Chocolate cherry cookies are like little bites of happiness! I’ve always loved the combination of rich chocolate and tart cherries—it’s a match made in dessert heaven. Every time I bake these cookies, the kitchen fills with the most delightful aroma, and I can’t help but smile as I envision friends and family gathering around to enjoy them. What I adore most about this recipe is how the sweet and chewy cherries contrast beautifully with the gooey chocolate chips. Trust me, each bite is a burst of joy! Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just because you need a treat, these chocolate cherry cookies will definitely brighten your day. Let’s get baking—you won’t regret it!
Ingredients List
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature for easy mixing
- 1 cup granulated sugar, to add sweetness and a delightful crunch
- 1 cup packed brown sugar, which gives a nice depth of flavor and moisture
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature to help with a smooth batter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, for that warm, comforting aroma
- 3 cups all-purpose flour, the base for our cookie dough
- 1 teaspoon baking soda, to help the cookies rise perfectly
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, to enhance all the sweet flavors
- 1 cup chocolate chips, because we can never have too much chocolate!
- 1 cup dried cherries, adding a chewy, tart burst in every bite
How to Prepare Chocolate Cherry Cookies
Making these chocolate cherry cookies is a delightful process that fills your kitchen with warmth and sweet aromas! Let’s dive into the steps together, and I promise you’ll have a batch of joy-filled cookies in no time.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your cookies bake perfectly from the start!
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes. Trust me, this step is crucial for that soft texture!
- Next, add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, and then stir in the vanilla extract. You want everything well combined and smooth.
- In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This helps distribute the leavening agent evenly, so don’t skip it!
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix just until everything is combined—overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
- Now, it’s time to fold in those luscious chocolate chips and dried cherries! Use a spatula to gently incorporate them without breaking anything.
- Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop spoonfuls of dough onto a lined baking sheet, making sure to leave some space between each cookie.
- Pop them in the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the centers look slightly underbaked. They’ll firm up as they cool!
- Once baked, let them cool on a wire rack. This is crucial; cooling helps set the cookies and enhances their chewy goodness.
And there you have it! Easy, joyful chocolate cherry cookies ready to be devoured!
Tips for Joy with Chocolate Cherry Cookies
- For thicker cookies, chill the dough for about 30 minutes before baking. This helps them hold their shape and prevents spreading!
- If you’re feeling adventurous, try swapping dried cherries for fresh ones! Just remember to chop them up a bit and adjust the baking time, as fresh fruit releases more moisture.
- Add a sprinkle of sea salt on top just before baking to enhance the chocolate flavor and create a delightful contrast with the sweetness.
- Want an extra chewy texture? Use bread flour instead of all-purpose flour; it’ll make your cookies even more satisfying!
- Don’t hesitate to mix in some chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for an added crunch and flavor dimension.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to make—perfect for a last-minute treat!
- Rich chocolate combined with tart cherries creates a flavor explosion in every bite.
- Versatile! You can easily customize them by adding nuts or using different types of chocolate.
- These cookies stay soft and chewy for days, making them great for sharing or enjoying throughout the week.
- They make your kitchen smell heavenly while they bake, filling your home with warmth and happiness.
- Perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy night in or a festive gathering with friends!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your chocolate cherry cookies is super easy! Just place them in an airtight container at room temperature, and they’ll stay fresh for up to a week. If you want them to last even longer, you can freeze them. Just wrap each cookie in plastic wrap and put them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll be good for up to 2 months! When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply let them thaw at room temperature or pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. This will bring back that warm, gooey goodness!
Nutritional Information Disclaimer
Please note that the nutritional values for these chocolate cherry cookies may vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you choose to use. While I strive to provide accurate information, I won’t be able to give precise nutrition details for every batch. It’s always a good idea to check the labels on your ingredients if you’re tracking your intake closely. Enjoy these delicious cookies without any guilt, knowing they’re made with love and joy!
FAQ Section
Can I use fresh cherries instead of dried?
Absolutely! Fresh cherries can be a delightful twist. Just chop them up and be mindful that they may release more moisture, so adjust your baking time accordingly.
How do I know when my cookies are done?
You’ll want to look for slightly golden edges and a soft center. They’ll continue to firm up as they cool, so don’t worry if they seem a tad underbaked!
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. Just let it sit at room temperature for a bit before scooping and baking.
What’s the best way to store leftover cookies?
Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for about a week. If you want to keep them longer, freezing is a great option!
Can I substitute the butter with something else?
You can use margarine or coconut oil, but the texture and flavor might vary slightly. Butter really brings that rich taste we love!
Final Thoughts
Now that you have this delicious chocolate cherry cookies recipe, I can’t wait for you to try it out! I truly believe these cookies will bring a little joy to your day, just as they do for me. Don’t forget to share your baking adventures in the comments below—I’d love to hear how they turned out for you! If you enjoyed the recipe, please give it a rating and share it on social media to spread the joy of baking. Happy cookie-making!
Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Cookies are another delightful treat to try!
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Chocolate Cherry Cookies Tips for Joy: 5 Secrets Revealed
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious chocolate cherry cookies that bring joy with every bite.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon 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 your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, cream together butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar.
- Add eggs and vanilla extract, mixing well.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add 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 cookies cool on a wire rack.
Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container.
- Chill the dough for 30 minutes for thicker cookies.
- Try using fresh cherries for a different 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: 80mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: chocolate cherry cookies, baking, dessert