Irresistible Chocolate Cherry Cookies Recipe for Sweet Lovers

Sweet cherries burst with flavor in these decadent chocolate cherry cookies that promise pure indulgence.

Dark chocolate and ripe cherries create an irresistible flavor combination sure to delight dessert enthusiasts.

Rich cocoa blends seamlessly with tart cherry pieces, creating a perfect balance of sweetness and depth.

These cookies offer a luxurious twist on classic chocolate treats that everyone will adore.

Soft, chewy, and packed with intense chocolate and fruity notes, they make an impressive homemade dessert.

Each bite delivers a delightful surprise of chocolate and cherry goodness.

Bake a batch and watch these cookies disappear in moments.

FAQs

• Why do I need to chill the cookie dough?

Chilling helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking and allows the flavors to develop. It also makes the dough easier to handle and shape.

• Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries?

Fresh cherries won’t work as well because they lack the syrupy texture and intense flavor of maraschino cherries. Stick to maraschino cherries for the best results.

• How do I know when the cookies are done baking?

Look for slightly soft edges and a set center. The cookies will continue to firm up as they cool, so don’t overbake them. They should look just slightly underdone when you remove them from the oven.

• Is it necessary to sift the dry ingredients?

Sifting helps remove any lumps in the flour and cocoa powder, ensuring a smoother, more consistent cookie texture. It also helps the dry ingredients mix more evenly into the dough.

Why You’ll Crave These Chocolate Cherry Cookies

The recipe guides you through each step with simple instructions.

• Prepare a batch of these crowd-pleasing cookies that appeal to both kids and adults. The combination of chocolate and cherries creates an irresistible flavor that brings everyone together.
• Ideal for multiple occasions like potlucks, holiday gatherings, or casual weekend treats. These cookies are elegant enough for special events yet simple enough for everyday enjoyment.
• Minimal ingredients and straightforward techniques make this recipe stress-free. Chilling the dough and using basic kitchen tools ensures success without complicated equipment or techniques.

Ingredients List for Chocolate Cherry Cookies

• All-Purpose Flour: A foundational dry ingredient that provides structure to the cookie.
• Cocoa Powder: Gives the cookies a rich chocolate flavor and dark color.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps create a tender cookie texture.
• Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Provide sweetness and help with cookie caramelization.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add moisture to the dough.

• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and complexity to the cookie's overall flavor.
• Maraschino Cherry Juice: Brings a subtle cherry flavor to the cookies.
• Maraschino Cherries: Provide a sweet and tangy accent in the center of each cookie.

• Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Help the cookies rise and achieve a light texture.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the other flavors.
• Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: Create a decadent drizzle on top of the cookies.
• Sweetened Condensed Milk: Helps create a smooth chocolate drizzle.

How to Bake Chocolate Cherry Cookies

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 350°F.

Let it warm up while you dive into cookie magic.

Step 2: Whip the Butter Blend

• Softened butter
• Granulated sugar
• Brown sugar

Whip until the mixture looks fluffy and light like a cloud.

Step 3: Welcome the Eggs

Drop in eggs one by one, mixing thoroughly after each addition.

Make sure they dance perfectly into the buttery mixture.

Step 4: Create the Dry Mix

• All-purpose flour
• Cocoa powder
• Salt
• Baking powder
• Baking soda

Slowly fold these dry ingredients into the butter mixture, blending smoothly.

Step 5: Splash in Flavor

Stir in vanilla extract and cherry juice.

Mix gently to keep the dough’s texture perfect.

Step 6: Chill the Dough

Tuck the dough into the refrigerator for 30 minutes.

This helps the cookies hold their shape and prevents spreading.

Step 7: Shape the Cookies

Butter your hands and roll dough into small balls.

Press a thumb indent in each and nestle a maraschino cherry inside.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Slide cookies into the oven and bake for 10 minutes.

They’ll look slightly soft but will firm up while cooling.

Step 9: Craft the Chocolate Drizzle

• Semi-sweet chocolate chips
• Sweetened condensed milk

Stir in a splash of cherry juice for extra zing.

Step 10: Decorate and Delight

Drizzle melted chocolate over cooled cookies.

Let them set before serving these cherry chocolate treasures.

Tips for Perfect Chocolate Cherry Cookies

• Refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes to prevent spreading and maintain the cookie's compact form during baking.
• Lightly grease your hands with butter to prevent sticky dough from clinging and make cookie ball formation smoother.
• Use a piping bag or a spoon with a small tip to create elegant chocolate lines across the cookies for a professional bakery look.
• Select plump, vibrant maraschino cherries to enhance both the visual appeal and flavor of the chocolate cherry cookies.
• Blend dry and wet ingredients just until combined to ensure tender, soft cookies with the perfect texture.

Best Way to Store and Reheat Cherry Cookies

• Store cooled cookies in an airtight container lined with parchment paper between layers. Keep refrigerated for up to 5 days to maintain freshness and prevent cherry moisture from making cookies soggy.
• Wrap individual cookies tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for 1-2 hours before serving.
• Warm cookies in microwave for 10-15 seconds on low power setting. Alternatively, place cookies on baking sheet and reheat in preheated 325°F oven for 3-4 minutes to restore soft texture.
• Keep cookies in sealed container with tight lid at room temperature for 2-3 days. Place piece of bread inside container to help maintain moisture and prevent cookies from drying out.

What to Eat with Chocolate Cherry Cookies

• Pair Sweet Cherry Chocolate Delight with Creamy Vanilla Companions: Vanilla bean ice cream perfectly complements the rich chocolate and tart cherry flavors, creating a smooth, luxurious dessert experience.
• Sip Complementary Cherry-Infused Beverages: Cherry-flavored red wine or a light kirsch cocktail enhances the cookie's deep chocolate notes, offering a sophisticated adult pairing that highlights the recipe's fruity undertones.
• Match Nutty Crunch with Textural Contrast: Serve alongside roasted almond brittle or chopped toasted almonds to introduce a delightful crunch that balances the soft, chewy cookie texture and adds nutty depth to each bite.
• Create Coffee Harmony with Bold Brew: Strong espresso or dark roast coffee cuts through the sweetness, providing a robust counterpoint that intensifies the chocolate and cherry flavors, making each cookie taste even more complex and satisfying.

Flavor Swaps for Chocolate Cherry Cookie Recipe

• Gluten-Free Cherry Chocolate Cookies: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free for celiac or gluten-sensitive individuals.
• Vegan Cherry Chocolate Cookies: Substitute butter with coconut oil, use egg replacer or flax eggs, and select dairy-free chocolate chips to create a plant-based version that maintains the rich flavor profile.
• Low-Sugar Cherry Chocolate Cookies: Swap granulated and brown sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, and use dark chocolate with minimal added sugars to reduce overall sugar content while preserving the delicious taste.
• Dairy-Free Cherry Chocolate Cookies: Use coconut cream instead of sweetened condensed milk, select dairy-free chocolate chips, and replace butter with vegan margarine or coconut oil for those with dairy restrictions.

Chocolate Cherry Cookies Recipe

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4.8 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

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Description

Indulgent chocolate cherry cookies blend rich cocoa with sweet, tangy cherries in a delightful dessert that dances between intense chocolate depths and bright fruit notes. Crumbly yet moist cookies promise a luxurious treat that will transport your taste buds to a world of pure culinary bliss.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup (113g) butter, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 1 1/2 cups (180g) all-purpose flour
• 2/3 cup (55g) unsweetened cocoa powder
• 3036 jarred maraschino cherries

Sugars and Sweeteners:

• 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup (110g) brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons sweetened condensed milk

Flavoring and Additional Ingredients:

• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 teaspoons cherry juice (from maraschino cherry jar)
• 1/4 cup (43g) semi-sweet chocolate chips

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 350°F (175°C), positioning the rack in the center for even heat distribution.
2. Whip butter and sugars in a large mixing bowl until the mixture transforms into a creamy, light-textured consistency, approximately 2-3 minutes using an electric mixer.
3. Incorporate eggs individually, thoroughly blending after each addition to create a smooth, homogeneous mixture.
4. Sift flour, cocoa powder, salt, baking powder, and baking soda in a separate bowl, then gradually fold into the butter mixture, mixing until a uniform dough forms.
5. Infuse flavor by stirring in vanilla extract and cherry juice, blending gently to maintain the dough’s delicate texture.
6. Refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes, allowing it to firm and develop richer flavors while preventing excessive spreading during baking.
7. Grease hands lightly and roll chilled dough into 1-inch spheres, placing them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, then create a small depression in each cookie’s center and nestle a maraschino cherry inside.
8. Bake for 10 minutes until edges appear set but centers remain slightly tender, remembering cookies will continue to solidify while cooling.
9. Craft chocolate drizzle by melting chocolate chips and condensed milk over low heat, stirring consistently to prevent scorching, then blend in additional cherry juice for enhanced flavor.
10. Elegantly coat cooled cookies with the chocolate mixture using a spoon or piping bag, allowing the glaze to set completely before serving.

Notes

• Chill the dough thoroughly to prevent cookies from spreading too much and maintain a perfect round shape during baking.
• Replace maraschino cherries with fresh cherries for a more natural flavor and reduced artificial sweetness if preferred.
• Adjust chocolate drizzle consistency by adding more condensed milk for a smoother, thinner coating or less for a thicker chocolate layer.
• Use gluten-free flour blend to make these cookies suitable for those with wheat sensitivities, ensuring the same rich chocolate and cherry taste.

• Prep Time: 35 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 135
• Sugar: 9g
• Sodium: 35mg
• Fat: 5g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 20mg