Chef Mitchell preparing Cherry Chocolate Cookies
👨‍🍳 Expert Chef

Recipe by Mitchell

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

❤️ My Recipe Story

"I stumbled upon the idea for Cherry Chocolate Cookies during a summer cooking class. The combination of tart cherries and dark chocolate was a revelation. After perfecting the recipe through numerous trials, I found the right balance of flavors and textures that everyone loves. Now, these cookies are a family favorite that brings back fond memories of that day."

I have over a decade of experience in American cuisine, specializing in dessert recipes. My passion for baking has led me to create a wide variety of sweets, from classic cookies to elaborate cakes. I love sharing my knowledge and helping others discover the joy of baking.

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

Why This Cherry Chocolate Cookies Recipe Works

This recipe stands out due to the unique combination of cherries and chocolate, creating a flavor profile that is both sweet and tart. The use of high-quality dark chocolate enhances the richness of the cookie, while the cherries add a delightful chewiness. This balance makes these cookies irresistible for any dessert lover.

The technique involves creaming the butter and sugars properly, ensuring a light and fluffy texture. Baking at the right temperature allows for a perfectly cooked outside while keeping the center soft and chewy. Following the steps carefully will yield the best results every time.

💡 Professional Tip

For the best flavor, use high-quality dark chocolate and fresh dried cherries. Also, allowing the cookie dough to chill for at least 30 minutes before baking can enhance the texture and prevent spreading.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you can make the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. Just scoop the dough onto the baking sheet and bake when you’re ready to enjoy fresh cookies. Alternatively, you can bake the cookies and store them in an airtight container for up to a week.

If you don't have dried cherries, you can substitute with dried cranberries or raisins. These alternatives will provide a similar texture and sweetness, though the flavor will differ slightly. You can also use fresh cherries, but make sure to drain the excess moisture before adding them to the dough.

The cookies are done when the edges are firm and the centers look slightly underbaked. They will continue to cook on the baking sheet after being removed from the oven. Look for a glossy appearance on the top, which is a good indicator of doneness.

Yes, these cookies freeze well. Once cooled, place them in an airtight container or freezer bag and store them for up to 3 months. To enjoy, simply thaw them at room temperature or warm them in the microwave for a few seconds.

Cherry Chocolate Cookies pair wonderfully with a glass of milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. You can also serve them alongside a cup of coffee or tea for a delightful afternoon treat. For a special touch, drizzle some chocolate sauce over the cookies before serving.

In the fridge, Cherry Chocolate Cookies can last up to a week when stored in an airtight container. For optimal freshness, consume them within the first few days, as they may become drier over time.

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough in advance, scoop it onto a baking sheet, and freeze the unbaked cookies. When you're ready to bake, just transfer the frozen dough to the oven, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.

The best way to reheat Cherry Chocolate Cookies is to use the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or until warm. Alternatively, you can place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes to restore their fresh-baked texture.

Recipe Troubleshooting Guide

✅

Too Dry

Problem: Cookies that are too dry can result from overbaking or too much flour.

Solution: Ensure you measure your flour accurately and check the cookies a few minutes before the recommended baking time to prevent overbaking.

✅

Not Crispy Enough

Problem: If the cookies are not crispy, it may be due to underbaking or a high moisture content.

Solution: Bake the cookies a little longer and ensure that any wet ingredients are measured correctly to avoid excess moisture.

✅

Overcooked

Problem: Overcooked cookies can become hard and crunchy.

Prevention: To prevent overcooking, keep an eye on the baking time and perform the toothpick test to check for doneness.

✅

Undercooked Center

Problem: Cookies with an undercooked center will have a doughy texture.

Recovery: If you encounter this issue, bake the cookies a few more minutes, but be cautious to avoid overcooking the edges.

✅

Burnt Exterior

Problem: Burnt cookies can occur from baking at too high a temperature or using a dark baking sheet.

Prevention: Lower the oven temperature and use a light-colored baking sheet to prevent burning.

✅

Flavor Balance

Too Sweet: If the cookies are too sweet, reduce the sugar slightly in the next batch.

Too Salty: To balance saltiness, consider adding a bit more sugar or using unsalted butter next time.

Bland: If the flavor is bland, boost it with a pinch of salt or an extra splash of vanilla extract for future batches.

Fresh ingredients for Cherry Chocolate Cookies

Essential Ingredients for Cherry Chocolate Cookies

Key ingredients for these cookies include all-purpose flour for structure, cocoa powder for a rich chocolate flavor, and butter for moisture and richness. The combination of sugars adds sweetness and browning, while eggs provide binding. Dried cherries and dark chocolate chips are essential for the unique flavor.

Using high-quality ingredients is crucial for the best flavor and texture. Opt for rich, dark chocolate and high-quality dried cherries to enhance the overall experience. Freshness in your ingredients will lead to cookies that are flavorful and enjoyable.

Essential Ingredient Notes

  • Butter: Using room temperature butter will ensure it blends well with the sugars, creating a light and airy cookie dough. Avoid using melted butter, as it can lead to a greasy texture.
  • Dark Chocolate Chips: Choose semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips for a rich flavor that pairs well with the tartness of cherries. Chopping chocolate bars into chunks can give you a more rustic texture.
  • Dried Cherries: Select high-quality dried cherries that are plump and flavorful. If they're too dry, consider soaking them in warm water or cherry juice for a few minutes before adding them to the dough.
Cooking process for Cherry Chocolate Cookies

Step-by-Step Cooking Process

The cooking process for Cherry Chocolate Cookies is straightforward and beginner-friendly. Begin by preparing your ingredients and preheating the oven. Mixing the dry ingredients separately helps incorporate them evenly into the dough.

Baking the cookies until they are just set allows for a soft, chewy center while still achieving a slightly crispy exterior. Cooling them properly will prevent them from becoming too hard or losing their texture.

Key Technique for Perfect Cherry Chocolate Cookies

The key technique is to avoid overmixing the dough once the flour is added. This helps maintain a soft texture in the cookies. Additionally, monitoring the baking time closely will ensure that the cookies are baked just right for optimal chewiness.

Cherry Chocolate Cookies

Prep 15 min
Cook 45 min
Serves 6 servings
Level Easy

📋 Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 1 cup butter
    Room temperature
  • 1 cup sugar
    Granulated
  • 2 cups cherries
    Pitted and chopped
  • 1/2 cup water
    For sauce
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch
    To thicken

For the Sauce

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
    For structure
  • 1/2 cup cocoa powder
    Rich chocolate flavor
  • 1 tsp baking soda
    For leavening
  • 1/4 tsp salt
    To enhance flavor
  • 1/2 cup butter
    Softened
  • 1 cup brown sugar
    For sweetness and moisture
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
    For sweetness
  • 1 large egg
    For binding
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
    For flavor
  • 1 cup dark chocolate chips
    For richness
  • 1 cup dried cherries
    For flavor
  • 1/2 cup chopped nuts
    Optional for crunch

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven

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

  2. Mix Dry Ingredients

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

  3. Cream Butter and Sugars

    In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter with brown sugar and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.

  4. Add Egg and Extracts

    Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract until well combined.

  5. Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients

    Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.

  6. Fold in Chocolate and Cherries

    Gently fold in the dark chocolate chips, dried cherries, and nuts if using.

  7. Scoop Cookies

    Using a 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, or until the edges are firm but the centers are soft.

  9. Cool and Serve

    Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Dust with powdered sugar if desired.

Recipe Notes & Tips

Storage Tips

To store Cherry Chocolate Cookies, place them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for about a week. If you want to keep them for longer, consider freezing them.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Cherry Chocolate Cookies warm with a glass of milk or a scoop of ice cream. They also pair well with coffee or tea for an afternoon treat.

Recipe Variations

Try adding different mix-ins like white chocolate chips, or replace cherries with other dried fruits like cranberries or apricots. You can also experiment with different types of nuts or even add a hint of spice like cinnamon for a unique twist.