Cookies have always been a go-to treat for anyone with a sweet tooth, but when you combine rich chocolate with juicy cherries, you’ve got something truly special. These Chocolate Cherry Cookies are the perfect combination of sweet and slightly tart, creating a decadent and chewy bite that’s hard to resist. Whether you’re looking for a treat to make for a holiday party, a bake sale, or just to satisfy a craving, this recipe is exactly what you need.
Not only are these cookies easy to make, but they’re also an elegant twist on traditional chocolate chip cookies. The maraschino cherries provide a bright pop of color and a burst of flavor that elevates this dessert to the next level. And let’s face it – nothing goes better with chocolate than cherries!
In this post, we’ll guide you through every step of the process, from gathering ingredients to baking the perfect batch. We’ll also share useful tips, recipe variations, and some of our favorite food pairings for these delightful cookies. Plus, an FAQ section at the end will answer any common questions you might have.
Why You’ll Love These Cookies
- Unique flavor combination: The mix of rich chocolate and sweet cherries creates a flavor profile that is both comforting and sophisticated.
- Easy to make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, these cookies are perfect for bakers of any skill level.
- Perfect for any occasion: Whether you’re baking for a special event or just as a weekend treat, these cookies are sure to impress.
- Kid-friendly: Children will love both helping with and devouring these sweet treats!
Who Is This Recipe For?
This recipe is for anyone who loves chocolate and wants to try a unique twist by adding cherries to the mix. If you’ve ever craved the combination of chocolate and fruit but wanted something more substantial than a chocolate-covered cherry, this cookie is for you.
If you’re a fan of chewy cookies with a slightly crispy edge, these Chocolate Cherry Cookies are an excellent choice. They’re perfect for both novice and experienced bakers, and the recipe is flexible enough for some creative modifications (which we’ll discuss later).
Ingredients Overview
Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need to make these delicious Chocolate Cherry Cookies:
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour – This serves as the base of the cookie dough and provides structure.
- 1/3 cup cocoa powder – Adds the rich chocolate flavor.
- 1/2 tsp baking soda – Helps the cookies rise and gives them a soft texture.
- 1/4 tsp salt – Enhances the sweetness of the cookies.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened – Adds moisture and richness to the cookies.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar – Adds sweetness and helps create the slightly crispy edges.
- 1/2 cup brown sugar – Adds sweetness and keeps the cookies chewy.
- 1 large egg – Binds the ingredients together and helps the cookies rise.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract – Adds depth of flavor.
- 1 cup chocolate chips – These melt in the oven and give every bite a burst of gooey chocolate.
- 1/2 cup maraschino cherries, chopped and drained – The star ingredient that brings sweetness and a hint of tartness to balance the rich chocolate.
Substitutions and Variations
This recipe is versatile, and you can make adjustments based on dietary preferences or available ingredients:
- Gluten-free option: Swap out the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. Make sure it’s specifically formulated for baking to maintain the right texture.
- Dairy-free option: Replace the butter with a plant-based margarine or coconut oil. Just make sure the coconut oil is solidified before using to ensure the proper texture.
- Cherry swap: Don’t have maraschino cherries on hand? You can substitute dried cherries or even fresh cherries (pitted and chopped). Dried cherries will offer a more intense tart flavor, while fresh cherries will add more moisture.
- Chocolate variety: Mix up the chocolate chips with dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or even white chocolate chips for a more complex flavor.
Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need
Before starting the recipe, make sure you have the following kitchen tools ready to go:
- Mixing bowls: One for the dry ingredients and one for the wet ingredients.
- Hand mixer or stand mixer: For creaming the butter and sugars together.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Precision is key in baking.
- Baking sheets: Lined with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
- Wire cooling racks: For cooling the cookies evenly.
- Spatula: To scrape down the sides of your bowl and to transfer the cookies.
Step-by-Step Directions
Let’s walk through how to make these Chocolate Cherry Cookies 🍫🍒 step by step:
1. Prepare the Dough
1️⃣ Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
2️⃣ In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Set this mixture aside.
3️⃣ In a large bowl, using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar on medium speed until creamy and smooth (about 2-3 minutes).
4️⃣ Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture, and beat until well combined.
5️⃣ Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until the dough comes together.
6️⃣ Gently fold in the chocolate chips and chopped maraschino cherries until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
2. Shape and Bake the Cookies
1️⃣ Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of the dough and roll them into balls. Place them onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie.
2️⃣ Press down slightly on each dough ball to flatten it slightly, as these cookies won’t spread too much during baking.
3️⃣ Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes. The edges should be set, but the centers will still appear soft – that’s okay! The cookies will continue to set as they cool.
4️⃣ Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire cooling rack to cool completely.
3. Serving Suggestions
These cookies are best enjoyed warm when the chocolate chips are still melty and gooey, but they taste just as amazing when they’ve cooled and the flavors have had time to meld together.
Helpful Tips for the Perfect Cookies
- Drain the cherries well: It’s important to thoroughly drain the maraschino cherries to avoid excess liquid in the dough, which can make the cookies too soft and prevent them from baking evenly.
- Chill the dough: If you find the dough is too soft to work with, chill it in the refrigerator for about 20 minutes. This will firm up the dough and make it easier to roll into balls.
- Don’t overbake: These cookies should come out soft and chewy, so be sure not to overbake them. They will firm up as they cool.
How to Store Your Chocolate Cherry Cookies
If you have leftovers (though we doubt they’ll last long!), here’s how to store them:
- Room temperature: Place the cookies in an airtight container and store them at room temperature for up to 5 days. They will remain soft and chewy during this time.
- Freezing baked cookies: You can freeze the fully baked cookies for up to 3 months. Just place them in a freezer-safe container or bag, separating the layers with parchment paper. When ready to enjoy, thaw the cookies at room temperature.
- Freezing the dough: You can also freeze the cookie dough. Shape the dough into balls, place them on a baking sheet, and freeze until solid. Transfer the frozen dough balls to a freezer bag and store for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, no need to thaw – just add an extra minute or two to the baking time.
Food and Drink Pairings
Looking to make these cookies part of a full dessert spread? Here are some ideas for pairings:
- Drinks: These cookies pair beautifully with a glass of cold milk (classic), a rich cup of coffee, or hot cocoa. For adults, a glass of red wine with fruity notes, like a pinot noir or merlot, complements the cherries and chocolate nicely.
- Dessert platters: Add these cookies to a holiday dessert platter with other treats like brownies, sugar cookies, and fruit tarts for a variety of flavors and textures.
Recipe Swaps and Variations
- Add some nuts: For extra crunch and flavor, add 1/2 cup of chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans to the cookie dough.
- Change the fruit: Try using dried cranberries or raspberries instead of cherries for a different flavor profile.
- Add a drizzle: Once the cookies have cooled, drizzle them with white chocolate or dark chocolate for an extra layer of sweetness and elegance.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
- Dough too soft: If your dough is too soft to shape, pop it in the fridge for 20-30 minutes to firm it up.
- Cookies spreading too much: If your cookies are spreading more than you’d like, it could be that the butter was too warm when you started. Chilling the dough before baking can help.
- Cookies too dry: Overbaking the cookies can result in a dry, crumbly texture. Be sure to pull them out when the centers still look slightly underbaked for a perfect chewy texture.
Nutritional Information
Here’s a rough breakdown of the nutritional information for each cookie (based on a batch of 24 cookies):
- Calories: 150
- Total fat: 7g
- Saturated fat: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Sugar: 13g
- Protein: 2g
FAQ Section
1. Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries?
Yes! You can use fresh cherries, but make sure to pit and chop them, and drain off any excess juice to avoid making the dough too wet.
2. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just swap out the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour. It’s an easy substitution that won’t affect the texture too much.
3. Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Yes, you can freeze the cookie dough! Shape the dough into balls, freeze them on a baking sheet, and then transfer them to a freezer bag. When ready to bake, just bake from frozen and add an extra minute or two to the baking time.
4. How long will the cookies stay fresh?
Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, these cookies will stay fresh for up to 5 days.
5. Can I add other types of chocolate?
Definitely! You can mix in dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or even white chocolate chips for a fun twist on the recipe.
Share and Subscribe
If you enjoyed this recipe for Chocolate Cherry Cookies 🍫🍒, we’d love for you to share it with your friends and family! Don’t forget to subscribe to our blog for more delicious dessert recipes, tips, and inspiration.
Enjoy your Chocolate Cherry Cookies! 🍫🍒