Chocolate Cherry Cookies

If you’re a fan of luscious, chocolatey treats with a burst of fruity goodness, Chocolate Cherry Cookies are about to become your new favorite indulgence. These cookies combine the rich, deep flavor of dark chocolate with the sweet and slightly tart taste of cherries, creating a mouthwatering balance that’s hard to resist. Perfect for celebrating special occasions or simply brightening your day, this recipe brings a gourmet touch to a classic cookie.

Chocolate Cherry Cookies stand out not only because of their delicious flavor combination but also due to the texture contrast. Chewy chunks of chocolate and plump, juicy cherries nestled in a buttery, soft cookie base delight every bite. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, gifting to friends, or treating yourself, this recipe will deliver impressive and irresistible results every time. Plus, it’s straightforward enough for bakers of all skill levels to enjoy the baking process and savor the outcome.

Ingredients

For the Cookies:
1 cup (227g) unsalted butter, softened
1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
1/2 cup (100g) packed light brown sugar
2 large eggs
2 tsp vanilla extract
2 1/2 cups (315g) all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup (90g) unsweetened cocoa powder
1 1/2 cups (270g) dark chocolate chunks or chips
1 cup (150g) dried tart cherries, chopped (or fresh/frozen, patted dry)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 3506F (1756C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is fluffy and light in color, about 3-4 minutes using an electric mixer.
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then mix in the vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and unsweetened cocoa powder until evenly combined.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix to keep the cookies tender.
Fold in the dark chocolate chunks and chopped dried cherries with a spatula, ensuring even distribution throughout the dough.
Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough about 2 inches apart onto the prepared baking sheets.
Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cookies are set around the edges but still soft in the center. They will firm up as they cool.
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Enjoy! These cookies are delicious warm or at room temperature and store well in an airtight container for up to one week.

Recipe Information

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 12 minutes
Total time: 27 minutes
Servings: Yields approximately 24 cookies
Difficulty level: Easy to Medium

Tips & Variations

For the best texture, use high-quality cocoa powder and chocolate chunks.
If using fresh or frozen cherries, ensure they are well patted dry to avoid adding excess moisture to the dough.
Do not overbake; cookies should be slightly soft in the center when removed from the oven for the best chewy texture.
Experiment with mixing in chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for extra crunch.
To enhance the cherry flavor, add a teaspoon of cherry extract or substitute part of the vanilla with it.
Storage: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
Reheating: Warm in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to enjoy a freshly baked feel.
Make-ahead: The cookie dough can be made a day in advance and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking.

Nutritional Information (approximate per cookie)

Calories: 150 kcal
Protein: 2 g
Carbohydrates: 20 g
Fat: 7 g
Fiber: 2 g

Conclusion

Chocolate Cherry Cookies are a delightful treat that perfectly balances rich chocolate and fruity cherry flavors, making them a fantastic choice for anyone looking to indulge in a homemade sweet snack. Baking these cookies is not just simple but also immensely rewarding, as the aroma and taste will surely brighten your day and impress your family or guests.

Serve these cookies with a glass of cold milk, a cup of coffee, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious dessert experience. Don’t forget to share your baking adventures and tips with us in the comments — we love hearing how your Chocolate Cherry Cookies turn out!