Oh my goodness, let me tell you about these chocolate cherry cookies! They’re the ultimate indulgence, bursting with rich chocolate flavor and a delightful hint of tart cherries. Every time I bake these, my kitchen fills with an irresistible aroma that makes it hard to resist sneaking a taste before they’re even out of the oven. I remember the first time I made them for a friend’s gathering, and they disappeared in minutes! Trust me, once you take a bite, you’ll be hooked on that perfect balance of sweetness and fruitiness. So grab your mixing bowl, and let’s dive into making the best chocolate cherry cookies you’ll ever taste!
Ingredients List
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: This is the base of your cookies, giving them that rich, buttery flavor. Make sure it’s at room temperature for easy mixing!
- 1 cup granulated sugar: This sweetener will help create that lovely crispy edge while keeping the center chewy.
- 1 cup packed brown sugar: Using brown sugar adds moisture and a depth of flavor thanks to the molasses. Don’t forget to pack it in tightly!
- 2 large eggs: They act as a binding agent, helping the cookies hold together while adding richness.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: This adds a warm, sweet aroma that complements the chocolate and cherries beautifully.
- 3 cups all-purpose flour: Flour provides the structure for your cookies. Spoon it into your measuring cup and level it off for accuracy.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: This is your leavening agent, helping the cookies rise and become delightfully fluffy.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: A pinch of salt enhances all the flavors, making the chocolate and cherries pop!
- 1 cup chocolate chips: Use semi-sweet or dark chocolate for that rich chocolatey goodness. Feel free to mix in some chunks for extra indulgence!
- 1 cup dried cherries: These little gems add a pop of tartness that perfectly balances the sweetness of the cookies. Chop them up a bit if they’re large!
How to Prepare Chocolate Cherry Cookies
Preheat the Oven
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial because a properly preheated oven ensures that your cookies bake evenly and have that perfect golden brown color. Trust me, starting with a hot oven makes all the difference!
Creaming the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and packed brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes. You want to aim for a smooth, creamy texture that’s almost pale in color. This step is important because it incorporates air into the dough, which helps your cookies rise beautifully!
Combining Wet Ingredients
Next, add in the eggs and vanilla extract to your creamed mixture. Beat everything together until it’s smooth and well combined. You should see a lovely glossy finish. Don’t worry if it looks a bit separated at first; just keep mixing until everything is incorporated!
Mixing Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This is to ensure that the baking soda is evenly distributed, which helps your cookies rise evenly. It might seem like an extra step, but it really makes a difference in texture!
Bringing It All Together
Now, gradually add the dry mixture to your wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix! Once you can’t see any more flour, gently fold in the chocolate chips and dried cherries. This is where the magic happens—those chunks of chocolate and tart cherries will make your cookies irresistible!
Baking the Cookies
Using a spoon or a cookie scoop, drop spoonfuls of the dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving some space between each cookie. Bake them in your preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the centers look set but still soft. You want a little bit of a soft center for that chewy texture!
Cooling and Serving
Once baked, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them set up nicely! Serve them warm with a glass of milk, and watch them disappear in no time. I love bringing these cookies to gatherings; they never fail to impress!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for a last-minute treat!
- Deliciously rich chocolate flavor balanced with tangy dried cherries.
- Chewy and soft texture that melts in your mouth.
- Great for sharing at parties or enjoying with a cup of coffee.
- Each cookie is a delightful blend of sweet and tart, making them irresistible!
Tips for Success
To achieve the perfect chocolate cherry cookies, here are my top tips! First, keep an eye on your baking time; every oven is different, so start checking at the 10-minute mark. You want those edges to be golden while the centers remain soft and chewy. If you love a richer flavor, try using dark chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet. For a gluten-free option, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free blend. Storage is crucial too—keep your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain freshness for up to a week. Trust me, these little gems taste even better the next day! Enjoy your baking adventure!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for each cookie:
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
- Sodium: 50mg
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 10g
- Protein: 2g
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the exact ingredients used. Happy baking!
FAQ Section
Can I use fresh cherries instead of dried?
While fresh cherries are delicious, they contain more moisture than dried ones. If you decide to use fresh cherries, be sure to chop them and reduce the overall liquid in the recipe slightly to avoid a soggy cookie.
How do I store chocolate cherry cookies?
Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them for up to two months. Just make sure to layer them with parchment paper to prevent sticking!
What can I substitute for eggs?
If you’re looking for an egg substitute for your chocolate cherry cookies, you can use 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water, let it sit for a few minutes). These options will help keep your cookies moist.
Can I add nuts to the recipe?
Absolutely! Chopped walnuts or pecans would be a fantastic addition, adding a delightful crunch to your cookies. Just fold them in along with the chocolate chips and dried cherries for an extra layer of flavor.
Why are my cookies spreading too much?
If your chocolate cherry cookies are spreading too thin, it could be due to several reasons. Make sure your butter is softened but not melted, and also check that you’re measuring your flour correctly—too little flour can lead to excessive spreading. Chilling the dough for about 30 minutes before baking can also help!
Chocolate Cherry Cookies are a delightful treat that combines rich chocolate with tart cherries, making them a perfect dessert for any occasion.
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Chocolate Cherry Cookies: 7 Irresistible Tips to Try
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious chocolate cherry cookies with a rich flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1 cup dried cherries
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, cream together butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar.
- Add eggs and vanilla; mix until smooth.
- In another bowl, combine flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture.
- Fold in chocolate chips and dried cherries.
- Drop spoonfuls onto a baking sheet.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until golden.
- Let cool before serving.
Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container.
- For a chewy texture, do not overbake.
- Substitute dark chocolate for a richer flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: chocolate cherry cookies, dessert, baking
