If you are someone who dreams about the perfect balance of rich chocolate and tangy cherries in every bite, then this Chocolate and Cherry Lovers Cookies Recipe is destined to become your new obsession. These cookies bring together the deep, luscious flavor of cocoa with bursts of sweet dried cherries, all wrapped in a tender, chewy cookie that feels like a warm hug. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just want to treat yourself, these cookies offer a marvelous way to satisfy those cravings with a truly distinctive twist.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is your first step toward cookie bliss, and luckily, this recipe calls for simple pantry staples that transform in an instant into something extraordinary. Each element plays an essential role, from the creamy butter creating a tender crumb to the dried cherries delivering delightful pops of flavor and color.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: The base for moist, chewy cookies with a rich buttery flavor.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Provides the perfect level of sweetness and a crisp edge.
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed: Adds a touch of molasses flavor and helps keep the cookies chewy.
- 2 large eggs: Bind all the ingredients together while adding moisture.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with a warm aromatic note.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The structure of the cookies, ensuring they hold their shape.
- 2/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder: Gives these cookies their deep, intense chocolate flavor.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise just enough to be soft and tender.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and amplifies the chocolate taste.
- 1 cup dried cherries: The star addition that offers bursts of tartness, making each bite exciting.
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips: Melts during baking, creating pockets of gooey chocolate delight.
How to Make Chocolate and Cherry Lovers Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheets
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining your baking sheets with parchment paper. This simple prep ensures your cookies bake evenly and come off the sheet effortlessly once done.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
Using a mixer, beat the softened butter alongside the granulated and brown sugars until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This step is crucial because it incorporates air and creates a lovely texture in your finished cookies that’s both tender and chewy.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time to keep the batter smooth and cohesive. Then stir in the vanilla extract; this tiny addition really elevates the overall depth of flavor without overpowering the chocolate and cherry combination.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt together. Mixing these dry ingredients well ensures an even dispersion of cocoa and leavening, which is key to that perfect chocolatey crumb.
Step 5: Mix Dry Ingredients into Wet Ingredients
Gradually add the dry mix to your wet ingredients and stir gently until everything is just incorporated. Overmixing can lead to a dense cookie, so it’s best to stop as soon as there are no visible streaks of flour.
Step 6: Fold in Cherries and Chocolate Chips
Here’s where the magic happens—fold in the dried cherries and semi-sweet chocolate chips delicately so you evenly spread these wonderful bursts of flavor throughout your cookie dough.
Step 7: Shape and Bake
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie to allow for spreading. Bake them for 10 to 12 minutes, just until the edges set but the centers remain tender and soft.
Step 8: Cool Before Enjoying
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. This short rest helps them firm up slightly while still keeping that delightful chewiness you crave.
How to Serve Chocolate and Cherry Lovers Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a few extra dried cherries or mini chocolate chips on top just after baking for a pretty presentation and enhanced texture. A light dusting of powdered sugar can add an elegant contrast that’s perfect for gifting or special occasions.
Side Dishes
Serve these cookies alongside a cold glass of milk or a warm cup of coffee or tea to balance their richness. For an indulgent twist, pair them with a scoop of vanilla or cherry ice cream for an instant dessert party.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange the cookies on a charming platter lined with fresh cherry sprigs or cocoa powder dusting. You can also sandwich two cookies together with a dollop of cherry jam or chocolate ganache for an irresistible treat that will wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature where they will stay fresh and chewy for up to a week. Adding a slice of bread to the container can help maintain moisture and prevent them from drying out.
Freezing
These cookies freeze beautifully! Place cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can last up to 3 months this way and thaw quickly when you want a sweet fix.
Reheating
Warm frozen or stored cookies in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to revive their soft texture and melty chocolate pockets. Avoid overheating as this might make them too soft or crumbly.
FAQs
Can I substitute fresh cherries instead of dried cherries?
Fresh cherries have a higher moisture content, which can affect the cookie’s texture and baking time. It’s best to stick with dried cherries for this recipe to keep the perfect chewy consistency.
Is unsweetened cocoa powder essential or can I use sweetened cocoa?
Using unsweetened cocoa powder is important because it provides a rich chocolate flavor without extra sweetness. Sweetened cocoa may make the cookies overly sweet and alter the intended taste balance.
What if I don’t have semi-sweet chocolate chips?
You can substitute with dark or milk chocolate chips depending on your taste preference. Each will give a slightly different chocolate intensity but will still taste delicious with the cherries.
Can I make these cookies vegan or dairy-free?
With a few ingredient swaps—like using vegan butter and egg replacements—you can certainly enjoy a dairy-free or vegan version, though the texture might shift a bit. Experimenting with these substitutions can be fun!
How long do these cookies keep their freshness?
Stored properly at room temperature in an airtight container, these cookies stay fresh for up to one week. After that, they might start to lose their chewy texture.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the way this Chocolate and Cherry Lovers Cookies Recipe combines dark, intense chocolate with lively bursts of cherry sweetness. It’s a recipe that invites you to bake with love, share with friends, and savor every single bite. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite cookie that everyone will be asking you to make again and again!
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 Chocolate and Cherry Lovers Cookies, perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth with the perfect balance of deep cocoa flavor and tart dried cherries. Soft in the center with slightly crisp edges, these homemade cookies combine semi-sweet chocolate chips and dried cherries for an irresistible treat ideal for any occasion.
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
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 easy cleanup.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together using an electric mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy, which usually takes about 2-3 minutes. This step is essential for the right cookie texture.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time to incorporate them evenly, then mix in the vanilla extract until the batter is smooth and well combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt to distribute the leavening agents and cocoa evenly throughout the dough.
- Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined to avoid overworking the dough, which could result in tough cookies.
- Fold in Cherries and Chocolate Chips: Gently fold in the dried cherries and semi-sweet chocolate chips, distributing them evenly throughout the dough for bursts of tartness and chocolate in every bite.
- Shape Cookies on Baking Sheets: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading during baking.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes until the edges have set but the centers remain soft to achieve the perfect chewy texture.
- Cool Cookies: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes to firm up before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, which ensures they finish setting without becoming hard.
Notes
- For chewier cookies, slightly underbake by removing them at 10 minutes.
- Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Dried cherries can be substituted with dried cranberries or raisins if preferred.
- Ensure butter is softened but not melted for better creaming with sugars.
- Chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking can enhance flavor and reduce spreading.
