Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies are the perfect combination of rich chocolate, sweet cherries, and soft, chewy cookie goodness. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply craving a decadent treat, these cookies will satisfy every bite. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the best way to make them, variations to try, and expert tips to ensure they turn out perfect every time.
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How to Make Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies
Making Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies is easier than you think! With the right ingredients and techniques, you can create bakery-style cookies at home. Here’s what you’ll need:
Ingredients:
- Butter (softened) – Adds richness and flavor: 1 cup (226g)
- Granulated Sugar – Sweetens the dough and gives crispiness: 3/4 cup (150g)
- Brown Sugar (packed) – Creates a chewy texture: 3/4 cup (165g)
- Eggs – Provides structure and moisture: 2 large
- Vanilla Extract – Enhances the overall flavor: 2 teaspoons (10mL)
- All-Purpose Flour – Forms the base of the dough: 2 1/4 cups (280g)
- Baking Soda – Helps the cookies rise: 1 teaspoon (5g)
- Salt – Balances sweetness and enhances flavors: 1/2 teaspoon (2.5g)
- Chocolate Chips – Adds that rich chocolate flavor: 1 cup (180g)
- Maraschino Cherries (chopped, drained, and patted dry) – Brings a fruity sweetness: 3/4 cup (120g)
- Chopped Walnuts (optional) – Adds crunch: 1/2 cup (60g)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Oven and Baking Sheet – Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and cover a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients – In a bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and salt, whisking them together.
- Cream the Butter and Sugars – In a separate bowl, beat the butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy.
- Incorporate the Eggs and Vanilla – Add the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
- Bring It All Together – Slowly mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring just until everything is combined.
- Fold in Extras – Gently fold in chocolate chips and cherries. If using, add walnuts.
- Portion and Bake – Spoon dollops of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are spaced around 2 inches apart.
- Bake – Bake for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown around the edges.
- Let Cool and Serve – Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then move them to a wire rack to cool completely.
For more fruit-infused cookies, explore our Chocolate Chip Banana Cookies.
Chocolate Chip Cookies with Cherries: Flavor Variations
Want to get creative with your cookies? Try these delicious variations:
- Dark Chocolate & Cherry Cookies – Swap milk chocolate chips for dark chocolate for a richer taste.
- Cherry Almond Cookies – Add a teaspoon of almond extract and chopped almonds for a nutty twist.
- White Chocolate Cherry Cookies – Replace chocolate chips with white chocolate for a sweeter flavor.
- Cherry Oatmeal Cookies – Mix in 1/2 cup of rolled oats for a chewy texture.
Love adding a little twist to your treats? Explore our diverse Chocolate Chip Cookie Variations!
Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies: Tips for Success
- Drain & Dry Cherries – Excess moisture from maraschino cherries can affect the dough. Gently blot them with a paper towel before adding.
- Refrigerate the Dough – For chewier cookies, refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes prior to baking.
- Opt for Premium Chocolate – Using top-tier chocolate chips significantly enhances the flavor.
- Don’t Overbake – Cookies continue cooking on the baking sheet after being removed from the oven, so take them out when they look slightly underbaked.
FAQs
Are Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies soft or crispy?
Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies are typically soft and chewy, but you can make them crispier by baking them a couple of minutes longer.
Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries?
Yes, but be sure to pit and chop them finely, then pat dry to prevent excess moisture.
How do I store Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies?
Keep the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or freeze them for as long as 3 months.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make a gluten-free version.
What’s the best way to melt chocolate for drizzling on top?
Melt chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl in 20-second intervals, stirring in between, until smooth.
Can I Use Frozen Cherries for Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies?
Yes! You can use frozen cherries, but make sure to thaw, drain, and pat them dry before adding them to the dough.
Key Takeaways
- Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies combine the richness of chocolate with the sweetness of cherries.
- Draining and drying cherries is essential to prevent soggy cookies.
- Chilling the dough results in thicker, chewier cookies.
- Experiment with variations like dark chocolate, almonds, or white chocolate.
If you’re looking for even more cherry cookie inspiration, check out this delicious cherry cookie recipe for another fruity twist!
Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter softened
- ¾ cup brown sugar packed
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- ¾ cup maraschino cherries chopped and patted dry
- ½ cup chopped walnuts optional
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix dry ingredients – Whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Cream butter & sugar – Beat butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until fluffy.
- Add eggs & vanilla – Mix in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract.
- Combine mixtures – Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing until combined.
- Fold in extras – Stir in chocolate chips and cherries (plus walnuts if using).
- Scoop & bake – Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the baking sheet, spacing them 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until golden brown around the edges.
- Cool & enjoy – Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
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