If you’re a fan of classic chocolate chip cookies but crave a unique twist, then Cherry Chocolate Cookies are about to become your new favorite treat. Combining the juicy sweetness of maraschino cherries with the rich, gooey goodness of chocolate chips, this recipe offers a delightful flavor experience that stands out from the crowd. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through every step to ensure your Cherry Chocolate Cookies turn out perfectly every time.
Jump to RecipeWhy Cherry Chocolate Cookies Are a Must-Try
1. Unique Flavor Combination
Cherry Chocolate Cookies bring together two beloved flavors in a way that feels both familiar and exciting. The tartness of the cherries contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the chocolate chips, creating a harmonious blend that’s sure to please your taste buds.
2. Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply looking to enjoy a sweet treat, these cookies are versatile enough for any setting. They make an excellent addition to holiday cookie platters, party desserts, or just a cozy afternoon snack with a cup of tea or coffee.
3. Easy to Make
Despite their gourmet taste, Cherry Chocolate Cookies are surprisingly easy to make. With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, you’ll have a batch of delicious cookies ready in no time.
4. A Treat for the Eyes and Palate
The vibrant red of the cherries combined with the rich brown of the chocolate chips creates a visually appealing cookie that’s as delightful to look at as it is to eat. These cookies are perfect for impressing guests or gifting to friends and family.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make these delectable Cherry Chocolate Cookies, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: The base of the cookie dough, providing rich flavor and a tender texture.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: For sweetness and to help the cookies spread properly.
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed: Adds moisture and a deeper, caramel-like flavor.
- 2 large eggs: Essential for binding the ingredients together.
- 2 tsp vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor of the cookies.
- 3 cups all-purpose flour: Provides the structure for the cookies.
- 1 tsp baking soda: Helps the cookies rise and become fluffy.
- 1/2 tsp salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors.
- 1 cup maraschino cherries, chopped: Adds a burst of fruity sweetness.
- 1 1/2 cups chocolate chips: For the classic chocolate chip cookie taste.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cookies bake evenly and come out perfectly crisp on the edges and soft in the center.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, blend 1 cup softened unsalted butter with 1 cup granulated sugar and 1 cup packed brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial for creating a smooth and creamy cookie dough.
3. Add the Eggs and Vanilla
Introduce 2 large eggs to the butter-sugar mixture, adding them one at a time. Make sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract to add depth to the flavor.
4. Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, combine 3 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. This mixture will provide the structure and leavening for your cookies.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, stirring gently to avoid overmixing. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, so mix until the ingredients are just combined.
6. Incorporate Cherries and Chocolate Chips
Fold in 1 cup chopped maraschino cherries and 1 1/2 cups chocolate chips. Ensure that the cherries and chocolate chips are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
7. Scoop the Dough
Using a spoon or cookie scoop, place spoonfuls of dough onto lined baking sheets. Leave about 2 inches of space between each cookie to allow for spreading.
8. Bake the Cookies
Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are golden brown. The centers may appear slightly underbaked, but they will firm up as they cool.
9. Cool and Enjoy
Allow the cookies to rest on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely. This helps the cookies set and prevents them from breaking apart.
Cherry Chocolate Cookies
These chewy cookies are packed with cherries, chocolate, and a hint of sweetness. The perfect combination of flavors and textures will leave you craving more. Enjoy these special occasion treats for a satisfying dessert.
Ingredients
1 cup unsalted butter, softened.
1 cup granulated sugar.
1 cup brown sugar, packed.
2 large eggs.
2 tsp vanilla extract.
3 cups all-purpose flour.
1 tsp baking soda.
1/2 tsp salt.
1 cup maraschino cherries, chopped.
1 1/2 cups chocolate chips.
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, blend softened butter with granulated and brown sugars until fluffy.
- Introduce eggs one by one, making sure each combines thoroughly.
- Stir in the vanilla extract.
- In another bowl, mix together flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually incorporate the dry mix into the buttery blend, stirring gently to avoid overmixing.
- Add in the chopped maraschino cherries and chocolate chips, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
- Place spoonfuls of dough onto lined baking sheets, with a 2-inch gap between each.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are golden brown.
- 10. Allow them to rest on sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to wire racks for full cooling.
You might also enjoy this recipe!
Healthy Cookies – No Sugar, No Flour!
Peach Cobbler Cheesecake
Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Cupcakes
Tips for Perfect Cherry Chocolate Cookies
1. Use Room Temperature Butter
For the best texture, ensure your butter is softened to room temperature before mixing. This makes it easier to cream with the sugars and results in a smoother cookie dough.
2. Drain the Cherries Well
Maraschino cherries can be quite juicy. To avoid adding excess moisture to your cookie dough, make sure to drain and chop them thoroughly.
3. Don’t Overmix
When combining the dry ingredients with the wet ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to dense cookies, so stop mixing as soon as you no longer see dry flour.
4. Use Parchment Paper
Lining your baking sheets with parchment paper helps prevent the cookies from sticking and promotes even baking.
5. Adjust Baking Time as Needed
Ovens can vary, so keep an eye on your cookies as they bake. If you prefer softer cookies, you might want to bake them for slightly less time.
Serving Suggestions
Cherry Chocolate Cookies are delightful on their own, but you can also serve them in various ways:
- As a Dessert: Pair with a glass of milk or a cup of tea for a satisfying end to any meal.
- For a Party: Arrange on a platter with other cookies and treats for a festive and appealing display.
- Gift Idea: Pack in a cookie tin or box for a thoughtful homemade gift.
Conclusion
Cherry Chocolate Cookies offer a delightful twist on the classic chocolate chip cookie. With their combination of juicy maraschino cherries and rich chocolate chips, these cookies are perfect for any occasion. Easy to make and sure to impress, this recipe is a must-try for any cookie enthusiast. Whether you’re baking for a special event or just indulging in a sweet treat, these cookies are sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy the burst of flavor in every bite and savor the delicious blend of cherry and chocolate with every delicious cookie! 🍒🍪