Chocolate Cherry Cookies

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There’s something magical about the combination of rich chocolate and tart cherries. I’ve always loved how the depth of dark cocoa plays off the sweet, juicy brightness of cherries—each bite feels indulgent but balanced. When I set out to create the perfect chocolate cherry cookie, I knew I wanted something soft, slightly chewy, and absolutely loaded with gooey chocolate chips and bursts of real cherry flavor.

These Chocolate Cherry Cookies are exactly that. They’re my go-to when I want to impress guests or simply treat myself. Whether it’s a cozy winter evening or a festive holiday gathering, these cookies never fail to deliver comfort and delight. They’re easy to make, freeze beautifully, and the flavor is unforgettable.

Why You’ll Love This Chocolate Cherry Cookie Recipe

These cookies are rich, fudgy, and have a bakery-style chew that’s incredibly satisfying. The juicy cherries add a tart contrast to the deep chocolate, and if you serve them warm, the melty chocolate chips will make everyone fall in love. They’re perfect for the holidays or whenever you’re craving a cookie that’s just a little more special than your average chocolate chip.

What Kind of Cherries Should I Use?

For the best flavor and texture, I recommend using dried tart cherries that have been slightly rehydrated or fresh/frozen cherries (pitted and chopped). Maraschino cherries can be used for a sweeter version, but they’ll change the cookie’s texture slightly. If you’re using frozen cherries, make sure to thaw and drain them to avoid adding excess moisture.

Options for Substitutions

• Flour: You can swap all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend if needed.
• Butter: Vegan butter or coconut oil (solid form) works well for a dairy-free version.
• Chocolate Chips: Dark, milk, or white chocolate chips all taste great, so feel free to mix and match.
• Sugar: Coconut sugar or brown sugar can replace white sugar for a deeper, caramelized flavor.
• Egg: Use a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 3 tbsp water) for a plant-based alternative.

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Ingredients for this Chocolate Cherry Cookie Recipe

• Unsweetened Cocoa Powder – Adds rich, chocolatey depth to the cookie dough.
• All-Purpose Flour – Provides structure to the cookies so they’re soft yet chewy.
• Baking Soda – Ensures the cookies rise just enough and stay fluffy.
• Salt – Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
• Unsalted Butter – Gives the cookies a tender, buttery base.
• Granulated Sugar – Sweetens the dough and adds to the crisp edges.
• Brown Sugar – Adds moisture and a subtle molasses flavor that makes the cookies chewier.
• Egg – Binds everything together and adds richness.
• Vanilla Extract – Deepens the flavor and complements the chocolate.
• Chocolate Chips – Melty pockets of chocolate goodness in every bite.
• Cherries – Use chopped dried tart cherries or fresh/frozen ones for a juicy contrast.

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Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining two baking sheets with parchment paper. This will ensure your cookies bake evenly without sticking.

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Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. This step is essential for an even distribution of leavening and cocoa throughout the dough.

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Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This introduces air into the dough and gives your cookies a better texture.

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Step 4: Add Egg and Vanilla

Crack in the egg and pour in the vanilla extract. Beat until everything is well incorporated. This step ensures the wet ingredients are smooth and ready to bind with the dry.

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Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix on low speed until a thick, chocolatey dough forms. Don’t overmix—just until no streaks of flour remain.

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Step 6: Stir in Chocolate Chips and Cherries

Fold in the chocolate chips and chopped cherries using a spatula or wooden spoon. Make sure they’re evenly distributed so you get a perfect balance in every bite.

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Step 7: Scoop and Shape

Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to portion out the dough onto your prepared baking sheets. Leave about 2 inches of space between each dough ball to allow for spreading.

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Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Bake in the preheated oven for 9–11 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centers look slightly soft. Don’t overbake—they’ll continue cooking on the tray after being removed from the oven.

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Step 9: Cool Before Serving

Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Or enjoy one warm while the chocolate is still melty—you won’t regret it!

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How Long to Prepare the Chocolate Cherry Cookies

Prep Time: The total prep time is around 15–20 minutes. This includes measuring your ingredients, chopping the cherries (if needed), and mixing the dough. Using pre-pitted or dried cherries will save some time.

Bake Time: Each batch bakes in about 9–11 minutes. Depending on your oven and the size of your cookies, you may need to rotate trays halfway through for even baking. Allow an additional 5 minutes for cooling before transferring to a wire rack.

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Tips for Perfect Chocolate Cherry Cookies

• Use room-temperature butter: This helps it cream smoothly with the sugars.
• Don’t overmix: Once you add the dry ingredients, mix just until combined to avoid dense cookies.
• Chop cherries evenly: Whether using fresh or dried, evenly chopped cherries distribute better in the dough.
• Chill the dough (optional): For a thicker, puffier cookie, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking.
• Add extra chips on top: Press a few extra chocolate chips on each dough ball before baking for a bakery-style finish.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Skipping the parchment paper: Without it, cookies may stick and brown unevenly.
• Overbaking: These cookies can go from soft to dry quickly—pull them when the centers still look a little soft.
• Not draining cherries: If you use frozen or fresh cherries, always drain them well to avoid soggy dough.
• Measuring flour incorrectly: Spoon and level your flour to avoid using too much, which leads to dense cookies.
• Using old baking soda: Expired leavening agents result in flat cookies. Check the date!

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What to Serve With Chocolate Cherry Cookies?

1. Glass of Cold Milk

A classic that never fails—perfectly balances the richness of the chocolate.

2. Vanilla Ice Cream

Sandwich a warm cookie between scoops of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert.

3. Espresso or Strong Coffee

The bold flavors of coffee enhance the deep chocolate notes.

4. Whipped Cream & Fresh Berries

Turn them into a plated dessert with whipped cream and a handful of berries.

5. Cherry Compote

A drizzle of cherry compote over a warm cookie brings out the fruitiness beautifully.

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Storage Instructions

Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Place a slice of bread in the container to keep them soft.

Refrigeration: While not necessary, storing in the fridge can extend their life by 1–2 days. Let them come to room temperature before serving.

Freezing: Freeze baked cookies in a zip-top bag or airtight container for up to 3 months. You can also freeze the dough balls and bake directly from frozen—just add 1–2 minutes to the baking time.

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Estimated Nutrition

Per cookie (based on 24 cookies total):

• Calories: ~160 kcal
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Sugar: 14g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 2g
• Sodium: 90mg

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use fresh cherries instead of dried?

Yes, just make sure to pit, chop, and drain them thoroughly to prevent excess moisture in the dough.

How do I make these cookies gluten-free?

Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free 1:1 baking blend. No other changes are needed.

Can I freeze the cookie dough?

Absolutely. Scoop dough balls onto a tray, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen with a couple extra minutes.

Do I need to chill the dough?

It’s optional. Chilling helps prevent spreading and creates a thicker cookie, but they bake fine without it.

Why are my cookies dry?

Overbaking or using too much flour is usually the culprit. Make sure to measure accurately and remove cookies while still slightly soft in the center.

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Conclusion

These Chocolate Cherry Cookies are a decadent yet approachable treat that never fails to satisfy. Whether you’re baking for a crowd, prepping ahead for the week, or just treating yourself, they strike the perfect balance between rich chocolate and bright cherry flavor. With the right ingredients and a few simple steps, you can enjoy bakery-quality cookies from your own oven. Trust me—once you try them, they’ll become a permanent part of your cookie rotation.

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