As I stood in my kitchen, the rich scent of cocoa wafting through the air, I couldn’t help but feel a wave of nostalgia wash over me. There’s something truly delightful about combining the tartness of dried cherries with the indulgent richness of dark chocolate. That’s how my obsession with Chocolate Cherry Cookies began—an idea sparked on a cozy afternoon when chocolate cravings hit like a freight train.
This recipe is a symphony of flavors that come together in just under 30 minutes and offers a perfect antidote to fast food fatigue. The chewy texture of these cookies, combined with a sprinkle of vibrant cherry flavor, makes them a crowd-pleaser that friends and family will adore. Plus, who can resist the glossy chocolate chips melting into every delightful bite?
Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply indulging at home, I guarantee these cookies will bring smiles to your faces. So grab your apron, because it’s time to transform your kitchen into a haven of sweetness with these irresistible Chocolate Cherry Cookies!
Why You'll Love This Chocolate Cherry Cookies
- These Chocolate Cherry Cookies are incredibly easy to whip up, taking just under 30 minutes from start to finish.
- The delightful combination of rich dark chocolate and tart cherries creates a flavor explosion that will leave you craving more.
- Their beautiful appearance, with vibrant cherry bits peeking through the rich cocoa base, makes them an eye-catching treat perfect for any gathering.
- These cookies are truly versatile; whether you enjoy them as a cozy dessert at home or bring them to a party, they are sure to be a hit with everyone.
Chocolate Cherry Cookies Ingredients
Let’s gather the essentials for making these delicious Chocolate Cherry Cookies!
For the Cookie Base
- All-purpose flour – a crucial ingredient for structure and chewiness.
- Cocoa powder – choose unsweetened for a rich, chocolatey flavor.
- Baking soda – helps the cookies rise and achieve that perfect texture.
- Salt – enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness.
For the Sugars
- Unsalted butter – softened for easy creaming, infusing richness into the cookies.
- Granulated sugar – provides sweetness and contributes to a slightly crisp exterior.
- Brown sugar – adds moisture and a hint of caramel flavor.
For the Wet Ingredients
- Large egg – binds everything together while adding moisture.
- Vanilla extract – a splash for warmth and enhances the overall flavor.
For the Chocolate and Fruit
- Dark chocolate chips – melted bliss in every bite, offering that decadent chocolate goodness.
- Dried cherries – tart and chewy, these provide a delightful contrast to the rich chocolate.
Embrace the joy of baking Chocolate Cherry Cookies with these simple yet essential ingredients!
How to Make Chocolate Cherry Cookies
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Begin by lining your baking sheets with parchment paper. This crucial step ensures your cookies bake evenly and release without sticking.
Whisk together the dry ingredients. In a large bowl, combine 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup of cocoa powder, 1 tsp of baking soda, and 1/4 tsp of salt. This step creates a uniform dry mix that infuses your cookies with rich chocolatey flavor.
Cream the butter and sugars. In another bowl, using a mixer, beat together 1/2 cup of softened unsalted butter, 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, and 1/4 cup of brown sugar until fluffy and light in color. This process adds air to your mixture for a delightful texture.
Add egg and vanilla. Beat in 1 large egg and 1 tsp of vanilla extract into the sugar mixture until fully combined. The egg provides moisture, and the vanilla adds a beautiful warmth to the cookies.
Combine wet and dry ingredients. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Avoid over-mixing to keep your cookies soft and chewy.
Fold in chocolate and cherries. Gently fold in 1 cup of dark chocolate chips and 3/4 cup of dried cherries. Make sure everything is evenly distributed for a delightful burst of flavor in every bite.
Scoop the dough. Drop tablespoon-sized scoops of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about two inches apart. This gives each cookie room to spread as they bake.
Bake. Place the sheets in the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes until they are set yet soft in the center. The cookies will firm up as they cool, so be careful not to overbake them.
Optional: Dust with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
These Chocolate Cherry Cookies are fantastic for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy fresh-baked goodness with minimal fuss during busy weeks! You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance—just scoop the cookie dough onto the baking sheets, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. This not only saves you time but also enhances the flavors as they meld together overnight. When you’re ready to bake, simply pop the trays directly into the oven without thawing. If you’d like to make them even earlier, you can also freeze the dough for up to 3 months. Just remember to defrost in the fridge before baking. This way, you’ll savor delicious, home-baked Chocolate Cherry Cookies whenever the craving strikes!
What to Serve with Chocolate Cherry Cookies?
Imagine coming together with friends and family to enjoy a delightful spread that perfectly complements the rich, decadent flavors of these cookies.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: The creaminess of vanilla ice cream balances the intense chocolate and tart cherry flavors, making every bite heavenly.
- Fresh Berries: A mix of raspberries and strawberries offers a light, refreshing contrast, enhancing the sweetness of each cookie with their juicy punch.
- Coffee or Espresso: The bold flavors of coffee deepen the chocolate experience and provide an energizing boost along with the sweet treat.
- Chocolate Milk: For the ultimate indulgence, serve these cookies with a glass of rich chocolate milk that amplifies their chocolatey goodness.
- Nutty Granola: Crumbled granola sprinkled over the cookies adds a delightful crunch and nutty flavor, creating an appealing textural contrast.
Pairing something sweet and nostalgic like these cookies with a little tartness from fresh fruits or a rich beverage helps create a balanced and satisfying dessert experience.
Chocolate Cherry Cookies Variations
Feel free to explore these delightful twists that will make your Chocolate Cherry Cookies even more exciting!
Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to keep them gluten-free without compromising texture.
Nutty Crunch: Add 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans to the dough for an added layer of flavor and a delightful crunch.
White Chocolate Swirl: Replace dark chocolate chips with white chocolate chips for a sweeter, creamier version that contrasts beautifully with the cherries.
Coconut Lovers: Stir in 1/2 cup of shredded coconut for a tropical twist, adding a chewy texture that complements the cherries perfectly.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or cinnamon to the dry ingredients for a subtle heat that surprises with every bite.
Fruit Fusion: Swap dried cherries for dried cranberries or apricots, giving the cookies a unique flavor profile while still providing that fruity zing.
Vegan Version: Replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 2.5 tbsp water) and swap butter for coconut oil to make this recipe plant-based.
Minty Fresh: Add 1/4 teaspoon of peppermint extract to the wet ingredients for a refreshing twist that is perfect during the holiday season.
Each of these variations will not only enhance your cookies but also make them uniquely yours! Enjoy the journey of creating cookies your loved ones will rave about.
Storage Tips for Chocolate Cherry Cookies
Room Temperature: Keep your Chocolate Cherry Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain their freshness and chewy texture.
Fridge: If you want to keep them longer, store the cookies in the fridge for up to a week. Just ensure they are well-wrapped to avoid absorption of other odors.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet for about 2 hours, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating: To enjoy your frozen Chocolate Cherry Cookies, simply thaw them at room temperature for a few hours or microwave them for 10-15 seconds until warm.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For your Chocolate Cherry Cookies, make sure your butter is at room temperature for easier creaming, which will aerate the mixture and create a softer texture.
- A common mistake is over-mixing the dough; mix just until combined to keep your cookies chewy.
- When folding in the chocolate chips and dried cherries, do so gently to avoid breaking the cherries and creating a uniform cookie dough.
- Bake your cookies until they are set on the edges but still soft in the center to preserve that delicious gooeyness.
Chocolate Cherry Cookies Recipe FAQs
What type of cherries should I use in my Chocolate Cherry Cookies?
I recommend using dried cherries for this recipe as they provide a perfect balance of tartness and chewiness. Look for those that have a deep, rich color and a plump texture, avoiding any with dark spots or signs of excessive dryness.
How do I store my Chocolate Cherry Cookies?
Keep your Chocolate Cherry Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want them to last longer, feel free to refrigerate them for about a week. Just ensure they are well-wrapped to prevent them from absorbing any unwanted odors.
Can I freeze my Chocolate Cherry Cookies?
Absolutely! For freezing, first place your cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze them for about 2 hours. Once they are frozen solid, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. They can remain in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to indulge, simply let them thaw at room temperature or warm them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds!
What should I do if my cookie dough is too dry?
If your cookie dough turns out a bit too dry, don’t worry! Add a teaspoon of milk at a time, mixing gently until the consistency feels right. This should create a softer, more manageable dough while keeping your cookies tender.
Are Chocolate Cherry Cookies suitable for those with nut allergies?
Yes, this recipe is nut-free since it relies solely on ingredients like flour, cocoa powder, and dried cherries; none of which contain nuts. However, always double-check the packaging of your ingredients to ensure there are no cross-contamination traces if you’re serving someone with a severe allergy.
How can I make my cookies softer?
To achieve extra softness, make sure to not over-mix the dough after adding the dry ingredients. Also, try reducing the baking time by a minute or two, and remember to let them cool on the baking sheet where they will continue to set slightly without becoming hard. Enjoy biting into those deliciously soft Chocolate Cherry Cookies!
Chocolate Cherry Cookies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Cream the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until fluffy.
- Add in the large egg and vanilla extract, mixing until combined.
- Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
- Gently fold in the dark chocolate chips and dried cherries.
- Scoop tablespoon-sized dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until set yet soft in the center.