**Meta Title:** Chocolate Cherry Cookies: Easy Christmas Cookie Recipe
**Meta Description:** Discover festive Chocolate Cherry Cookies with a delightful mix of chocolate, cherries, and spices. Perfect for your holiday baking!
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You know that feeling when the holiday season rolls around, and the sweet aroma of baked goods fills the air? It’s one of the most magical times of the year, where friends and family gather to celebrate with delicious treats. Chocolate Cherry Cookies are a personal favorite of mine during the festive season. These delightful cookies aren’t just a feast for the eyes with their vibrant red cherries and rich chocolate; they bring a burst of flavor that truly captures the essence of Christmas.
Let me take you on a journey of flavors: Imagine biting into a warm, soft cookie that melts in your mouth, the sweet and tart cherries bursting forth, perfectly balanced by the deep, rich notes of chocolate. The best part? These cookies are surprisingly easy to make and will have your kitchen smelling heavenly in no time. So, if you’re ready to impress your friends and family this holiday season with a delightful dessert, let’s dive into making these extraordinary Chocolate Cherry Cookies!
What are Chocolate Cherry Cookies?
Chocolate Cherry Cookies stand out as an irresistible fusion of flavors and textures. Originating from the classic chocolate chip cookie tradition, these festive treats incorporate **dried cherries**—infusing each bite with a delightful tartness that beautifully balances the sweetness of the chocolate.
These cookies typically feature a chewy, soft center with edges that are just slightly crisp. When baked, the chocolate chips become gooey with warmth, and the cherries maintain their chewy texture, adding a wonderful surprise with every mouthful. The combination of these flavors is reminiscent of a rich black forest cake, leading many to cherish this cookie as a holiday staple.
Why You’ll Love This Chocolate Cherry Cookies Recipe
What makes this Chocolate Cherry Cookies recipe stand out is not only the delightful blend of flavors but also the surprising simplicity that comes along with it. The ingredients are straightforward, and the preparation doesn’t take much time at all.
These cookies make for excellent gifts when packaged in festive boxes or tins, giving them an extra personal touch that friends and family are sure to appreciate. They are a crowd-pleaser at holiday gatherings and are perfect for cookie exchanges. Plus, there’s something incredibly satisfying about pulling a tray of freshly baked cookies from the oven, ready to share or enjoy yourself!
And if you have friends or family members with dietary restrictions, fret not—these cookies can easily be adapted to be gluten-free or dairy-free without sacrificing the deliciousness!
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make your Chocolate Cherry Cookies, gather these ingredients:
1. **1 cup unsalted butter, softened** – For a rich, buttery flavor that gives the cookies their chewy texture.
2. **3/4 cup granulated sugar** – Sweetness is essential; this helps balance the tart cherries.
3. **3/4 cup packed brown sugar** – Adds moisture and a slight caramel flavor that complements the chocolate.
4. **2 large eggs** – For binding the dough and providing softness.
5. **1 teaspoon vanilla extract** – A must to deepen the flavor profile of your cookies.
6. **2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour** – The foundation of your cookie, affecting the overall texture.
7. **1 teaspoon baking soda** – A leavening agent that gives your cookies that perfect lift.
8. **1/2 teaspoon salt** – Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness.
9. **1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips** – Because, well, chocolate! Feel free to use chunks for added texture.
10. **1 cup dried cherries** – The star of the show! They offer a great tart contrast to the rich chocolate.
**Tip:** When choosing **dried cherries**, look for the ones that are plump and juicy. Avoid overly dried ones, as they may not have the desired flavor or texture.
How to Make Chocolate Cherry Cookies
Ready to whip up these delightful cookies? Follow this simple step-by-step guide to ensure your cookies come out perfectly every time:
1. **Preheat the Oven:** Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is crucial for getting that beautiful golden-brown color on your cookies.
2. **Mix the Wet Ingredients:** In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 3-5 minutes. Employees the **eggs and vanilla extract** and mix until well combined.
3. **Combine the Dry Ingredients:** In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Avoid overmixing; you want to keep your cookies soft and tender.
4. **Fold in Chocolate and Cherries:** Gently fold in the **semi-sweet chocolate chips** and **dried cherries**. At this stage, you’ll want to be careful not to break up the cherries too much, as they’ll add bursts of flavor in every bite.
5. **Scoop onto Baking Sheet:** Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop generous portions of dough onto an ungreased baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. The cookies will spread slightly, so give them some room to grow!
6. **Bake:** Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly browned. The centers might look slightly underbaked, but they will continue to cook on the sheet after you take them out.
7. **Cool and Enjoy:** Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling time ensures that they set perfectly, maintaining that soft center.
Tips, Tricks & Variations
1. **Storage:** These cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer freshness, keep them in the fridge or freezer.
2. **Reheating:** Pop them in the microwave for just a few seconds to enjoy that warm, gooey chocolate experience again.
3. **Spice it Up:** To elevate the flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of cinnamon or a sprinkle of nutmeg to the dry ingredients. It adds a lovely warmth that’s perfect for the holiday season!
4. **Dairy-Free Substitute:** Swap the butter for **coconut oil** and use **dairy-free chocolate chips** for a delightful vegan version of these cookies.
5. **Gluten-Free Option:** Substitute all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend for an equally delicious treat.
What to Serve With Chocolate Cherry Cookies
Pair your chocolate cherry cookies with a warm mug of hot chocolate or a cozy cup of spiced chai tea. The rich flavors of the chocolate and cherries harmonize beautifully with the spices in chai. Consider serving them alongside a scoop of vanilla or cherry ice cream for an indulgent dessert that would wow any guest!
For the adventurous, drizzle a little **white chocolate ganache** over the cooled cookies for an elegant finishing touch, adding not just sweetness but also a lovely visual appeal.
Nutrition & Health Benefits
Chocolate Cherry Cookies can be a delightful as well as a reasonably guilt-free dessert. Each cookie provides a good amount of energy and essential nutrients thanks to the dried cherries, which are high in antioxidants and beneficial for heart health .
The dried cherries also supply dietary fiber, which can aid in digestion. When using dark chocolate chips, you’re boosting the nutritional profile even further with iron and magnesium. These cookies are a treat you can feel good about sharing with your loved ones this holiday season!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. **Can I use fresh cherries instead of dried?**
While fresh cherries can be delicious, dried cherries are preferred for this recipe as they hold their shape during baking and provide a chewy texture. If you choose to use fresh cherries, make sure to chop them finely and reduce the quantity, as they have more moisture.
2. **Can I freeze Chocolate Cherry Cookies?**
Absolutely! You can freeze the dough before baking them by scooping it onto a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer the dough balls to a zip-top bag. When ready to bake, simply place the frozen dough on a baking sheet and add a couple of minutes to the baking time.
3. **Why are my cookies flat?**
If your cookies spread too much, it could be that your butter was too warm, or you may have overmixed the dough. Be sure your butter is softened but not melting, and mix until just combined.
4. **How do I prevent my cookies from becoming hard?**
To keep your cookies chewy, take them out of the oven when they still look slightly underdone in the center. They’ll continue to bake on the sheet as they cool.
5. **Can I add nuts to this recipe?**
Yes! Chopped walnuts or pecans can make a delightful addition. Just be sure to adjust the quantity of chocolate chips or cherries to maintain the balance of flavors.
In conclusion, these **Chocolate Cherry Cookies** are more than just a dessert; they’re a celebration of flavors, perfect for the joyful holiday season. When you take that first bite, you’ll be transported to a warm, cozy kitchen filled with laughter and love. So, gather your ingredients and get baking tonight! If you loved this cookie recipe, please leave a comment down below or tag me on Instagram with your cookie creations!
Happy baking! 🍒🍫
