Chocolate Cherry Cookies are the delightful marriage of rich chocolate and luscious cherries, resulting in a cookie that has it all: chewiness, sweetness, and just the right amount of tartness. Imagine biting into a warm cookie, where the melted chocolate mingles with juicy cherry bits, creating a flavor explosion that dances on your taste buds. Perfect for cozy evenings or festive gatherings, these cookies promise to make any occasion feel special. For more inspiration, check out this explore dinner ideas recipe.
Every time I make Chocolate Cherry Cookies, I am reminded of my childhood kitchen adventures with my grandma. She taught me that baking isn’t just about measuring ingredients but pouring love into every scoop. Whether it was a rainy afternoon or a holiday celebration, these cookies were always on our dessert table, leaving everyone eagerly reaching for seconds. For more inspiration, check out this more dessert recipes recipe.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These Chocolate Cherry Cookies are simple to whip up, making them perfect for both novice bakers and seasoned pros
- The combination of rich chocolate and tart cherries creates an irresistible flavor profile that’s hard to resist
- Their stunning appearance will impress guests at any gathering
- They are versatile enough to be enjoyed as an everyday snack or a special treat
I remember my friends going wild over these cookies at a bake sale; they practically sold out in minutes!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- All-Purpose Flour: Use about two cups for the perfect chewy texture; sift it for best results.
- Cocoa Powder: Opt for unsweetened cocoa powder to balance the sweetness of the cherries.
- Granulated Sugar: Around one cup should do; it sweetens these cookies just right without being overpowering.
- Brown Sugar: Light brown sugar adds moisture and enhances the cookie’s flavor profile beautifully.
- Butter: Use unsalted butter for control over salt levels; ensure it’s softened for easy mixing.
- Eggs: Two large eggs bind everything together and add richness to the dough.
- Vanilla Extract: A teaspoon of pure vanilla extract elevates the flavor profile significantly.
- Baking Soda: This helps the cookies rise perfectly; make sure it’s fresh for optimal results.
- Cherries (Fresh or Dried): If using fresh cherries, pit and chop them; dried cherries provide great chewiness.
- Chocolate Chips: Semi-sweet chocolate chips will melt beautifully in your cookies; feel free to mix dark chocolate chips too.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, cream together softened butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar until light and fluffy—this takes about 3-5 minutes.
Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time along with vanilla extract until fully incorporated. The mixture should appear smooth and glossy.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt—this ensures even distribution throughout your dough.
Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet ingredients while mixing gently. Be careful not to overmix; stop when just combined.
Add Cherries and Chocolate Chips: Fold in chopped cherries and chocolate chips using a spatula until evenly distributed throughout the dough; this is where magic happens!
Scoop onto Baking Sheets: Use a tablespoon or cookie scoop to drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto prepared baking sheets. Ensure they are spaced apart for even baking.
Bake Until Perfectly Chewy: Bake in your preheated oven for 10-12 minutes until edges look firm but centers remain soft—do not overbake!
Let them cool on wire racks before indulging in these heavenly Chocolate Cherry Cookies! You’ll find that every bite holds an adventure of flavors you won’t soon forget.
You Must Know
- Chocolate Cherry Cookies are a celestial combination of rich chocolate and tart cherries
- Don’t underestimate the power of chilling your dough; it intensifies flavors and improves texture, making each bite a delightful experience
- The aroma while baking?
- Absolutely heavenly!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Mix dry ingredients first, then cream butter and sugars before adding eggs. This method ensures even distribution and perfect baking results.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap semi-sweet chocolate chips for dark chocolate or add nuts for an extra crunch. Experimenting keeps things fun and personalizes your cookies.
Storing & Reheating
Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For a soft, warm treat, pop them in the microwave for a few seconds.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For perfect cookies, always measure flour correctly; too much can lead to dryness
- Allow the dough to chill for at least 30 minutes before baking for improved flavor and texture
- Use parchment paper on baking sheets to prevent sticking and ensure even baking
I once baked these cookies for a friend’s birthday, and they vanished in minutes! The joy on everyone’s faces made my day, reminding me why I love baking so much.
FAQ
What if I don’t have cherries?
Use dried cranberries or raisins as tasty alternatives in your Chocolate Cherry Cookies.
Can I freeze these cookies?
Yes, freeze baked cookies in an airtight container for up to three months without losing flavor.
How do I make my cookies chewy?
Add an extra egg yolk; it enhances moisture and gives that chewy texture everyone craves.
Chocolate Cherry Cookies
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
Description
Chocolate Cherry Cookies bring together rich chocolate and tart cherries for a deliciously chewy treat. Imagine warm cookies fresh from the oven, where melted chocolate meets juicy cherry pieces, creating a delightful flavor experience. Perfect for cozy nights or festive gatherings, these cookies are bound to become a favorite for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar (light)
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 cup cherries (fresh, pitted & chopped or dried)
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, cream softened butter with granulated and brown sugars until fluffy (3-5 minutes).
- Beat in eggs one at a time and add vanilla extract until smooth.
- In another bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually mix dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
- Fold in cherries and chocolate chips gently.
- Scoop rounded tablespoons onto prepared sheets, spacing them apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are firm but centers are soft. Cool on wire racks before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg