If you love the combination of rich chocolate and sweet cherries, these Chocolate Cherry Cookies are a must-try! They’re soft, chewy, and packed with decadent chocolate chunks and juicy cherries. Perfect for holidays, special occasions, or just a cozy night in, these cookies bring together the best of both flavors in a delightful treat. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or yourself, you’ll love how easy and delicious this recipe is!
Why You Will Love Making This Recipe
- Rich & Indulgent – The combination of chocolate and cherries creates a luscious flavor.
- Soft & Chewy Texture – These cookies have the perfect balance of crisp edges and a soft, gooey center.
- Easy to Make – Simple ingredients and quick preparation make this a go-to cookie recipe.
- Great for Any Occasion – Perfect for holiday cookie trays, Valentine’s Day, or as a year-round treat.
- Customizable – Add white chocolate, nuts, or a sprinkle of sea salt for variations.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup chocolate chunks or chips
- 3/4 cup dried cherries (or fresh chopped cherries, patted dry)
Equipment Used
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer or hand whisk
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Cooling rack
Directions & Instructions
- Preheat the Oven – Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cream Butter & Sugars – In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Wet Ingredients – Mix in the eggs and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients – In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Mix the Dough – Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
- Fold in Chocolate & Cherries – Gently fold in the chocolate chunks and dried cherries.
- Scoop & Bake – Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them 2 inches apart.
- Bake – Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers remain soft.
- Cool & Enjoy – Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Nutritional Information
Per cookie:
- Calories: 180
- Fat: 9g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Protein: 2g
- Sugar: 14g
Nutritional values may vary based on ingredients used.
Prep Time and Cook Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
Variations
- White Chocolate & Cherry – Replace chocolate chunks with white chocolate for a sweeter contrast.
- Nutty Delight – Add chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch.
- Extra Fudgy – Add an extra tablespoon of cocoa powder and reduce the flour slightly for an even richer taste.
- Sea Salt Finish – Sprinkle sea salt over the cookies before baking to enhance the chocolate flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use fresh cherries instead of dried?
Yes! If using fresh cherries, make sure to pit, chop, and pat them dry to remove excess moisture.
2. How do I store these cookies?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze for up to 3 months.
3. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! Chill the dough in the refrigerator for up to 48 hours before baking for enhanced flavor.
Pro Tips By Elisa
- Use High-Quality Chocolate – The better the chocolate, the richer the flavor!
- Chill the Dough – If you have time, chill the dough for 30 minutes to enhance the texture.
- Do Not Overbake – The cookies will continue to firm up as they cool, so remove them when they are slightly soft in the center.
- Pat Cherries Dry – If using fresh cherries, remove excess moisture to prevent soggy cookies.
Serving Suggestions
Enjoy your Chocolate Cherry Cookies with:
- A Glass of Milk – Classic and comforting.
- A Scoop of Vanilla Ice Cream – For an indulgent dessert.
- Espresso or Coffee – Complements the chocolate and cherry flavors beautifully.
- Drizzle of Melted Chocolate – For extra richness.
Chocolate Cherry Cookies
These Chocolate Cherry Cookies are soft, chewy, and bursting with rich chocolate and sweet cherries. Perfect for any occasion!
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer or hand whisk
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Cooling rack
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup chocolate chunks or chips
- 3/4 cup dried cherries (or fresh chopped cherries, patted dry)
- Preheat the Oven – Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cream Butter & Sugars – In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Wet Ingredients – Mix in the eggs and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients – In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Mix the Dough – Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
- Fold in Chocolate & Cherries – Gently fold in the chocolate chunks and dried cherries.
- Scoop & Bake – Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them 2 inches apart.
- Bake – Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers remain soft.
- Cool & Enjoy – Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Use High-Quality Chocolate – The better the chocolate, the richer the flavor!
Chill the Dough – If you have time, chill the dough for 30 minutes to enhance the texture.
Do Not Overbake – The cookies will continue to firm up as they cool, so remove them when they are slightly soft in the center.
Pat Cherries Dry – If using fresh cherries, remove excess moisture to prevent soggy cookies.
