There’s something irresistibly comforting about the combination of rich chocolate and sweet cherries. These Chocolate Cherry Cookies take that perfect pairing to the next level. Soft, chewy, and bursting with flavor, these cookies are packed with maraschino cherries, dried cherries, and melty chocolate chips. They strike a perfect balance between the tartness of the cherries and the deep richness of cocoa, making each bite utterly satisfying. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just craving a delicious treat, these cookies are sure to impress. The recipe is easy to follow, and the result is a batch of cookies that are both decadent and delicious.

What makes these cookies stand out is the addition of dried cherries and maraschino cherries, giving a burst of fruitiness with every bite. The chocolate chips or chunks provide a silky, gooey texture that melts in your mouth, complementing the chewy cherries. The dough is perfectly balanced, with a hint of vanilla and cocoa flavor that gives these cookies depth. Perfect for the holiday season, a bake sale, or just a weekend treat, these cookies are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Irresistible Flavor Combination

The blend of chocolate and cherries in these cookies creates a flavor profile that’s both rich and refreshing, making them a unique treat that’s hard to resist.

2. Chewy Texture

These cookies have a perfect chewy texture, thanks to the addition of cornstarch, which ensures they stay soft and tender even after cooling.

3. Simple Ingredients

With everyday baking staples like butter, sugar, and cocoa, this recipe uses ingredients you likely already have in your pantry, making it easy to whip up a batch at a moment’s notice.

4. Versatile and Customizable

You can adjust the amount of cherries or chocolate chunks depending on your preference. You could even substitute dried cherries for cranberries for a slightly tart twist.

5. Perfect for Any Occasion

Whether it’s a special celebration, a holiday cookie exchange, or just a cozy afternoon treat, these cookies are perfect for any occasion and will surely impress guests or family.

Ingredients

For the Cookies:

Unsalted butter, softened but slightly cool
Light brown sugar
Granulated sugar
Large egg
Pure vanilla extract
Unsweetened cocoa
All-purpose flour
Baking soda
Salt
Cornstarch
Chopped maraschino cherries, drained and patted dry
Sweetened dried cherries
Chocolate chips or chunks (plus more for topping, if desired)

Variations

Nutty Option: Add some chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds for a nutty crunch to complement the sweetness of the cherries.
White Chocolate Cherry Cookies: Swap the milk or dark chocolate chips for white chocolate chips for a sweeter, creamier version of these cookies.
Add a Little Spice: Add a pinch of cinnamon or chili powder for a unique twist on these cookies.
Cherry-Almond Cookies: Enhance the flavor by adding a teaspoon of almond extract alongside the vanilla extract for a richer, nutty undertone.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 3-4 minutes with an electric mixer.

Step 2: Add the Egg and Vanilla

Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter and sugar mixture. Beat again until fully incorporated.

Step 3: Mix in the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the cocoa, flour, baking soda, salt, and cornstarch. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.

Step 4: Add the Cherries and Chocolate

Gently fold in the chopped maraschino cherries, dried cherries, and chocolate chips (reserving a small handful of chocolate chips for topping). Make sure the cherries are well distributed throughout the dough.

Step 5: Chill the Dough

Cover the cookie dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes. Chilling the dough helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking.

Step 6: Bake the Cookies

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Optionally, press a few extra chocolate chips on top of each cookie for extra chocolaty goodness.

Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers are still slightly soft. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 7: Enjoy!

Serve the cookies fresh from the oven or after they’ve cooled. Enjoy the chewy, chocolatey goodness with a glass of milk, coffee, or your favorite warm beverage.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t Skip Chilling the Dough: Chilling the dough helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much while baking, resulting in thicker, chewier cookies.
Use Room Temperature Butter: Make sure the butter is softened, but not melted, for the best texture when creaming it with the sugars.
Drain the Maraschino Cherries: Be sure to drain and pat dry the maraschino cherries before adding them to the dough to prevent excess moisture.
Experiment with Chocolate Types: Feel free to use dark chocolate chips or milk chocolate chunks, depending on your personal preference.
Perfect Cookie Size: Use a cookie scoop or a tablespoon to ensure all the cookies are the same size for even baking.

How to Serve

Chocolate Cherry Cookies are a versatile treat that can be enjoyed at any time of day. Serve them as a sweet snack with a cup of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate. They’re also perfect for sharing at parties, holiday gatherings, or bake sales. If you’re feeling extra indulgent, serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious dessert.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you live in a hot and humid climate, keep them in the fridge to maintain freshness.

Freezing

For longer storage, you can freeze the cookies. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen cookies will last for up to 3 months. Simply thaw at room temperature before serving.

Reheating

If you prefer warm cookies, you can microwave them for a few seconds to get the chocolate chips to melt again, giving them a fresh-from-the-oven taste.

FAQs

1. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?

Yes, but if you use salted butter, reduce the amount of added salt in the recipe by half.

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

While fresh cherries can be used, they have a high moisture content, which may alter the texture of the dough. Dried cherries are a better option for this recipe.

3. Can I use gluten-free flour for this recipe?

Yes, you can use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend as a substitute for all-purpose flour.

4. Can I add more cherries?

Absolutely! Feel free to increase the amount of dried or maraschino cherries if you prefer a more intense cherry flavor.

5. Can I freeze the cookie dough?

Yes, you can freeze the dough for up to 3 months. Just scoop the dough into balls and freeze them on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to a bag or container for longer storage. Bake from frozen, adding a minute or two to the baking time.

6. Can I use white chocolate instead of regular chocolate?

Yes, white chocolate chips can be used for a different flavor profile. They will pair wonderfully with the cherries.

7. How can I make the cookies chewier?

To make the cookies chewier, be sure not to overbake them, and use cornstarch in the dough to help keep them soft.

8. Can I omit the cocoa powder?

If you prefer a non-chocolate version, you can omit the cocoa powder, but it will change the flavor and texture of the cookies. You could add more vanilla extract or substitute with a different flavoring.

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

Chilling the dough before baking helps the cookies hold their shape while baking, so be sure to refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes.

10. Can I make these cookies without cherries?

Yes, you can skip the cherries and make these cookies a simple chocolate chip cookie. You could also add nuts or other dried fruits in place of the cherries.

Conclusion

Chocolate Cherry Cookies are the perfect treat for those who love the combination of rich chocolate and sweet fruit. With their chewy texture, burst of cherry flavor, and gooey chocolate chips, they’re sure to become a favorite in your cookie repertoire. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply craving a delicious dessert, these cookies are a delightful and satisfying choice. The recipe is simple to follow and yields a batch of cookies that are both flavorful and fun to eat. So gather your ingredients, preheat the oven, and enjoy a batch of these irresistible cookies today!