Chocolate Cherry Cookies Recipe

If you’re a fan of the rich, indulgent combination of chocolate and cherries, these Chocolate Cherry Cookies are the perfect treat for you. Soft, chewy, and loaded with bursts of cherry flavor, these cookies are sure to become a favorite for any occasion. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, a party, or just to satisfy your sweet tooth, this recipe is easy to follow and yields irresistibly delicious cookies.

Why You’ll Love These Chocolate Cherry Cookies

These cookies offer a perfect blend of rich chocolate and the sweet-tart flavor of maraschino cherries. Each bite is a delightful combination of soft, chewy texture and juicy cherries, topped with a luscious chocolate drizzle. They’re quick to make, require simple ingredients, and will impress anyone who tries them. Perfect for cookie swaps, holiday platters, or simply enjoying with a cup of tea or coffee.

Ingredients Breakdown

Before diving into the recipe, let’s go over the ingredients needed to create these delicious cookies:

• 1/2 cup butter, softened (113g)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar (100g)
• 1/2 cup brown sugar (110g)
• 2 large eggs
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (180g)
• 2/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (55g)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 teaspoons cherry juice (from maraschino cherry jar)
• 30-36 jarred maraschino cherries
• 1/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (43g)
• 2 tablespoons sweetened condensed milk
• 1 tablespoon cherry juice (from maraschino cherry jar)

this RECIPE

Key Ingredient Spotlight: Maraschino Cherries

Maraschino cherries are the star ingredient of this recipe. Their bright red color and distinct sweet flavor bring a delightful contrast to the rich cocoa base of the cookies. For this recipe, you’ll use both the cherries and a bit of the juice from the jar, adding extra moisture and a hint of cherry flavor to the dough. If you prefer, you can use natural maraschino cherries or even homemade ones for a more authentic taste.

Step-by-Step Preparation Guide

1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the oven reaches the right temperature while you prepare the dough.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
3. Add the Eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition until fully incorporated.
4. Prepare the Dry Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, salt, baking powder, and baking soda. Gradually add the dry mixture to the creamed butter mixture, about 1/2 cup at a time. Blend well after each addition to ensure a smooth dough.
5. Add Flavorings: Mix in the vanilla extract and 2 teaspoons of cherry juice from the maraschino cherry jar. Stir until just combined, avoiding overmixing.
6. Chill the Dough: Cover the mixing bowl and refrigerate the dough for about 30 minutes. This helps the dough firm up, making it easier to shape and preventing the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
7. Shape the Cookies: Butter your hands to prevent sticking, and roll the chilled dough into 1-inch balls. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Using your thumb, create a small indentation in the center of each cookie and place a maraschino cherry in the hole.
8. Bake the Cookies: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10 minutes. They should be slightly soft when removed from the oven, as they will continue to set while cooling.
9. Prepare the Chocolate Drizzle: In a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl, melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk together over low heat or in the microwave, stirring frequently to prevent burning. Once melted, stir in 1 tablespoon of cherry juice.
10. Drizzle and Cool: Drizzle the chocolate mixture over the cooled cookies using a spoon or a piping bag for a neater look. Allow the cookies to set before serving.

Tips for Perfect Chocolate Cherry Cookies

• Chill the Dough: Refrigerating the dough is essential for preventing the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
• Use Quality Cocoa: For the richest chocolate flavor, use high-quality cocoa powder. Dutch-processed cocoa can provide a deeper flavor, but regular cocoa powder works well too.
• Don’t Overbake: Cookies will continue to bake on the hot cookie sheet even after being removed from the oven. For soft, chewy cookies, remove them when they are still slightly underdone in the center.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overmixing the Dough: Overmixing can lead to tough cookies. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
• Using Cold Ingredients: Ensure the butter is softened to room temperature for easy creaming with the sugars.
• Skipping the Chill Time: Chilling the dough helps maintain the cookie shape and improves the texture.

Variations and Recipe Swaps

• Different Flavors: Swap out maraschino cherries for dried cherries or even raspberries for a different twist.
• Nutty Addition: Add chopped almonds or walnuts for added crunch and flavor.
• Chocolate Lovers’ Version: Use dark chocolate chips or white chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet for a different flavor profile.

Serving and Presentation Tips

• Serve Warm or Chilled: These cookies taste delicious both warm and at room temperature. For a unique twist, serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
• Decorative Plating: Arrange the cookies on a white platter for a clean, elegant look, or on a festive plate for a holiday feel.
• Gifting Idea: Pack them in a decorative tin or cellophane bags tied with a ribbon for a homemade gift.

Storing and Freezing Leftovers

• Storing: Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: These cookies freeze well. Place them in a freezer-safe container with parchment paper between layers. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Equipment You’ll Need

• Large mixing bowl
• Hand mixer or stand mixer
• Medium bowl for dry ingredients
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries?
Yes, fresh cherries can be used, but they will have a different texture and may add more moisture to the dough. Be sure to pit them before using.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures 1:1. The texture may be slightly different, but the flavor will remain delicious.

How do I store these cookies to keep them fresh?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze them as suggested above.

conclusion

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