Chocolate cherry cookies are a delightful treat! These sweet cookies mix rich chocolate with juicy cherries, creating a perfect combo that’s hard to resist.
I often bake these for special occasions, and they always disappear fast. Just the right mix of chewy and chocolatey, they make snack time a little more special!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Unsalted Butter: Softened butter is crucial for a creamy texture. If you need a dairy-free option, use coconut oil or a plant-based butter. However, the flavor may change a bit.
Cocoa Powder: Unsweetened cocoa gives depth to the cookies. If you prefer a milder taste, use Dutch-processed cocoa instead. It’s smoother and less bitter.
Maraschino Cherries: These cherries add sweetness and a pop of color. If you can’t find them, try using fresh cherries during the season or dried cherries for a chewier texture.
Dark Chocolate: The drizzle adds elegance. If you’re looking for a healthier alternative, use dark chocolate chips with a higher cocoa content or even a sugar-free chocolate.
How Do I Get Perfectly Soft and Chewy Cookies?
For soft and chewy cookies, it’s all about the baking time and cooling process. Here are some tips to ensure your cookies are soft inside:
- Don’t overmix after adding dry ingredients; mix until just combined for tenderness.
- Bake them until they’re just set but still a little soft in the center. They’ll continue to firm up as they cool.
- Press the cherries in right after baking. This helps keep the cookies moist and adds that cherry sweetness directly into the soft cookie.
- Let them rest on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack to set properly.
Chocolate Cherry Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cookie Dough:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips or chunks
For the Topping:
- 24 maraschino cherries, drained and patted dry
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate, melted (for drizzling)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and around 10-11 minutes to bake. Allow an additional 5 minutes for cooling, plus some time for the chocolate drizzle to set. In total, you’re looking at about 30-40 minutes until these delicious cookies are ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheating and Preparing the Baking Sheets:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating up, line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats to prevent the cookies from sticking.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugars:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Use an electric mixer or a whisk to cream them together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is important for making your cookies tender!
3. Add Eggs and Vanilla:
Now, beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then, mix in the vanilla extract for that yummy flavor.
4. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. This helps to evenly distribute the dry ingredients so your cookies bake perfectly.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix gently until just combined — be careful not to overmix, as this can make your cookies tough!
6. Fold in Chocolate Chips:
Lastly, fold in the chocolate chips. This is where the chocolate goodness truly comes to life in your cookies!
7. Scoop the Dough:
Use a tablespoon or cookie scoop to drop balls of dough onto your prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow room for spreading while baking.
8. Bake the Cookies:
Place the baking sheets in your preheated oven and bake for 9-11 minutes. You want them to be set but still soft in the center — this core will give you that chewy texture!
9. Add the Cherries:
As soon as the cookies come out of the oven, gently press one maraschino cherry into the center of each cookie. This not only adds a delicious surprise but also makes them look fabulous!
10. Cooling Time:
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. After that, carefully transfer them to a wire rack to finish cooling completely.
11. Drizzle With Chocolate:
Once the cookies are cool, it’s time to drizzle! Use a spoon or a piping bag to drizzle the melted dark chocolate around each cherry for that beautiful, decorative touch.
12. Set and Serve:
Allow the chocolate drizzle to set for a bit before serving. Then, gather your friends and family, and enjoy biting into these rich, chewy chocolate cherry cookies!
Now, you’re ready to impress everyone with your baking skills. Happy baking!
Can I Use Fresh Cherries Instead of Maraschino Cherries?
Yes, you can use fresh cherries! Just remove the pits and slice them in half before placing them on the cookies. Keep in mind that fresh cherries may release more moisture, so ensure they’re patted dry before using.
How Should I Store Leftover Cookies?
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze the cookies for up to 2 months. Just make sure they’re completely cooled before freezing!
Can I Use Different Types of Chocolate Chips?
Absolutely! While semi-sweet chocolate chips are delicious, feel free to experiment with milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even white chocolate chips. Each type will give the cookies a unique flavor!
What’s the Best Way to Reheat These Cookies?
If you’d like to enjoy warm cookies later, just pop them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5-10 minutes, or use the microwave for 10-15 seconds until warm. Just be careful not to overheat, as they can become dry!