Chocolate Cherry Cookies are a delightful, indulgent treat that combines rich, chewy chocolate cookies with the sweet-tart flavor of cherries. Each bite features a perfect balance of smooth chocolate and the fruity burst of cherries, making these cookies a unique and irresistible option for dessert or a special snack.
I first made these cookies when I was looking for a way to combine two of my favorite flavors—chocolate and cherries—into a cookie, and they turned out even better than I imagined! The cherries added a natural sweetness and slight tang, while the melted chocolate created a rich, gooey texture. What I love most about this recipe is how easy it is to make—you can use dried cherries for a chewy texture or fresh cherries for a burst of juicy flavor. Whether served at a party, given as a gift, or enjoyed with a cup of coffee, Chocolate Cherry Cookies are a sweet, memorable treat!
Perfect for:
- Holiday cookie trays
- Gift giving
- Afternoon tea
- Family gatherings
- Chocolate and cherry lovers
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Here are 10 reasons why these Chocolate Cherry Cookies will become your new favorite bake:
- Perfect Flavor Pairing: The combination of rich chocolate and tart cherries creates a delightful contrast in every bite.
- Soft and Chewy Texture: These cookies are perfectly chewy on the inside with just the right amount of crispness around the edges.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under an hour, this recipe is quick to prepare, making it perfect for busy days.
- Perfectly Sweet: Not overly sweet, these cookies strike the perfect balance with a hint of tartness from the cherries.
- Customizable: You can swap out the dried cherries for cranberries or raisins if you prefer.
- Great for Gifting: Packaged in a cute box or jar, these cookies make a fantastic homemade gift.
- Freezer-Friendly: Bake a batch and freeze the dough for later use, making it easy to have fresh cookies whenever you want.
- Great for Every Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday, a birthday, or just a regular day, these cookies are always a hit.
- Kid-Friendly: These cookies are easy to make and great for getting kids involved in baking.
- Made from Scratch: No need for a store-bought mix when you can make these delicious cookies from scratch.
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
- Servings: 24 cookies
- Calories per cookie: Approximately 150-170 calories
- Key Nutrients: Protein: 2g, Carbs: 22g, Fat: 8g
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup brown sugar, packed
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ¾ cup dried cherries, roughly chopped
Ingredient Highlights
- Dried Cherries: Add a tart and chewy texture to the cookies, balancing the sweetness of the chocolate.
- Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: Perfectly melt into the cookie dough, giving you pockets of rich chocolate in every bite.
- Brown Sugar: Provides moisture and a deep, caramelized flavor to the cookies.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Make the Cookie Dough:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, beat the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in Chocolate Chips and Cherries: Gently fold in the chocolate chips and dried cherries until evenly distributed.
- Scoop the Dough: Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to drop dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Bake the Cookies:
- Bake: Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden and the centers are set.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Serve:
- Enjoy: Serve with a glass of milk, coffee, or tea for a delightful treat.
How to Serve
Here are 10 serving suggestions for Chocolate Cherry Cookies:
- With a Glass of Milk: The classic pairing of cookies and milk is perfect with these rich chocolate cookies.
- For Dessert: Serve as a simple yet elegant dessert for any meal.
- With Ice Cream: Sandwich two cookies with vanilla or cherry ice cream for a decadent treat.
- At Holiday Gatherings: Place these cookies on a festive plate for family gatherings or holiday celebrations.
- As an Afternoon Snack: Enjoy with a cup of tea or coffee for a relaxing break.
- In Cookie Jars: Store in a cookie jar for a homemade gift or to enjoy later.
- With a Drizzle of Chocolate Sauce: Add a drizzle of warm chocolate sauce for an extra indulgent treat.
- For a Birthday Party: Perfect for a birthday celebration or any casual party.
- With a Hot Drink: Pair with a hot chocolate, latte, or cappuccino for a cozy treat.
- As a Gift: Package in a decorative box or jar for a thoughtful homemade gift.
Additional Tips
- Don’t Overmix the Dough: Mix just until the ingredients are combined to keep the cookies tender.
- Chill the Dough: If you prefer thicker cookies, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking.
- Use Room Temperature Butter: This helps achieve the perfect texture for your cookies.
- Adjust for Size: Larger cookies may need a slightly longer baking time.
- Keep an Eye on the Baking Time: These cookies can go from perfectly baked to overdone quickly, so monitor them closely.
Recipe Variations
- Cherry and Almond Cookies: Add ½ cup of chopped almonds for a nutty twist.
- Milk Chocolate Cherry Cookies: Swap the semi-sweet chocolate chips for milk chocolate chips for a sweeter version.
- Vegan Chocolate Cherry Cookies: Use plant-based butter and egg replacers for a vegan-friendly version.
- White Chocolate Cherry Cookies: Replace the semi-sweet chocolate with white chocolate chips for a different flavor profile.
- Double Chocolate Cherry Cookies: Add ¼ cup of cocoa powder to the dry ingredients for a richer, double chocolate version.
Special Equipment
- Stand Mixer – For easily mixing dough and incorporating ingredients.
- Hand Mixer – A more compact option for mixing ingredients quickly.
- Cookie Scoop – Helps form uniform cookie dough portions.
- Baking Sheets – Flat, sturdy trays for even baking.
- Parchment Paper – Non-stick paper to line baking sheets and prevent cookies from sticking.
- Cooling Rack – Allows cookies to cool evenly and maintain their crispness.
- Measuring Cups – For accurate measurement of ingredients like flour, sugar, and liquids.
- Measuring Spoons – Essential for precise measurements of baking powder, salt, and extracts.
- Whisk – Useful for mixing dry ingredients together evenly.
- Double Boiler – For melting chocolate without burning it, ideal for mixing into the dough or drizzling on top.
FAQ Section
- How long do these cookies last?
These cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. - Can I freeze the dough?
Yes, you can freeze the dough for up to 3 months. Scoop the dough onto a baking sheet, freeze, and then store in an airtight container. Bake directly from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time. - Can I use different dried fruits?
Yes, dried cranberries, blueberries, or raisins are great alternatives to cherries. - How do I keep my cookies chewy?
Avoid overbaking the cookies and store them in an airtight container to keep them soft. - Can I make these cookies smaller?
Yes, just adjust the baking time for smaller cookies (about 8-10 minutes). - Can I double the recipe?
Yes, simply double the ingredients and adjust the baking sheets as needed. - Can I skip the cherries?
Yes, you can make just chocolate chip cookies if you prefer without the cherries. - Can I use coconut sugar instead of regular sugar?
Coconut sugar can be used as a substitute, though it may slightly alter the flavor and texture. - What can I use instead of butter?
You can substitute butter with margarine or coconut oil for a dairy-free option.
Conclusion
Chocolate Cherry Cookies are a delightful combination of rich chocolate and sweet, tart cherries, creating the perfect balance of flavors in every bite. These cookies are soft and chewy with bursts of juicy cherries, complemented by the deep, comforting flavor of chocolate. The addition of a touch of vanilla and a sprinkle of sea salt brings out the sweetness of the cherries and the richness of the chocolate, making these cookies an irresistible treat.
This recipe is quick to make, and you can customize it by using dark chocolate chips, white chocolate, or even adding a handful of chopped nuts for an extra layer of texture. Whether you’re baking for the holidays or just to satisfy a sweet craving, Chocolate Cherry Cookies are sure to be a hit with anyone who loves the combination of chocolate and fruit.
I can’t wait to see how your Chocolate Cherry Cookies turn out! Be sure to share your photos on Instagram and tag me—I’d love to see your delicious creations. Don’t forget to leave a comment and let me know how you made this recipe your own!