There’s something truly magical about the combination of tart cherries and rich chocolate. It’s a pairing that sings, and when baked into a soft, chewy cookie, it creates a dessert that’s simply irresistible. Our Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies recipe takes this classic duo and elevates it, offering a delightful twist on your everyday chocolate chip treat.
These cookies are perfect for any occasion, whether you’re looking for a comforting snack, a show-stopping dessert for a potluck, or just a little something sweet to brighten your day. With a tender crumb, bursts of chewy dried cherries, and melty chocolate chips, they're sure to become a new favorite in your baking repertoire.
Why You'll Love This Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe
This recipe isn't just another cookie; it's an experience. The dried cherries provide a lovely chewiness and a hint of tartness that cuts through the sweetness of the chocolate, creating a perfectly balanced flavor profile. It's a sophisticated yet incredibly approachable cookie that even novice bakers can master.
The Perfect Balance of Flavors and Textures
Imagine biting into a cookie that's soft and slightly chewy, then discovering a burst of sweet-tart cherry, followed by the familiar comfort of melting chocolate. That's what these cookies deliver. We've fine-tuned the ratios to ensure every bite is a harmonious blend of textures and tastes.
Simple & Straightforward Baking
Don't let the gourmet sound of these cookies intimidate you! The process is surprisingly simple, using standard pantry ingredients and basic baking techniques. You don't need any fancy equipment, just your hands, a mixing bowl, and an oven.
Ingredients Spotlight
Our recipe uses common ingredients, but a few stand out for making these cookies extra special:
- Dried Cherries: These are key for that distinct cherry flavor and chewy texture. They hold their shape and moisture better than fresh cherries in cookies.
- Quality Chocolate Chips: The better the chocolate, the better the cookie. Semi-sweet is a great baseline, but feel free to experiment with dark or even milk chocolate.
- Unsalted Butter: Always use unsalted butter when baking to control the overall saltiness of your recipe. Ensure it's softened to room temperature for proper creaming.
For best results, especially when chopping ingredients like dried cherries or even a block of chocolate for chunks, a quality chef's knife can make all the difference in prep time and precision.
Tips for Baking the Best Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Don't Overmix: Once you add the dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
- Chill the Dough (Optional but Recommended): If you have time, chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes (or even overnight) can deepen the flavors and prevent the cookies from spreading too much.
- Evenly Sized Cookies: Use a cookie scoop to ensure all your cookies are the same size, promoting even baking.
- Watch Your Oven: Every oven is different. Keep an eye on your cookies, especially during the last few minutes, to prevent over-baking. You want edges to be lightly golden and centers to be set but still soft.
Serving Suggestions
These cherry chocolate chip cookies are fantastic on their own, perhaps with a glass of cold milk or a hot cup of tea or coffee. They also make a wonderful addition to a dessert platter or as a thoughtful homemade gift. For an extra treat, serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream!
Get Ready to Bake!
Whether you're a seasoned baker or just starting, this Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies recipe is a delightful journey of flavors and textures. Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and prepare to fill your home with the inviting aroma of freshly baked cookies. Happy baking!
FAQs
Can I use fresh cherries instead of dried cherries?
While fresh cherries can be used, they contain much more moisture, which can affect the cookie's texture and spread. If you opt for fresh, pit and chop them, then blot them thoroughly with a paper towel to remove excess liquid before adding them to the dough.
What's the best way to store cherry chocolate chip cookies?
Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze baked cookies for up to 2-3 months. Thaw them at room temperature or gently reheat in the microwave for a few seconds.
Can I make the cookie dough ahead of time?
Yes, absolutely! You can prepare the cookie dough and refrigerate it in an airtight container for up to 2-3 days. Chilling the dough can even enhance the flavor and texture of the cookies. Before baking, let it sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes to soften slightly.
What type of chocolate chips work best?
Semi-sweet chocolate chips are a classic choice and balance well with the tartness of the cherries. However, milk chocolate for a sweeter cookie or dark chocolate for a richer, more intense flavor would also be delicious! Feel free to mix and match to your preference.
Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Total Time: 25-30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These delightful cookies combine the sweet-tart chewiness of dried cherries with rich chocolate chips for a perfect, irresistible treat.
Ingredients
¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
½ cup granulated sugar
¼ cup packed light brown sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1¼ cups all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon baking soda
¼ teaspoon salt
¾ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
½ cup dried cherries, chopped (if large)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
Step 2: In a large bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy.
Step 3: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.
Step 4: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt.
Step 5: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Step 6: Fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips and chopped dried cherries until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Step 7: Drop rounded tablespoons of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.
Step 8: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are set but still look soft. Do not overbake.
Step 9: Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
For an extra touch, sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top of the cookies immediately after they come out of the oven. This enhances both the chocolate and cherry flavors!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Leave a Reply