The scent of freshly baked cookies wafts through the air, enveloping you in a warm embrace that promises indulgence. Chocolate cherry cookies are not just a treat; they are a celebration of flavors that dance together like old friends at a reunion. For more inspiration, check out this more dinner ideas recipe.
Imagine biting into a soft, chewy cookie where rich chocolate meets the tartness of cherries, creating an explosion of taste that’ll make your taste buds sing. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, hosting a game night, or simply treating yourself after a long day, these cookies will elevate any occasion and leave everyone begging for the recipe.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These chocolate cherry cookies are super easy to whip up, making them perfect for any level of baker
- The delightful combination of chocolate and cherry creates an irresistible flavor profile that everyone will adore
- Their rich color and texture make them visually appealing on any dessert table
- Plus, they’re versatile enough to be enjoyed warm or cooled down with a glass of milk
I remember the first time I made these chocolate cherry cookies for my family; their faces lit up like Christmas morning when they took their first bites.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish: For more inspiration, check out this delicious dessert recipes recipe.
- All-Purpose Flour: A staple in every kitchen, it gives structure to your cookies while keeping them soft.
- Cocoa Powder: Use unsweetened cocoa powder for a deep chocolate flavor that perfectly complements the cherries.
- Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the deal! Adjust it if you prefer less sweetness.
- Brown Sugar: Adds moisture and a hint of caramel flavor that pairs beautifully with chocolate.
- Baking Soda: This little magic ingredient helps cookies rise and become fluffy.
- Salt: A pinch is essential for balancing sweetness and enhancing overall flavor.
- Unsalted Butter: Softened butter ensures your cookies are rich and tender; don’t skimp on quality!
- Eggs: They bind everything together and add richness to your dough.
- Vanilla Extract: A splash elevates the flavor profile; go for pure extract if possible!
- Dried Cherries: Choose plump ones for juicy bursts in every bite; they add tangy goodness.
- Chocolate Chips: Semi-sweet chips provide melty pockets of chocolate goodness throughout each cookie.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Preheat Your Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cleanup and perfect cookie release.
Create Your Cookie Dough: In a large mixing bowl, cream together softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy—about 3-4 minutes should do it!
Add Eggs and Flavorings: Beat in one egg at a time along with vanilla extract until well combined. You’ll love how aromatic this gets!
Sift Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Sifting helps combine everything evenly while adding lightness.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Avoid overmixing; we want tender cookies!
Add Cherries and Chocolate Chips: Gently fold in dried cherries and chocolate chips until evenly distributed throughout the dough. This is where things get exciting!
Scoop and Bake: Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop rounded tablespoons onto prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges look set but centers remain soft.
When you take them out of the oven, let them cool on the baking sheets for five minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
Now that you have mastered these delightful chocolate cherry cookies, prepare yourself for compliments! The chewy texture combined with bursts of cherry sweetness creates an unforgettable experience that everyone will cherish. Enjoy them fresh from the oven or store them in an airtight container for later indulgence—if they last that long!
You Must Know
- These Chocolate Cherry Cookies are a delightful mix of flavors and textures
- They combine the richness of chocolate with the tartness of cherries, creating an irresistible treat
- The aroma alone will have your neighbors knocking at your door, begging for a taste!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
To achieve cookie perfection, start by creaming the butter and sugar until fluffy. Then, gradually mix in the dry ingredients, folding in the chocolate chips and cherries last for even distribution.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap dark chocolate for milk chocolate or add nuts for an extra crunch. You can also substitute dried cherries if fresh ones aren’t available!
Storing & Reheating
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain freshness. For reheating, pop them in the microwave for a few seconds to restore their gooey texture.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Using room temperature ingredients helps achieve a smoother batter
- Avoid overmixing your dough; it makes cookies tough instead of chewy
- Chilling the dough for 30 minutes enhances flavor and texture significantly
Sometimes I wonder if my oven is secretly a magician—every time I bake these cookies, they disappear faster than I can say “chocolate cherry!”
FAQ
What type of cherries should I use for these cookies?
Fresh or frozen cherries work well; just ensure they are pitted before use.
How long do Chocolate Cherry Cookies stay fresh?
They remain fresh for about one week when stored properly in an airtight container.
Can I freeze these cookies?
Yes, you can freeze baked cookies by placing them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
Chocolate Cherry Cookies
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
Description
Indulge in the delightful fusion of flavors with our Chocolate Cherry Cookies! These soft, chewy treats combine rich chocolate and tart cherries for an irresistible bite that will elevate any occasion. Perfect for celebrations or a cozy night in, these cookies are sure to impress family and friends—everyone will be asking for your secret recipe!
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup dried cherries, chopped
- 3/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, cream together softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy (about 3-4 minutes).
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
- In another bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually mix into the wet ingredients until just combined.
- Fold in dried cherries and chocolate chips gently.
- Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are set but centers remain soft. Cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to wire racks.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 75mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg