If you are a fan of the perfect balance between rich chocolate and tart cherries, then you are going to absolutely adore this Chocolate and Cherry Lovers Cookies Recipe. These cookies are a divine treat where fudgy cocoa meets bursts of chewy dried cherries and melty chocolate chips, creating a mouthwatering harmony of flavors and textures. Whether you’re baking for a cozy night in or a special gathering, this recipe brings warmth, joy, and that irresistible homemade cookie magic to your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for simple yet essential ingredients that work together like a dream. Each component plays a crucial role in building the flavor, texture, and beautiful color of these cookies, making the process straightforward and satisfying.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Provides a creamy base that adds moisture and richness for tender cookies.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps to create a crisp edge on the cookies.
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed: Brings a subtle caramel depth and chewiness to the texture.
- 2 large eggs: Acts as the binder, ensuring the dough holds together beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the chocolate flavor with a warm aromatic note.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The sturdy foundation that gives the cookies their structure.
- 2/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder: Delivers that rich chocolate intensity you crave in every bite.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise just right, keeping them light yet chewy.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and intensifies the overall flavor.
- 1 cup dried cherries: Adds a delightful tartness and chewy texture that perfectly complements the chocolate.
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips: Provides pockets of gooey chocolate for that extra indulgence.
How to Make Chocolate and Cherry Lovers Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Preheat
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) and lining your baking sheets with parchment paper. This little prep step ensures your cookies bake evenly and come off the tray effortlessly, so no one misses out on perfect edges.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars
Beat the softened butter with granulated and brown sugars until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes. This process isn’t just about mixing—it’s what creates the ideal crumb and texture by incorporating air into the dough.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Next, beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then stir in the vanilla extract, continuing until the batter is smooth and aromatic. This step builds the flavor foundation and helps bind the dough together.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mix to the wet ingredients, blending just until combined. Overmixing here can toughen the cookies, so a gentle hand is key.
Step 5: Fold in Cherries and Chocolate Chips
Now the fun part: gently fold in the dried cherries and semi-sweet chocolate chips. These goodies are the stars of the show, bringing bursts of intense flavor and luscious texture to every bite.
Step 6: Portion the Dough
Using a tablespoon, scoop dollops of dough onto your prepared baking sheets, spacing them about two inches apart to give the cookies room to spread and puff up beautifully as they bake.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Bake your cookies for 10 to 12 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the edges look set but the centers still feel soft. This balance guarantees a chewy middle surrounded by a slight crispness.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents breakage and helps the cookies firm up while maintaining that irresistible soft center.
How to Serve Chocolate and Cherry Lovers Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a few extra dried cherries or chocolate chips on top of warm cookies just pulled from the oven for a festive look. A light dusting of powdered sugar also adds a pretty contrast and sweet touch.
Side Dishes
Serve these cookies alongside a glass of cold milk, rich hot chocolate, or a creamy coffee latte for a perfect pairing. The bittersweet cocoa plays well with dairy or coffee flavors, creating an indulgent snack or dessert combo.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, sandwich a layer of cream cheese frosting or cherry jam between two cookies. Wrapping them individually in parchment and tying with a ribbon makes a charming gift or party favor that anyone would love to receive.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. This keeps them fresh and chewy, though their texture is best enjoyed within the first couple of days.
Freezing
You can freeze these cookies by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transferring to a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll keep wonderfully for up to 3 months, perfect for pre-baking ahead of time.
Reheating
To refresh the cookies after freezing, thaw them at room temperature and warm in a preheated 300-degree oven for about 5 minutes. This warms the chocolate chips back to melty perfection without drying out the cookie.
FAQs
Can I use fresh cherries instead of dried cherries?
Fresh cherries have a much higher moisture content and can make the dough too wet, leading to spreading or soggy cookies. Dried cherries provide the chewy texture and concentrated tart flavor that balances the rich cocoa beautifully.
What type of chocolate chips work best?
Semi-sweet chocolate chips are ideal because they offer a nice balance of sweetness and richness without overpowering the cherries or cocoa flavor. However, feel free to experiment with dark or milk chocolate according to your preference.
How do I make the cookies more cakey or more chewy?
For cakier cookies, you can add a touch more flour or use cake flour. For chewier cookies, slightly reduce the baking soda or swap half the granulated sugar for more brown sugar, which adds moisture and chew.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. Be sure it includes xanthan gum or add it separately to achieve the right texture.
Is it okay to underbake the cookies slightly?
Yes, slightly underbaking keeps the cookie centers soft and decadent, which many chocolate and cherry lovers prefer. Just be sure the edges are set to avoid doughy centers that fall apart.
Final Thoughts
I cannot recommend enough giving this Chocolate and Cherry Lovers Cookies Recipe a try—it’s truly a comforting and delicious treat that feels like a warm hug in cookie form. Whether you’re making them for yourself or sharing with loved ones, these cookies bring joy, laughter, and a little extra sweetness to any moment. Happy baking and even happier eating!
Print
Chocolate and Cherry Lovers Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in these rich and chewy Chocolate and Cherry Lovers Cookies, packed with luscious dried cherries and semi-sweet chocolate chips. Perfectly balanced with cocoa and a hint of vanilla, these cookies offer a decadent treat for any chocolate and fruit enthusiast.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Sugars
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
Add-ins
- 1 cup dried cherries
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare baking sheets: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cream butter and sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take about 2-3 minutes. This step incorporates air for a tender texture.
- Add eggs and vanilla: Beat in eggs one at a time to the butter mixture, followed by the vanilla extract, mixing until the batter is smooth and homogeneous.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening and flavoring agents.
- Incorporate dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined to avoid overworking the dough and to maintain tenderness.
- Fold in cherries and chocolate chips: Gently fold in the dried cherries and semi-sweet chocolate chips, ensuring even distribution throughout the dough without deflating it.
- Portion the dough: Using a tablespoon, scoop portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading during baking.
- Bake the cookies: Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, until the cookie edges are set but the centers remain soft, indicating perfect chewiness.
- Cool the cookies: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes to firm up, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- For chewier cookies, slightly underbake and cool completely.
- Replace dried cherries with dried cranberries or raisins for variation.
- Ensure butter is softened to room temperature for easy creaming.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Freezing cookie dough balls is possible for up to 1 month; bake directly from frozen adding 1-2 minutes to bake time.
