Chocolate Cherry Cookies Recipe

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The Comfort of Chocolate Cherry Cookies Recipe

There’s something so warmly inviting about cookies that blend the deep, velvety richness of chocolate with the bright, tart burst of cherries. I love how this Chocolate Cherry Cookies Recipe feels like a cozy weekend ritual—perfect for those quiet moments when the kitchen fills with that golden, aromatic scent of fresh-baked treats.

When you bite into these cookies, you’ll notice the gently crisp edges giving way to a soft, chewy center, studded with luscious chocolate chips and chewy dried cherries. This balance of textures and flavors is exactly why I keep this recipe close. It’s uncomplicated but endlessly satisfying.

If you’re craving a new twist on classic chocolate cookies, this recipe is a delicious way to bring a little sweetness—and a little indulgence—into your day.

Ingredient Guide

• 1 cup unsalted butter (softened): Adds creamy richness and helps the dough hold its shape.
• 1 cup granulated sugar: For sweetness and slight crispness on cookie edges.
• 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed): Brings moisture and a subtle molasses note, keeping cookies chewy.
• 2 large eggs: Bind everything together and add tenderness.
• 2 cups all-purpose flour: The sturdy base that creates structure.
• 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder: Deep, intense chocolate flavor without sweetness.
• 1 tsp baking soda: Provides just enough lift for a delicate texture.
• 1/2 tsp salt: Enhances the chocolate and balances sweetness.
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips: Melts into pockets of rich, gooey chocolate in every bite.
• 3/4 cup dried cherries (chopped if desired): Tart bursts that complement the chocolate beautifully.

Prep Before You Begin

Before you dive in, I recommend getting all your ingredients measured and ready—that mise en place rhythm really helps keep the process smooth. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper so you’re set for baking without any last-minute scrambles.

• Mixing bowls (one large, one medium)
• Electric mixer or sturdy wooden spoon for creaming butter and sugars
• Measuring cups and spoons for accuracy
• Whisk to combine dry ingredients evenly
• Baking sheets lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking
• Cooling rack to let cookies cool without sogginess
• Optional: cookie scoop for perfectly even cookies

How to Make Chocolate Cherry Cookies Recipe

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the cookies bake evenly from the start and develop that lightly crisp edge you’re after.
2. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This little step keeps cleanup easy and prevents any sticky situations.
3. Cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar in a mixing bowl until the mixture turns pale and fluffy—the fluffier, the better for light texture.
4. Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. This builds a smooth, velvety dough base.
5. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. This evenly distributes the leavening and cocoa, so every bite bursts with perfect chocolate balance.

6. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, but don’t overwork the dough. You want just enough to come together without sacrificing that tender crumb.
7. Fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips and dried cherries gently. These add bursts of gooey chocolate and tart cherry goodness in every bite.
8. Drop rounded tablespoons of the dough onto your prepared sheets, spacing them about two inches apart to give each cookie room to spread and brown beautifully.
9. Bake for 10-12 minutes. Watch for the edges to set and the centers to look just soft—they’ll firm up as they cool, leaving you with that perfect chewy texture.
10. Cool slightly on the sheets before transferring to a wire rack. This lets them hold their shape instead of breaking apart too soon.

Creative Variations for Chocolate Cherry Cookies Recipe

• Swap dried cherries for dried cranberries or raspberries for a different tart twist.
• Add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for extra crunch and warmth.
• Mix in white chocolate chips to contrast the cocoa with creamy sweetness.
• Sprinkle flaky sea salt on top before baking to enhance the chocolate flavor and add a gourmet touch.
• Use dark cocoa powder for a more intense chocolate experience.
• Try orange zest in the dough for a bright citrus note that pairs beautifully with cherry and chocolate.

Storage, Freezing & Reheating

• Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain softness.
• Freeze baked cookies in a sealed bag or container for up to 3 months; thaw at room temperature.
• Dough can be made ahead and refrigerated for 24 hours or frozen for up to a month; just scoop and bake when ready.
• Reheat cookies gently in a low oven (300°F/150°C) for 5 minutes to bring back that fresh-baked warmth.

Chocolate Cherry Cookies Recipe FAQs

• Can I substitute dried cherries with fresh cherries? Fresh cherries have too much moisture and can affect baking; dried cherries hold up best and provide concentrated flavor.
• Why are my cookies flat? Make sure your butter isn’t too melted and don’t overmix the dough; chilling the dough for 20-30 minutes can help maintain shape.
• Can I use cocoa powder with sugar added? For best flavor control, use unsweetened cocoa powder as called for in the recipe.
• What’s the best way to measure flour? Spoon flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife to avoid packing, which can make cookies dense.
• Can I make these cookies vegan or dairy-free? You can try swapping butter for plant-based margarine and eggs with flax eggs, though texture will differ slightly.

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