Decadent Chocolate and Cherry Lovers Cookies studded with sweet and tart cherries, perfect for anyone who adores the classic combination of chocolate and fruit. These cookies strike the ideal balance between rich chocolate flavor and bursts of cherry sweetness, making them an irresistible treat for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
The combination of chocolate and cherries creates a flavor profile that’s both indulgent and unique.
These cookies have a soft and chewy texture with just the right amount of crunch from the chocolate chips.
Easy to prepare with simple pantry staples.
Perfect for gifting, holidays, or any time a sweet craving hits.
Customizable to suit your taste preferences with variations like adding nuts or using different types of chocolate.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
2/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup dried cherries
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Directions
Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Cream Butter and Sugars:
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
Add Eggs and Vanilla:
Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is well incorporated. Add the vanilla extract and mix until smooth.
Combine Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined to avoid overworking the dough.
Add Cherries and Chocolate Chips:
Gently fold in the dried cherries and chocolate chips, making sure they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Shape and Bake:
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers remain soft.
Cool and Serve:
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Servings and Timing
Servings: Makes 24 cookies
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Bake Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 27 minutes
Variations
Swap dried cherries for dried cranberries or raisins for a different fruit twist.
Use dark chocolate chips or white chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet for varied flavor.
Add chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, for extra crunch.
Drizzle the cooled cookies with melted white or dark chocolate for a decorative finish.
Replace some of the cocoa powder with instant espresso powder for a mocha-inspired cookie.
Storage/Reheating
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
To freeze, place cookies in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
For a freshly baked taste, warm cookies in the microwave for 10-15 seconds before eating.
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FAQs
How do I keep the cookies soft and chewy?
Make sure not to overbake them. Removing them from the oven while the centers are still slightly soft will result in a chewier texture once cooled.
Can I use fresh cherries instead of dried?
Fresh cherries add too much moisture, which could alter the texture of the cookies. Stick with dried cherries for the best results.
What’s the best way to soften butter quickly?
Cut the butter into small cubes and let it sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes, or microwave it for 10 seconds at a low power setting.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, the dough can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Let it come to room temperature before baking.
Are these cookies gluten-free?
No, this recipe uses all-purpose flour. However, you can try substituting a gluten-free 1-to-1 baking flour for similar results.
Conclusion
Chocolate and Cherry Lovers Cookies are the perfect blend of rich chocolate and tart cherries, offering a delightful treat for any occasion. Whether enjoyed fresh out of the oven or stored for later, these cookies never fail to impress. I love how easy they are to make and how versatile the recipe can be. Give them a try and enjoy the irresistible combination of chocolate and fruit.
📖 Recipe:
Print
Chocolate and Cherry Lovers Cookies
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Decadent Chocolate and Cherry Lovers Cookies combine rich chocolate flavor with bursts of tart cherries for a soft, chewy treat. Perfect for holidays, gifting, or satisfying sweet cravings, these cookies are easy to make and customizable to suit your taste.
Ingredients
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
2/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup dried cherries
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: Beat softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla extract until smooth.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: Whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt in a separate bowl. Gradually add to wet ingredients, mixing until combined.
- Fold in Mix-ins: Gently fold in dried cherries and semi-sweet chocolate chips.
- Shape Cookies: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto lined baking sheets, spacing them 2 inches apart.
- Bake: Bake for 10-12 minutes, until edges are set but centers remain soft.
- Cool: Cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
For a twist, swap dried cherries with cranberries or raisins, or use dark or white chocolate chips.
Add chopped nuts for added texture or drizzle melted chocolate for decoration.
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 24 cookies
- Calories: 190 kcal
