Indulge in the irresistible fusion of rich chocolate and sweet-tart cherries with these Decadent Chocolate Cherry Cookies. Perfectly soft and chewy, each bite delivers a luxurious blend of deep cocoa flavor and juicy bursts of cherry, making them a standout treat for any dessert lover.
Whether you’re baking for a special occasion, holiday celebration, or simply craving something indulgent, these cookies are sure to satisfy. Easy to make and impossible to resist, they bring a bakery-quality experience right to your kitchen. Serve them warm with a glass of milk or as a sweet finish to any meal.
If you’re looking for a dessert that brings together rich chocolate flavor with the sweet tartness of cherries, these Decadent Chocolate Cherry Cookies are the answer.
Soft, fudgy, and bursting with chunks of dark chocolate and chewy dried cherries, these cookies are a surefire way to impress your guests — or indulge yourself. Perfect for holidays, gift boxes, or simply curling up with a warm drink.
Decadent Chocolate Cherry Cookies Recipe
Description
Decadent Chocolate Cherry Cookies are rich, fudgy treats bursting with the irresistible pairing of dark chocolate and tart cherries.
Each bite offers a soft, chewy texture with pockets of melted chocolate and the sweet-tangy contrast of dried or fresh cherries.
Perfect for dessert lovers craving something indulgent, these cookies are ideal for holidays, romantic occasions, or anytime you need a chocolate fix.
Their deep flavor and festive look also make them great for gifting. Whether enjoyed warm from the oven or cooled with a glass of milk, these cookies are a luscious twist on the classic chocolate cookie.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients:
Mix-Ins:
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. This helps the cookies bake evenly and prevents sticking.
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In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Set this aside — these dry ingredients will soon be combined with the wet mixture to create the cookie dough.
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In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together using an electric hand mixer or stand mixer until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes). This step is key to getting that soft, chewy texture.
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Add the egg and vanilla extract (and almond extract, if using) to the butter-sugar mixture. Beat on medium speed until the mixture is smooth and fully combined.
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Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed or by hand just until incorporated. Don’t overmix — that could lead to tough cookies.
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Gently fold in the chocolate chunks and chopped dried cherries using a spatula or wooden spoon. Make sure they're evenly distributed throughout the dough for consistent bites of flavor.
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For thicker cookies, chill the dough for 30 minutes to 1 hour. This helps control spread and deepens the flavors.
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Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, portion out the dough into 1.5-inch balls. Place them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
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Bake in the preheated oven for 9–11 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers still look slightly soft. The cookies will continue to bake on the tray after being removed from the oven.
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Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve warm or store for later.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 24
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 180kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 10g16%
- Saturated Fat 5g25%
- Cholesterol 25mg9%
- Sodium 80mg4%
- Total Carbohydrate 24g8%
- Dietary Fiber 2g8%
- Sugars 17g
- Protein 3g6%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
Decadent Chocolate Cherry Cookies combine the richness of chocolate with the tart-sweet flavor of cherries for a cookie that's indulgent, chewy, and crowd-pleasing.
Whether you're baking for the holidays, a potluck, or simply treating yourself, these cookies are sure to impress.
Let’s dive into some tips to elevate your bake, creative ways to serve them, and a concluding note on why these cookies deserve a permanent spot in your recipe box.
Expert Baking Tips for Perfect Cookies
1. Use Good-Quality Chocolate:
Since chocolate is a primary flavor, using high-quality semi-sweet or dark chocolate (bars or chips) makes a noticeable difference. For an extra fudgy texture, consider folding in chunks rather than chips.
2. Dried vs. Fresh Cherries:
Dried tart cherries work best in this recipe because they provide a chewy texture and concentrated flavor without adding extra moisture. If using fresh or maraschino cherries, pat them dry thoroughly to avoid soggy cookies.
3. Don’t Overmix the Dough:
Once the dry ingredients are added to the wet mix, stir just until combined. Overmixing can make the cookies dense and tough.
4. Chill the Dough:
For thicker cookies with more depth of flavor, chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This helps the cookies hold their shape and enhances the rich chocolate taste.
5. Use Brown Sugar for Moisture:
Brown sugar adds moisture and chewiness to the cookies. A combination of brown and white sugar gives the best of both worlds—soft centers with crisp edges.
6. Enhance with Espresso Powder:
A small pinch (about ½ tsp) of espresso powder intensifies the chocolate flavor without making the cookies taste like coffee.
7. Don’t Overbake:
These cookies are best when slightly underbaked. The centers will continue to cook on the baking sheet after removal. Pull them out when the edges are set but the centers still look soft.
Serving Tricks for Extra Flair
1. Chocolate Drizzle or Ganache Dip:
After cooling, drizzle the cookies with melted dark chocolate or dip half of each cookie into ganache for an elegant look and deeper chocolate flavor.
2. Sandwich Cookies:
Spread a thin layer of cherry preserves or chocolate ganache between two cookies to make decadent cookie sandwiches. Ideal for special occasions!
3. Holiday Cookie Boards:
Include these cookies on a dessert board with peppermint bark, shortbread, and spiced nuts. The rich cherry-chocolate combo adds variety and visual appeal.
4. A La Mode:
Warm a few cookies slightly and serve with a scoop of vanilla or cherry ice cream for a heavenly dessert.
5. Gift Giving:
These cookies keep well for several days and pack beautifully, making them excellent for gifting during the holidays. Wrap them in parchment and tie with twine for a rustic, homemade touch.
Tips for Success
- Dried cherries are key here. If they’re a bit too firm, soak them in warm water (or cherry liqueur) for 10 minutes and pat dry before adding to the dough.
- Use quality cocoa powder and chocolate — it really makes a difference in the richness of flavor.
- Want extra decadence? Press a few extra chocolate chunks and cherries into the top of each dough ball before baking for that “bakery-style” look.
- If you're a fan of nuts, try adding ½ cup chopped toasted pecans or walnuts for added texture.
Storage & Freezing
- Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Place a slice of bread inside the container to keep cookies soft.
- Freezing Dough: Scoop dough into balls and freeze on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding 1–2 minutes to the baking time.
- Freezing Baked Cookies: Cool completely, then store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature or microwave briefly to warm.
Serving Ideas
- Pair with a glass of cold milk or hot espresso for a delightful dessert.
- Serve alongside vanilla ice cream for a twist on a cookie sundae.
- Add to your holiday cookie box or wrap in cellophane bags for a thoughtful homemade gift.
Why You’ll Love Them
These cookies deliver the perfect combination of rich chocolatey depth with the bright burst of cherries in every bite. Whether you’re a cookie enthusiast or a dessert lover looking to try something unique, this recipe is easy to follow and delivers bakery-quality results at home.
Conclusion
Decadent Chocolate Cherry Cookies offer a perfect harmony of textures and flavors—gooey chocolate, chewy cherries, crisp edges, and a soft center.
They’re easy enough for a weekday bake but elegant enough for celebrations. With the right ingredients and a few simple techniques, you can elevate this classic cookie into something truly special.
Whether you're pairing them with a glass of milk, a cup of coffee, or a scoop of ice cream, these cookies are a delightful treat that never disappoints. From Valentine’s Day to holiday cookie exchanges or cozy weekend baking, they strike the perfect balance between richness and comfort.
So the next time you're craving a luxurious yet easy dessert, whip up a batch of these chocolate cherry wonders—you might just find your new favorite cookie.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh cherries instead of dried or maraschino cherries?
Yes, you can use fresh cherries, but they must be pitted and chopped finely.
Keep in mind that fresh cherries have a higher moisture content, which may slightly alter the texture of the cookies—making them softer.
To prevent sogginess, pat the chopped cherries dry with a paper towel before folding them into the dough.
What type of chocolate works best for this recipe?
Dark or semi-sweet chocolate is ideal because it balances the sweetness of the cherries. You can use chocolate chips, chopped chocolate bars, or even white chocolate for a different twist. Avoid milk chocolate if you prefer a richer, less sweet flavor profile.
Can I freeze the cookie dough or baked cookies?
Absolutely. The dough can be frozen for up to 3 months—just scoop it into balls and freeze on a tray before transferring to a bag. Baked cookies also freeze well; wrap them tightly and store in an airtight container. To serve, let them thaw at room temperature or warm briefly in the oven for that fresh-baked feel.
How do I make the cookies more decadent?
For extra indulgence, try drizzling melted chocolate over cooled cookies or adding chunks of chocolate truffle or white chocolate chips into the dough.
You can also stuff the cookie with a cherry center for a hidden surprise or use cherry liqueur for a grown-up twist (just a teaspoon for added flavor).
