Delicious Chocolate Cherry Cookies in 30 Minutes

Name: Delicious Chocolate Cherry Cookies in 30 Minutes
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 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup cocoa powder; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 cup chocolate chips; 1 cup dried cherries

October 15, 2025

By:

Julia marin

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Oh my goodness, let me tell you about these chocolate cherry cookies! They’re like little bites of heaven, blending rich chocolate with the sweet, tangy burst of cherries. I remember the first time I made these for a family gathering; the moment I pulled them out of the oven, the sweet aroma filled the whole house, and my family couldn’t wait to dig in! Trust me, if you’re a chocolate lover (and who isn’t?), you’ll absolutely adore how the cherries add that perfect pop of flavor. It’s such a delightful surprise in every bite! These cookies are not just delicious; they’re super easy to whip up, making them a fantastic choice for any occasion. So grab your ingredients, and let’s get ready to bake some scrumptious chocolate cherry cookies!

chocolate cherry cookies - detail 1

Ingredients List

Here’s everything you’ll need to create these amazing chocolate cherry cookies. I promise, each ingredient plays a vital role in making these cookies as delicious as they are!

1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Make sure it’s at room temperature for easy mixing. This gives your cookies that rich, buttery flavor.
1 cup brown sugar: I love using brown sugar for its molasses undertones, which add depth to the sweetness.
1/2 cup granulated sugar: Just a touch of this balances out the brown sugar and helps with the cookie’s perfect texture.
2 large eggs: These are essential for binding everything together and giving the cookies that lovely structure.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Don’t skimp on this! It adds a wonderful aroma and flavor that complements the chocolate and cherries.
2 cups all-purpose flour: This is your base, providing the structure for your cookies. Be sure to measure it correctly for the best results!
1/2 cup cocoa powder: Use unsweetened cocoa powder for that rich chocolate flavor. It’s what makes these cookies truly decadent.
1 teaspoon baking soda: This will help your cookies rise and stay soft in the middle!
1/2 teaspoon salt: A little salt enhances all the flavors, making your cookies taste even better.
1 cup chocolate chips: Because, let’s be honest, chocolate chips are a must! Go for semi-sweet for a perfect balance.
1 cup dried cherries: These add a fantastic chewy texture and a burst of flavor that works beautifully with the chocolate.

How to Prepare Chocolate Cherry Cookies

Now that you’ve got your ingredients ready, let’s dive into making these mouthwatering chocolate cherry cookies! It’s super simple, and I promise you’ll be amazed at how easy it is to whip these up!

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is crucial for baking! You want that oven nice and hot when your cookies are ready to go in.
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until it’s light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes. Trust me, this step is key to getting that perfect texture!
Next, add in the eggs, one at a time, along with the vanilla extract. Mix until everything is well combined and smooth.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. It’s important to mix these dry ingredients well to ensure even distribution of flavors.
Slowly add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Don’t overmix; you want your cookies to be soft and chewy!
Now comes the fun part—fold in the chocolate chips and dried cherries! Make sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop generous spoonfuls of dough onto a lined baking sheet, leaving some space between each cookie to allow for spreading.
Bake in your preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes, or until they look set but still soft in the center. They’ll firm up as they cool, so don’t worry if they seem a bit underdone!
Once baked, let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

And just like that, you’re on your way to enjoying some scrumptious chocolate cherry cookies!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Irresistible Flavor: The rich chocolate pairs perfectly with the sweet-tart cherries, creating a delightful explosion of flavors in every bite.
Simple Preparation: With straightforward steps and common ingredients, you’ll have these cookies ready in no time—perfect for quick baking sessions!
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a casual family gathering, a holiday treat, or just a sweet craving, these cookies are always a hit.
Crowd-Pleaser: With their chewy texture and delicious blend of ingredients, everyone will be asking for the recipe—trust me!
Customizable: Feel free to mix things up with different types of chocolate or add in some nuts for extra crunch!
Kid-Friendly: Kids love these cookies! They’re fun to make together and even more fun to eat.

Tips for Success

Alright, let’s make sure your chocolate cherry cookies turn out absolutely perfect! Here are my top tips that I’ve learned from baking these beauties:

Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature before you start mixing. This helps everything blend together smoothly and creates a nice, fluffy texture.
Don’t Overmix: When you combine the dry ingredients with the wet, mix just until you see no more flour. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, and we want them soft and chewy!
Chill the Dough (Optional): If you have time, chilling the dough for about 30 minutes can help prevent the cookies from spreading too much while baking, giving you thicker, chewier cookies.
Watch the Baking Time: Keep a close eye on them as they bake. Ovens can vary, so start checking at the 10-minute mark. The cookies should look set on the edges but still soft in the middle.
Let Them Cool: Resist the urge to eat them right out of the oven! Letting them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes allows them to firm up without losing that delicious, gooey center.
Experiment with Add-Ins: Feel free to play around! Try adding chopped nuts, a sprinkle of sea salt on top before baking, or even a dash of cinnamon for a warm, cozy flavor.
Store Properly: If you have leftovers (which is rare!), store them in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh for up to a week—if they last that long!

With these tips in your back pocket, you’re all set to create the most mouthwatering chocolate cherry cookies that will have everyone coming back for seconds!

Variations

Now, if you’re feeling adventurous (and I always am in the kitchen!), there are so many fun ways to switch up these chocolate cherry cookies. Let’s get creative!

Nuts Galore: Consider adding some chopped walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch. They add a lovely texture that contrasts with the chewy cherries!
Spicy Kick: If you love a bit of warmth in your treats, try adding a teaspoon of cinnamon or even a pinch of cayenne pepper for a surprising twist. It’s an unexpected flavor combo that can really elevate the chocolate!
White Chocolate Daze: Swap out the semi-sweet chocolate chips for white chocolate chips for a sweeter, creamier cookie. Pair it with the dried cherries, and wow, what a combination!
Minty Fresh: Add a few drops of mint extract to the dough for a refreshing mint chocolate cherry cookie. It’s like a dessert version of your favorite mint chocolate chip ice cream!
Seasonal Spices: For a holiday-inspired treat, mix in some nutmeg or ginger. These spices can really warm up the flavor profile and make your cookies perfect for festive occasions.
Fruit Medley: Don’t stop at cherries! You can mix in other dried fruits like cranberries or blueberries for a fruity twist. Just keep the ratios balanced so the cookies stay deliciously chewy.
Chocolate Overload: For the ultimate chocolate lover, increase the cocoa powder to 3/4 cup and add a mix of dark chocolate chips and milk chocolate chips. It’s a chocolate lover’s dream!

With these variations, you can enjoy a new twist on your chocolate cherry cookies every time you bake. So don’t be afraid to experiment and find your favorite version!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Now that you’ve baked a batch of these delightful chocolate cherry cookies, let’s talk about how to keep them fresh and tasty for as long as possible! Trust me, you’ll want to savor every last crumb.

First things first, once your cookies have completely cooled on the wire rack, it’s time to store them. I recommend placing them in an airtight container. This will help lock in that chewy texture and prevent them from drying out. If you have a lot of cookies, you can layer them with parchment paper between each layer to keep them from sticking together. They’ll stay fresh for about a week—if they last that long!

If you want to enjoy them later, consider freezing some for future cravings. Just wrap each cookie tightly in plastic wrap or place them in a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep well for up to two months in the freezer. When you’re ready to indulge, simply take them out and let them thaw at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes. No need to reheat them, but if you prefer them warm, pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes. They’ll taste just like fresh out of the oven!

So whether you’re storing them for later or enjoying them fresh, these tips will ensure your chocolate cherry cookies are always delicious!

Nutritional Information

Let’s take a moment to chat about the nutritional information for these delightful chocolate cherry cookies. Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use and portion sizes. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect per cookie:

Calories: 150
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 3g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 20mg
Sodium: 50mg
Carbohydrates: 20g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 10g
Protein: 2g

So there you have it! These cookies are a sweet treat that brings a bit of indulgence to your day while still being manageable in terms of nutrition. Enjoy them as a delightful dessert or a special snack, and remember, moderation is key!

FAQ Section

If you’ve got questions about these chocolate cherry cookies, I’ve got answers! Here are some of the most common queries I’ve come across, along with my best tips to ensure your baking experience is as smooth as possible.

Can I use fresh cherries instead of dried?

While fresh cherries could be a tempting alternative, I recommend sticking with dried cherries for this recipe. Fresh cherries have a higher moisture content, which can affect the texture of your cookies. Plus, dried cherries give that wonderful chewy bite that pairs beautifully with chocolate!

What should I do if my cookies spread too much?

If your chocolate cherry cookies end up spreading too much, it could be due to the butter being too soft or not measuring the flour correctly. To fix this, you can try chilling the dough for about 30 minutes before baking. This helps the cookies maintain their shape in the oven!

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap to keep it fresh. When you’re ready to bake, let the dough sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before scooping it onto your baking sheet.

How do I know when the cookies are done?

Great question! You’ll know the cookies are done when the edges look set and the centers are still slightly soft. They’ll continue to firm up as they cool, so don’t worry if they look a little underbaked when you first take them out!

Can I use different types of chocolate?

Of course! Feel free to mix and match your chocolate chips. You could use dark chocolate for a richer flavor or even white chocolate for a creamier twist. Just keep in mind that the flavor profile will change slightly based on your choice!

With these answers, I hope you feel even more confident in your chocolate cherry cookie baking adventure. Happy baking!

Call to Action

I can’t wait for you to try these chocolate cherry cookies! Once you’ve made them (and I know you will), I’d love to hear how they turned out for you. Did you add your own twist? Maybe a sprinkle of sea salt or some nuts? Share your thoughts in the comments below—I want to know all about your baking adventures!

If you enjoyed this recipe, don’t forget to give it a rating! Your feedback helps me keep creating delicious recipes that you’ll love. And hey, why not share a picture of your delectable cookies on social media? Tag me so I can see your beautiful creations! Happy baking, and I hope these cookies bring you as much joy as they’ve brought me!

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About me

Hi, my name is Julia, I am the heart of Vihaad Recipes and a passionate lover of good food. My love for cooking began in childhood, inspired by my grandmother's delicious meals. Today, I share tasty recipes that bring people together through the shared enjoyment of food.