Chocolate Cherry Cookies Recipe

If you are looking for a cookie that brings together the perfect harmony of rich, melty chocolate and sweet, tangy cherries, you are in for a treat with these Chocolate Cherry Cookies. They offer a delightful twist on classic chocolate chip cookies by adding vibrant bursts of cherry flavor that make every bite exciting. Whether you’re baking for a cozy family gathering or surprising friends with a special homemade delight, these cookies promise a mouthwatering experience that’s hard to forget.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering these simple yet essential ingredients is your first step toward baking irresistibly delicious Chocolate Cherry Cookies. Each item plays a key role in creating the perfect balance of flavor, chewy texture, and beautiful color in every cookie.

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Provides a creamy richness and tender crumb that’s the foundation of the cookie.
• 1 cup granulated sugar: Adds the right amount of sweetness and helps with the cookie’s structure.
• 1 large egg: Binds the ingredients and contributes to the cookie’s chewy texture.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors with its warm, aromatic notes.
• 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour: Gives the cookies substance and the perfect balance of softness and chewiness.
• ½ teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise just enough for a tender bite.
• ¼ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and deepens the overall flavor.
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips: Melts beautifully for those classic gooey pockets of chocolate.
• 1 cup maraschino cherries, drained, patted dry, and chopped: Brings a burst of vibrant color and cherry flavor that’s sweet with a touch of tang.
• ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional): Adds a pleasant crunch and nutty contrast if you like some texture.
• 2 tablespoons cherry juice (from maraschino cherries, optional): Boosts the cherry flavor and keeps these cookies extra moist.

How to Make Chocolate Cherry Cookies

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Baking Sheet

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to ensure your cookies don’t stick and bake evenly. This simple prep guarantees a smooth baking process and makes cleanup easier.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, usually about 3 to 4 minutes. This creaming step is crucial because it incorporates air into the dough, giving your cookies a tender and luscious texture.

Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla

Next, add the large egg and vanilla extract to the creamed mixture. Beat everything until it’s fully combined, creating a smooth and silky base that will hold all the delicious mix-ins evenly.

Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures the leavening agent and salt are evenly distributed in your flour, which results in perfectly risen cookies with balanced taste.

Step 5: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture. Mix gently until just combined—overmixing can toughen cookies, so keep it light yet thorough.

Step 6: Fold in Chocolate Chips, Cherries, and Nuts

Stir in the semi-sweet chocolate chips, chopped maraschino cherries, and nuts if you decide to include them. For an extra punch of cherry flavor, you can also add the cherry juice now. This combination forms the heart of the Chocolate Cherry Cookies, creating luscious pockets of sweetness and bursts of texture throughout.

Step 7: Shape the Cookies

Drop heaping tablespoon-sized spoonfuls of dough onto your prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Using the back of a spoon, gently press down each cookie dough ball to slightly flatten them. This helps the cookies bake evenly and develop those irresistible edges.

Step 8: Bake and Cool

Bake your cookies in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until you notice the edges turning a beautiful golden brown and the centers are set. After removing from the oven, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This resting time prevents the cookies from breaking apart and deepens their flavor.

How to Serve Chocolate Cherry Cookies

Garnishes

These Chocolate Cherry Cookies are lovely as is, but you can make them even more special with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted white chocolate for extra visual appeal and subtle sweetness. A few whole maraschino cherries or chocolate shavings on top can also add a festive touch.

Side Dishes

Serve these cookies alongside a creamy glass of cold milk, a hot cup of coffee, or a soothing tea to elevate your snack time. For a decadent dessert, pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream—the contrast of warm cookies and cold cream is heavenly.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re bringing these Chocolate Cherry Cookies to a party, consider arranging them beautifully on a rustic wooden platter with fresh cherries scattered around. Wrapping them in cellophane with a ribbon makes for charming gift packages. You can even sandwich them with cherry jam or a thin layer of chocolate ganache for an extra special treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover Chocolate Cherry Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. This keeps them soft and chewy, preserving the delightful contrast between the chocolate and cherries.

Freezing

These cookies freeze wonderfully. Place cooled cookies on a baking sheet in a single layer to freeze until firm, then transfer them to a resealable freezer bag or container. Frozen Chocolate Cherry Cookies keep for up to 3 months and can be thawed at room temperature whenever a craving hits.

Reheating

To refresh frozen or day-old cookies, warm them in a preheated 300°F oven for about 5 minutes. This brings back that freshly baked warmth and softness, reviving the flavors and texture like they just came out of the oven.

FAQs

Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries?

Absolutely! Fresh cherries can be a delicious alternative, but because they contain more moisture, you might want to pat them dry carefully and adjust the dough consistency to prevent sogginess. You can also pit and chop them finely to ensure even distribution.

Are walnuts or pecans necessary in the recipe?

Not at all. The nuts add lovely crunch and nuttiness, but if you prefer nut-free cookies or have allergies, simply omit them. The cookies will still shine with chocolate and cherry flavors.

How can I make the cherry flavor more intense?

If you love a strong cherry taste, adding a couple of tablespoons of cherry juice from the maraschino jar to the dough is a brilliant idea. It boosts moisture and really lets the cherry flavor pop alongside the chocolate.

Can I substitute semi-sweet chocolate chips with dark or milk chocolate?

Yes, you can! Dark chocolate will give a richer, slightly bitter contrast, while milk chocolate will make the cookies sweeter and creamier. Choose based on your personal preference for sweetness and intensity.

What’s the best way to make these cookies chewy?

Using softened butter, not melted, and avoiding overbaking are key. Also, be careful not to overmix the dough once flour is added. Baking just until the edges are golden but centers still look a little soft guarantees chewy, tender Chocolate Cherry Cookies.

Final Thoughts

Making these Chocolate Cherry Cookies is a joyful experience that rewards you with cookies full of heartwarming flavor and texture. I encourage you to give this recipe a try—you’ll discover just how delightful the combination of sweet cherries and rich chocolate can be. Whether you share them or keep them all for yourself, these cookies are sure to bring smiles and maybe even happy dance moments in your kitchen!