Name: Chocolate Cherry Cookies
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon sea salt; 3/4 cup Dutch processed cocoa; 1 cup unsalted butter (at room temperature); 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 cup light brown sugar; 2 large eggs (at room temperature); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup chocolate chunks; 1 cup dried cherries

Introduction to Chocolate Cherry Cookies

The joy of homemade cookies is a feeling like no other. Picture this: you walk into your kitchen, the smell of baked treats wafting through the air, evoking sweet memories of simpler times. Baking not only fulfills your sweet tooth but also brings a sense of accomplishment as you create something delicious from scratch.

Today, we’re diving into the delightful world of chocolate cherry cookies. These cookies are a wonderful blend of rich, velvety chocolate and the tartness of juicy cherries, a combination that truly elevates your dessert game. The contrasting flavors create a mouthwatering experience that's sure to impress friends and family alike.

Did you know that homemade cookies can be a healthier alternative to store-bought options? By choosing your ingredients, you can tailor the flavors and textures to suit your preferences. If you're interested in experimenting with even more flavor profiles, consider checking out resources like The Kitchn or Serious Eats, both great sources for recipe ideas and baking tips!

Ready to embark on your baking adventure? Get those ingredients lined up, and let’s create a batch of irresistible chocolate cherry cookies that will surely become your new favorite treat!

Ingredients for Chocolate Cherry Cookies

Crafting the perfect batch of chocolate cherry cookies is all about gathering the right ingredients. Below, we’ll break down what you need to create these delightful treats.

Essential Dry Ingredients

2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
This forms the base of your cookies, giving them that perfect structure.
1 teaspoon baking soda
This leavening agent helps your cookies rise beautifully.
½ teaspoon sea salt
Just a touch of salt enhances sweetness, creating a balanced flavor.
¾ cup Dutch processed cocoa
Rich and indulgent, this cocoa powder adds depth to the chocolate cherry flavor.

Creamy & Sweet Components

1 cup unsalted butter (at room temperature)
Softened butter ensures that the cookies are tender and rich.
1 cup granulated sugar
For that sweet kick and delightful texture.
1 cup light brown sugar
The molasses in brown sugar adds moisture and a hint of caramel flavor.

Adding the Good Stuff

2 large eggs (at room temperature)
Eggs help bind everything together and contribute to a soft, chewy texture.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
A must for delicious, aromatic flavor.

The Finishing Touches

1 cup chocolate chunks
Dark, decadent pieces are perfect for chocolate lovers.
1 cup dried cherries
These add a delightful tartness, balancing the sweetness of the cookies.

With this straightforward lineup, you're well on your way to baking the most delicious chocolate cherry cookies that will have everyone coming back for more! If you’re curious about more baking tips or nutrition information, check out our resources on baking basics or nutritional value.

Preparing Chocolate Cherry Cookies

Baking chocolate cherry cookies is nothing short of a delightful experience. If you’ve ever bitten into one of these decadent treats, you know the heavenly combination of rich chocolate and tangy cherries can turn any ordinary day into something special. Ready to dive in? Let’s break it down step by step!

Gather your ingredients

Before you get started, make sure you have everything you need. Here’s a quick checklist for your chocolate cherry cookies:

2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon sea salt
¾ cup Dutch processed cocoa
1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup light brown sugar
2 large eggs, at room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup chocolate chunks
1 cup dried cherries

Having everything at your fingertips makes the process smoother and more enjoyable. Plus, you won’t have to run to the store halfway through baking!

Preheat your oven

Next, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). This is an essential step for evenly baked chocolate cherry cookies. While your oven is warming up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a Silpat baking mat. This helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup a breeze!

Mix dry ingredients

In a medium-sized bowl, combine your flour, baking soda, sea salt, and Dutch cocoa. Whisk them together for a few moments until evenly mixed. This ensures that the leavening agents distribute well, allowing your cookies to rise perfectly. If you’re curious about the benefits of using Dutch-processed cocoa, check out this detailing on cocoa types from Serious Eats.

Cream butter and sugars

In a large mixing bowl, use a mixer to cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar until smooth and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes. Next, add in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract, mixing until just combined. This step is crucial—creaming the butter and sugars aerates the mixture, which gives your cookies that light and tender texture we all love!

Combine and incorporate

Gradually add your dry mixture to the wet ingredients, beating just until incorporated. Be careful not to overmix! Gently fold in the chocolate chunks and dried cherries using a spatula. The combination of chocolate and cherries is what makes these cookies truly special. Feel free to sneak a few chocolate chunks before they make it into the dough!

Shape and bake the cookies

Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, portion out the dough onto your prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake the cookies in your preheated oven for 10 minutes. They should be set but still soft in the center—don't overbake! Once out of the oven, let them sit on the baking sheet for 3 minutes before moving them to a cooling rack. This allows them to firm up perfectly.

In just a short time, you’ll have an irresistible batch of chocolate cherry cookies. Enjoy every bite, and remember to share (if you can!).

Variations on Chocolate Cherry Cookies

Adding nuts for crunch

Elevate your chocolate cherry cookies by incorporating nuts! A handful of toasted walnuts or pecans can add a delightful crunch and depth of flavor. Not only do they enhance the texture, but they also introduce healthy fats and extra protein. Want a twist? Try adding macadamia nuts for a tropical flair, or even almonds for a subtle sweetness. Just remember to chop them to avoid overpowering the cookie!

Using different types of chocolate

Why limit yourself to just one kind of chocolate? Experimenting with different varieties can completely transform your chocolate cherry cookies. Dark chocolate offers a rich intensity, while milk chocolate adds sweetness. Feeling adventurous? Try white chocolate for a creamy contrast. Consider mixing and matching chocolate types for an exciting flavor profile that will make your cookies truly unforgettable. Your taste buds will thank you!

For more cookie inspiration, check out resources like Serious Eats or Bon Appétit for great ideas and tips!

Baking Notes for Chocolate Cherry Cookies

Baking chocolate cherry cookies is a joyous experience, but a few tips can elevate your game! First, ensure your butter is at room temperature to achieve a creamy consistency when mixed with your sugars. This helps your cookies rise beautifully. Also, don’t skip chilling your dough before baking; this strengthens the flavors and improves texture.

When measuring your flour, scoop it gently and level it off for accuracy. Overpacking can lead to dense cookies. Lastly, bake just until they are set but still soft—this will keep them chewy. Enjoy these delightful bites with a cup of coffee or tea! For more tips, check out this baking guide.

Serving Suggestions for Chocolate Cherry Cookies

Elevate your chocolate cherry cookies experience with these delightful serving suggestions:

Pair with Milk: There's nothing quite like the classic combination of cookies and a chilled glass of milk. The richness of the cocoa and the tartness of the cherries are perfectly balanced with a refreshing sip.
Serve Warm: For an indulgent treat, microwave your cookies for a few seconds before serving. Warm cookies help the chocolate chunks melt just a bit, enhancing that gooey texture.
Ice Cream Sandwiches: Create unforgettable ice cream sandwiches by placing a scoop of vanilla or cherry-flavored ice cream between two cookies. This combo is sure to impress!
Gift Them: Cookies make fantastic gifts! Arrange your chocolate cherry cookies in a festive tin for friends or family—perfect for birthdays or housewarming.

These suggestions add an extra layer of enjoyment, whether you're baking for yourself or sharing with loved ones! For more cookie ideas, check out resources like the American Baking Association.

Tips for Making Perfect Chocolate Cherry Cookies

When it comes to baking chocolate cherry cookies, a few simple tips can elevate your cookies from good to great!

Quality Ingredients: Start with high-quality chocolate and dried cherries. They are the stars of this recipe, so opt for semi-sweet chocolate chunks and plump cherries.
Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensuring that your butter and eggs are at room temperature helps the ingredients blend smoothly for a richer flavor and softer texture.
Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the baking time! Remove the cookies while they are still soft in the center. They’ll continue to set as they cool on the baking sheet.

For more baking insights, check out sources like King Arthur Baking for tips on cookie perfection!

Time Details for Chocolate Cherry Cookies

Preparation Time

Creating these delightful chocolate cherry cookies takes just 10 minutes. That’s right! In less time than it takes to catch up on one episode of your favorite show, you’ll have your cookie dough ready to go.

Baking Time

Once your dough is prepped, simply pop them in the oven for 10 minutes. Keep an eye on them; you want them to be soft in the center but set around the edges for that perfect texture.

Total Time

From start to finish, you’ll spend a mere 20 minutes making these irresistible cookies. Just enough time to whip up a batch and enjoy warm cookies with a cup of coffee or tea. What better way to treat yourself?

For more tips on achieving the perfect cookie texture, consider checking out resources like The Cookie Connoisseur or Serious Eats.

Nutritional Information for Chocolate Cherry Cookies

Let’s dive into the delicious details of our Chocolate Cherry Cookies! Knowing the nutritional content helps you enjoy them guilt-free. Here’s what you need to know:

Calories

Each Chocolate Cherry Cookie contains approximately 197 calories. Perfect for a sweet treat without going overboard!

Protein

You’ll get about 2 grams of protein per cookie, thanks to the eggs and chocolate chunks. It’s a delightful way to sneak in a bit of that essential nutrient.

Sodium

With just 79 mg of sodium per cookie, these treats keep the salt low while still delivering on flavor.

For a deeper look into nutrition, check out Healthline's article on cookie nutrition.

FAQs about Chocolate Cherry Cookies

Can I substitute all-purpose flour?

Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour in chocolate cherry cookies with alternatives like almond flour or oat flour. Keep in mind that these substitutions might affect the texture and flavor slightly. If using gluten-free flour, make sure it's a 1:1 blend designed for baking to maintain the cookies' structure.

How to store leftover cookies?

To keep your chocolate cherry cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days. If you want to enjoy them longer, you can freeze them; just make sure they are completely cooled before wrapping them in plastic wrap or placing them in a freezer-safe container. They can last up to a month in the freezer!

Can I freeze the dough?

Absolutely! Freezing the dough is a fantastic option if you want freshly baked cookies on demand. Just scoop the dough into individual balls, freeze them on a baking sheet, and once solid, transfer them to a freezer bag. When you're ready to bake, you can bake straight from frozen—just add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.

Conclusion on Chocolate Cherry Cookies

In conclusion, chocolate cherry cookies unite rich chocolate and sweet-tart cherries into delightful morsels. Perfect for gatherings or cozy nights in, these cookies are effortlessly enjoyable. With straightforward instructions and minimal prep time, you’ll be creating sweet memories in no time. Give them a try and indulge your taste buds!