Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies

Instructions:

1. Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.

2. Cream the Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is smooth and fluffy.

3. Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring they are fully blended before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract for an extra layer of flavor.

4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the butter mixture until just combined, careful not to overmix.

5. Add Cherries and Chocolate Chips: Gently fold in the halved maraschino cherries and semisweet chocolate chips, making sure they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.

6. Shape the Cookies: Drop rounded tablespoons of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading during baking.

7. Bake: Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are a light golden brown.

8. Cool and Enjoy: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer them to wire racks to cool completely before serving.

Nutrition Info:

– Calories: 180 kcal per cookie
– Yields: 36 cookies

Total Time: 32 minutes (Prep: 20 minutes | Cook: 12 minutes)