Chocolate Cherry Cookies Recipe

There’s something utterly magical about the combination of rich chocolate and bright cherries, and these Chocolate Cherry Cookies Recipe capture that magic in every bite. Imagine soft, fudgy chocolate cookies studded generously with juicy Maraschino cherries and melty semi-sweet chocolate chips, creating a perfect balance of sweet and tart with an irresistibly chewy texture. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply craving a homemade treat that feels both classic and delightfully unique, this recipe is bound to become a cherished favorite. You’ll love how easy it is to whip these up and how rewarding it feels to bite into a cookie bursting with fresh cherry flavor and deep chocolate goodness.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe calls for a handful of simple ingredients, each playing its own vital role in producing the cookie’s luscious flavor and texture. From the cocoa powder providing intense chocolate depth to the Maraschino cherry juice that infuses a subtle fruity tang, every element is essential to bring these delectably rich cookies to life.

• 3 ¼ cups all-purpose flour: Provides structure and the perfect chewy bite to the cookies.
• ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder: Deepens the chocolate flavor without added sweetness.
• 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise just enough while keeping them tender.
• ½ teaspoon salt: Balances flavors and enhances sweetness.
• ¼ teaspoon baking powder: Aids in giving a slight lift to the cookie dough.
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds moisture, richness, and tenderness.
• 1 cup light brown sugar, packed: Brings caramel notes and chewiness.
• ½ cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps cookies crisp slightly on the edges.
• 2 large eggs, room temperature: Bind the dough while adding moisture and richness.
• 2 Tablespoons Maraschino cherry juice: Adds authentic cherry flavor and a subtle tang.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Rounds out all the flavors with warmth.
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips, divided: Melts into dreamy pockets of chocolate goodness.
• ¼ cup heavy whipping cream: Ensures luscious texture in the filling if making chocolate-cherry centers.
• 1 Tablespoon shortening (or coconut oil): Helps keep the filling smooth and glossy.
• 10-ounce jar Maraschino cherries (without stems): The star ingredient that makes these cookies truly special and bursting with fruity juiciness.

How to Make Chocolate Cherry Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Space

Start by lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This simple step ensures your cookies bake evenly without sticking and makes cleanup a breeze—such a small thing but so appreciated after baking!

Step 2: Preheat the Oven

Set your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Preheating is key for that perfect bake, where cookies spread just right and develop a tender center with slightly crisp edges.

Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, salt, and baking powder. Whisk them together until well blended. This ensures that when you mix them into the wet ingredients, everything is evenly distributed for consistent texture and flavor.

Step 4: Cream the Butters and Sugars

Grab a large mixing bowl and cream the softened butter with both the brown sugar and granulated sugar until the mixture is fluffy and light—about 3 to 4 minutes. This step is critical for achieving that tender, melt-in-your-mouth cookie texture.

Step 5: Add Wet Flavors

Beat in the eggs, Maraschino cherry juice, and vanilla extract until the batter is smooth and well combined. The cherry juice adds a subtle but unmistakable fruity note that will shine through in every bite.

Step 6: Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures

Add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients in thirds, mixing well after each addition. This slow incorporation helps prevent overmixing, keeping the cookies soft and chewy rather than dense or tough.

Step 7: Shape the Cookies

Using a cookie scoop, portion out golf ball-sized amounts of dough. Roll each into a smooth ball with your hands and place them spaced 2 to 3 inches apart on your prepared baking sheet. Pro tip: the dough will be rich and thick—don’t be afraid to get your hands a little messy!

Step 8: Create an Indentation

Gently press your thumb into the center of each cookie ball, making a little well. This indentation is perfect for holding the luscious cherry and chocolate topping that will take these cookies to superstar status.

Step 9: Bake to Perfection

Bake for 9 to 11 minutes until the cookies spread just slightly and feel set but still soft when touched. The aroma at this point is intoxicating—the chocolate and cherries promising a delight in every warm bite.

Step 10: Cool on Rack

Once baked, allow cookies to cool on the sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling step is essential so the cookies finish setting without becoming too dry or crumbly.

How to Serve Chocolate Cherry Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

For extra charm, dust the cooled cookies lightly with powdered sugar or place a small whole Maraschino cherry on top of each indentation. A touch of flaky sea salt sprinkled on top just before baking can also elevate the flavor, adding a surprising but delightful contrast.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a simple yet indulgent treat. A cold glass of milk or even a warm cup of coffee or tea complements the rich chocolate and fruity cherry flavors perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

Try arranging your Chocolate Cherry Cookies Recipe on a festive platter with fresh cherries and chocolate shards scattered around for a welcoming, elegant display. They also make great gifts—stack them neatly in a pretty tin or wrap individually with a ribbon for sweet homemade kindness.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Layering with parchment paper helps prevent sticking and keeps each cookie intact and delicious.

Freezing

If you want to save some for later, these cookies freeze wonderfully. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag for up to 3 months. Just thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy.

Reheating

Warm leftover cookies slightly in a microwave for about 10-15 seconds, or pop them in a preheated oven at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for 5 minutes to revive that fresh-baked taste and softness. Just be careful not to overheat, or they might dry out.

FAQs

Can I substitute fresh cherries for Maraschino cherries?

While fresh cherries bring a lovely natural flavor, Maraschino cherries provide that unique sweetness and color plus the cherry juice used in the dough is integral for flavor. If using fresh cherries, consider adding a little cherry syrup or juice to mimic that taste.

Is it possible to make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes! You can replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking flour blend. Make sure the blend contains xanthan gum or add some separately to maintain the chewy texture.

How do I prevent my cookies from spreading too much?

Be sure not to use melted butter and chill your dough slightly before baking if you find your cookies spreading excessively. Also, avoid using too much sugar or pressing cookies deep with your thumb.

Can I use dark chocolate instead of semi-sweet chocolate chips?

Absolutely. Dark chocolate will give a richer, slightly more bitter edge that balances wonderfully with the sweetness of the cherries. Just choose a chocolate that you enjoy eating on its own.

What’s the best way to ensure my cookies are chewy and not cakey?

Use room temperature butter and eggs, avoid overmixing after adding the flour, and keep the baking time on the lower end. The combination of brown sugar and granulated sugar also plays a key role in chewiness.

Final Thoughts

If you’re on the hunt for a cookie recipe that brings a delightful twist to classic chocolate treats, this Chocolate Cherry Cookies Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. With every bite, you’ll savor that gorgeous meld of rich chocolate and bright cherry sweetness, a combo that feels both nostalgic and oh-so-special. So grab your mixing bowls, invite some friends or family, and make yourself these unforgettable cookies—you won’t regret it!

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