Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies

Imagine the comforting aroma of classic chocolate chip cookies — now add a juicy, slightly tart pop of cherry in every bite. That’s what these Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies bring to the table. Golden-edged, soft-centered, and dotted with melty chocolate and sweet cherry bits, they’re the perfect twist on a beloved favorite. Let me tell you, it’s worth every bite.

Behind the Recipe

These cookies were born out of one of those “what if?” moments in the kitchen. I had leftover maraschino cherries from a sundae night and a batch of chocolate chip cookie dough ready to go. The combination? Absolutely magical. The cherries added a fruity brightness that cut through the richness of the chocolate, and from that point on, I never looked back. They’ve since become a signature treat in our home — especially around the holidays and Valentine’s Day.

Recipe Origin or Trivia

Adding fruit to cookies isn’t new, but cherries and chocolate together have a particularly romantic culinary history. From Black Forest cake in Germany to cherry cordials in American candy shops, the duo has long been adored. These cookies give that timeless combination a chewy, handheld twist — part nostalgia, part innovation, all delicious.

Why You’ll Love Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies

From their heavenly smell to their irresistible flavor, these cookies have everything going for them:

Versatile: Perfect for gifting, cookie exchanges, or a cozy night in.
Budget-Friendly: Simple pantry staples, elevated by one special ingredient.
Quick and Easy: No chill time needed — just mix, scoop, and bake.
Customizable: Use dark chocolate, white chips, or different cherry types.
Crowd-Pleasing: Sweet, soft, and chewy — there’s something for everyone.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Dough and baked cookies freeze like a dream.
Great for Leftovers: Warm them up for that fresh-baked experience.

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Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results

Here’s how to elevate your cookie game to bakery-level bliss:

• Pat cherries dry after chopping to prevent soggy dough.
• Use room temperature butter and eggs for a consistent, creamy mix.
• Slightly underbake for the perfect gooey center.
• Use a cookie scoop to ensure even sizing and uniform baking.
• Add a few extra chips and cherry bits on top before baking for a prettier presentation.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

A few trusty tools will make this baking experience smoother and more fun:

Mixing Bowls: For combining wet and dry ingredients.
Hand or Stand Mixer: Creaming butter and sugar to fluffy perfection.
Cookie Scoop: Keeps cookies uniform in size.
Baking Sheets: Line with parchment for easy cleanup.
Cooling Rack: Essential for preventing soggy bottoms.

Ingredients in Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies

Each ingredient has a job to do — together, they create the soft, chewy, and flavorful cookie of your dreams.

1. All-Purpose Flour: 2 1/4 cups. Provides the structure.
2. Baking Soda: 1 teaspoon. Lifts and lightens the texture.
3. Salt: 1/2 teaspoon. Balances the sweet and deepens flavor.
4. Unsalted Butter: 1 cup (2 sticks), softened. Creates richness and moisture.
5. Brown Sugar: 3/4 cup, packed. Adds chewiness and caramel notes.
6. Granulated Sugar: 1/2 cup. Lightens texture and sweetens.
7. Eggs: 2 large. Bind and enrich the dough.
8. Vanilla Extract: 2 teaspoons. Adds warmth and depth.
9. Maraschino Cherries: 3/4 cup, chopped and patted dry. Bring a burst of sweet-tart fruitiness.
10. Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: 1 1/2 cups. Provide melty, chocolatey goodness.

Ingredient Substitutions

Don’t worry if you’re short on something — here’s how to swap smart:

Maraschino Cherries: Use dried cherries rehydrated in warm water.
Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: Try dark, milk, or white chocolate.
Butter: Use plant-based butter for a dairy-free version.
Brown Sugar: Mix 1 tablespoon molasses into 3/4 cup granulated sugar.
Vanilla Extract: Almond extract adds a cherry-cordial vibe.

Ingredient Spotlight

Maraschino Cherries: These sweet preserved cherries lend a fun pop of color and a juicy, tangy-sweet bite that contrasts beautifully with rich chocolate.
Brown Sugar: Its moisture content and molasses flavor give the cookies that iconic chew and caramel undertone.

Instructions for Making Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies

Now comes the sweet part — mixing and baking these irresistible treats. Let’s get started:

1. Preheat Your Equipment: Set oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Combine Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, and salt. In another bowl, beat butter and both sugars until creamy. Add eggs and vanilla, mixing well. Gradually stir in dry ingredients.
3. Prepare Your Cooking Vessel: Fold in chocolate chips and chopped cherries. Use a cookie scoop to portion dough onto prepared sheets.
4. Assemble the Dish: Space cookies about 2 inches apart. Press a few extra chocolate chips and cherry pieces on top if desired.
5. Cook to Perfection: Bake for 9–11 minutes until edges are lightly golden. Centers will still be soft.
6. Finishing Touches: Let cookies rest on the sheet for 2 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
7. Serve and Enjoy: Enjoy warm for gooey centers or cool completely for chewy texture.

Texture & Flavor Secrets

These cookies are all about contrast: chewy edges, gooey middles, melty chocolate, and juicy cherry bites. The vanilla and brown sugar create a deep, comforting base while the cherries add brightness that cuts the richness beautifully.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To keep your cookies consistent and delicious every time:

• Chop cherries small so they distribute evenly.
• Use a light hand when mixing in cherries to avoid over-dyeing the dough.
• Freeze scooped dough balls for quick future baking.

What to Avoid

Avoid these common missteps to ensure cookie perfection:

• Don’t skip drying the cherries — wet ones will ruin texture.
• Avoid overbaking — they firm up as they cool.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan — they spread as they bake.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 24 cookies
Calories per serving: 210
Note: These are approximate values.

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

You can make the dough up to 3 days ahead and refrigerate it. Or scoop dough balls and freeze — bake straight from frozen, adding 1–2 minutes to the bake time. Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for 4–5 days.

How to Serve Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies

Serve warm with a glass of cold milk or alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For a dessert board, pair with strawberries, dark chocolate squares, and almonds.

Creative Leftover Transformations

Turn leftover cookies into:

• Ice Cream Sandwiches: Layer with cherry or chocolate ice cream.
• Cookie Crumble Parfait: Crumble over whipped cream and fruit.
• Cherry Chocolate Trifle: Layer with pudding and whipped cream.

Additional Tips

A few last sweet suggestions:

• Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top before baking for a gourmet touch.
• Add a dash of almond extract for deeper cherry notes.
• For a holiday twist, drizzle with white chocolate.

Make It a Showstopper

Want your cookies to turn heads? Try these:

• Use a mix of mini and regular chocolate chips for texture play.
• Shape cookies into hearts for a Valentine’s Day twist.
• Stack and tie with ribbon for the ultimate edible gift.

Variations to Try

Put your own spin on these irresistible cookies:

• Cherry Almond: Add 1/2 teaspoon almond extract and chopped almonds.
• Double Chocolate: Replace some flour with cocoa powder.
• White Chocolate Cherry: Use white chips for a creamy contrast.
• Cherry Pistachio: Add chopped pistachios for crunch and color.
• Spiced Cherry: Add a pinch of cinnamon for warmth.

FAQ’s

Q1: Can I use fresh cherries?
A1: Yes, just pit, chop, and pat them dry thoroughly before adding.

Q2: Are maraschino cherries too sweet?
A2: Not in these cookies — they balance beautifully with chocolate.

Q3: Can I freeze the dough?
A3: Definitely — freeze in balls and bake as needed.

Q4: What’s the best chocolate to use?
A4: Semi-sweet works great, but dark chocolate adds richness.

Q5: Can I make them gluten-free?
A5: Yes, use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour.

Q6: Do I need to chill the dough?
A6: Not required, but chilling helps prevent spread if desired.

Q7: Why are my cookies flat?
A7: Your butter may have been too soft or melted — chill the dough a bit.

Q8: How do I store leftovers?
A8: In an airtight container at room temp for up to 5 days.

Q9: Can I add nuts?
A9: Absolutely — walnuts or pecans work beautifully.

Q10: Can I double the recipe?
A10: Yes, just use two baking sheets and rotate halfway through baking.

Conclusion

These Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies are a joyful twist on a classic, bringing together two iconic flavors in every chewy, melty bite. Whether for holidays, bake sales, or just because, they’re guaranteed to bring smiles. Bake them once, and you’ll be hooked.

Watch How To Make Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies