If you crave the perfect balance between rich cocoa and the tart burst of cherries, the Chocolate and Cherry Lovers Cookies Recipe is an absolute must-bake. These cookies bring together velvety chocolate and chewy dried cherries in every bite, creating a delightful harmony of flavors and textures. Whether you want a cozy treat for your afternoon tea or a show-stopping dessert for gatherings, this recipe delivers a warm, indulgent experience that feels like a hug in cookie form.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple yet powerful ingredients is the key to making these cookies truly shine. Each one plays a vital role—from the creamy butter providing richness, to the cocoa powder delivering deep chocolate flavor, and the cherries adding that unforgettable fruity zing.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Creamy fat that creates tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with crisp edges.
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed: Gives moisture and a subtle caramel note.
- 2 large eggs: Bind ingredients and add richness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances overall flavor and aroma.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides the structure for the cookies.
- 2/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder: Brings the deep, intense chocolate punch.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise and spread just right.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances chocolate flavor.
- 1 cup dried cherries: Offers a chewy tartness that complements the chocolate.
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips: Adds melty pockets of chocolate throughout.
How to Make Chocolate and Cherry Lovers Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it warms up, line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, beat together the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, which usually takes about 2 to 3 minutes. This step is so important because it traps air that helps give the cookies a soft, tender crumb.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Mix in the eggs one at a time to fully incorporate, then blend in the vanilla extract until the batter is smooth. This adds moisture and depth to the dough, making each cookie rich and luscious.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt together. Gradually add this dry mixture to your wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, or the cookies could turn out dense.
Step 5: Fold in the Cherries and Chocolate Chips
Gently fold in the dried cherries and semi-sweet chocolate chips, distributing them evenly throughout the dough. This is where your cookies start to get their signature bursts of flavor and texture.
Step 6: Shape and Bake
Using a tablespoon, scoop dough portions onto your prepared baking sheets, spacing each about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the edges are set but the centers still feel soft. This ensures the perfect chewy center with just the right amount of crisp.
Step 7: 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 step lets them firm up just enough to handle without losing their gooey charm.
How to Serve Chocolate and Cherry Lovers Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Elevate your cookie experience by dusting them lightly with powdered sugar for a pretty snowy effect or drizzle with melted dark chocolate for added decadence. A sprinkle of flaky sea salt can also enhance the chocolate and cherry pairing beautifully.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic dessert or a hot cup of coffee or rich hot chocolate to complement their deep cocoa flavors. They also work brilliantly alongside fresh fruit to balance the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking these cookies tied with a rustic ribbon to gift friends or serve them alongside a cheese board featuring mild cheeses and nuts. For parties, consider making mini cookie sandwiches with cherry jam and chocolate ganache tucked inside for an elevated treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once completely cooled, store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Using a layer of parchment paper between stacks will prevent sticking and keep them looking fresh.
Freezing
If you want to keep these cookies longer, freezing is a perfect option. Place cooled cookies on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll stay delicious for up to three months.
Reheating
For that fresh-baked warmth, reheat frozen or stored cookies in a preheated 300°F oven for 5 to 7 minutes. This softens their centers and revives their melty chocolate goodness without drying them out.
FAQs
Can I use fresh cherries instead of dried?
Fresh cherries have much more moisture, which can affect the cookie texture and baking time. It’s best to stick with dried cherries to keep the perfect chew and avoid sogginess.
Is it possible to make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend that measures cup-for-cup. Just ensure it contains xanthan gum or add a pinch for structure.
How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?
Chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking helps control spreading. Also, make sure your baking soda is fresh as old leavening agents can impact rise and spread.
Can I swap out the chocolate chips for white chocolate?
Absolutely, white chocolate chips add a creamy sweetness that pairs wonderfully with the tart cherries, giving the cookies a different but equally delicious twist.
Are these cookies suitable for freezing unbaked dough?
Yes, you can freeze the cookie dough balls on a tray and then transfer them to a container. When ready, bake them straight from frozen, just add a couple extra minutes to the baking time.
Final Thoughts
If you love a cookie that’s bursting with chocolatey depth and a hint of fruity tartness, this Chocolate and Cherry Lovers Cookies Recipe is a true game-changer. They’re simple to make, delightfully chewy, and always a hit whether you’re baking for family, friends, or just treating yourself. Give this recipe a go, and I promise these cookies will quickly become one of your all-time favorites.
Print
Chocolate and Cherry Lovers Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in the rich, fudgy goodness of Chocolate and Cherry Lovers Cookies, perfectly combining the intense flavor of cocoa with tart dried cherries and melty semi-sweet chocolate chips. These soft, chewy cookies are an irresistible treat for chocolate and cherry fans alike, baking up beautifully in just under half an hour.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 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
Mix-ins
- 1 cup dried cherries
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare two baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper to ensure the cookies don’t stick.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter together with the granulated sugar and brown sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes. This step is crucial to a tender cookie texture.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then, mix in the vanilla extract until the batter is smooth and creamy.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined to avoid overmixing.
- Fold in Mix-ins: Gently fold the dried cherries and semi-sweet chocolate chips into the dough, distributing them evenly without breaking the cherries.
- Shape Cookies: Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, place rounded portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches of space between each to allow for spreading.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes or until the edges are set but the centers still look soft and slightly underbaked—this ensures a chewy middle.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes to set before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- For softer cookies, avoid overbaking; remove them while centers are still soft.
- Room temperature butter and eggs will help the dough blend more smoothly.
- You can substitute dried cherries with dried cranberries or raisins for a different twist.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Freezing dough balls ahead can make baking fresh cookies quick and easy on demand.
