This Chocolate Cherry Cookies recipe combines rich cocoa with bursts of sweet and tart dried cherries for a decadent treat. Perfectly soft and chewy, these cookies are easy to make and sure to become a favorite for holidays, special occasions, or simply satisfying your chocolate cravings.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Combines the classic chocolate-cherry flavor combo in every bite.
- Soft and chewy texture with gooey chocolate chunks and fruity cherries.
- Easy to make with pantry staples.
- Freezer-friendly for make-ahead baking.
Ingredients
- 2¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ¾ cup Dutch-processed cocoa powder
- 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup chocolate chunks
- 1 cup dried cherries
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the Oven and Baking Sheet
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Set aside.
Mix the Dry Ingredients
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, sea salt, and cocoa powder until well combined.
Cream the Wet Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl or stand mixer, cream the butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in the vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Stir in the chocolate chunks and dried cherries using a spatula or wooden spoon.
Scoop and Bake the Cookies
- Scoop the dough into rounded tablespoons and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers remain soft. Do not overbake to maintain the cookies’ chewy texture.
Cool the Cookies
- Remove the cookies from the oven and let them rest on the baking sheet for 3 minutes.
- Transfer the cookies to a wire cooling rack to cool completely.
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Medium mixing bowl
- Large mixing bowl or stand mixer
- Whisk
- Spatula or wooden spoon
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
- Wire cooling rack
Serving and Storage Tips
- Serving: Serve these cookies warm for gooey chocolate, or at room temperature for a classic chewy texture.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze baked cookies in a freezer bag or airtight container for up to 1 month. Alternatively, freeze the cookie dough balls and bake directly from frozen, adding 1–2 minutes to the baking time.
Variations
- Milk or White Chocolate: Swap the dark chocolate chunks for milk or white chocolate for a sweeter flavor.
- Nutty Addition: Add ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts for added crunch.
- Fresh Cherry Twist: Substitute dried cherries with chopped fresh cherries, but reduce baking time slightly to prevent sogginess.
Helpful Notes
- Use room-temperature ingredients for smoother mixing and better texture.
- For even cookies, use a cookie scoop to portion the dough.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet briefly after baking to allow them to firm up slightly before transferring them.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use regular cocoa powder instead of Dutch-processed?
Yes, but the flavor may be slightly less rich, and the cookies may rise slightly more due to the difference in acidity.
2. Can I substitute fresh cherries for dried cherries?
Yes, but fresh cherries will add moisture to the dough. Pat them dry before folding them into the batter, and bake slightly shorter to avoid overly soft cookies.
3. How do I keep the cookies chewy?
Avoid overbaking and ensure the dough isn’t too dry by accurately measuring the ingredients.
4. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free 1:1 baking mix.
5. What’s the best way to reheat these cookies?
Warm a cookie in the microwave for 10–15 seconds to make the chocolate melty and enhance the fresh-baked texture.
These Chocolate Cherry Cookies are decadent, easy to make, and perfect for any occasion. Enjoy them with a glass of milk or a cup of coffee for an irresistible treat!
