Oh, let me tell you about my absolute favorite indulgence in the world of baking: Chewy Cherry Chocolate Cookies! These little delights hold a special place in my heart because they remind me of baking sessions with my grandma during those rainy summer afternoons. The kitchen would be filled with laughter and the warm aroma of chocolate mingling with the tartness of cherries. I still remember how her smile would light up the room every time we popped a fresh batch out of the oven, and I’ll never forget the way she used to sneak a warm cookie to me right before dinner.
What makes these cookies truly unique is the delightful combination of rich chocolate and the surprising burst of tart cherries. It’s a flavor combination that never fails to bring joy, whether it’s a cozy treat for yourself or a sweet gift for someone special. Trust me, once you make these, you’ll have a hard time stopping at just one!
What’s in Chewy Cherry Chocolate Cookies?
All-Purpose Flour: This is the base of our cookies and gives them that wonderful chewy texture. I like to use unbleached all-purpose flour for a more natural taste.
Granulated Sugar: Simple and effective! This sweet ingredient helps create that satisfying chew and brings out the flavors of the chocolate and cherries.
Brown Sugar: Adding a bit of brown sugar not only enhances the flavor but also keeps the cookies moist and chewy. Plus, who doesn’t love that caramel undertone?
Baking Soda: This little ingredient is key for that perfect rise and helps the cookies spread just right.
Butter: I always use unsalted butter because that way, I can control the saltiness. It adds richness and helps to bind everything together.
Egg: One egg is all you need to add structure and moisture to these cookies. It also helps create that lovely chewy texture.
Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla enhances the flavors and gives the cookies that homemade bakery scent that I adore.
Chocolate Chips: I mean, it’s chocolate cookies, right? I usually go for semi-sweet chocolate chips, but dark chocolate works wonderfully too if you prefer a more intense flavor.
Dried Cherries: The star of this recipe! They add a delightful chewy texture and a burst of tartness that beautifully complements the sweetness of the chocolate.
Is Chewy Cherry Chocolate Cookies Good for You?
You might be wondering if these cookies have any health benefits or if they should stay as an occasional treat. Well, while they’re undeniably delicious, it’s wise to remember that they are cookies after all, so moderation is key!
Cherries: Dried cherries provide antioxidants and vitamins, which can be a plus. However, keep in mind that they are often sweetened, so that adds extra sugar.
Chocolate Chips: Dark chocolate, in particular, is known for its health benefits, as it’s rich in antioxidants. A little bit can even be good for your heart!
But still, these cookies are a sweet indulgence meant to be enjoyed—so go ahead and treat yourself!
Ingredients
– 2 cups All-Purpose Flour
– 1 cup Granulated Sugar
– 1 cup Brown Sugar
– 1 tsp Baking Soda
– 1 cup Unsalted Butter, melted
– 1 large Egg
– 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
– 1 cup Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips
– 1 cup Dried Cherries
This recipe makes about 24 cookies, depending on how big you scoop them!
How to Make Chewy Cherry Chocolate Cookies?
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This helps prevent sticking and makes clean-up a breeze.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and baking soda until well combined. Set that aside for now.
3. In another bowl, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and melted butter. Mix until it’s nice and creamy.
4. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and shiny.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredient mix into the wet ingredients. Stir until just combined; you don’t want to over-mix it!
6. Fold in your chocolate chips and dried cherries until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
7. Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, drop mounds of dough onto the prepared baking sheet about two inches apart—it’s time to let them spread their cookie magic!
8. Bake in the preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown but the centers are still slightly soft.
9. Remove them from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Chewy Cherry Chocolate Cookie Tips and Tricks
– For an extra touch, consider adding some chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans.
– These cookies freeze well! Just freeze the dough before baking, and you can pop individual cookie dough balls right from the freezer onto the sheet anytime you crave cookies.
– Feeling adventurous? Drizzle a bit of melted white chocolate over the cooled cookies for a stunning presentation and a sweet twist.
I hope you give these Chewy Cherry Chocolate Cookies a try! They’re a testament to the fact that some of the best memories are made in the kitchen. Plus, they’re so delightful that they might just disappear faster than you can say “cookie monster!” Enjoy baking and savoring every chewy bite—I’d love to hear how they turn out for you! Happy baking!
