Chocolate Cherry Cookies are the perfect treat to satisfy your sweet tooth while giving your taste buds a delightful surprise. Imagine biting into a soft, chewy cookie that bursts with rich chocolate goodness and a hint of tart cherry flavor. The aroma wafts through your kitchen, enticing everyone within a five-mile radius to come running. For more inspiration, check out this dinner ideas recipe.
These cookies not only look stunning with their deep chocolate color speckled with bright red cherries, but they also evoke nostalgia. I remember baking these for the first time during a family gathering, and watching my cousins fight over the last one was priceless. They make an ideal addition to holiday celebrations or simply as a cozy afternoon snack, promising a flavor experience that will leave you craving more. For more inspiration, check out this more dessert recipes recipe.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These Chocolate Cherry Cookies offer effortless preparation while packing a punch of flavor
- The vibrant colors make them visually appealing on any dessert platter
- They are versatile enough to be enjoyed at any occasion, from casual get-togethers to elegant parties
- Each cookie combines the richness of chocolate with the zing of cherries, making them truly irresistible
Baking these cookies led my friend to declare me the “Cookie Queen” after just one bite.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- All-Purpose Flour: Use fresh flour for the best texture and volume in your cookies.
- Cocoa Powder: Choose high-quality cocoa powder for an intense chocolate flavor.
- Baking Soda: This is essential for achieving that perfect cookie rise.
- Salt: A pinch enhances sweetness and balances flavors beautifully.
- Unsalted Butter: Use room temperature butter for easy creaming with sugar.
- Granulated Sugar: This adds sweetness and helps create that lovely chewy texture.
- Brown Sugar: Brown sugar adds moisture and a hint of caramel flavor.
- Eggs: Eggs bind everything together while adding richness.
- Vanilla Extract: Use pure vanilla extract for depth and warmth in flavor.
- Dried Cherries: Opt for unsweetened dried cherries for a tart contrast to the sweetness of chocolate chips.
- Chocolate Chips: Semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips work wonderfully here; choose your favorite!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Preheat and Prepare Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining two baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cleanup later.
Mix Dry Ingredients Together: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined—this ensures even distribution throughout the dough.
Cream Butter and Sugars Together: In another bowl, cream together softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy; this process should take about 3-4 minutes—don’t skip this step!
Add Eggs and Vanilla Extract: Beat in eggs one at a time along with vanilla extract; mix until fully incorporated—the batter should be smooth and creamy.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients Carefully: Gradually fold in the dry mixture into the wet ingredients using a spatula; avoid overmixing as this can lead to tough cookies.
Add Chocolate Chips and Dried Cherries : Gently fold in chocolate chips and dried cherries; ensure they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough without breaking too many cherries apart.
Scoop Dough onto Baking Sheets : Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, drop rounded balls of dough onto prepared baking sheets about two inches apart—this allows room for spreading during baking.
Bake Until Perfectly Set : Bake cookies in preheated oven for 10-12 minutes; they should appear set around the edges but slightly soft in the center. Let cool on baking sheets before transferring to wire racks for complete cooling.
Now you can enjoy warm Chocolate Cherry Cookies that are sure to impress! Each bite delivers an explosion of flavors that dance on your palate.
You Must Know
- Chocolate Cherry Cookies are not just a treat; they create unforgettable moments
- The rich chocolate combined with tart cherries makes your taste buds dance
- Freshly baked, they fill your kitchen with an irresistible aroma, turning any ordinary day into a celebration
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Mix dry ingredients first, then add the wet for even blending. This order ensures your cookies bake evenly and taste heavenly.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out dried cherries for cranberries or add a pinch of sea salt on top before baking. Personalizing these cookies enhances their flavor and makes them uniquely yours.
Storing & Reheating
Store these delightful cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For reheating, pop them in the microwave for about 10 seconds to enjoy that fresh-baked taste.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To achieve the perfect texture, chill your dough for 30 minutes before baking
- This prevents spreading and enhances flavor
- Always use high-quality chocolate for the best results, as it significantly impacts the cookie’s richness and depth
Baking these Chocolate Cherry Cookies always brings back fond memories of family gatherings where everyone gathered around, eagerly waiting for the first bite. Their smiles were worth every ounce of effort!
FAQ
Can I use fresh cherries instead of dried?
Fresh cherries can be used, but they may alter the cookie’s texture and moisture content.
How do I know when my cookies are done baking?
Look for lightly golden edges while the center remains soft; they’ll firm up as they cool.
What can I substitute for eggs in this recipe?
You can use unsweetened applesauce or a flaxseed egg as excellent egg substitutes in cookies.
Chocolate Cherry Cookies
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
Description
Chocolate Cherry Cookies are a delectable treat that perfectly balances rich chocolate and tart cherry flavors. Each soft, chewy cookie is a burst of indulgence, making them an ideal choice for any occasion, from cozy afternoons to festive celebrations. The vibrant colors and delightful aroma are sure to draw everyone in, ensuring these cookies become a family favorite.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup dried cherries (unsweetened)
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips (semi-sweet or dark)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, cream the softened butter with granulated and brown sugar until light and fluffy (3-4 minutes).
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture without overmixing.
- Gently incorporate dried cherries and chocolate chips into the dough.
- Scoop rounded tablespoons of dough onto prepared baking sheets, spacing them about two inches apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until set around the edges but still soft in the center. Cool on wire racks.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (30g)
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: For added flavor variation, try substituting dried cherries with cranberries or sprinkling sea salt on top before baking. Chilling the dough for 30 minutes can enhance texture and prevent excessive spreading.