Ah, Chewy Cherry Chocolate Cookies! Let me take you back to a chilly afternoon in my cozy kitchen, where the scent of freshly baked cookies filled the air, wrapping around me like a warm hug. It was one of those days when the clouds donned their gray blankets and the wind whispered secrets against the window panes. I rummaged through my pantry, dreaming of creating something delightfully unexpected. That’s when I stumbled upon a half-empty bag of dried cherries and a generous stash of chocolate chips. A few minutes later, with flour dust dancing in the air and rich chocolate melting in my mouth, I crafted a cookie that perfectly marries the tartness of cherries with the luxurious sweetness of chocolate. Not only did my family fall in love with these cookies, but they also quickly turned into a favorite at gatherings and potlucks. Trust me; once you make these, you’ll find that they elevate any occasion—and your kitchen will feel like a cozy bakery!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Whip Up: With straightforward steps, you’ll be in and out of the kitchen in no time.
• Quick Bake Time: Just 10-12 minutes in the oven for deliciously chewy delights!
• Bursting with Flavor: The combination of cherries and chocolate creates a flavor explosion that will leave your taste buds dancing!
• Crowd-Pleasing Treat: Perfect for sharing, kids and adults alike go crazy for these cookies!
• Room for Creativity: Feel free to customize them to suit your taste or the season—so much fun!

Ingredients

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  1 cup all-purpose flour
  All-purpose flour is your trusty sidekick here, creating that perfect chewy texture. Don’t sift it; the little lumps add character!

  
  
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  1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  This little ingredient is your leavening magic, ensuring your cookies puff up beautifully!

  
  
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  1/4 teaspoon salt
  Just a pinch! It enhances the flavors and takes your cookies from good to absolutely divine!

  
  
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  1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  Ah, butter! It brings richness and moisture, ensuring every bite is buttery bliss. Make sure it’s soft enough for easy creaming!

  
  
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  1/2 cup granulated sugar
  This adds sweetness and contributes to that gorgeous, golden-brown color. It’s the essential building block of sweetness!

  
  
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  1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
  Packed brown sugar gives a delightful caramel flavor that pairs so well with both the chocolate and cherries!

  
  
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  1 large egg
  Eggs are essential for binding all our lovely ingredients together and giving our cookies that perfect chewy texture.

  
  
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  1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  The unsung hero! A splash of vanilla provides that comforting warmth we all love in baked goods!

  
  
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  1 cup chocolate chips
  Go for semi-sweet for that perfect balance of rich sweetness. You deserve those gooey, melty morsels!

  
  
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  1 cup dried cherries
  These beauties add a delightful tartness that plays beautifully with the chocolate. They’re like little nuggets of joy in each bite!

  
  

Full recipe card is below.

How to Make It

1. Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C)—that little preheating phase warms up your kitchen and gets it ready for cookie magic!

2. Mix Your Dry Ingredients

In a bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and salt. Whisk them together until well blended. The smell of flour is like the canvas waiting for an artist’s masterpiece!

3. Cream the Butter and Sugars

In another bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth and fluffy—about 2-3 minutes. It should turn light in color, and oh, the smell is heavenly!

4. Beat in the Egg and Vanilla

Add the egg and vanilla extract to your buttery bliss. Beat until combined, letting the aroma of vanilla fill your air. It’s just comforting!

5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry mix to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. We want to avoid overmixing; we want those cookies soft and chewy!

6. Fold in Chocolate Chips and Dried Cherries

Gently fold in the chocolate chips and drying cherries. Take a moment to appreciate the texture and color—utterly irresistible!

7. Scoop the Dough

Drop spoonfuls of the dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Aim for about two inches apart; they’ll spread like they’re ready for a fun party!

8. Bake to Perfection

Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden-brown. You’ll know they’re done when you can inhale the sweet aroma wafting from your oven.

9. Cool and Transfer

Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks. The anticipation will be worth it!

Pro Tips for Success

• Don’t overbake! Cookies may seem soft when you take them out, but they’ll firm up as they cool. Golden edges and soft centers are the goal!
• Chill the dough: For a richer flavor, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking. It’s like letting the ingredients get to know each other.
• Use quality chocolate: Invest in good quality chocolate chips for an indulgent treat. They make all the difference in taste!

Flavor Variations

• Nutty Twist: Add 1/2 cup of chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans) for extra crunch.
• Seasonal Cheer: Swap dried cherries for dried cranberries in the fall for a festive touch!
• Spice it Up: A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg can add a warm, cozy flavor that’s perfect for the holidays.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve warm with a glass of milk or a cup of steaming hot cocoa for that perfect cozy moment!
• Plating tip: Stack a few cookies on a beautiful plate with a sprinkle of powdered sugar on top for a delightful presentation!

Make-Ahead & Storage

• Prep Ahead: You can make the cookie dough a day in advance. Just chill it in the fridge, wrapped tightly!
• Storage: Store the baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week—if they last that long!

Leftovers

• Creative Uses: Crumble leftover cookies over vanilla ice cream or mix them into yogurt for a decadent treat!

Freezing

• Yes, these cookies can be frozen! Just bake, let them cool completely, then store in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll last up to 3 months!
• Thawing tip: Let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight or on the counter for a couple of hours before enjoying!

Reheating

• To reheat, pop them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5 minutes, or microwave for 15-20 seconds for warm, gooey goodness!

FAQs

Can I use fresh cherries instead of dried?
While fresh cherries are delicious, they hold quite a bit of moisture and may alter the texture of the cookies. Sticking to dried keeps the balance just right!

Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! Double the fun, and don’t forget to share with friends and family. They’ll love you for it!

What can I use instead of butter?
You can substitute with coconut oil or a dairy-free butter alternative for a dairy-free version.

Is there a gluten-free option?
Yes! You can use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour for a gluten-free delight!

Final Thoughts

Baking can be such a joyous experience, especially when you fill your home with the warmth of Chewy Cherry Chocolate Cookies. Each bite transports you to a cozy place where laughter flows and the smell of baking fills the air. So gather your loved ones, throw on an apron, and let’s bake some sweet memories together! Until next time, friend—happy baking from my kitchen to yours!