Chocolate Cherry Cookies

Hey, friend! Get ready to fall head over heels for these Chocolate Cherry Cookies—soft, fudgy chocolate cookies studded with juicy dried cherries and melty chocolate chips. Each bite is a dreamy dance of rich cocoa and sweet-tart cherries, like a cozy hug from your favorite dessert. I’m obsessed with baking these when I want a treat that feels indulgent yet super easy to whip up, perfect for holiday cookie swaps, cozy movie nights, or just because you deserve something sweet. Inspired by recipes from places like Sally’s Baking Addiction and King Arthur Baking, these cookies are a guaranteed hit with their chewy edges and gooey centers. Trust me, you’re going to love how your kitchen smells like a chocolate-cherry paradise! Let’s grab that mixing bowl and make some magic.

Why You’ll Love Chocolate Cherry Cookies

This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re baking for a festive family gathering, surprising friends with a homemade treat, or indulging in a late-night cookie craving, these cookies are versatile enough to fit the occasion. Here’s why they’re a favorite:

• Versatile: Perfect for holiday platters, after-dinner desserts, or as a sweet gift. Picture these on a Christmas cookie tray or packed in a tin for a friend—they steal the show every time.
• Budget-Friendly: Uses pantry staples like flour and cocoa, with dried cherries adding a fancy touch without breaking the bank. No need for pricey ingredients to make something extraordinary.
• Quick and Easy: Straightforward steps that even beginner bakers can nail. Mix, scoop, bake—done in under 30 minutes, no stress required.
• Customizable: Easy to tweak with different mix-ins or flavors. Swap cherries for cranberries, add nuts, or drizzle with white chocolate to make them your own.
• Crowd-Pleasing: A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. The chocolate-cherry combo is a universal winner, satisfying sweet tooths and sophisticated palates alike.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Ingredients in Chocolate Cherry Cookies

Here’s the magic of these cookies—they transform simple ingredients into a decadent treat that tastes like it came from a bakery. Let’s break it down:

All-Purpose Flour

The foundation of the cookie, giving it structure while keeping it soft and chewy.

Unsweetened Cocoa Powder

Deep, rich cocoa brings that fudgy chocolate flavor that makes these cookies irresistible.

Baking Soda

Helps the cookies rise just enough for a perfect chewy texture with slightly crisp edges.

Salt

A pinch enhances the chocolate and balances the sweetness for a well-rounded bite.

Unsalted Butter

Softened butter adds richness and creates that melt-in-your-mouth texture we all crave.

Granulated Sugar

Sweetens the dough and helps achieve those crackly, shiny tops.

Brown Sugar

Light or dark, it adds moisture and a hint of caramel depth to keep the cookies soft.

Eggs

Large eggs bind the dough and add structure, ensuring a tender, cohesive cookie.

Vanilla Extract

A splash of vanilla rounds out the flavors, making the chocolate and cherries pop.

Dried Cherries

Sweet-tart dried cherries bring a chewy, fruity burst that pairs perfectly with chocolate.

Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips

Melty, gooey chips add pockets of chocolatey goodness in every bite.

Espresso Powder (Optional)

A pinch intensifies the chocolate flavor without tasting like coffee—your secret weapon for next-level cookies.

Instructions

Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:

Preheat Your Equipment

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking and ensure even baking. This sets the stage for perfectly golden cookies.

Combine Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, salt, and espresso powder (if using). In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar with a hand mixer or stand mixer until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, beating until smooth. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet, mixing until just combined. This step melds the rich chocolate base together beautifully.

Prepare Your Cooking Vessel

No special prep needed here—just ensure your baking sheets are ready with parchment or mats. If your dough feels too soft, chill it for 10 minutes to make scooping easier, but it’s usually good to go.

Assemble the Dish

Fold in the dried cherries and chocolate chips with a spatula until evenly distributed. Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough (a cookie scoop works great) and place them 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. Gently flatten each ball slightly for even baking. Spread the cookies out to give them room to spread into perfect rounds.

Cook to Perfection

Bake for 10–12 minutes, until the edges are set but the centers are still soft—don’t overbake for that fudgy texture. Rotate the baking sheets halfway through for even cooking. The cookies will firm up as they cool.

Finishing Touches

Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. This brief rest helps them set without breaking. If you’re feeling fancy, press a few extra chocolate chips or cherry pieces on top right after baking for a bakery-worthy look.

Serve and Enjoy

Serve warm for gooey chocolate bliss or cooled for a chewy, fudgy treat. Enjoy with a glass of milk, coffee, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for pure decadence.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 24 cookies
Calories per serving: 150 kcal

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 27 minutes

How to Serve Chocolate Cherry Cookies

This dish pairs wonderfully with various sides and accompaniments. Here are a few serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience:

• Fresh Salads: Okay, maybe not salads, but these cookies shine next to a fruit platter with fresh berries to echo the cherry flavor.
• Crusty Bread: Skip the bread and pair these with a scoop of ice cream—vanilla or cherry ripple—for a dessert sandwich that’s pure heaven.
• Creamy Accompaniments: Serve with a mug of hot cocoa or a latte to double down on the chocolate vibes. A dollop of whipped cream on the side makes it extra indulgent.
• Vegetable Sides: Swap veggies for a cheese plate—think mild brie or gouda—to complement the sweet-tart cherries.
• As a Standalone: These cookies are perfect on their own, stacked on a festive plate or tucked into a lunchbox for a sweet surprise.

Presentation matters too! Arrange the cookies on a vintage tray or in a decorative tin for gifting. Drizzle with melted white chocolate or sprinkle with powdered sugar for that extra pop.

Additional Tips

Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:

• Prep Ahead: Mix the dry ingredients or even the full dough a day ahead and refrigerate. Let it soften for 10 minutes before scooping and baking.
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cinnamon or cayenne to the dough for a warm or spicy twist that pairs beautifully with the cherries.
• Dietary Adjustments: Use gluten-free flour for a GF version or vegan butter and a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 3 tbsp water per egg) for a vegan option. Check chocolate chips are dairy-free.
• Storage Tips: Store in an airtight container at room temp for up to 5 days or in the fridge for a week. Freeze for up to 3 months—layer with parchment to prevent sticking.
• Double the Batch: This recipe doubles easily for big crowds or holiday baking. Freeze half the dough in pre-scooped balls for fresh cookies anytime.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I substitute dried cherries with fresh cherries?
A1: Fresh cherries add too much moisture and can make the cookies soggy. Stick with dried cherries, or try dried cranberries or raisins for a similar chewy texture.

Q2: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A2: Yes, it’s a great make-ahead recipe. Prep the dough up to 2 days ahead and refrigerate, or freeze scooped dough balls for up to 3 months. Bake fresh when ready.

Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store in an airtight container at room temp for up to 5 days or in the fridge for a week. Reheat in the oven at 300°F for 5 minutes to refresh, if desired.

Q4: Can I freeze this dish?
A4: Yes! Freeze baked cookies or dough balls in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw cookies at room temp or bake dough balls straight from frozen, adding 1–2 minutes.

Q5: What’s the best way to reheat this dish?
A5: Reheat in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes to revive the texture, or microwave for 10–15 seconds for a softer cookie. Don’t overheat—they’ll lose their chew.

Q6: Can I double the recipe?
A6: Absolutely! Double the ingredients and bake in batches. It’s perfect for holiday baking or stocking up for cookie cravings.

Q7: Can I use milk chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet?
A7: You bet! Milk chocolate makes them sweeter, while dark chocolate adds a richer contrast. Use what you love, just ensure they’re good quality.

Q8: Why are my cookies flat?
A8: Flat cookies can happen if the butter is too soft or the dough isn’t chilled. Chill the dough for 10–15 minutes before baking if it feels warm, and measure flour accurately.

Q9: Can I skip the espresso powder?
A9: Yes, it’s optional! It deepens the chocolate flavor, but the cookies are still delicious without it. No need to replace it with anything.

Q10: Can I add nuts to the cookies?
A10: Totally! Fold in ½ cup chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds with the cherries and chips for extra crunch. Toast them first for even more flavor.

Conclusion

These Chocolate Cherry Cookies are your new go-to for a sweet escape that’s as easy to make as it is to love. The way the fudgy chocolate melts into those tart cherries is pure bliss, and I’m betting your kitchen will be filled with happy sighs as these bake. Your passion for indulgent treats like the White Chocolate Blueberry Cheesecake Cupcakes and cozy bakes like the Cheddar Cheese Quick Bread tells me these cookies will fit right into your repertoire. They’re perfect for holiday gifting, cozy nights, or even a road trip snack (nod to your Tennessee Road Trip Snack love!). Whip up a batch, share them with your favorite people, and let me know in the comments how they turn out—I can’t wait to hear if you went all-chocolate or added a nutty twist. Happy baking, friend!

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