Chocolate Cherry Cookies

Introduction

Imagine biting into a warm, soft cookie that perfectly balances the rich taste of chocolate and the sweet, tangy flavor of cherries. That’s exactly what you get with these Chocolate Cherry Cookies! These cookies are the perfect combination of indulgent chocolate and the fruity, juicy burst of cherries, making them an irresistible treat. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion, a family gathering, or just to satisfy your sweet tooth, these cookies are sure to impress.

With a simple ingredient list and a straightforward process, you’ll be able to create a batch of these delicious cookies in no time. The chocolate and cherry pairing is a classic, but there’s something about it in cookie form that just takes things to another level. The sweet cherries melt beautifully into the dough while the chocolate chunks bring a rich, gooey texture that will leave you wanting more. Trust me, one bite is never enough!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are countless reasons to fall in love with these Chocolate Cherry Cookies, but here are just a few:

• Perfect Flavor Pairing: The combination of rich chocolate and sweet cherries is a match made in dessert heaven.
• Chewy and Soft: These cookies are thick and chewy with just the right amount of softness in every bite.
• Customizable: You can swap in different types of chocolate or use dried cherries for a twist.
• Easy to Make: No complicated steps, just mix, scoop, and bake for perfect cookies every time.
• Crowd-Pleaser: These cookies are sure to wow your guests at any party or event, or simply as a treat to enjoy with a cup of coffee.
• Kid-Friendly: The cherries make these cookies a fun, fruity twist that kids will love.
• Great for Gifting: These cookies make fantastic homemade gifts, especially when paired with a cute jar or wrapped up in festive packaging.
• Make-Ahead Option: You can prep the dough ahead of time and bake whenever you’re ready, making it super convenient.
• Nostalgic Flavor: Chocolate and cherries are a classic combo that brings back memories of childhood treats, making these cookies even more special.
• Versatile: These cookies can be served on their own or alongside other desserts, like a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a cup of hot cocoa.

Preparation Time and Cook Time

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
• Servings: About 24 cookies
• Calories per cookie: Approximately 180 calories
• Key Nutrients: Fiber: 1g, Fat: 8g, Carbohydrates: 25g, Protein: 2g

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make your Chocolate Cherry Cookies:

For the Cookies:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup dried cherries, chopped (or fresh if preferred)

Ingredient Highlights

• Butter: The butter makes these cookies soft, chewy, and rich, giving them that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Brown Sugar: Brown sugar adds a deep, molasses-like sweetness that complements the cherries perfectly.
• Chocolate Chips: Semi-sweet chocolate chips provide a perfect balance of sweetness and richness, but feel free to use dark or milk chocolate if you prefer.
• Dried Cherries: Chopped dried cherries offer a chewy, sweet, and slightly tart contrast to the chocolate, making each bite more interesting. If you use fresh cherries, they’ll add more moisture to the dough, so you may need to adjust the baking time slightly.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these easy steps to bake your Chocolate Cherry Cookies:

1. Prepare the Dough

1. Preheat Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This will ensure that the baking soda is evenly distributed and your cookies rise perfectly.
3. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
4. Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until combined. The mixture should look smooth and creamy.
5. Combine with Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, or the cookies might turn out tough.
6. Add Chocolate and Cherries: Fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips and chopped cherries, ensuring they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough.

2. Scoop the Dough

1. Scoop the Dough: Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to scoop dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Space each cookie about 2 inches apart to give them room to spread.
2. Shape the Cookies: If you like, you can gently press down on the dough balls to help them spread evenly while baking, but the dough will naturally flatten as it bakes.

3. Bake the Cookies

1. Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center looks set. The cookies will firm up as they cool, so be careful not to overbake.
2. Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

How to Serve

Here are a few fun and creative ways to serve your Chocolate Cherry Cookies:

1. With a Glass of Milk: Serve these cookies with a tall glass of milk for a classic and comforting treat.
2. On a Dessert Platter: Arrange the cookies on a beautiful platter with other desserts like brownies or mini tarts for a stunning spread.
3. With Ice Cream: Warm up a cookie and serve it with a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream for a decadent dessert.
4. Gift Wrapped: Package a few cookies in a cute jar or festive tin and give them as a thoughtful homemade gift.
5. Cookie Bar: Set up a DIY cookie bar at your next party, letting guests enjoy the cookies with a variety of toppings, such as whipped cream, chocolate sauce, or sprinkles.
6. As a Coffee Companion: These cookies pair perfectly with a cup of coffee, making them an excellent choice for your morning or afternoon snack.

Additional Tips

To make your baking experience even better, check out these helpful tips:

1. Use Room Temperature Butter: Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature before mixing. This helps it blend better with the sugars and creates a smoother dough.
2. Chill the Dough: If you have time, chill the dough for about 30 minutes before baking. This helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much and gives them a thicker, chewier texture.
3. Adjust for Fresh Cherries: If you use fresh cherries instead of dried ones, be mindful that they can add moisture to the dough. You might need to bake them a little longer to ensure they firm up properly.
4. Add a Dash of Cinnamon: For a little extra warmth, try adding a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough. The spice complements the chocolate and cherries beautifully.
5. Store Properly: Keep any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you want them to last longer, freeze them for up to 3 months.

Recipe Variations

Here are some fun ways to tweak your Chocolate Cherry Cookies:

• Dark Chocolate Version: Use dark chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet for a more intense chocolate flavor.
• Add Nuts: Throw in a handful of chopped walnuts or almonds for extra crunch.
• Use Milk Chocolate: For a sweeter, creamier cookie, use milk chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet.
• Cherry-Coconut Twist: Add some shredded coconut to the dough for a tropical twist on this classic cookie.
• Oatmeal Cherry Cookies: Add a cup of rolled oats to the dough for a heartier, chewier texture.

Freezing and Storage

Here’s how to properly store your Chocolate Cherry Cookies:

• Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the cookies. Simply place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
• Thawing: To enjoy frozen cookies, let them thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving.

Special Equipment

These are the kitchen tools that will help you make the perfect cookies:

• Mixing Bowls: For mixing the dough.
• Electric Mixer: To cream the butter and sugars.
• Cookie Scoop: For evenly-sized cookies.
• Baking Sheets: Make sure you have a couple of these for baking all your cookies.
• Parchment Paper or Silicone Mat: To keep the cookies from sticking.
• Wire Rack: To cool the cookies evenly.

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Conclusion

I hope you’re ready to try these Chocolate Cherry Cookies! They’re the perfect combination of indulgent chocolate and sweet cherries, and once you make them, you won’t be able to stop at just one. Whether you’re treating yourself or sharing them with friends and family, these cookies will become an instant favorite.

Don’t forget to snap a photo and tag me on social media – I love seeing your delicious creations!