Chef Mitchell preparing Cherry Chocolate Cookies
👨‍🍳 Expert Chef

Recipe by Mitchell

🎓 10+ Years Experience ⏰ 1000+ Recipes Created 🍽️ Culinary School Graduate

❤️ My Recipe Story

"I discovered this cherry chocolate cookie recipe while experimenting with flavors in my kitchen. The combination of tart cherries with rich chocolate felt like a match made in heaven. After perfecting the recipe over several trials, I found that the balance of sweet and tart makes these cookies irresistible. Now they are one of my most requested desserts!"

With over a decade of experience in American cuisine, Chef Mitchell specializes in creating delectable desserts. His passion lies in blending classic flavors with innovative techniques, providing a unique twist to traditional recipes. Having graduated from a prestigious culinary school, he has created over 1000 recipes that showcase his expertise.

View All Mitchell's Recipes →
Delicious Cherry Chocolate Cookies served on a plate

Why This Cherry Chocolate Cookies Recipe Works

This cherry chocolate cookie recipe stands out because it perfectly balances sweet and tart flavors, ensuring every bite is a delight. The addition of dried cherries enhances the cookie's texture while providing a burst of fruity flavor that complements the chocolate. The use of high-quality chocolate chips adds richness and depth to each cookie.

The technique of creaming butter and sugars creates a light and airy dough, resulting in chewy cookies. Baking them until the edges are set but the centers remain soft ensures the perfect cookie texture. These methods make this recipe not just easy but also a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

💡 Professional Tip

For the best results, use high-quality chocolate chips and ensure your butter is at room temperature before mixing. This will create a smoother batter and improve the overall texture of your cookies. Additionally, don't overbake them; they should look slightly underbaked when pulled from the oven for that perfect chewiness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you can prepare the cookie dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. This allows the flavors to meld and can enhance the taste. When ready to bake, simply scoop and place the dough on a baking sheet, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if the dough is cold.

You can substitute unsalted butter with coconut oil or a dairy-free butter alternative for a vegan option. Keep in mind that using coconut oil can impart a slight coconut flavor to the cookies, which complements the cherries well.

The cookies are done when the edges are set, and the centers look slightly soft. They will continue to firm up as they cool on the baking sheet. It's better to underbake slightly than to overbake to achieve the perfect chewy texture.

Absolutely! You can freeze the baked cookies or the dough. For baked cookies, place them in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to three months. For dough, scoop it into balls and freeze them on a baking sheet before transferring to a bag, allowing for quick baking straight from the freezer.

Cherry chocolate cookies pair wonderfully with a glass of cold milk or a cup of hot coffee. For extra indulgence, serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top, creating a delicious dessert experience.

Stored in an airtight container, cherry chocolate cookies can last up to one week in the fridge. However, for the best flavor and texture, they are best enjoyed within the first few days of baking.

Yes, the cookie dough can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator or freezer. This allows you to bake fresh cookies anytime you want without the extra prep work. Just make sure to let the dough sit at room temperature for a bit before baking if frozen.

To reheat cherry chocolate cookies, place them on a baking sheet and warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes. This will restore their soft and chewy texture without drying them out.

Recipe Troubleshooting Guide

✅

Too Dry

Problem: If your cookies turn out too dry, it might be due to over-measuring the flour.

Solution: To prevent this, use the spoon-and-level method when measuring flour. Spoon the flour into the measuring cup and level it off without packing it down.

✅

Not Crispy Enough

Problem: If the cookies are not crispy, they may not have been baked long enough.

Solution: Ensure that the cookies are baked until the edges are set and slightly golden. Try adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if necessary.

✅

Overcooked

Problem: If your cookies come out overcooked, they may be too hard.

Prevention: To prevent overcooking, keep an eye on them during the last few minutes of baking. Use a timer, and remove them from the oven as soon as the edges are set.

✅

Undercooked Center

Problem: If the centers of your cookies are undercooked, they may still be too soft or doughy.

Recovery: To fix this, bake them a little longer, but be cautious not to overbake. You can also let them sit on the baking sheet for a few minutes after removing them from the oven to continue cooking slightly.

✅

Burnt Exterior

Problem: Burnt cookies can occur if the oven temperature is too high.

Prevention: To prevent this, use an oven thermometer to ensure accurate baking temperatures, and consider lowering the temperature by 25°F if you notice frequent burning.

✅

Flavor Balance

Too Sweet: If your cookies are too sweet, consider reducing the sugar next time or adding a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness.

Too Salty: If they're too salty, ensure you are using unsalted butter and check your other ingredients for added salt.

Bland: For bland cookies, enhance the flavor by adding a bit more vanilla extract or a pinch of cinnamon to the dough.

Fresh ingredients for Cherry Chocolate Cookies

Essential Ingredients for Cherry Chocolate Cookies

The key ingredients for these cookies include high-quality chocolate chips and dried cherries, both of which play a vital role in achieving the perfect flavor blend. The butter adds richness while the sugars create that delightful chewy texture. Using fresh, tart cherries can also enhance the overall taste.

For the best results, opt for premium chocolate chips to ensure that each bite is bursting with chocolate goodness. Dried cherries should be plump and flavorful, as they bring a unique tartness that complements the sweetness of the cookies. Don't forget to use fresh eggs for better binding and texture.

Essential Ingredient Notes

  • Chocolate Chips: Using semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips will provide a rich contrast to the tart cherries. Look for chips with a higher cocoa content for a more intense chocolate flavor.
  • Dried Cherries: Choose high-quality dried cherries that are plump and moist. They should not be overly hard or dry, as this can affect the texture of the cookies.
  • Butter: Always use unsalted butter for baking to control the salt level in your cookies. Make sure it is softened to room temperature for easy mixing into the batter.
Cooking process for Cherry Chocolate Cookies

Step-by-Step Cooking Process

The cooking process for cherry chocolate cookies is straightforward and perfect for bakers of all skill levels. Start by preheating the oven and preparing your baking sheets. Creaming the butter and sugars creates a light texture that allows the cookies to rise beautifully.

To achieve perfect results, be mindful of the mixing times and avoid overworking the dough. The cookies should be soft when they come out of the oven but will firm up as they cool, creating that delightful chewy texture we love.

Key Technique for Perfect Cherry Chocolate Cookies

The key technique in this recipe is the creaming method, where butter and sugar are beaten together until light and fluffy. This incorporates air into the dough, resulting in a tender cookie. Remember to not overmix after adding the dry ingredients, as this can lead to tough cookies.

Cherry Chocolate Cookies

Prep 15 min
Cook 45 min
Serves 6 servings
Level Easy

📋 Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 1 cup butter
    Room temperature
  • 1 cup brown sugar
    Packed
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
    Regular
  • 2 large eggs
    Large size
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
    Pure vanilla

For the Sauce

  • 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
    Sifted
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
    Leavening agent
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
    Kosher salt
  • 1 cup chocolate chips
    Semi-sweet
  • 1 cup dried cherries
    Chopped
  • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
    Optional
  • 1/4 cup cocoa powder
    Unsweetened
  • 1 tablespoon milk
    To adjust consistency

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven

    Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

  2. Cream Butter and Sugars

    In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth and creamy.

  3. Add Eggs and Vanilla

    Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract and almond extract.

  4. Combine Dry Ingredients

    In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.

  5. Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients

    Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.

  6. Fold in Chocolate and Cherries

    Gently fold in the chocolate chips, dried cherries, and chopped walnuts (if using).

  7. Scoop the Dough

    Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

  8. Bake the Cookies

    Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, until the edges are set but the centers are still soft.

  9. Cool and Serve

    Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Recipe Notes & Tips

Storage Tips

To store your cherry chocolate cookies, place them in an airtight container at room temperature. They can last for up to a week, but for maximum freshness, consume them within the first few days. If desired, you can also freeze them for longer storage, just ensure they are completely cooled before freezing.

Serving Suggestions

Serve cherry chocolate cookies warm with a glass of milk or alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For an elegant touch, consider drizzling with melted chocolate or sprinkling with powdered sugar before serving.

Recipe Variations

For a twist on this recipe, try adding different types of nuts or substituting dried cranberries for the cherries. You can also experiment with different types of chocolate, such as white chocolate or dark chocolate, to create unique flavor combinations.