips
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½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts
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½ tsp ground cinnamon
Instructions
1️⃣ Prepare the Cherries
• Drain maraschino cherries thoroughly and pat dry with paper towels.
• Chop into small pieces and toss lightly with 1 tbsp flour.
2️⃣ Cream the Butter and Sugars
• In a large bowl, cream softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar for 2–3 minutes until fluffy.
3️⃣ Add Eggs and Flavoring
• Beat in eggs one at a time.
• Stir in vanilla extract and almond extract.
4️⃣ Mix Dry Ingredients
• In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
• Slowly add dry mixture into the wet ingredients until just combined.
5️⃣ Fold in Mix-ins
• Gently fold in cherries and chocolate chips.
• Mix in food coloring, nuts, or white chocolate if desired.
6️⃣ Chill the Dough (Optional)
• Cover the bowl and chill for at least 1 hour for thicker cookies.
7️⃣ Bake the Cookies
• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
• Scoop dough into 2-tbsp balls, spacing 2 inches apart.
• Bake for 10–12 minutes until edges are golden but centers are soft.
8️⃣ Cool and Serve
• Let cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
• Enjoy warm or store in an airtight container.
Notes
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Cherries must be dried well: Too much syrup will cause spreading.
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Flour measurement tip: Always spoon flour into the cup and level with a knife — scooping can add too much.
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Chilling is optional but recommended: It enhances thickness and chewiness.
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Baking surfaces: Use parchment or silicone mats for best results; avoid greased pans.
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Make-ahead: Freeze dough balls for up to 2 months and bake straight from frozen with 2 extra minutes.
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Flavor twists: Try adding almond extract, white chocolate chips, or sprinkles for seasonal flair.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Cookies
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American