Chocolate and Cherry Lovers Cookies Recipe

If you adore the magical pairing of chocolate and cherries, get ready for a new favorite: Chocolate and Cherry Lovers Cookies! These cookies boast a luscious chocolatey base, studded with juicy dried cherries and melty chocolate chips. Each bite delivers that irresistible combination of fudgy richness and tart fruit, creating a cookie experience that’s next-level indulgent. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, gifting to a friend, or just treating yourself, this recipe is going to win your heart (and your taste buds) every time.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe comes together with kitchen staples and a few star ingredients that take these cookies from ordinary to unforgettable. Each element adds its own special twist — from deep cocoa to bursts of cherry!

• All-purpose flour: Gives the cookies their perfect chewy structure without being too dense or cakey.
• Unsweetened cocoa powder: Brings a deep, intense chocolate flavor to every bite, ensuring true chocolate lover satisfaction.
• Baking soda: Helps the cookies rise just enough for a soft, tender center.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors in the dough.
• Unsalted butter (softened): Lends richness and a lovely, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens and helps give the outside a hint of crispness.
• Brown sugar (packed): Adds depth of flavor and a bit of chew, thanks to its molasses content.
• Large egg: Acts as the binder, holding all that deliciousness together.
• Vanilla extract: Infuses warm, classic cookie aroma and taste.
• Almond extract: Gives the cookies a subtle, nutty note that pairs beautifully with cherries.
• Semi-sweet chocolate chips: Ensures plenty of gooey, chocolatey pockets in every cookie.
• Dried cherries (roughly chopped): Bring bursts of sweet-tart flavor and a delightful chew.
• Chopped walnuts or pecans (optional): Add a satisfying crunch and a hint of nuttiness, if you like.

How to Make Chocolate and Cherry Lovers Cookies

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Pans

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure even baking. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper — this keeps your cookies from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. This step ensures everything is evenly distributed for ultimate consistency in your Chocolate and Cherry Lovers Cookies.

Step 3: Cream the Butters and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This is the foundation of a great cookie — it sets the stage for a soft yet chewy texture.

Step 4: Add Egg and Extracts

Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract until well combined. Both extracts are key for flavor, and that almond hint really elevates the cherry notes.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until everything comes together. Don’t overmix — stopping at just combined keeps your Chocolate and Cherry Lovers Cookies tender.

Step 6: Fold in the Good Stuff

Fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips, dried cherries, and nuts if using. Distribute these treasures evenly so every cookie gets plenty of chocolate and cherry goodness!

Step 7: Scoop and Bake

Scoop the dough into 1.5-tablespoon portions and arrange them at least 2 inches apart on your baking sheets. Bake for 10–12 minutes, just until the edges are set but the centers still look slightly soft. Resist the urge to overbake — this keeps the cookies gloriously chewy.

Step 8: Cool and Enjoy

Let the cookies cool on the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. That short pan rest helps the cookies finish setting without drying out. Now, get ready to indulge!

How to Serve Chocolate and Cherry Lovers Cookies

Garnishes

Right before baking, try a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on each dough mound — it makes the chocolate and cherry flavors pop! For extra visual flair, press a few extra chocolate chips or cherry pieces on top while they’re hot.

Side Dishes

These cookies are perfect alongside a tall glass of cold milk, a steaming cup of coffee, or a rich hot chocolate. For a more grown-up twist, pair them with a glass of ruby port or cherry liqueur for a true Chocolate and Cherry Lovers Cookies treat.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack a handful in a glass jar and tie with a ribbon for a heartfelt, edible gift. Turn them into ice cream sandwiches with vanilla or cherry ice cream, or crumble them over Greek yogurt for a decadent parfait. For a holiday platter, arrange them beside other festive cookies to highlight their unique chocolate-cherry charm.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They’ll stay fresh, soft, and ready to grab when a craving strikes — and they’ll taste just as delightful throughout the week.

Freezing

Freeze either unbaked dough balls or baked cookies! For unbaked dough, scoop, freeze on a tray, then store in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Baked Chocolate and Cherry Lovers Cookies can also be frozen in layers with parchment between for easy snacking later.

Reheating

To recreate fresh-baked magic, warm cookies in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 3–5 minutes or give a single cookie a quick zap in the microwave for 10–15 seconds. They’ll come out molten in the middle and just as irresistible as day one.

FAQs

Can I use fresh cherries instead of dried?

Dried cherries are best for this recipe as they bring a concentrated flavor and chewy texture. Fresh cherries add too much moisture and can make the cookies soggy, but you can try well-drained maraschino cherries for an extra-special version.

What’s the secret to really chewy cookies?

The key is not to overbake! Pull the cookies from the oven when the edges are set and the centers look just a little underdone. They’ll finish setting as they cool, locking in that glorious chewiness.

Can I skip the nuts in Chocolate and Cherry Lovers Cookies?

Absolutely! The nuts are optional and only add crunch if you like it. The cookies are every bit as scrumptious without them, letting the chocolate and cherry take center stage.

How do I make these cookies gluten-free?

You can substitute your favorite 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour. Just check that your blend includes xanthan gum for best results, and your Chocolate and Cherry Lovers Cookies will still be delicious!

What’s the best way to transport these cookies?

Let the cookies cool completely, then layer them with parchment paper in a sturdy tin or airtight container. This way, your Chocolate and Cherry Lovers Cookies arrive beautifully intact, no matter where you’re sharing them.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready for the happiest marriage of fruit and chocolate in a single bite, give these Chocolate and Cherry Lovers Cookies a whirl! They’re as fun to bake as they are to share (or keep all to yourself). Honestly, they never last long at my house — I hope they become a frequent favorite in yours, too.

Print