If you adore the delightful combination of rich chocolate and tart cherries, then you are in for a treat with this Chocolate and Cherry Lovers Cookies Recipe. These cookies perfectly balance fudgy cocoa with bursts of juicy dried cherries, creating a chewy, decadent bite every time. Whether you’re baking for a cozy night in or impressing friends at a gathering, this recipe delivers warm, comforting flavors wrapped in a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Get ready to fall head over heels for your new favorite cookie.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients might be straightforward, but each one plays a vital role in bringing together the lush taste and texture of these cookies. From the creamy butter that adds richness to the cocoa powder that delivers the deep chocolate flavor, every element is essential for cookie perfection.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Provides a creamy base with a tender crumb, essential for that soft cookie texture.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a slightly crisp edge.
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed: Introduces moisture and a subtle caramel note for chewiness.
- 2 large eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add richness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Elevates flavors with a warm, aromatic hint.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The structure that holds the cookies’ shape while keeping them tender.
- 2/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder: Delivers intense chocolate flavor and beautiful color.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise slightly and spread evenly.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all other flavors.
- 1 cup dried cherries: Adds tart bursts of fruity brightness to complement the chocolate.
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips: Melts into soft pockets of gooey chocolate in every bite.
How to Make Chocolate and Cherry Lovers Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining your baking sheets with parchment paper. This little step ensures your cookies bake evenly and come off easily without sticking, setting you up for success right from the start.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars
Beat the softened butter together with the granulated and brown sugars until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color. This process traps air that gives your cookies a tender texture and a slight lift. It’s one of those satisfying moments where you see your ingredients transform effortlessly.
Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients
Next, mix in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is well incorporated before adding the next. Then, stir in the vanilla extract until everything is smooth and inviting. These wet ingredients bind the dough and enrich the flavor, so take your time to get them just right.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. This step ensures all the dry elements are evenly distributed, preventing clumps and creating a harmonious base for the chocolate and cherry-filled cookie dough.
Step 5: Mix Dry and Wet Together
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet, mixing just until combined. Overmixing here can make the cookies tough, so a gentle hand is key to keeping them tender and soft.
Step 6: Fold in Cherries and Chocolate Chips
Carefully fold in the dried cherries and semi-sweet chocolate chips. This is where the magic happens—each cookie will be bursting with sweet, tart, and rich pockets of flavor, perfectly balanced for that unforgettable taste.
Step 7: Shape and Bake
Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto your prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart so they have room to spread. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the edges are set but the centers remain soft. This ensures a chewy center with just the right amount of firmness on the outside.
Step 8: Cool the Cookies
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This resting period lets them firm up slightly while staying tender and moist inside.
How to Serve Chocolate and Cherry Lovers Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra touch of elegance and flavor, sprinkle a few extra dried cherries and chocolate chips on top of the cookies right after baking while they’re still warm. A light dusting of powdered sugar can also add a lovely visual contrast and a hint of sweetness.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair beautifully with a cold glass of milk or a creamy cappuccino. If serving at a party, consider offering a small bowl of whipped cream or fresh cherries on the side to enhance the flavors and add a fresh twist.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange the cookies on a decorative platter alongside fresh cherry sprigs or edible flowers for a stunning presentation. You can also sandwich two cookies together with a smear of cherry jam or chocolate ganache inside for a playful and indulgent twist that will delight everyone.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Chocolate and Cherry Lovers Cookies Recipe keeps really well stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Keeping them sealed preserves their moisture and prevents them from going stale, so you can enjoy these treats over several days without losing any of their charm.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, these cookies freeze beautifully. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They will keep their flavor and texture for up to 3 months, perfect for an emergency cookie craving.
Reheating
To bring back that fresh-baked warmth, pop the cookies in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes. This gently revives their soft texture and melts the chocolate chips just a little, making each bite taste like it just came out of the oven.
FAQs
Can I use fresh cherries instead of dried cherries?
Fresh cherries are delicious, but they contain more moisture than dried cherries, which can affect the cookie’s texture and baking time. If using fresh cherries, try chopping them finely and patting them dry before adding to the dough to help maintain the right consistency.
What if I don’t have cocoa powder?
Cocoa powder is essential for that rich chocolate flavor and color in this recipe. If you don’t have it, using melted chocolate instead can work, but you will need to adjust the flour and fat quantities, which can be tricky. For best results, stick with cocoa powder.
Can I substitute chocolate chips with chunks or other types?
Absolutely! Chocolate chunks, white chocolate, or even dark chocolate can be swapped in to vary the flavor profile. Each type will melt slightly differently, but all will add delicious pockets of chocolate throughout your cookies.
How do I make these cookies vegan?
You can replace the butter with a plant-based margarine and use flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water per egg) instead of regular eggs. Make sure your chocolate chips are dairy-free as well to keep the recipe fully vegan.
What causes cookies to be cakey instead of chewy?
Cookies turn cakey when there’s too much flour or eggs, or if the wet ingredients are under-creamed. For chewy cookies like these Chocolate and Cherry Lovers Cookies Recipe, it’s key to balance the sugars and fats, cream the butter well, and avoid overmixing the dough.
Final Thoughts
Sharing this Chocolate and Cherry Lovers Cookies Recipe feels like passing along a treasured secret. These cookies bring together that perfect blend of chocolate richness and cherry brightness in a way that’s comforting, indulgent, and guaranteed to become a new favorite. So grab your mixing bowl and get ready to bake a batch of these irresistible treats that will warm your heart and sweeten your day.
Print
Chocolate and Cherry Lovers Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings 1x
Description
Delight in these rich Chocolate and Cherry Lovers Cookies, a perfect blend of unsweetened cocoa, dried cherries, and semi-sweet chocolate chips. These soft, chewy cookies offer a wonderful balance of tart and sweet flavors, making them an irresistible treat 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: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes, ensuring even incorporation and a smooth texture.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then, mix in the vanilla extract until the batter is smooth and uniform.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt to evenly distribute all dry components. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined without overmixing.
- Fold in Mix-ins: Gently fold in the dried cherries and semi-sweet chocolate chips, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough without breaking them up.
- Shape Cookies: Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, portion out the dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing each cookie about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading during baking.
- Bake Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers remain soft, achieving a chewy texture.
- Cool Cookies: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes to firm up, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before serving or storing.
Notes
- For chewier cookies, slightly underbake and allow residual heat to finish cooking once removed from the oven.
- Dried cherries can be substituted with dried cranberries or raisins for a different flavor profile.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain freshness.
- For a nuttier flavor, consider adding 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans along with the chocolate chips and cherries.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
