There’s nothing quite like the smell of freshly baked Chocolate Cherry Cookies wafting through your kitchen, wrapping you in a warm, chocolatey embrace. Imagine biting into a soft, chewy cookie bursting with rich chocolate flavor and tart cherry goodness. Each bite feels like a cozy hug on a chilly day, making it the perfect treat for any occasion. For more inspiration, check out this dinner ideas recipe.
These cookies aren’t just delicious; they’re also packed with memories. I remember hosting a holiday gathering where these Chocolate Cherry Cookies stole the show. Friends and family couldn’t resist going back for seconds – or thirds! It was a moment filled with laughter, joy, and a bit of chocolate-induced happiness. Now, let’s dive into why you’ll want to whip up this delightful recipe! For more inspiration, check out this delicious dessert recipes recipe.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These Chocolate Cherry Cookies are easy to prepare and require no advanced baking skills
- Their unique flavor combines sweet chocolate with tart cherries for an unforgettable taste experience
- Visually appealing with their gooey centers and vibrant cherry bits, they are perfect for sharing at parties or enjoying solo
- Versatile enough for any occasion, they make great gifts or dessert options for gatherings
Baking these cookies always brings smiles and sweet satisfaction, especially when friends ask for the recipe!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- All-Purpose Flour: This forms the base of your cookie dough; sift to ensure it’s light and free of lumps.
- Cocoa Powder: Use unsweetened cocoa powder to keep the cookie rich without adding extra sweetness.
- Baking Soda: This ingredient helps your cookies rise and gives them that nice chewy texture.
- Salt: A pinch enhances flavors; don’t skip it!
- Unsalted Butter: Softened butter creates a creamy texture; let it sit out before mixing.
- Brown Sugar: Adds moisture and richness; dark brown sugar intensifies the flavor.
- Granulated Sugar: Balances the richness of the brown sugar; combine both for ideal sweetness.
- Eggs: They bind everything together; use room temperature eggs for better mixing.
- Vanilla Extract: A splash adds depth to your cookies’ flavor profile.
- Chocolate Chips: Semi-sweet chips are perfect here; feel free to mix in some dark chocolate for extra richness.
- Dried Cherries: These provide bursts of tartness that elevate each bite; chop them if they are large.
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 two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking while you bake.
Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined. This ensures even distribution of all dry ingredients.
Cream butter and sugars: In a large bowl, beat softened butter with brown sugar and granulated sugar until fluffy and light in color. This should take about 3-5 minutes.
Add eggs and vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time followed by vanilla extract until fully incorporated. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s smooth and creamy.
Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually mix your dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Avoid over-mixing; we want those cookies tender!
Fold in chocolate chips and cherries: Gently fold in chocolate chips and dried cherries using a spatula. The dough will be thick but oh-so-delicious!
Scoop onto baking sheets: Using a cookie scoop or spoon, drop dollops of dough onto prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart. Leave room for spreading as they bake.
Bake until set: Place your baking sheets in the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges look firm but centers remain soft. They’ll continue cooking once out of the oven!
Cool down: Allow cookies to cool on baking sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring them to wire racks. This helps them set perfectly while still warm.
Enjoy: Once cooled slightly, grab one (or two) of those delectable Chocolate Cherry Cookies! Pair them with milk or coffee for an irresistible treat!
Now you’re all set to create these scrumptious Chocolate Cherry Cookies! Enjoy every moment from mixing to munching!
You Must Know
- Chocolate Cherry Cookies are a delightful treat that combines rich chocolate with tart cherries
- The secret is to use fresh cherries for the best flavor, and don’t skimp on the chocolate chips!
- The aroma while baking will make your home feel like a cozy bakery
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cream the butter and sugars until fluffy, add eggs and vanilla, then mix in dry ingredients. Finally, fold in chocolate chips and cherries before scooping onto a baking sheet.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out dark chocolate for milk chocolate or even white chocolate if you prefer a sweeter cookie. Toss in some chopped nuts for added crunch or experiment with spices like cinnamon for warmth.
Storing & Reheating
Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want them warm again, pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds for that fresh-baked feel.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use room temperature ingredients for better mixing; cold butter can lead to dense cookies
- Don’t overbake; they should be slightly soft when you take them out
- Chilling dough before baking can enhance flavors and improve texture significantly
Baking these Chocolate Cherry Cookies always reminds me of family gatherings where laughter fills the air, and everyone fights over the last cookie. They’re just too good not to share!
FAQ
Can I use frozen cherries for my cookies?
Yes, but thaw them first to avoid excess moisture in the dough.
How do I make my cookies chewier?
Add an extra egg yolk to increase richness and moisture for chewier cookies.
What’s the best way to melt chocolate?
Use a double boiler or microwave in short bursts, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
Chocolate Cherry Cookies
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 cookies 1x
Description
Chocolate Cherry Cookies are the ultimate indulgence, combining rich chocolate with tart cherries for a delightful treat. Each soft and chewy cookie offers a burst of flavor that warms your heart, making them perfect for any occasion—from holiday gatherings to cozy nights in. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, these cookies will become your new favorite dessert. Prepare to impress your family and friends as they savor every bite!
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup dried cherries, chopped if large
Instructions
- Preheat your 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 until combined.
- In a large bowl, cream softened butter with brown and granulated sugars until fluffy (about 3–5 minutes).
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
- Fold in chocolate chips and dried cherries gently using a spatula.
- Scoop dough onto prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes or until edges are firm but centers remain soft; cool on baking 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 (45g)
- Calories: 175
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 95mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg