Name: Chocolate Cherry Cookies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-484056H11M9S
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ½ cup unsalted butter, softened (but still slightly cool); ⅔ cup light brown sugar (fresh and soft); ⅓ cup granulated sugar; 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract; ⅓ cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 cup plus 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour; ½ teaspoon baking soda; ¼ teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon cornstarch; ⅔ cup chopped maraschino cherries, drained and patted dry; ⅓ cup sweetened dried cherries; ½ cup chocolate chips or chunks (plus more for topping, if desired)

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If you love the sweet and tangy combination of cherries paired with the rich indulgence of chocolate, these Chocolate Cherry Cookies are the perfect treat for you. These soft and chewy cookies are packed with chopped maraschino cherries, sweetened dried cherries, and a generous amount of chocolate chips. The rich cocoa flavor in the dough adds a decadent depth that complements the fruity sweetness of the cherries perfectly. With each bite, you’ll experience the irresistible contrast of flavors that make these cookies stand out.

Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just craving a sweet homemade treat, these cookies will satisfy every chocolate lover’s dream. The easy-to-follow recipe ensures that you’ll have a batch of these delicious cookies in no time, and they’re sure to become a favorite among your friends and family.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Perfect Combination of Flavors

The combination of sweet maraschino cherries, dried cherries, and rich chocolate creates a balanced flavor profile that’s both indulgent and refreshing.

2. Soft and Chewy Texture

These cookies have a soft, chewy texture, thanks to the perfect balance of fats and dry ingredients, making them a delightful treat with every bite.

3. Versatile and Customizable

Feel free to adjust the type of cherries or even the type of chocolate you use to personalize the recipe to your liking.

4. Easy to Make

With simple ingredients and easy steps, these cookies are quick to prepare, making them an ideal choice when you need to satisfy a sweet craving.

5. Great for Gifting

These Chocolate Cherry Cookies make for a wonderful gift, whether for holidays, birthdays, or any special occasion. Their unique flavor combination will be appreciated by everyone.

Ingredients

Unsalted butter (softened but still slightly cool)
Light brown sugar (fresh and soft)
Granulated sugar
Large egg
Pure vanilla extract
Unsweetened cocoa
All-purpose flour
Baking soda
Salt
Cornstarch
Chopped maraschino cherries (drained and patted dry)
Sweetened dried cherries
Chocolate chips or chunks (plus extra for topping, if desired)

Variations

Cherries: If you’re not a fan of maraschino cherries, you can substitute them with fresh cherries or even use dried cranberries for a different tart twist.
Chocolate: You can use dark chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, or even a mix of chocolate types for a richer flavor. You can also chop up your favorite chocolate bar for chunks.
Nuts: Add a handful of chopped nuts such as walnuts or pecans for extra texture and a nutty crunch that complements the fruit and chocolate.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Sheets

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes.

Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients

Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture, and continue to beat until combined.

Step 4: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the unsweetened cocoa, all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and cornstarch. Slowly add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

Step 5: Fold in the Cherries and Chocolate

Gently fold in the chopped maraschino cherries, dried cherries, and chocolate chips (or chunks). Ensure that the fruit and chocolate are evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Step 6: Scoop the Dough

Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to drop rounded portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. If desired, top each cookie with a few extra chocolate chips.

Step 7: Bake the Cookies

Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are set and the centers are slightly soft. Be careful not to overbake, as the cookies will continue to cook on the baking sheet after they are removed from the oven.

Step 8: Cool and Serve

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy your freshly baked Chocolate Cherry Cookies!

Tips for Making the Recipe

Do Not Overmix: Once the dry ingredients are added, mix until just combined to avoid overworking the dough, which can result in dense cookies.
Chill the Dough (Optional): If you want thicker cookies, chill the dough in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before baking.
Butter Temperature: Make sure your butter is softened, but not melted, for the best texture.
Add Extra Toppings: For even more chocolatey goodness, sprinkle extra chocolate chips on top of the cookies just before baking.

How to Serve

These Chocolate Cherry Cookies are perfect on their own as a sweet snack, but they also pair wonderfully with a cold glass of milk or a cup of coffee. You can serve them as a dessert for dinner parties or pack them in a lunchbox for a delicious homemade treat. They also make a great addition to cookie platters for holidays or special occasions.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. To keep them soft, you can place a slice of bread in the container with the cookies to maintain moisture.

Freezing

To freeze, place the baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container and store for up to 3 months. You can also freeze the dough and bake the cookies fresh when you’re ready—just scoop the dough into balls and freeze on a baking sheet before transferring them to a bag for long-term storage. When ready to bake, simply add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.

Reheating

Reheat frozen cookies by placing them in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 5 minutes or until warmed through.

FAQs

1. Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries?

Fresh cherries can be used, but be sure to pit and chop them into small pieces. You may need to adjust the amount of dried cherries to balance the moisture content.

2. Can I use dark chocolate chips instead of milk chocolate?

Yes, dark chocolate chips will work beautifully and provide a deeper, more intense chocolate flavor.

3. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure your baking soda and cornstarch are also gluten-free.

4. How can I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?

Chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking can help prevent excessive spreading.

5. Can I add nuts to this recipe?

Yes, feel free to add chopped nuts such as walnuts or pecans for extra texture and flavor.

6. How do I keep the cookies soft?

Store the cookies in an airtight container, and place a slice of bread in the container to help maintain their softness.

Yes, you can freeze the dough. Simply scoop the dough into balls and freeze them on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer the dough balls to a freezer-safe bag or container.

8. Can I use dried cranberries instead of dried cherries?

Yes, dried cranberries can be used as a substitute for dried cherries if you prefer a tart flavor.

9. How long do the cookies stay fresh?

These cookies will stay fresh for up to 5 days at room temperature when stored in an airtight container.

10. Can I reduce the sugar in this recipe?

You can experiment with reducing the sugar slightly, but keep in mind that sugar not only adds sweetness but also helps with the texture and structure of the cookies.

Conclusion

Chocolate Cherry Cookies are the perfect combination of rich, indulgent chocolate and sweet, fruity cherries. These soft, chewy treats are easy to make and sure to be a hit with anyone who tries them. With a few simple ingredients and some helpful tips, you can bake a batch of these delicious cookies that are perfect for any occasion or just for satisfying your sweet tooth. Whether you enjoy them with a cup of tea or pack them in your lunch, these cookies will quickly become a favorite in your baking repertoire.