There’s something truly enchanting about the combination of sweet chocolate and tart cherries. As I pulled out my mixing bowl one rainy afternoon, I found myself craving a little something different—a twist on the classic chocolate chip cookie that would add a burst of flavor to my usual baking routine. Enter Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies, a delightful marriage of chewy cookie goodness and fruity tartness that will transport your taste buds straight to dessert paradise.
These cookies come together in no time, perfect for those of us leading busy lives yet still seeking moments of homemade indulgence. With their inviting aroma wafting through the kitchen, you’ll be hard-pressed not to share these treats with friends or family. Whether for a festive gathering or simply as a sweet pick-me-up after a long day, these Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies are sure to be a crowd-pleaser, bringing joy with every bite. Join me as we explore how to create this irresistible twist on a beloved classic!
Why are Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies so special?
Irresistible Flavor Combination: The mix of sweet chocolate chips and tart cherries creates a mouthwatering explosion of flavor that sets these cookies apart from traditional recipes.
Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, even beginner bakers can master this recipe quickly.
Perfect for Any Occasion: These cookies make a festive treat for parties or a cozy snack for those quiet evenings at home.
Versatile Ingredients: You can easily swap out cherries for other fruits or add nuts for an extra crunch, making this recipe endlessly customizable.
Homey Scent: Imagine the delightful aroma that fills your kitchen as they bake—a warm hug in cookie form!
Storage Friendly: These cookies store well, ensuring that you can enjoy them throughout the week or share them later. They even taste great paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Don’t forget to check out my guide on effective storage tips to keep them fresh longer!
Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies Ingredients
Explore the essential components that make these Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies irresistibly delicious!
For the Dough
- Butter – Adds richness and moisture; use unsalted for better control of salt levels.
- Brown Sugar – Provides sweetness and contributes to a chewy texture; light or dark can be used interchangeably.
- Granulated Sugar – Offers additional sweetness and helps with cookie spread.
- Large Eggs – Binds ingredients and adds moisture; room temperature eggs are best for even mixing.
- Pure Vanilla Extract – Enhances flavor; can substitute with almond extract for a delightful twist.
- All-Purpose Flour – Gives structure to the cookies; for gluten-free, use a cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend.
- Baking Soda – A leavening agent that helps cookies rise; ensure it’s fresh for the best results.
- Kosher Salt – Balances sweetness; fine sea salt can be a good substitute.
For the Add-ins
- Chocolate Chips – Adds sweetness and richness; semi-sweet or dark chocolate varieties work beautifully.
- Chopped Maraschino Cherries – Introduces tartness and moisture; fresh or dried cherries can be used as alternatives.
How to Make Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies
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Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). This ensures even baking and helps achieve the perfect cookie texture.
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Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, cream softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes, creating a lovely base for your cookies.
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Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the large eggs one at a time along with the pure vanilla extract until well combined, making your dough extra moist and flavorful.
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Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix together the flour, baking soda, and kosher salt. This ensures an even distribution of the leavening agent throughout the dough.
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Mix Dry into Wet: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, combining until just incorporated. This will create a rich dough without overmixing.
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Fold in Add-ins: Gently fold in the chocolate chips and chopped maraschino cherries, taking care not to break the cherries too much, which adds delightful bursts of flavor.
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Scoop and Bake: Using a cookie scoop, place dough balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are golden brown, allowing the cookies to rise beautifully.
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Cool: Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, ensuring they set just right.
Optional: For an extra special touch, drizzle with melted chocolate before serving.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies?
This delightful treat deserves some wonderful companions to enhance your dessert experience!
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Cold Milk: A classic pairing that complements the sweetness of the cookies, providing a refreshing contrast. Dip your cookies for a lovely balance of flavors!
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Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy richness of ice cream perfectly contrasts with the chewy texture of the cookies, creating a heavenly dessert sandwich.
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Fresh Berries: Strawberries or raspberries offer a refreshing burst of tartness that balances out the cookies’ sweetness and adds a colorful touch to your dessert spread.
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Coffee or Espresso: The deep, rich flavors of a well-brewed cup can enhance the chocolate notes in the cookies, making them even more indulgent.
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Whipped Cream: Light and airy, whipped cream adds a delightful creaminess that enhances the overall dessert experience. Serve it alongside to dip or spread.
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Chocolate Drizzle: Elevate your cookies by drizzling them with warm melted chocolate, adding an extra layer of richness and decadence that chocolate lovers will adore.
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Chopped Nuts: Sprinkle some toasted almonds or walnuts over the cookies for an additional crunch and a hint of nuttiness that pairs beautifully with the chocolate and cherries.
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Dessert Wine: A sweet dessert wine can enhance the fruity notes of the cherries while complementing the richness of the chocolate—perfect for an elegant evening indulgence!
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Caramel Sauce: Serve with a side of warm caramel sauce for dipping, creating an irresistible combination of flavors and textures that will leave everyone wanting more.
Storage Tips for Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies
Room Temperature: Store your Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week to maintain their soft, chewy texture.
Fridge: For extended freshness, place cookies in the fridge for up to 2 weeks in an airtight container. Allow them to come to room temperature before enjoying.
Freezer: Freeze cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Reheating: To bring back the just-baked goodness, reheat cookies in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes.
Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies Variations
Feel free to sprinkle in your own touch and elevate these cookies with delightful twists!
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Dried Fruit: Substitute dried cranberries or blueberries for maraschino cherries to create a different flavor profile with tropical vibes.
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White Chocolate Delight: Swap in white chocolate chips for semi-sweet ones for a luscious twist that’ll make your taste buds dance. The sweetness of white chocolate melds beautifully with the tart cherries.
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Nutty Additions: Incorporate chopped walnuts or pecans for a satisfying crunch, enhancing both texture and flavor. The nutty notes perfectly complement the cherry and chocolate blend.
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Zesty Citrus: Add a teaspoon of orange zest to the batter for a refreshing citrus kick that brightens every bite. It’s like a springtime celebration in your cookie jar!
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Pumpkin Spice: For a fall-inspired treat, mix in a teaspoon of pumpkin spice to the dough, creating a seasonal favorite that’s tempting all year round.
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Coconut Bliss: Fold in shredded coconut for a tropical twist that pairs beautifully with the tart cherries. Imagine taking a bite and feeling like you’re on a sun-kissed beach!
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Protein Power: Toss in some protein powder to the dough for a boost, helping you indulge a little healthier without losing the delightful taste you love.
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Chocolate Glaze: Drizzle melted chocolate over baked cookies for an extra layer of decadence, creating a visual treat that’s as delicious as it sounds!
Expert Tips for Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies
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Butter Temperature: Use softened, not melted butter for the perfect creamy texture. This helps achieve those fluffy, chewy cookies you crave.
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Chill the Dough: For deeper flavor, let your dough rest in the fridge for about 30 minutes before baking. This also helps prevent spreading while baking.
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Don’t Overmix: Gently mix the flour into the wet ingredients until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, which is not what we want!
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Uniform Size: Use a cookie scoop for even portions, ensuring all cookies bake at the same rate and have that perfect chewy texture.
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Check Freshness: Always use fresh baking soda for optimal lift and texture in your Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies—stale baking soda can lead to flat cookies.
Make Ahead Options
These Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies are a fantastic choice for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the dough up to 3 days in advance by mixing all the ingredients and storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep it fresh. If you want to prep even further ahead, shape the dough into balls and freeze them for up to a month. This allows you to bake fresh cookies whenever a sweet craving strikes without the extensive prep time. Just remember to let the frozen dough sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes before baking to achieve that perfect texture. With a little planning, you can enjoy homemade cookies without the last-minute rush!
Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the right cherries for my Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies?
Absolutely! For the best results, opt for firm, plump maraschino cherries without any dark spots or signs of waviness. If using fresh cherries, ensure they’re ripe and free from blemishes. If you can only find dried cherries, make sure they’re moist, as overly dry ones can alter the texture of your cookies.
What is the best way to store Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies?
To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. For longer storage, place them in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. If you’d like to freeze them, arrange the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. They keep well for up to 3 months!
Can I freeze the cookie dough for my Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies?
Yes, you can! To freeze the dough, scoop it into individual portions and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. This method allows you to bake fresh cookies whenever the craving strikes—just preheat your oven and bake straight from the freezer, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
Why did my cookies turn out flat?
If your cookies spread too much, it’s likely due to the butter being too soft or melted when you mixed your ingredients. Make sure to use softened butter—smooth but not oily! Additionally, ensure that your baking soda is fresh, as expired leavening agents can lead to flat cookies. If they still flatten out, try chilling the dough for about 30 minutes before baking.
Are Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies safe for my pets?
When it comes to pets, it’s important to remember that chocolate is toxic to dogs and cats. Therefore, while these cookies are delightful for human consumption, keep them out of reach of your furry friends. If you want a pet-friendly treat, consider baking a batch of cookies without chocolate using pumpkin or sweet potato instead!
Can I make Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies gluten-free?
Very! To make your Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. Look for a blend that contains a binding agent, such as xanthan gum, to ensure your cookies maintain that perfect chewy texture!
Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies That Will Wow Your Taste Buds
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
- In a large bowl, cream softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Beat in the large eggs one at a time along with the pure vanilla extract until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, mix together the flour, baking soda, and kosher salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, combining until just incorporated.
- Gently fold in the chocolate chips and chopped maraschino cherries.
- Using a cookie scoop, place dough balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are golden brown.
- Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.