Chocolate Cherry Cookies Recipe

Introduction

Chocolate Cherry Cookies are a delicious and indulgent treat that brings together the richness of chocolate and the sweet-tartness of cherries in every bite. The combination of deep chocolate flavor with juicy cherries creates a perfect balance that delights the taste buds. With their chewy texture, visually appealing look, and burst of fruity flavor, these cookies are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re preparing them for a holiday, a family gathering, or simply as a treat to satisfy your chocolate cravings, Chocolate Cherry Cookies will not disappoint.

These cookies are easy to prepare and come together quickly, making them a great choice for both novice bakers and experienced pastry enthusiasts. This guide will take you through each step of creating these delectable cookies, share helpful tips for achieving the perfect texture, and offer variations that you can try to customize the flavor. Whether you’re a fan of chocolate, cherries, or both, this cookie recipe is bound to become a favorite.

Why You’ll Love Chocolate Cherry Cookies

• Rich Chocolate and Sweet-Tart Cherry Flavor: The combination of rich, fudgy chocolate with sweet-tart cherries creates an irresistible flavor profile. The cherries provide a juicy burst of freshness that complements the deep chocolate taste perfectly.
• Chewy Texture: These cookies have a chewy, soft center with slightly crisp edges, offering the ideal texture that makes them both satisfying and comforting.
• Visually Stunning: The contrast between the dark chocolate dough and the vibrant red of the cherries gives these cookies a visually striking appearance. They are perfect for gifting, holiday cookie platters, or just as a special treat.
• Simple Ingredients: Made with everyday pantry staples like cocoa powder, butter, and sugar, these cookies are easy to whip up without requiring special or hard-to-find ingredients.
• Versatile for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday celebration, a casual family gathering, or simply a chocolate and cherry craving, these cookies fit any occasion and will impress your guests or family.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
• Servings: Approximately 24 cookies
• Calories per Serving: Around 150-170 calories per cookie, depending on the ingredients and portion sizes.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 150-170 kcal
• Fat: 8-10g
• Carbohydrates: 20-22g
• Protein: 2g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 14-16g

Ingredients

For the Chocolate Cherry Cookies:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 ¼ cups granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup dried cherries (or fresh, pitted cherries for a juicier version)
• ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional, for extra chocolatey flavor)
• ½ cup powdered sugar (for rolling)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough

Start by creaming the softened butter and granulated sugar together in a large mixing bowl. Using an electric mixer, beat the butter and sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy, around 2-3 minutes. This step is important because it incorporates air into the dough, which contributes to a tender, soft texture.

Once the butter and sugar are well-creamed, add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. After the eggs are fully incorporated, add the vanilla extract and mix until combined. The eggs provide structure and moisture to the dough, while the vanilla extract adds a rich, aromatic flavor.

2. Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. The cocoa powder imparts the deep chocolate flavor that is the star of these cookies, while the baking powder helps provide slight rise and a soft texture. The salt balances the sweetness and enhances the overall chocolate taste.

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until combined. Be careful not to overmix, as doing so can result in dense cookies. The dough should be thick, soft, and sticky but not too dry.

3. Incorporate the Cherries and Chocolate Chips

Once the dough has come together, fold in the dried cherries. If you’re using fresh cherries, make sure they are pitted and roughly chopped to ensure they mix well into the dough. If you want extra chocolatey goodness, fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips. These add a melty, gooey chocolate center, which pairs wonderfully with the cherries.

4. Chill the Dough

Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes to 1 hour. Chilling the dough is an important step because it helps firm up the dough, making it easier to roll into balls. It also helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much while baking and ensures a better texture.

5. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Sheet

While the dough is chilling, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. These will help prevent the cookies from sticking and will promote even baking. If you don’t have parchment paper or a mat, you can lightly grease the baking sheet with cooking spray or butter.

6. Roll the Dough into Balls

Once the dough has chilled and is firm enough to handle, use a spoon or a cookie scoop to portion out tablespoon-sized balls of dough. Roll each portion into a ball with your hands. If the dough feels too sticky, dust your hands lightly with flour to help with rolling.

7. Coat the Dough Balls in Powdered Sugar

Place the powdered sugar in a shallow bowl. Roll each dough ball in the powdered sugar until it is fully coated. This will give the cookies their signature cracked appearance as they bake and help achieve a slightly crisp exterior while keeping the center chewy.

8. Bake the Cookies

Place the dough balls about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet. This spacing allows the cookies to spread during baking. Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are firm and the centers are still soft. The cookies should have cracks on the surface, which is characteristic of this recipe.

If you prefer a slightly softer cookie, remove them a minute or two earlier. Be sure not to overbake, as the cookies will continue to set as they cool.

9. Cool the Cookies

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling time on the baking sheet allows them to firm up so they won’t break apart when moved. After cooling on the rack, the cookies will maintain their chewy texture.

Tips for Perfect Chocolate Cherry Cookies

• Use Room Temperature Butter: Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature before mixing it with the sugar. Cold butter will not cream properly, and melted butter will cause the cookies to spread too much during baking.
• Chill the Dough: Don’t skip the chilling step! Chilling the dough helps the cookies maintain their shape and prevents them from spreading too thin. It also improves the texture and flavor.
• Use Dried or Fresh Cherries: You can use dried cherries for a chewier texture or fresh cherries for a juicier, more flavorful cookie. If using fresh cherries, make sure to remove the pits and chop them up to incorporate into the dough.
• Be Gentle When Mixing: Overmixing the dough can lead to dense cookies. Mix the ingredients until they are just combined to ensure light, chewy cookies.
• Watch the Baking Time: These cookies bake quickly, so keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking. They should still have soft centers when you remove them from the oven. They will firm up as they cool.

Variations of Chocolate Cherry Cookies

• White Chocolate Cherry Cookies: For a different twist, substitute the semi-sweet chocolate chips with white chocolate chips. The creamy white chocolate pairs wonderfully with the tart cherries, creating a lighter, sweeter flavor.
• Cherry Almond Chocolate Cookies: Add ½ teaspoon of almond extract to the dough for a hint of almond flavor. The almond and cherry combination is a classic that enhances the fruity taste and adds depth to the cookie.
• Chocolate Cherry Crinkle Cookies: For a crinkly variation, roll the dough balls in powdered sugar and bake as usual. The powdered sugar will create a crackled effect that adds a delightful texture to the cookies.
• Cherry-Stuffed Chocolate Cookies: To make a decadent variation, stuff the cookie dough balls with a whole cherry before baking. This adds a juicy burst of cherry in every bite.

Storage and Shelf Life

Chocolate Cherry Cookies are best enjoyed fresh, but they can be stored for later enjoyment. To keep them soft and chewy, store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for about 4-5 days.

For longer storage, you can freeze the cookies. Arrange the cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer the cookies to a freezer-safe container or bag. Frozen cookies can be stored for up to 2-3 months. To thaw, simply microwave the cookies for a few seconds or reheat them in a 300°F (150°C) oven for a few minutes.

Side Dishes and Pairings for Chocolate Cherry Cookies

While these cookies are delicious on their own, pairing them with complementary foods can elevate the experience. Here are some ideas:

• Milk or Hot Chocolate: A glass of milk or a warm mug of hot chocolate is a comforting way to enjoy these chocolate-filled cookies.
• Coffee or Espresso: The deep, rich flavors of coffee or espresso complement the sweet chocolate and tart cherries beautifully, providing a perfect balance of flavors.
• Ice Cream: Pair these cookies with a scoop of vanilla or cherry ice cream for a delightful dessert combination that plays off the flavors of the cookies.
• Fruit Platter: For a refreshing contrast, serve these cookies with a fruit platter, such as fresh berries or citrus fruits. The freshness of the fruit balances the richness of the cookies.

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Conclusion

Chocolate Cherry Cookies are a delectable treat that combines the irresistible flavors of rich chocolate and sweet cherries in one bite. Whether you’re baking them for a special occasion, as a gift, or just because you’re craving something delicious, these cookies are sure to be a hit.

With simple ingredients and an easy-to-follow process, you can create these chewy, chocolate-filled cookies that everyone will love. The tips and variations offered will help ensure your cookies turn out perfect every time. Whether you enjoy them fresh or store them for later, Chocolate Cherry Cookies are a must-have addition to your baking repertoire!