Indulge in the perfect blend of rich chocolate and sweet, juicy cherries with these decadent cookies. They’re chewy, gooey, and bursting with flavor, making them an irresistible treat for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich and decadent: The combination of chocolate and cherries is a match made in dessert heaven.
- Easy to make: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps mean you’ll have cookies ready in no time.
- Versatile: Perfect for holidays, gift-giving, or satisfying your sweet tooth any day of the week.
- Crowd-pleaser: These cookies are sure to impress at parties, potlucks, or family gatherings.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- All-purpose flour
- Unsweetened cocoa powder
- Baking soda
- Salt
- Unsalted butter, softened
- Granulated sugar
- Brown sugar
- Eggs
- Vanilla extract
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips
- Dried or fresh cherries, chopped
Directions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Cream butter and sugars: In a separate bowl, beat the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs and vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- Combine wet and dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in chocolate and cherries: Gently fold in the chocolate chips and chopped cherries.
- Scoop and bake: Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cookies are set.
- Cool and enjoy: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: About 24 cookies
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 10-12 minutes
- Total time: 25-30 minutes
Variations
- Nutty twist: Add chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch.
- White chocolate option: Swap the semi-sweet chips for white chocolate chips.
- Boozy flair: Soak dried cherries in cherry liqueur for an adult-friendly treat.
- Gluten-free adaptation: Use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: Freeze baked cookies in a sealed container for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Warm cookies in the microwave for 10 seconds to revive their gooey texture.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cherries?
Yes, but thaw and pat them dry to prevent excess moisture.
How do I prevent cookies from spreading too much?
Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking.
Can I use dark chocolate instead of semi-sweet?
Absolutely! Dark chocolate adds an even richer flavor.
What if I don’t have parchment paper?
Lightly grease your baking sheet or use a silicone baking mat.
Can I add oats?
Sure! Replace part of the flour with quick oats for a heartier cookie.
Are these cookies good for shipping?
Yes, they hold up well in transit if packed carefully in an airtight container.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, refrigerate the dough for up to 48 hours before baking.
What’s the best way to chop cherries?
Use kitchen shears or a sharp knife for even pieces.
Can I make smaller cookies?
Of course! Just reduce the bake time by a couple of minutes.
How do I know when the cookies are done?
The cookies should look set on the edges but still soft in the center — they’ll firm up as they cool.
Conclusion
These Chocolate Cherry Cookies are a delightful combination of flavors and textures that make them a standout treat. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply indulging your chocolate cravings, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. So grab your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy every chewy, chocolaty bite!
PrintChocolate Cherry Cookies
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes per batch
- Total Time: Approximately 30 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 36 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Chocolate Cherry Cookies are soft, chewy, and packed with rich chocolate flavor complemented by tart dried cherries. They’re perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a festive gathering or a cozy night in.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chunks or chips
- 1 cup dried cherries
Instructions
-
Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
-
Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy.
-
Add Eggs and Vanilla: Mix in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is well incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract.
-
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
-
Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
-
Fold in Chocolate and Cherries: Gently stir in the semisweet chocolate chunks and dried cherries until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
-
Scoop and Bake: Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, drop portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
-
Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the cookies are set but still soft in the center. They may appear slightly underbaked, but they will firm up as they cool.
-
Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
-
Storage: Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
-
Variations: For an extra flavor boost, consider adding ½ teaspoon of almond extract along with the vanilla, or substitute white chocolate chips for a sweeter contrast.
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *