Chocolate Cherry Cookies Recipe

Irresistibly Gooey Chocolate Cherry Cookies Recipe

Crafting delectable chocolate cherry cookies takes skill and passion that sparks joy in every kitchen.

Rich dark chocolate mingles with sweet cherries, creating a delightful dance of flavors.

Sweet-tart cherries peek through decadent chocolate dough, tempting your taste buds with each bite.

Baking these cookies feels like unwrapping a delicious secret meant to be shared.

Summer memories and classic comfort merge in this irresistible treat that beckons from the cooling rack.

Crumbly edges and soft centers promise a sensory experience that transforms an ordinary moment into something magical.

You’ll want to grab an extra napkin and savor every delectable crumb of these remarkable cookies.

Why Chocolate Cherry Cookies Hit the Sweet Spot

  • Whip Up Quick Delights: These chocolate cherry cookies are incredibly simple to make, requiring just basic baking skills and minimal preparation time.
  • Perfectly Balanced Flavor Fusion: The combination of rich chocolate and tangy dried cherries creates a sophisticated yet crowd-pleasing taste profile that will impress both kids and adults.
  • Stress-Free Weekend Baking: With straightforward steps and common ingredients, this recipe offers a relaxed baking experience that doesn't demand advanced culinary expertise or complicated techniques.
  • Versatile Treat for Every Moment: Whether you're preparing a sweet snack for family gatherings, afternoon tea, or casual dessert after dinner, these cookies fit seamlessly into any occasion.

Everything You Need for Chocolate Cherry Goodness

Base Ingredients:
  • Butter: Rich, creamy base that provides tender texture and deep flavor.
  • Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Sweet components that help create soft, chewy cookie structure.
  • Eggs: Binding agent that adds moisture and helps cookies hold together.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor with warm, sweet undertones.
Dry Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: Fundamental structure for cookie's texture and shape.
  • Cocoa Powder: Delivers rich chocolate flavor and dark color.
  • Baking Soda: Helps cookies rise and spread during baking.
  • Salt: Balances sweetness and amplifies other flavors.
Mix-In Ingredients:
  • Chocolate Chips, Dried Cherries: Provide bursts of sweetness and tangy fruit notes. Best when using high-quality dark or semi-sweet chocolate chips and dried cherries without added sugar.

Simple Steps for Baking Chocolate Cherry Cookies

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 350F (175C). Grab your baking sheets and line them with parchment paper or silicone mats for the perfect non-stick surface.

Step 2: Whip Up a Creamy Base

In a spacious mixing bowl, go to town beating:
  • Soft butter
  • Granulated sugar
  • Brown sugar

Whip these ingredients until they transform into a light, fluffy dream – about 2-3 minutes of pure mixing magic.

Step 3: Bring in the Moisture

Introduce eggs one by one, giving each a chance to blend smoothly. Splash in vanilla extract for that irresistible aroma that’ll make everyone’s mouth water.

Step 4: Create the Dry Wonder

In a separate bowl, blend together:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Rich cocoa powder
  • Baking soda
  • Pinch of salt

Gently marry these dry ingredients into your creamy mixture, stirring just until they become best friends.

Step 5: Sprinkle in the Excitement

Fold in your flavor bombs:
  • Chocolate chips
  • Dried cherries

Mix until they’re perfectly distributed throughout the dough.

Step 6: Shape Your Delights

Scoop rounded tablespoons of dough onto your prepared baking sheets. Give each cookie some breathing room – about 2 inches apart.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Slide the sheets into the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. You’re looking for set edges with centers that still look slightly soft and mysterious.

Step 8: Cool and Conquer

Let the cookies rest on the baking sheets for 5 minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Watch them transform from gooey to perfectly chewy.

Tips for Chewy Texture and Cherry Bursts

  • Customize Chocolate Intensity: Swap regular cocoa powder with dark cocoa for a richer, more intense chocolate flavor that chocolate lovers will adore.
  • Maximize Cherry Sweetness: Soak dried cherries in warm brandy or orange juice for 15 minutes before adding to the dough to enhance their natural sweetness and plumpness.
  • Perfect Texture Trick: Chill the cookie dough for 30 minutes before baking to prevent spreading and create thicker, chewier cookies with beautiful rounded edges.
  • Smart Storage Solution: Store cookies in an airtight container with a slice of bread to maintain softness and prevent them from becoming dry or crumbly.
  • Dietary Modification Magic: Replace butter with coconut oil and use gluten-free flour blend to make these cookies suitable for dairy-free and gluten-sensitive guests.

How to Keep Chocolate Cherry Cookies Fresh

  • Seal these delightful chocolate cherry cookies in an airtight container to maintain their soft, chewy texture.
  • Store them at room temperature for up to 5 days, placing a piece of bread in the container to keep them moist and fresh.
  • Freeze the cookies for extended enjoyment by layering them between parchment paper in a freezer-safe container – they'll stay delicious for up to 3 months.
  • When ready to enjoy, simply thaw the cookies at room temperature for about 30 minutes, and they'll taste just as scrumptious as the day you baked them.

Pairings That Complement These Rich Cookies

  • Sip Sweet Port Wine: Pair these rich chocolate cherry cookies with a glass of ruby port wine, which complements the deep chocolate flavor and enhances the sweet-tart cherry notes.
  • Match with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Serve these warm cookies alongside a scoop of creamy vanilla bean ice cream, creating a delightful contrast between the cold, smooth ice cream and the soft, chewy cookie.
  • Create a Cappuccino Companion: Enjoy these decadent cookies with a frothy cappuccino, where the espresso's bold flavor cuts through the sweetness and highlights the chocolate and cherry undertones.
  • Brew Dark Roast Coffee: Brew a strong cup of dark roast coffee to accompany these cookies, allowing the robust coffee notes to dance beautifully with the chocolate and cherry flavors.
  • Nutty Cherry Chocolate: Replace chocolate chips with chopped almonds or pecans for a crunchy texture and rich nutty flavor that complements the cherries.
  • White Chocolate Cherry Swirl: Swap dark chocolate chips with white chocolate chips and add a drizzle of melted white chocolate on top after baking for an elegant finish.
  • Spiced Cherry Chocolate: Mix in ground cinnamon and a pinch of cayenne pepper to the dry ingredients for a warm, complex flavor profile that enhances the chocolate and cherry combination.
  • Gluten-Free Cherry Chocolate: Use gluten-free flour blend and certified gluten-free cocoa powder to create a celiac-friendly version of these decadent cookies without compromising taste.
  • What makes these chocolate cherry cookies special?

These cookies combine rich chocolate flavor with tangy dried cherries, creating a unique and delightful taste experience that goes beyond traditional chocolate chip cookies.

  • Can I use fresh cherries instead of dried cherries?

No, fresh cherries contain too much moisture and will make the cookie dough too wet. Dried cherries work best because they add concentrated flavor and maintain the cookie’s texture.

  • How do I know if the cookies are done baking?

Look for set edges and slightly soft centers. The cookies will continue to firm up as they cool, so don’t overbake them. They should look slightly underdone when you remove them from the oven.

  • Are these cookies good for chocolate lovers?

Absolutely! The combination of cocoa powder and chocolate chips creates an intense chocolate flavor that will satisfy any chocolate craving. The dried cherries add a perfect tart contrast to the sweet chocolate.

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Chocolate Cherry Cookies Recipe

Chocolate Cherry Cookies Recipe


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4.5 from 34 reviews

  • Total Time: 27 minutes
  • Yield: 24 1x

Description

Indulgent chocolate cherry cookies blend rich cocoa with sweet, tangy cherries for a mouthwatering dessert sensation. Crimson fruit and velvety chocolate create a perfect harmony that delights your senses and satisfies sweet cravings.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup (180g) dark or semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 1 cup (230g) unsalted butter, softened
  • ¾ cup (120g) dried cherries

Secondary Ingredients:

  • 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
  • ½ cup (100g) brown sugar, packed
  • ½ cup (50g) cocoa powder (unsweetened)
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature

Finishing Ingredients:

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Prepare the baking environment by warming the oven to 350F (175C) and lining baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats for optimal cookie performance.
  2. Create a smooth, airy foundation by thoroughly blending butter with granulated and brown sugars until the mixture becomes light and voluminous, typically requiring 2-3 minutes of vigorous mixing.
  3. Introduce moisture and depth by incorporating eggs individually, ensuring complete integration after each addition, then infuse with vanilla extract for aromatic complexity.
  4. Construct the dry foundation by whisking flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt in a separate vessel, creating a uniform mixture that will provide structure and rich chocolate essence.
  5. Gently merge the dry ingredients into the creamy base, using delicate folding techniques to prevent overmixing and maintain a tender cookie texture.
  6. Enhance the cookie profile by evenly distributing chocolate chips and dried cherries throughout the dough, ensuring a balanced distribution of sweet and tart elements.
  7. Portion the dough into rounded tablespoon-sized mounds, strategically placing them two inches apart on the prepared baking sheets to allow proper spreading and even baking.
  8. Bake the cookies until the edges achieve a firm set while maintaining a soft, slightly underdone center, typically requiring 10-12 minutes of precise oven time.
  9. Allow the freshly baked cookies to rest on the baking sheets for five minutes, facilitating initial stabilization, then transfer to a wire rack for complete cooling and optimal texture development.

Notes

  • Choose high-quality cocoa powder for a rich, deep chocolate flavor that elevates the entire cookie experience.
  • Sift dry ingredients to prevent lumps and ensure a smooth, consistent cookie texture.
  • Slightly under-bake the cookies for a softer, chewier center that melts in your mouth.
  • For a gluten-free version, swap regular flour with almond or gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, maintaining the same measurements.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 24
  • Calories: 170
  • Sugar: 10 g
  • Sodium: 100 mg
  • Fat: 7 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 23 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg
James Mitchell

James Mitchell

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Recipe Creation and Testing​, Fusion Cuisine​, Food Styling and Photography​, Culinary Education​

Education

Kendall College, Chicago, IL

  • Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classic and modern cooking techniques, with a specialization in international cuisines.​

The Culinary Institute of America, Hyde Park, NY

  • Program: Advanced Certificate in Gastronomy
  • Focus: In-depth studies of global food cultures, flavor profiling, and innovative recipe development.​

James Mitchell is the founder and fearless flavor explorer at Cooking Crusade. With a degree in Culinary Arts from Kendall College and advanced training in global gastronomy from The Culinary Institute of America, James has spent over a decade perfecting the art of recipe creation. 

His background includes fine dining, private cheffing, and food styling, but his true joy comes from turning big ideas into doable recipes for home cooks. Every dish he shares is a mix of creativity, culture, and a little kitchen magic, built to bring excitement back to everyday meals.

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