Name: Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies: A Sweet Delight You’ll Love!
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup brown sugar; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 cup chocolate chips; 1 cup chopped cherries (fresh or dried)

Introduction to Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies

Welcome to the delightful world of Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies! If you’re like me, juggling a busy schedule while trying to whip up something special for your loved ones can feel overwhelming. But fear not! This recipe is a quick solution for those hectic days when you crave a sweet treat that’s both easy and impressive. The combination of juicy cherries and rich chocolate chips creates a flavor explosion that will have everyone asking for seconds. So, let’s dive into this delicious adventure together!

Why You’ll Love This Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies

These Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies are a dream come true for busy moms and professionals alike. They come together in just 27 minutes, making them perfect for a last-minute dessert. The sweet, tart cherries paired with rich chocolate create a taste that’s simply irresistible. Plus, they’re a hit with kids and adults, ensuring smiles all around. Trust me, once you try them, they’ll become a staple in your baking repertoire!

Ingredients for Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies

Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to baking success! Here’s what you’ll need for these delightful Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies:

Unsalted Butter: This is the base of your cookies, providing richness and flavor. Make sure it’s softened for easy mixing.
Brown Sugar: Adds moisture and a hint of caramel flavor, making your cookies chewy and delicious.
Granulated Sugar: Balances the sweetness and helps create that perfect cookie texture.
Eggs: They bind the ingredients together and add structure. Plus, they help your cookies rise beautifully.
Vanilla Extract: A must-have for enhancing the overall flavor. It brings warmth and depth to your cookies.
All-Purpose Flour: The backbone of your cookie dough, providing the necessary structure. You can use whole wheat flour for a healthier twist!
Baking Soda: This leavening agent helps your cookies rise and become fluffy. Don’t skip it!
Salt: Just a pinch enhances all the flavors, making your cookies taste even better.
Chocolate Chips: The star of the show! Use semi-sweet or dark chocolate for a rich contrast to the cherries.
Chopped Cherries: Fresh or dried, they add a burst of fruity flavor. If fresh cherries aren’t available, dried ones work just as well!

For exact measurements, check the bottom of the article where you can find everything listed for easy printing. Happy baking!

How to Make Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies

Now that we have our ingredients ready, let’s dive into the fun part—making these Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a batch of delicious cookies in no time.

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial because it ensures your cookies bake evenly. A hot oven helps them rise and develop that lovely golden color. Trust me, you don’t want to skip this part!

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth. This process is key to achieving a light and fluffy texture. The sugars will aerate the butter, creating tiny air pockets that help your cookies rise beautifully. It should look creamy and pale when you’re done.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Next, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract. Eggs are essential for binding the ingredients and adding moisture. The vanilla? It’s like a warm hug for your cookies, enhancing their flavor and making them irresistible!

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This step ensures that the baking soda is evenly distributed, which is vital for consistent rising. Mixing the dry ingredients separately helps avoid clumps and guarantees a smooth cookie dough.

Step 5: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients

Now, gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix! Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, and we want them soft and chewy. A few flour streaks are okay; they’ll disappear as you fold in the next ingredients.

Step 6: Fold in Chocolate Chips and Cherries

Gently fold in the chocolate chips and chopped cherries. This step is where the magic happens! The chocolate and cherries should be evenly distributed throughout the dough. Folding helps maintain the light texture we worked so hard to create.

Step 7: Shape the Cookies

Using a tablespoon, drop rounded scoops of dough onto ungreased baking sheets. Make sure to leave some space between each cookie, as they will spread while baking. For uniform cookies, you can use a cookie scoop or your hands to shape them. It’s all about that perfect bite!

Step 8: Bake the Cookies

Pop the baking sheets into the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. Keep an eye on them! You want the edges to be golden brown while the centers remain soft. A little underbaking is okay; they’ll continue to cook on the baking sheet after you take them out.

Step 9: Cool and Enjoy

Once baked, allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes. This helps them set and makes transferring them easier. After that, move them to wire racks to cool completely. The cooling process is essential for achieving that perfect chewy texture. Now, grab a glass of milk and enjoy your delicious Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies!

Tips for Success

Always use room temperature ingredients for better mixing.
Chill the dough for 30 minutes if you prefer chewier cookies.
Experiment with different types of chocolate chips for unique flavors.
Don’t skip the salt; it enhances the sweetness of the cookies.
Store cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh longer.

Equipment Needed

Mixing Bowls: A large bowl for mixing and a smaller one for dry ingredients. You can use any size you have on hand.
Electric Mixer: A hand mixer or stand mixer works best, but a whisk and some elbow grease will do!
Baking Sheets: Use ungreased sheets or line them with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Cookie Scoop: A tablespoon works fine, but a cookie scoop ensures uniform cookies.
Wire Rack: For cooling cookies, but a plate will work in a pinch!

Variations of Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies

Nutty Delight: Add chopped walnuts or pecans for a crunchy texture and nutty flavor.
Oatmeal Twist: Incorporate rolled oats for a heartier cookie that adds fiber and chewiness.
Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend for a delicious gluten-free treat.
Dark Chocolate Lovers: Use dark chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet for a richer taste.
Spiced Up: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, cozy flavor that complements the cherries.

Serving Suggestions for Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies

Milk: A classic pairing! Serve your cookies with a cold glass of milk for a nostalgic treat.
Ice Cream: Top a warm cookie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
Fruit Platter: Balance the sweetness with a fresh fruit platter for a colorful presentation.
Gift Packaging: Wrap cookies in a decorative box or bag for a thoughtful homemade gift.
Tea or Coffee: Enjoy with a warm cup of tea or coffee for a cozy afternoon snack.

FAQs about Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies

As a passionate home cook, I often get questions about my favorite Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies. Here are some common queries that might help you on your baking journey!

Can I use frozen cherries instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Frozen cherries work just as well. Just make sure to thaw and drain them before adding to the dough. This prevents excess moisture from affecting the cookie texture.

How do I store leftover cookies?

Store your Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them!

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. Just remember to let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before baking. This helps the cookies spread evenly.

What can I substitute for eggs in this recipe?

If you need an egg substitute, try using 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water). Both options work well in cookies!

Can I add more chocolate chips?

Of course! Feel free to add more chocolate chips if you’re a chocolate lover. Just keep in mind that too many can affect the dough consistency, so balance is key!

Final Thoughts

Baking these Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies is more than just a recipe; it’s a delightful experience that brings joy to your kitchen. The sweet aroma wafting through your home will create a warm atmosphere, perfect for sharing with family and friends. Each bite offers a perfect balance of tart cherries and rich chocolate, making them a treat everyone will love. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply indulging in a sweet moment, these cookies are sure to bring smiles. So, roll up your sleeves, embrace the mess, and enjoy the delicious journey of baking!

Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies: A Sweet Delight You’ll Love!

Author: Maria
Total Time: 27 minutes
Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Delicious cherry chocolate chip cookies that combine the sweetness of cherries with rich chocolate chips for a delightful treat.

Ingredients

Scale

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup chocolate chips
1 cup chopped cherries (fresh or dried)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth.
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract.
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
Fold in the chocolate chips and chopped cherries.
Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto ungreased baking sheets.
Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden brown.
Allow to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.