Chocolate Cherry Cookies are like little bites of happiness wrapped in a warm, gooey hug. Imagine sinking your teeth into a soft cookie that bursts with rich chocolate and the tangy sweetness of cherries. The aroma wafts through your kitchen, making you feel like a culinary wizard. Perfect for family gatherings, cozy evenings, or just because you deserve a treat, these cookies promise to be an unforgettable experience.
I remember the first time I baked Chocolate Cherry Cookies. My friends were over for a movie night, and I decided to whip up something special. As soon as they took a bite, their eyes lit up with joy. It was like I had discovered the secret to happiness! Now, every time I make them, I can’t help but recall that magical night filled with laughter and crumbs.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These Chocolate Cherry Cookies are easy to prepare and require minimal effort for maximum flavor
- The combination of chocolate and cherries creates a delightful flavor explosion in every bite
- They look gorgeous on any dessert platter, making them perfect for entertaining guests
- These cookies are versatile enough to enjoy anytime – whether with coffee in the morning or as an afternoon pick-me-up
Baking these cookies always brings back fond memories of laughter and shared moments around the kitchen table.
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: This is the backbone of your cookies; use a high-quality brand for best results.
- Cocoa Powder: Opt for unsweetened cocoa powder to balance the sweetness from the cherries perfectly.
- Baking Soda: This helps your cookies rise beautifully; don’t skip it!
- Salt: A pinch enhances all flavors; it’s like magic for your taste buds.
- Unsalted Butter: Use softened butter for that rich flavor; let it sit out before baking.
- Granulated Sugar: Sweetens your cookies while adding crispness; adjust if you prefer less sweetness.
- Brown Sugar: Adds moisture and depth; go for light or dark based on your preference.
- Eggs: Bind everything together; room temperature eggs create smoother dough.
- Vanilla Extract: Always opt for pure vanilla extract to elevate your cookie’s aroma and taste.
- Dried Cherries: Choose plump cherries for the best chewy texture and sweet-tart flavor contrast.
- Chocolate Chips: Semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips are ideal for that melty goodness in every bite.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Preheat oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare two baking sheets lined with parchment paper for easy cleanup later.
Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt until combined. This step ensures even distribution of ingredients throughout your cookie dough.
Cream butter and sugars: In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, beat softened butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar until fluffy and light in color. This usually takes about 3-4 minutes.
Add eggs and vanilla: Beat in room temperature eggs one at a time along with vanilla extract until fully incorporated. The mixture should look smooth and glossy at this stage.
Combine mixtures: Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet ingredients while mixing on low speed until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep those cookies tender!
Fold in cherries and chocolate: Gently fold in dried cherries and chocolate chips using a spatula until evenly distributed throughout the dough. You want those cherry pieces peeking through!
Scoop onto baking sheets: Using a cookie scoop or spoon, drop heaping tablespoons of dough onto prepared baking sheets spaced about 2 inches apart. Leave room as they will spread during baking.
Bake: Pop those trays into the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are set but centers remain soft. They’ll continue cooking on the sheet after you take them out!
Cool down: Allow cookies to cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely. Patience is key here!
Enjoy: Once cooled (if you can resist), grab one (or two) and enjoy the delightful burst of chocolatey cherry goodness!
Now you’re ready to indulge in these amazing Chocolate Cherry Cookies that will leave everyone begging for more! For more inspiration, check out this more cookie recipes recipe.
You Must Know
- Chocolate cherry cookies are a delightful treat that combines rich chocolate with tart cherries
- They are chewy, soft, and perfect for any occasion
- The balance of flavors is heavenly, making these cookies a crowd-pleaser at parties or cozy nights in
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Mix the dry ingredients first while the butter softens. Then, combine everything for even distribution of chocolate and cherries.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap the chocolate chips for dark or white chocolate for variety. You can also add nuts or different dried fruits to enhance flavor and texture.
Storing & Reheating
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For reheating, pop them in the microwave for a few seconds to restore softness.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Don’t overmix your dough; this keeps cookies tender and chewy
- Use high-quality chocolate for richer flavor
- Adding a pinch of sea salt on top enhances sweetness beautifully
Baking these cookies always reminds me of my grandmother’s kitchen, where the smell of chocolate would draw our family together like moths to a flame.
FAQ
What type of cherries work best in chocolate cherry cookies?
Dried tart cherries are ideal as they complement the rich chocolate flavors perfectly.
Can I freeze chocolate cherry cookie dough?
Absolutely! Freeze it in balls and bake fresh cookies whenever you crave them.
How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
Cookies should be golden around the edges but soft in the center when done baking.
Chocolate Cherry Cookies
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
Description
Chocolate Cherry Cookies are the ultimate treat, combining rich chocolate and tart cherries in a soft, chewy cookie. These delightful bites are perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a cozy movie night or a family gathering. With minimal effort, you can create a batch that will impress everyone with its delicious flavor and beautiful presentation.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup dried cherries (chopped)
- 3/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, beat softened butter with granulated and brown sugar until light and fluffy (about 3-4 minutes).
- Add eggs one at a time and mix in vanilla extract until smooth.
- Gradually incorporate dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined; avoid overmixing.
- Gently fold in dried cherries and chocolate chips until evenly distributed.
- Use a cookie scoop to drop tablespoons of dough onto prepared sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are set but centers remain soft; allow cooling on 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 (30g)
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg