Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies: 7 Reasons to Love Them

Name: Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies: 7 Reasons to Love Them
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; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 3 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 cup chocolate chips; 1 cup dried cherries

By:

Christina R. Jones

June 29, 2025

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Oh my goodness, if you haven’t tried cherry chocolate chip cookies yet, you’re seriously missing out! These cookies are a delightful dance of flavors, where the rich chocolate meets the tartness of dried cherries, creating a taste sensation that’ll have your taste buds singing. I stumbled upon this recipe during a cozy afternoon baking session with my kids, and it quickly became a family favorite. The first time I made them, the smell wafting through the kitchen was pure magic. I couldn’t resist sneaking a bite while they were still warm, and wow! The soft, chewy texture combined with those little bursts of cherry flavor made my heart flutter.

What I love most about these cookies is the unique combination of sweet and slightly tart, which elevates the classic chocolate chip cookie to a whole new level. Plus, they’re super quick to whip up—perfect for surprising guests or just indulging yourself after a long day. Trust me, once you take a bite, you’ll understand why I’m so obsessed. So, let’s get those ovens preheated and dive into the deliciousness of these cherry chocolate chip cookies!

Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies - detail 1

Ingredients List

Gathering the right ingredients is key to baking the most delicious cherry chocolate chip cookies. Here’s what you’ll need:

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup chocolate chips
1 cup dried cherries

Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature, so it creams beautifully with the sugars. And don’t skimp on the quality of your chocolate chips and dried cherries—trust me, they make all the difference in flavor! Once you have everything ready, you’ll be all set to create these delightful cookies.

How to Prepare Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies

Get ready to embark on a delightful baking adventure! Making these cherry chocolate chip cookies is super simple, and I promise they’ll be worth every minute spent in the kitchen. Let’s break it down step by step, shall we?

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial because it ensures your cookies bake evenly and beautifully. Trust me, no one likes a cookie that’s raw in the middle and burnt on the edges!

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl, grab that softened butter and add it to your mixing bowl along with the packed brown sugar and granulated sugar. Using a hand mixer or a sturdy wooden spoon, cream them together until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. You’re looking for a smooth texture that’s almost like whipped cream—this is what gives your cookies that melt-in-your-mouth softness!

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Next up, crack in those two large eggs and pour in the vanilla extract. Mix everything together until well combined. You want to ensure those eggs are evenly incorporated—this helps bind everything together. A tip? Don’t over-mix at this stage; just enough until you don’t see any streaks of egg!

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This step is super important because it helps to evenly distribute the baking soda and salt, preventing any clumps from sneaking into your cookies. Just a gentle whisking will do!

Step 5: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients

Now, it’s time to combine the wet and dry ingredients! Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter-sugar-egg mixture. I like to do this in three parts, mixing gently after each addition. This helps avoid overworking the dough, which can lead to tough cookies. You want a nice, cohesive dough that’s not too sticky!

Step 6: Fold in Chocolate Chips and Dried Cherries

Here comes the fun part! Using a spatula, gently fold in the chocolate chips and dried cherries. The key here is to mix just until they’re evenly distributed—no need to break up the dough! You want those juicy cherries and chocolatey morsels to shine in every bite!

Step 7: Drop Dough onto Baking Sheet

Line your baking sheet with parchment paper (or grease it if you prefer). Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop spoonfuls of dough onto the sheet, making sure to leave a bit of space between each cookie. This allows them to spread nicely while baking—aim for about 2 inches apart!

Step 8: Bake the Cookies

Pop those beauties into your preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the edges are golden brown but the centers still look a tad soft. They’ll firm up as they cool, so don’t worry if they look a bit underbaked!

Step 9: Cooling the Cookies

Once baked, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. This is super important because it allows them to set properly. After that, gently transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps keep them chewy and prevents them from getting soggy on the bottom.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Soft and chewy texture that melts in your mouth with every bite.
A delightful flavor combination of rich chocolate and tart cherries that’ll keep you coming back for more.
Quick preparation time—whip up a batch in just 27 minutes, perfect for last-minute cravings or surprise guests.
Versatile for any occasion—great for holiday gatherings, cookie swaps, or simply indulging yourself on a cozy night in.
Easy to customize—adjust the amount of chocolate chips or add nuts for a personal twist!

Tips for Success

Getting the perfect cherry chocolate chip cookies isn’t just about following the recipe; it’s also about a few little tips and tricks that can make all the difference. Here are my favorite pro tips to ensure your cookies turn out fantastic every time!

Use Room Temperature Ingredients

Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature before you start. This helps everything blend together smoothly and creates that lovely, soft texture we all crave. If you’re short on time, you can soften the butter quickly in the microwave—just be careful not to melt it!

Don’t Overmix the Dough

When you’re combining the wet and dry ingredients, remember that less is more! Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, and we definitely don’t want that. Mix just until you see no flour streaks, and then gently fold in those delicious chocolate chips and cherries.

Chill the Dough for Extra Chewiness

If you have the time, chill your dough for about 30 minutes before baking. This allows the flavors to mature and helps the cookies hold their shape better while baking. Plus, it gives you a chance to enjoy that heavenly smell wafting from the dough in your fridge!

Storage Tips for Freshness

To keep your cookies soft and chewy, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. You can also add a slice of bread to the container—this little trick helps maintain moisture and keeps your cookies fresh for longer. If you have any cookies left after a couple of days (which is rare, I know!), you can also freeze them for up to three months!

Ingredient Swaps for Variations

Feel free to get creative! You can swap out some of the chocolate chips for white chocolate or even try different dried fruits like cranberries or apricots. If you want a nutty crunch, toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans. The possibilities are endless, and it’s a fun way to make the recipe your own!

With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to baking the most delicious cherry chocolate chip cookies that will impress everyone who gets a taste! Happy baking!

Nutritional Information

Now, I know we all love a delicious treat, but it’s also nice to have a little insight into what we’re indulging in! Here’s the typical nutritional breakdown for each cherry chocolate chip cookie, just so you know what you’re working with:

Serving Size: 1 cookie
Calories: 150
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 2g
Trans Fat: 0g
Sodium: 100mg
Carbohydrates: 20g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 10g
Protein: 2g
Cholesterol: 15mg

Keep in mind, these values are just estimates and can vary based on your specific ingredients and portion sizes. But hey, a little cookie never hurt anyone, right? Enjoy every bite guilt-free!

FAQ Section

Got questions about these cherry chocolate chip cookies? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Here are some of the most common queries I get, along with answers to help you bake like a pro.

Can I use fresh cherries instead of dried ones?

Absolutely! Fresh cherries can be a fabulous twist, but keep in mind that they contain more moisture. You might want to chop them and reduce the amount of other liquids slightly to avoid a soggy cookie. Just make sure to pit and slice them first!

How do I store cherry chocolate chip cookies for maximum freshness?

The best way to keep your cookies fresh is to store them in an airtight container at room temperature. If you want to keep them soft and chewy, add a slice of bread in with the cookies—this little trick works wonders!

Can I freeze the cookie dough for later baking?

Yes, you can definitely freeze the dough! Just scoop it into balls and place them on a baking sheet to flash freeze. Once they’re solid, transfer the dough balls to a zip-top bag. When you’re ready to bake, you can pop them straight from the freezer into the oven—just add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time!

What’s the secret to getting a chewy texture in these cookies?

The key to achieving that soft, chewy texture is in the mixing and baking. Don’t overmix the dough, and make sure to bake them just until the edges are golden while the centers remain soft. Letting them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes helps too—this allows them to set perfectly!

How can I make these cookies gluten-free?

If you want to make gluten-free cherry chocolate chip cookies, simply swap out the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. Many of these blends work great as a substitute! Just double-check that all other ingredients, like the chocolate chips, are also gluten-free.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Storing your cherry chocolate chip cookies properly is essential to keeping them soft and delicious! Here’s how to do it:

Room Temperature Storage: Place your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh for about 3-5 days. To keep them extra soft, add a slice of bread to the container. The moisture from the bread helps maintain that chewy texture we love!
Freezing Cookies: If you want to save some for later (because who wouldn’t?), you can freeze your cookies! Just make sure they’re completely cooled, then place them in a single layer in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. They’ll keep well for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, let them thaw at room temperature.

Reheating Tips: The best way to bring back that fresh-baked taste is to reheat your cookies in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), and place the cookies on a baking sheet for about 5 minutes. This warms them up nicely and revives that soft, chewy goodness!

If you’re in a rush, the microwave works too! Just pop a cookie on a plate and heat it for about 10-15 seconds. Watch it closely, though—you don’t want it to get too hot or turn hard!

With these storage and reheating tips, you can enjoy your cherry chocolate chip cookies at their best, no matter when you decide to indulge!