Dark Chocolate Cherry Cookies are the perfect blend of rich, decadent flavors and chewy textures that will delight your taste buds. Imagine biting into a warm cookie where luscious dark chocolate melds beautifully with tart cherries. This recipe is not just about flavor; it also offers an inviting aroma that fills your kitchen while baking. Whether you’re preparing for a special occasion or simply satisfying your sweet tooth, these cookies are sure to impress friends and family alike. Plus, they come together quickly with minimal fuss—ideal for both novice bakers and seasoned pros. In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to create these irresistible treats at home. Grab your apron and let’s get started on making these delightful Dark Chocolate Cherry Cookies!
Why You’ll Love This Dark Chocolate Cherry Cookies
- Quick and Easy: Minimal prep time and straightforward steps make this recipe stress-free, even for novice cooks
- Flavorful and Versatile: Enjoy outstanding flavor with ingredients you can easily customize by adding your favorites or adjusting spices
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Ideal for casual gatherings, holiday celebrations, or weeknight dinners
Ingredients for Dark Chocolate Cherry Cookies
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- All-Purpose Flour: This forms the base of your cookies; ensure it’s fresh for the best results.
- Cocoa Powder: Use unsweetened cocoa powder to enhance the rich chocolate flavor in each bite.
- Baking Soda: This leavening agent helps your cookies rise to their perfect texture.
- Salt: A pinch of salt enhances all the flavors in your cookie dough.
- Unsalted Butter: Room-temperature butter is crucial for creating a creamy dough that holds its shape.
- Brown Sugar: Adds moisture and depth of flavor; light or dark brown sugar can be used based on preference.
- Granulated Sugar: Balances out the richness from the butter and brown sugar.
- Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla extract rounds out the flavors beautifully in your cookie dough.
- Eggs: Eggs act as a binding agent; use large eggs for best results.
- Dark Chocolate Chips: Choose high-quality dark chocolate chips for that deep chocolate experience.
- Dried Cherries: Opt for tart dried cherries to complement the sweetness of the chocolate perfectly.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Dark Chocolate Cherry Cookies
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, cream together softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy using an electric mixer.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in eggs one at a time along with vanilla extract until fully incorporated into the mixture.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture into the wet mixture until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Step 6: Fold in Chocolate Chips and Cherries
Gently fold in dark chocolate chips and dried cherries until evenly distributed throughout the cookie dough.
Step 7: Bake Your Cookies
Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto prepared baking sheets. Bake for about 10-12 minutes or until edges are set but centers remain soft. Allow cooling on sheets before transferring them to wire racks.
Transfer to plates and enjoy these delectable Dark Chocolate Cherry Cookies as an afternoon treat or dessert!
Tips and Tricks
Here are some helpful tips to ensure the best results for your dish:
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- Ingredient Temperature: Ensure ingredients like butter and eggs reach room temperature before starting for better mixing.
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- Dough Consistency: If dough seems too sticky after mixing, refrigerate it for about half an hour before baking.
- Baking Time Accuracy: Keep an eye on them towards the end of baking; they should look slightly underbaked when you take them out.
How to Serve Dark Chocolate Cherry Cookies
This Dark Chocolate Cherry Cookies is versatile and pairs wonderfully with:
- Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy texture and flavor of vanilla ice cream balances the rich chocolate and tart cherries perfectly.
- Coffee: A warm cup of coffee enhances the flavors of the cookies, making for a delightful afternoon treat.
- Fruit Salad: A vibrant fruit salad adds freshness and lightness, contrasting beautifully with the indulgent cookies.
Feel free to pair it with your favorite sides for a personalized meal!
Make Ahead and Storage
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the cookie dough in advance. Mix all ingredients, form into balls, and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Alternatively, freeze the dough for up to 3 months. Just thaw in the refrigerator before baking.
- Storing: Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, consider refrigerating them in a sealed container where they can last up to two weeks.
- Reheating: To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place cookies on a baking sheet and warm for about 5-7 minutes until they’re soft and delicious again.
FAQs for Dark Chocolate Cherry Cookies:
What ingredients do I need for Dark Chocolate Cherry Cookies?
To make delightful Dark Chocolate Cherry Cookies, you will need essential ingredients commonly found in cookie recipes. Start with all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. For sweetness, gather granulated sugar and brown sugar. You will also need unsalted butter that’s softened, along with eggs and pure vanilla extract. The star ingredients are dark chocolate chips and dried cherries, which add a rich flavor and chewy texture to the cookies. Make sure to choose high-quality dark chocolate for the best results. These cookies are perfect for any occasion, providing a delicious balance of sweet and tart flavors with a hint of chocolate indulgence.
How long should I bake Dark Chocolate Cherry Cookies?
The baking time for Dark Chocolate Cherry Cookies typically ranges from 10 to 12 minutes at 350°F (175°C). However, every oven is different. It is important to keep an eye on the cookies as they bake. You can tell they are done when the edges appear set but the centers still look slightly soft. This will ensure that your cookies remain chewy and moist after cooling. If you prefer crispier cookies, you might want to leave them in for an additional minute or two. Always allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
Can I use fresh cherries instead of dried ones in Dark Chocolate Cherry Cookies?
While dried cherries work best in Dark Chocolate Cherry Cookies due to their concentrated sweetness and chewy texture, you can experiment with fresh cherries if desired. However, be aware that fresh cherries contain more moisture which could affect the dough consistency. To use fresh cherries, pit and chop them into small pieces, then toss them in flour before mixing into the cookie dough. This will help absorb some moisture and prevent your cookies from becoming too wet or spreading too much during baking.
How can I store Dark Chocolate Cherry Cookies?
To keep your Dark Chocolate Cherry Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They should remain good for about one week. If you want to extend their shelf life further, consider refrigerating them; they can last up to two weeks when stored this way. For longer storage options, freeze your cookies by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen cookies can be enjoyed for up to three months; just remember to let them thaw at room temperature before indulging.
Can I make Dark Chocolate Cherry Cookies gluten-free?
Yes! You can easily adapt your Dark Chocolate Cherry Cookies recipe to be gluten-free by substituting all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure the blend contains xanthan gum or add it separately according to package instructions so that your cookies maintain their structure and texture. Other than that, you can follow the same recipe steps without any additional changes needed regarding other ingredients like sugars or chocolate chips.
Are there any variations I can try with Dark Chocolate Cherry Cookies?
Certainly! There are many variations you can explore with Dark Chocolate Cherry Cookies to suit your taste preferences. Consider adding nuts like walnuts or pecans for added crunch if desired. You could also experiment with different types of chocolate—like semi-sweet or white chocolate—for interesting flavor combinations. For a touch of spice, try incorporating cinnamon or espresso powder into the dough; both enhance the overall taste profile beautifully while complementing the dark chocolate flavor.
Conclusion for Dark Chocolate Cherry Cookies:
Dark Chocolate Cherry Cookies offer a delightful combination of rich flavors that satisfy any sweet tooth while providing a unique twist on traditional cookie recipes. With simple ingredients such as flour, butter, sugars, dark chocolate chips, and dried cherries, these treats are easy to whip up in your kitchen. Remember that proper baking times ensure either chewy centers or crispy edges based on personal preference. Storing methods play an important role in keeping these delectable delights fresh as well—whether at room temperature or frozen for later enjoyment! Feel free to customize your batch by trying out different variations that cater specifically to your taste buds! Enjoy making and sharing this delicious treat!
Print
Irresistible Dark Chocolate Cherry Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies
Description
Indulge in the ultimate treat with these Dark Chocolate Cherry Cookies, a perfect blend of rich chocolate and tart cherries that will tantalize your taste buds. Each bite delivers a chewy texture and an explosion of flavors, making them an ideal dessert for any occasion. Quick to prepare and easy to bake, this recipe is perfect for both novice bakers and seasoned pros alike. Enjoy these cookies warm from the oven or share them at your next gathering for a delightful surprise!
Ingredients
– All-purpose flour
– Unsweetened cocoa powder
– Baking soda
– Salt
– Unsalted butter (softened)
– Brown sugar
– Granulated sugar
– Eggs
– Vanilla extract
– Dark chocolate chips
– Dried cherries
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Cream softened butter with brown and granulated sugars until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in eggs one at a time along with vanilla extract.
5. Gradually mix in dry ingredients until just combined.
6. Fold in dark chocolate chips and dried cherries.
7. Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto prepared sheets and bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are set.
Notes
For added texture, consider mixing in chopped nuts or experimenting with different types of chocolate. You can also refrigerate dough for up to 30 minutes for easier handling.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g