When it comes to dessert, chewy cookies have a special place in my heart. I remember the first time I baked these Chewy Cherry Chocolate Cookies. It was a rainy afternoon, and I had been rummaging through my pantry, hunting for something sweet to lift my spirits. There they were—chocolate chips and dried cherries just waiting to unite in a cookie that’s both chewy and simply divine. Not only do they satisfy that chocolate craving, but the tartness of the cherries adds an unexpected twist that keeps everyone coming back for more!
What I love most about these cookies is their ability to evoke memories of baking with friends and family. They are not just cookies; they’re little bites of nostalgia that remind me of laughter, shared moments, and the comforting aroma of fresh cookies wafting through the kitchen. So, grab your apron, and let’s whip up a batch of these delightful treats!
What’s in Chewy Cherry Chocolate Cookies?
All-Purpose Flour: This is your standard ingredient and the backbone of the cookie. I use unbleached all-purpose flour for a richer flavor.
Brown Sugar: Deeply sweet and slightly caramel-like, brown sugar creates that lovely chewy texture. I often go with light brown sugar because it adds just the right amount of moisture.
Granulated Sugar: A balance of sweetness is key, and granulated sugar helps the cookies spread out nicely while providing a nice crisp edge.
Baking Soda: This helps the cookies rise and achieve that perfect chewiness.
Salt: A pinch goes a long way in enhancing the flavors of both the chocolate and cherries.
Unsalted Butter: I like using unsalted butter, softened to room temperature, for that perfectly creamy consistency. Plus, it lets me control the salt content.
Egg: Just one egg is essential to bind everything together, creating that rich and moist cookie base.
Dried Cherries: These little gems add a tartness that balances out the sweetness of the chocolate. Make sure to chop them into smaller pieces for even distribution!
Chocolate Chips: I typically use semi-sweet chocolate chips for their melty goodness, but you can always switch it up with milk or dark chocolate based on your preference.
Is Chewy Cherry Chocolate Cookies Good for You?
Let’s be real for a moment—these cookies aren’t exactly health food, but they’re not devoid of benefits either!
Dried Cherries: Aside from being delicious, they are rich in antioxidants and can boost your immune system. Plus, they contain fiber which is always a win!
Dark Chocolate: If you’re using dark chocolate chips, they come with health benefits like improved heart health and are lower in sugar compared to their milk chocolate counterparts.
However, moderation is key. These cookies are definitely a treat to enjoy on occasion rather than an everyday snack.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 large egg
– 1/2 cup dried cherries, chopped
– 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
This recipe makes about 12 large cookies, perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth or sharing with friends!
How to Make Chewy Cherry Chocolate Cookies?
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until creamy and smooth.
4. Beat in the egg until fully combined.
5. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
6. Gently fold in the chopped dried cherries and chocolate chips.
7. Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
8. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden brown.
9. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Cookie Bliss: Tips and Variations
– If you want a bit more crunch, toss in some chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans.
– Feel free to experiment with different mix-ins! How about some white chocolate chips or even a sprinkle of coconut?
– To elevate the flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the butter and sugar mixture. It adds a delightful aroma and taste.
– These cookies store well in an airtight container, but I can almost guarantee they’ll disappear before that happens!
I hope you give these Chewy Cherry Chocolate Cookies a try! They’re perfect for sharing with friends or simply enjoying with a cup of tea or coffee while you relax and unwind. If you do try them, shoot me a message and let me know how they turned out! Happy baking!
