Cherry chocolate chip cookies are soft, chewy, and packed with the irresistible combination of sweet cherries and rich chocolate chips. These cookies offer a delightful twist on the classic chocolate chip cookie, adding bursts of fruity flavor with every bite. Perfect for holidays, special occasions, or an everyday treat, these cookies are sure to satisfy any sweet craving.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Delicious Flavor Combination: The sweetness of cherries pairs perfectly with the richness of chocolate.
- Soft and Chewy Texture: These cookies have a tender, melt-in-your-mouth consistency.
- Easy to Make: A simple drop cookie recipe that requires minimal effort.
- Customizable: You can use fresh, dried, or maraschino cherries to suit your preference.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Great for dessert platters, bake sales, or as a homemade gift.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- All-purpose flour
- Baking soda
- Salt
- Unsalted butter (softened)
- Granulated sugar
- Brown sugar
- Egg
- Vanilla extract
- Almond extract (optional, enhances cherry flavor)
- Chopped cherries (fresh, dried, or maraschino)
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips
Directions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare the Cherries: If using fresh or maraschino cherries, drain and pat them dry before chopping to prevent excess moisture.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream the Butter and Sugars: In a separate mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Mix in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract until well combined.
- Combine the Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in the Cherries and Chocolate Chips: Gently stir in the chopped cherries and chocolate chips until evenly distributed.
- Scoop and Bake: Drop tablespoon-sized scoops of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake: Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Cool and Serve: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Approximately 24 cookies
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Baking Time: 10–12 minutes
Variations
- White Chocolate Cherry Cookies: Swap semi-sweet chocolate chips for white chocolate chips for a sweeter contrast.
- Double Chocolate Cherry Cookies: Add ¼ cup of cocoa powder to the dough for a rich chocolate base.
- Nutty Crunch: Mix in chopped almonds, pecans, or walnuts for added texture.
- Cherry Almond Cookies: Use almond flour instead of part of the all-purpose flour for a nutty flavor.
- Healthier Version: Replace half of the butter with applesauce or mashed bananas for a lower-fat option.
Storage/Reheating
- Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Refrigeration: If using fresh cherries, store in the refrigerator to prevent excess moisture buildup.
- Freezing: Freeze the cookie dough in scoops on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding an extra 1–2 minutes.
- Reheating: Warm cookies in the microwave for 10–15 seconds to soften them before serving.
FAQs
Can I use dried cherries instead of fresh or maraschino?
Yes, dried cherries work well and add a more concentrated cherry flavor without extra moisture.
Do I need to chill the dough before baking?
Chilling is not required, but if your dough is very soft, chilling for 30 minutes can help prevent spreading.
How do I keep the cookies from becoming too soft?
Make sure to pat the cherries dry to remove excess moisture, and do not overmix the dough.
Can I use dark chocolate instead of semi-sweet chocolate?
Yes, dark chocolate chips or chunks add a more intense chocolate flavor.
How do I prevent the cherries from bleeding into the dough?
Toss the chopped cherries in a small amount of flour before mixing them into the dough to reduce bleeding.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, substitute an all-purpose gluten-free flour blend to make them gluten-free.
What can I use instead of almond extract?
Vanilla extract works fine on its own, or you can try cherry extract for a stronger cherry flavor.
Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before baking.
Why did my cookies spread too much?
If the dough is too warm, the cookies may spread too much. Try chilling the dough before baking.
Can I add oats to this recipe?
Yes, adding ½ cup of rolled oats can give the cookies a heartier texture.
Conclusion
Cherry chocolate chip cookies offer a perfect blend of fruity sweetness and rich chocolate in a soft, chewy cookie. With easy preparation and plenty of variations, these cookies are a wonderful treat for any occasion. Whether you enjoy them fresh from the oven or save them for later, they are sure to be a hit with family and friends
Print
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 12 mins
- Total Time: 27 mins
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These cherry chocolate chip cookies are soft, chewy, and packed with sweet cherries and rich chocolate chips. A perfect dessert for any occasion!
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 3/4 cup maraschino cherries, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cream butter, sugars, eggs, and vanilla until fluffy.
- Mix in flour, baking soda, and salt. Fold in chocolate chips and cherries.
- Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the baking sheet.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes until golden brown.
- Cool before serving.
Notes
- Pat cherries dry to prevent extra moisture.
- Store in an airtight container for freshness.
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