Chocolate Cherry Cookies are a delightful treat that combines the rich flavors of chocolate with the sweet-tartness of cherries. These cookies are soft, chewy, and perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy night in or a festive gathering. The combination of chocolate and cherries creates a deliciously indulgent flavor profile that will leave you wanting more.
Ingredients
For the Cookies
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2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
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½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
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1 teaspoon baking powder
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½ teaspoon baking soda
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½ teaspoon salt
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¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
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1 cup granulated sugar
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½ cup brown sugar, packed
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2 large eggs, at room temperature
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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1 cup dark chocolate chips (or chunks)
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1 cup dried cherries (or chopped fresh cherries)
Method of Preparation
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Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
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Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
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Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3–5 minutes.
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Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated.
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Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix.
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Fold in Chocolate and Cherries: Gently fold in the dark chocolate chips and dried cherries until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
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Scoop Cookies: Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
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Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes or until the edges are set but the centers remain soft. Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Cooking Tips and Mistakes to Avoid
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Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that your butter and eggs are at room temperature for better mixing.
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Don’t Overmix: Mix just until combined to keep your cookies tender; overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
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Check Baking Time: Keep an eye on the cookies as they bake; they should be soft in the middle but set around the edges.
Serving Suggestions
These cookies are perfect on their own or served with a glass of milk or a cup of coffee. They can also be enjoyed warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
Health Benefits of Ingredients
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Dark Chocolate: Rich in antioxidants and may improve heart health.
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Cherries: Packed with vitamins C and A, as well as anti-inflammatory properties.
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Butter: Provides healthy fats when consumed in moderation.
Summary of Recipe
Chocolate Cherry Cookies are an easy-to-make dessert featuring rich chocolate cookies filled with sweet cherries. This recipe yields about 24 cookies and is perfect for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
These cookies are loved for their unique combination of flavors—rich chocolate paired with tart cherries creates a delightful balance that is both satisfying and indulgent. They’re perfect for sharing with friends or enjoying as a special treat at home.
Interesting Facts
The combination of chocolate and cherries has been celebrated for centuries, often associated with desserts like Black Forest cake. Chocolate Cherry Cookies bring this classic pairing into a convenient cookie form, making it easy to enjoy these beloved flavors anytime!
In summary, Chocolate Cherry Cookies offer a deliciously sweet treat that is sure to please anyone’s palate! Enjoy baking this delightful recipe for your next gathering or as a special indulgence at home!
