If you’re craving a cookie that perfectly blends fruity sweetness and rich chocolate, you’re in for a treat with the Cherry Kiss Cookies: Delightful Cherry and Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe. These cookies capture the bright cheer of maraschino cherries mingled with melty chocolate chips, all wrapped up in a tender, buttery dough. Each bite is a warm hug of chewy, soft cookie goodness with that pop of cherry and chocolate that keeps you coming back for more. They are simple to make but deliver big on flavor, making them a fantastic choice for both casual snacking and festive occasions.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started with this recipe is a breeze because it uses straightforward ingredients that you likely have on hand. Each component plays a special role: the butter and sugars ensure a rich, chewy base, the flour gives structure, and the cherries and chocolate chips bring bursts of flavor and color that make these cookies stand out.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Provides a creamy base, essential for that tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create those slightly crisp edges.
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed: Contributes moisture and a subtle caramel note for depth.
- 2 large eggs: Bind everything together and add to the cookie’s softness.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with a warm, fragrant touch.
- 3 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation that gives the cookies structure and chew.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Provides leavening to keep the cookies light and fluffy.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and heightens the other flavors.
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips: Offers gooey pockets of chocolate in every bite.
- 1 cup chopped maraschino cherries, drained and rinsed: Brings a bright, sweet chewiness and festive red color.
- ¼ cup powdered sugar (for dusting): Adds an elegant finishing touch with a gentle sweetness and pretty appearance.
How to Make Cherry Kiss Cookies: Delightful Cherry and Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Begin by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure your cookies bake evenly and come right off the sheet when done. This little prep step makes the entire process smoother, so don’t skip it!
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with both granulated and brown sugars until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This creaming process is key to the cookie’s texture — it incorporates air, helping your cookies rise and get that perfect soft chew.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Next, beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract until everything is combined. This adds depth of flavor and moisture to your dough.
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Mixing these dry ingredients separately helps to evenly distribute the leavening agent and salt throughout the dough, preventing any lumps and ensuring consistent flavor.
Step 5: Combine Mixtures
Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be mindful not to overmix here — overworking the dough can make your cookies tough instead of soft and tender.
Step 6: Fold in Chocolate Chips and Cherries
Gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips and chopped maraschino cherries. This step is where your cookie dough starts looking and smelling irresistible. The cherries add lovely bursts of fruity sweetness balanced by the rich chocolate.
Step 7: Scoop the Dough
Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto your prepared baking sheet. Space them about 2 inches apart to give room for spreading. Getting the size and spacing right helps the cookies bake evenly and develop perfect edges.
Step 8: Bake
Bake your dough in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, watching carefully for the edges to turn a light golden hue while the centers stay set but soft. This baking time ensures a cookie that’s chewy in the center with just the right crispness at the edges.
Step 9: Cool and Dust
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cool, dust them lightly with powdered sugar to add that delightful touch of sweetness and an elegant, snowy look that makes these Cherry Kiss Cookies truly shine.
How to Serve Cherry Kiss Cookies: Delightful Cherry and Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your cookies further, consider a gentle dusting of powdered sugar just before serving—it adds a pretty finish and a touch of sweetness that’s sure to impress. For a more playful take, a drizzle of melted white chocolate or a few extra whole cherries on top can make these cookies feel even more festive.
Side Dishes
These Cherry Kiss Cookies pair beautifully with a cold glass of milk or a steaming cup of tea or coffee. If you’re serving them at a party or gathering, offering a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a simple whipped cream dollop on the side creates a delightful dessert experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Present these cookies on a decorative platter lined with parchment or doilies for a charming look. For gifts, stack a few in a clear cellophane bag tied with a ribbon. And if you want to get extra creative, sandwich two cookies with a layer of cherry jam or chocolate ganache—turning your Cherry Kiss Cookies into irresistible little cookie sandwiches!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once your cookies have cooled completely, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to a week, making them a great make-ahead treat to enjoy throughout the week or share with friends.
Freezing
You can freeze both the cookie dough and the baked cookies. To freeze dough, shape into balls, place them on a tray to freeze solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Frozen dough balls can be baked straight from the freezer—just add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time. Baked cookies freeze well in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to three months.
Reheating
To bring your Cherry Kiss Cookies back to that freshly baked warmth, reheat them gently in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 to 7 minutes, or pop them in the microwave for about 10 seconds. This makes the chocolate melty again and the cookie soft and inviting like they just came out of the oven.
FAQs
Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries?
Fresh cherries can be a delicious alternative, but they have a higher moisture content. If using fresh cherries, chop them well, and pat them dry to prevent your cookie dough from becoming too wet. Keep in mind this may slightly change the texture and flavor.
Is it possible to make these cookies vegan?
Yes! To make vegan Cherry Kiss Cookies, substitute butter with a plant-based margarine or coconut oil, use flax eggs or another egg replacement, and ensure your chocolate chips are dairy-free. The cherries are already vegan-friendly.
Why do my cookies sometimes turn out flat?
Flat cookies often result from overmixing dough, not chilling it, or using melted butter. For fluffy, soft cookies, mix the ingredients just until combined and use softened butter, not melted. You might also try chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking.
Can I swap semi-sweet chocolate chips for other types of chocolate?
Absolutely! Feel free to use milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even white chocolate chips based on your preference. Each will bring a different flavor profile but all work beautifully in this recipe.
Should I rinse the maraschino cherries before adding them to the dough?
Yes, rinsing and draining the maraschino cherries removes excess syrup, which helps keep the dough from becoming too sticky or overly sweet. Give them a good rinse and dry before chopping them up for the best results.
Final Thoughts
Now that you have the full lowdown on making these irresistible treats, it’s time to get baking! The Cherry Kiss Cookies: Delightful Cherry and Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe is one of those magical recipes that brings joy with every bite — perfect for sharing or indulging all by yourself. So grab your ingredients, enjoy the process, and get ready to savor cookies that feel like sweet little bursts of happiness. Happy baking!
Print
Cherry Kiss Cookies: Delightful Cherry and Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 12 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Cherry Kiss Cookies are a delightful treat combining the classic flavors of semi-sweet chocolate chips and maraschino cherries folded into a soft, buttery cookie dough. Perfectly baked to a golden edge with a soft center, these cookies are finished with a dusting of powdered sugar to add a touch of sweetness and elegance. This recipe yields 12 delicious cookies, ideal for sharing or enjoying as a special homemade dessert.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
Add-ins
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup chopped maraschino cherries, drained and rinsed
Finishing
- ¼ cup powdered sugar (for dusting)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, use a mixer to cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and well combined, creating a smooth base for your cookies.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, incorporating each fully before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and homogenous.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening and seasoning throughout the dry mix.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender and soft.
- Fold in Chocolate Chips and Cherries: Carefully fold the semi-sweet chocolate chips and chopped maraschino cherries into the dough, making sure they are evenly distributed without breaking the cherries too much.
- Scoop the Dough: Using a cookie scoop or a tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them approximately 2 inches apart to allow room for spreading.
- Bake the Cookies: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. The cookies should have lightly golden edges and set centers when done.
- Cool on Baking Sheet: Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool for 5 minutes on the baking sheet; this helps them firm up before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Dust with Powdered Sugar: Once completely cooled, dust the cookies evenly with powdered sugar to add a final touch of sweetness and a beautiful presentation.
Notes
- For best results, ensure the butter is softened but not melted to achieve the perfect creaming texture.
- Draining and rinsing the maraschino cherries helps prevent excess moisture from affecting cookie texture.
- Do not overmix the dough after adding the flour to maintain tender cookies.
- Cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- To prevent the cookies from spreading too much, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking if desired.
