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When it comes to satisfying your sweet tooth, few combinations beat the richness of chocolate paired with the tartness of cherries. These chocolate cherry cookies bring together the best of both worlds, offering a chewy, decadent treat that will leave you craving more. The soft texture, enhanced by the sweet and slightly tangy bite of maraschino cherries, is balanced perfectly by the deep chocolate flavor in each bite. The addition of dried cherries and chocolate chips creates an indulgent treat that’s both rich and flavorful. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just because you deserve a little something sweet, these cookies are sure to impress.

With a straightforward preparation method and ingredients you likely have on hand, this recipe is perfect for anyone, from novice bakers to seasoned pros. And with every bite, you’ll experience a delightful mix of soft, chewy textures and bursts of sweetness. Perfect for sharing or enjoying all on your own, these cookies offer a little bit of comfort in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Decadent Chocolate Flavor

The cocoa powder and chocolate chips come together to provide a rich, chocolatey base that will satisfy any chocolate lover.

2. Perfect Balance of Sweet and Tart

The combination of sweet dried cherries and tangy maraschino cherries adds an irresistible contrast to the rich chocolate.

3. Chewy Texture

Thanks to the unique combination of ingredients like cornstarch and butter, these cookies are soft and chewy, with just the right amount of bite.

4. Easy to Make

With simple, everyday ingredients and an easy-to-follow process, this recipe is perfect for beginner bakers and seasoned pros alike.

5. Versatile and Customizable

This cookie recipe allows for variations, whether you prefer a more intense cherry flavor, extra chocolate, or even nuts for added crunch.

Ingredients

Unsalted butter, softened
Light brown sugar
Granulated sugar
Large egg
Pure vanilla extract
Unsweetened cocoa powder
All-purpose flour
Baking soda
Salt
Cornstarch
Chopped maraschino cherries
Sweetened dried cherries
Chocolate chips or chunks

Variations

Add Nuts: For a bit of crunch, feel free to add chopped walnuts or almonds to the dough.
Use Dark Chocolate: If you prefer a more intense chocolate flavor, swap the chocolate chips for dark chocolate chunks.
Different Dried Fruits: Replace dried cherries with cranberries, blueberries, or even apricots for a different fruit twist.
Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make these cookies gluten-free.
Vegan Option: Use dairy-free butter and egg replacement options like flax eggs to make these cookies vegan-friendly.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

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

Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients

Beat in the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth and fully incorporated.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the cocoa powder, all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and cornstarch.

Step 5: Mix Dry Ingredients into Wet Ingredients

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

Step 6: Stir in the Cherries and Chocolate

Gently fold in the chopped maraschino cherries, dried cherries, and chocolate chips until evenly distributed.

Step 7: Scoop the Dough

Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

Step 8: Bake

Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers are still soft. The cookies will firm up as they cool.

Step 9: Cool and Serve

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t Overmix the Dough: Overmixing can make the cookies tough, so mix the dough just until combined.
Chill the Dough: If you have time, chill the cookie dough for 30 minutes before baking to prevent the cookies from spreading too much.
Pat Dry the Cherries: Be sure to pat the maraschino cherries dry with a paper towel to prevent excess moisture from affecting the dough’s consistency.
Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Using softened butter and an egg at room temperature will help the dough come together more smoothly.

How to Serve

These chocolate cherry cookies are perfect served as a dessert after a meal or enjoyed as a sweet treat with coffee or tea. For a fun twist, try serving them with a scoop of vanilla or cherry ice cream for an indulgent dessert. They’re also a great addition to any cookie platter or gift basket.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. This will help maintain their chewy texture and freshness.

Freezing

You can freeze these cookies for up to 3 months. Place the cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze for about 2 hours, and then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container.

Reheating

To reheat, pop a cookie in the microwave for 15-20 seconds, or warm them up in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen cherries instead of dried cherries?

Yes, you can use frozen cherries, but make sure to thaw and drain them before adding them to the dough to prevent excess moisture.

2. Can I use margarine instead of butter?

While you can use margarine, the flavor and texture of the cookies may differ slightly.

3. Can I substitute the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour?

Yes, you can, but the cookies will have a denser texture and slightly different flavor.

4. How do I know when the cookies are done baking?

The edges should be set, and the center should look slightly soft. They will continue to firm up as they cool.

5. Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can chill the dough for up to 24 hours before baking.

6. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes, simply use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour.

7. How long should I bake these cookies?

Bake for about 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are firm but the centers remain soft.

8. Can I use a different type of chocolate?

Yes, feel free to swap in dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or white chocolate for a different flavor profile.

9. How can I prevent my cookies from spreading too much?

Chill the dough before baking, and be sure not to overmix it.

10. Can I freeze the dough?

Yes, you can freeze the dough for up to 3 months. Just scoop it onto a baking sheet, freeze, and then transfer it to a freezer-safe container.

Conclusion

These chocolate cherry cookies are the perfect combination of indulgent chocolate and sweet cherries, making them a delightful treat for any occasion. With their chewy texture, rich flavor, and easy-to-follow instructions, they are sure to become a favorite in your cookie repertoire. Whether you’re making them for a special celebration or simply craving a sweet snack, this recipe will deliver a batch of cookies that everyone will love. Enjoy the process of baking, and most importantly, enjoy every delicious bite!