There’s something magical about the smell of freshly baked cookies wafting through the kitchen, isn’t there? The joy of baking cookies is one of life’s sweetest pleasures, and today, I’m thrilled to share my absolute favorite treat: chocolate cherry cookies! Imagine biting into a warm, gooey cookie packed with rich chocolate and sweet, chewy cherries. It’s like a little piece of happiness in every bite. Trust me, this delightful combination is not just a treat for your taste buds; it’s a hug in cookie form! Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply indulging in a cozy day at home, these chocolate cherry cookies will surely bring a smile to your face. So, let’s get baking and fill our homes with that irresistible aroma!
Ingredients List
- 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
- 2 cups chocolate chips
- 1 cup dried cherries
How to Prepare Chocolate Cherry Cookies
Let’s get those chocolate cherry cookies baking! It’s a straightforward process that yields absolutely delicious results. Just follow these steps, and soon you’ll have a batch of cookies that will make your kitchen smell heavenly!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is crucial for getting that perfect bake!
- In a large bowl, cream together 1 cup of softened unsalted butter, 1 cup of granulated sugar, and 1 cup of packed brown sugar. Mix until it’s light and fluffy—this usually takes about 2-3 minutes.
- Next, crack in 2 large eggs and add 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract. Blend them in until everything is well combined and smooth.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together 3 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. This helps to evenly distribute the leavening agent.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Don’t overmix; we want to keep those cookies tender!
- Now, fold in 2 cups of chocolate chips and 1 cup of dried cherries. Make sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop spoonfuls of the dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Aim for about 2 inches apart to give them room to spread.
- Bake these beauties in your preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. The centers might seem a bit soft, but that’s perfectly fine—they’ll firm up as they cool!
- Once they’re done, 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 just right.
Tips for Success
Let’s make sure your chocolate cherry cookies turn out absolutely perfect! Here are my top tips to help you achieve cookie greatness:
- For Chewiness: If you love a chewier cookie, try underbaking them just a bit. Pull them out of the oven when the edges are golden but the centers still look slightly underdone. They’ll continue to cook as they cool!
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature before mixing. This helps create a smoother batter and ensures even baking.
- Storage: Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh for about a week—if they last that long! You can also pop them in the fridge for an even chewier texture.
- Freezing for Later: If you want to save some for later, these cookies freeze beautifully! Just make sure they’re completely cooled, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll last for up to three months. Thaw them at room temperature when you’re ready to indulge!
- Customize Your Mix-Ins: Don’t hesitate to get creative! You can swap out the dried cherries for other dried fruits or even nuts if you want to add a different texture and flavor.
With these tips in hand, you’ll be well on your way to baking up a storm of delicious chocolate cherry cookies. Happy baking!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk about the numbers behind these delightful chocolate cherry cookies! While indulging in a sweet treat, it’s nice to have a little insight into what we’re enjoying. Here are the estimated nutritional values per cookie, based on standard ingredients:
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 50mg
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 10g
- Protein: 2g
These values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes, but they give you a good idea of what to expect. Enjoy these cookies in moderation, and savor every bite! Happy baking!
FAQ Section
Can I use fresh cherries instead of dried?
Absolutely, you can use fresh cherries! Just keep in mind that fresh cherries will add more moisture to the dough, which can make the cookies a bit softer. I recommend pitting and chopping them before mixing them in. This way, you’ll get that burst of cherry flavor in every bite! Just remember to adjust your baking time slightly, as the added moisture may require a little extra time in the oven.
How do I store leftover cookies?
To keep your chocolate cherry cookies fresh and delicious, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay yummy for about a week! If you want to keep them even fresher, you can pop them in the fridge, which also gives them a nice chewy texture. Just let them come to room temperature before enjoying them again!
Can I freeze chocolate cherry cookies?
Yes, you can definitely freeze these chocolate cherry cookies! Once they’ve cooled completely, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll last for up to three months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy them, just take them out and let them thaw at room temperature. No need to reheat—enjoy them as is, or pop them in the microwave for a few seconds if you like them warm and gooey!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Irresistible Flavor: The combination of rich chocolate and sweet cherries creates a flavor explosion that’s simply divine!
- Easy to Make: With straightforward steps and common ingredients, these chocolate cherry cookies are perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
- Perfect Texture: Enjoy the delightful contrast of chewy cherries and melty chocolate in every bite—what’s not to love?
- Quick to Bake: Ready in just about 30 minutes, you can satisfy your cookie cravings without a long wait.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Whether for a party, family gathering, or just a cozy night in, these cookies are sure to impress everyone!
- Customizable: Feel free to mix in your favorite nuts or swap cherries for other dried fruits—make them your own!
- Great for Gifting: Pack them up in a cute box or jar, and you’ve got a thoughtful homemade gift that friends and family will adore.
Variations on Chocolate Cherry Cookies
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many fun ways to mix things up with these chocolate cherry cookies! Here are a few ideas to inspire your baking creativity:
- Different Chocolate Types: Swap out the semi-sweet chocolate chips for dark chocolate or even white chocolate! Each variety brings a unique flavor that pairs beautifully with the cherries.
- Nuts Galore: Add a handful of chopped walnuts or pecans for an extra crunch and nutty flavor. They complement the sweetness of the cherries wonderfully!
- Spice It Up: A pinch of cinnamon or a dash of almond extract can add a warm, cozy flavor to your cookies. It’s a simple tweak that makes a big difference!
- Oatmeal Twist: For a heartier cookie, mix in a cup of rolled oats. This not only changes the texture but also adds a bit of wholesome goodness!
- Fruit Fusion: Try mixing in other dried fruits like cranberries or apricots along with or instead of the cherries. Each fruit brings its own unique flavor and sweetness!
- Stuffed Cookies: For a decadent surprise, make a small indentation in the center of each cookie and fill it with a dollop of Nutella or peanut butter before baking.
With these variations, you can enjoy a new twist on your chocolate cherry cookies every time you bake! So go ahead, get creative, and have fun experimenting!
Serving Suggestions
Now that you’ve baked up a delightful batch of chocolate cherry cookies, let’s talk about the best ways to enjoy them! A classic pairing is a tall glass of cold milk—there’s just something about the combination that feels like pure comfort. If you’re in the mood for something a bit more indulgent, try these cookies with a rich cup of coffee or espresso. The deep flavors of coffee perfectly complement the chocolate and cherries!
For a cozy evening treat, serve them warm alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The melting ice cream over the warm cookie creates a heavenly experience you won’t want to miss! And if you’re feeling fancy, drizzle some chocolate sauce or caramel over the top for an extra touch of decadence. No matter how you choose to enjoy your chocolate cherry cookies, they’re sure to bring a smile to your face! Happy indulging!
For more delicious cookie recipes, check out Rice Krispie Chocolate Chip Cookies or Chocolate Chip Cookies.
Print
Chocolate Cherry Cookies: 7 Tips for Irresistible Joy
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious chocolate cherry cookies that combine rich chocolate flavor with sweet cherries.
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
- 2 cups chocolate chips
- 1 cup dried cherries
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, cream together butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar.
- Add eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until combined.
- In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture.
- Fold in chocolate chips and dried cherries.
- Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are golden.
- Let cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container.
- For chewier cookies, underbake slightly.
- Substitute fresh cherries for dried if desired.
- 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: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: chocolate cherry cookies, dessert, baking
