There’s nothing quite as satisfying as biting into a soft, chewy cookie loaded with rich chocolate and tart cherries. These Chocolate Cherry Cookies are the perfect combination of sweet, chocolatey goodness with a slight tang from dried cherries. Whether you’re a chocolate lover, a fan of fruity desserts, or simply someone who enjoys homemade treats, this recipe is for you!
Perfect for the holiday season, weekend baking, or an afternoon snack, these cookies are easy to make and incredibly delicious. Keep reading for step-by-step instructions, storage tips, and some fun variations to make these cookies your own.
Why You’ll Love These Cookies
- Chocolate Lover’s Dream: With a rich cocoa base and melty semi-sweet chocolate chips, these cookies are packed with deep chocolate flavor.
- Chewy and Soft Texture: The combination of brown sugar and butter ensures a perfectly chewy cookie.
- Tart Cherry Balance: Dried cherries add a wonderful tartness that complements the sweetness of the chocolate.
- Simple and Quick to Make: These cookies come together in just a few steps and are perfect for beginner bakers.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make these Chocolate Cherry Cookies, gather the following ingredients:
- All-purpose flour – Provides structure to the cookies.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder – Gives the cookies a deep chocolate flavor.
- Baking powder – Helps the cookies rise slightly.
- Salt – Enhances the overall flavor.
- Unsalted butter – Adds richness and a tender texture.
- Granulated sugar – Sweetens and helps create a slightly crisp edge.
- Brown sugar – Adds moisture for chewiness.
- Eggs – Binds the ingredients together.
- Vanilla extract – Enhances the chocolate flavor.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips – Melts into gooey goodness.
- Dried cherries – Brings a tart contrast to the rich chocolate.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, beat together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until creamy and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in the chocolate chips and dried cherries.
- Drop spoonfuls of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centers look slightly undercooked.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Hand or stand mixer
- Whisk
- Spatula
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper
- Wire cooling rack
Tips & Tricks for Perfect Cookies
- Don’t Overbake: The cookies should look slightly undercooked in the center when you remove them from the oven. They’ll continue to firm up as they cool.
- Use Room Temperature Butter: This makes it easier to cream with the sugars, resulting in a better texture.
- Chill the Dough for Thicker Cookies: If you want thicker cookies, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking.
- Try Different Chocolates: Use dark chocolate chunks, white chocolate chips, or even ruby chocolate for a unique twist.
- Experiment with Nuts: Add chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch.
Storage & Freezing Instructions
- Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Refrigeration: While not necessary, they can last a bit longer (about a week) if kept in the fridge.
- Freezing: To freeze the dough, scoop portions onto a tray and freeze until solid. Transfer to a zip-top bag and bake directly from frozen, adding 1-2 extra minutes to the bake time.
- Freezing Baked Cookies: Store baked cookies in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. Let them thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
Food & Drink Pairings
- Milk: Classic and always a winner with chocolate cookies.
- Coffee: A cup of espresso or cappuccino balances the sweetness beautifully.
- Red Wine: A bold red like Cabernet Sauvignon pairs wonderfully with chocolate and cherries.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: Sandwich a scoop between two cookies for an indulgent treat!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh cherries instead of dried?
While fresh cherries sound delicious, they contain too much moisture and can alter the texture of the cookies. Stick with dried cherries for the best results.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend.
What if I don’t have semi-sweet chocolate chips?
You can use dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or even chopped chocolate bars.
Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 48 hours before baking.
How do I make them extra chewy?
Adding an extra egg yolk and slightly underbaking the cookies will make them even chewier.
Final Thoughts
These Chocolate Cherry Cookies are a must-try for any cookie lover. They strike the perfect balance between rich chocolate and tart cherries, making them an irresistible treat for any occasion. Whether you’re making them for a holiday party, a special dessert, or just because, they’re sure to be a hit.
If you love this recipe, don’t forget to share it with your friends and family and subscribe to our blog for more delicious baking inspiration!
