Chocolate Cherry Cookies

Chocolate Cherry Cookies are the perfect blend of rich, chocolatey goodness and sweet, tangy cherries. These cookies are soft, chewy, and packed with delightful flavors, making them a standout treat for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• The combination of chocolate and cherries creates a decadent and unique flavor profile.
• These cookies are easy to make with simple, accessible ingredients.
• They’re perfect for holidays, potlucks, or a cozy treat at home.
• The recipe is versatile, allowing for customization to suit your preferences.
• These cookies stay soft and delicious for days, making them ideal for meal prepping or gifting.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• All-purpose flour
• Unsweetened cocoa powder
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Butter
• Granulated sugar
• Brown sugar
• Eggs
• Vanilla extract
• Semi-sweet chocolate chips
• Dried cherries

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.
6. Fold in the chocolate chips and dried cherries.
7. Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
8. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are set. The centers may still look slightly soft.
9. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: Makes approximately 24 cookies
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
• Total Time: 25-27 minutes

Variations

• Nuts: Add chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds for a crunchy texture.
• White Chocolate: Replace semi-sweet chocolate chips with white chocolate chips for a creamier flavor.
• Fresh Cherries: Use chopped fresh cherries for a juicier, fruitier bite (reduce baking time slightly).
• Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
• Double Chocolate: Add an extra 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder for a deeper chocolate flavor.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: Freeze baked cookies in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Let them thaw at room temperature before serving.
• Reheating: Warm cookies in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to restore their softness.

FAQs

1. Can I use fresh cherries instead of dried cherries?

Yes, but be sure to chop them into small pieces and slightly reduce the baking time to account for the extra moisture.

2. What type of cocoa powder should I use?

Unsweetened natural cocoa powder works best, but you can also use Dutch-processed cocoa for a richer flavor.

3. Can I substitute the butter with margarine or oil?

Butter is recommended for the best flavor, but you can use margarine or coconut oil if needed.

4. Are these cookies chewy or crispy?

These cookies are soft and chewy, with slightly crisp edges.

5. Can I use white sugar only?

Using a mix of granulated and brown sugar enhances the texture and flavor, but you can use all granulated sugar in a pinch.

6. How can I make these cookies vegan?

Replace the butter with vegan butter, eggs with flaxseed or chia seed egg substitutes, and ensure the chocolate chips are dairy-free.

7. Do I need to chill the dough?

Chilling the dough isn’t necessary, but it can help the cookies hold their shape better during baking.

8. Can I add other dried fruits?

Absolutely! Try dried cranberries, raisins, or chopped dried apricots for variation.

9. How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?

Make sure the dough isn’t too warm and bake on a cool baking sheet. Using parchment paper also helps.

10. Can I double the recipe?

Yes, this recipe doubles well. Just ensure you have enough baking sheets or bake in batches.

Conclusion

Chocolate Cherry Cookies are a delightful treat that combines the richness of chocolate with the tangy sweetness of cherries. Perfect for any occasion, these cookies are easy to make and loved by all. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or indulging yourself, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your cookie repertoire!

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