Chocolate chip cookies are a classic for a reason, but adding cherries brings a burst of bright, tangy flavor that takes them to the next level. This recipe for chocolate chip and cherry cookies is easy to follow, even for beginner bakers, and yields soft, chewy cookies with a delightful mix of sweet and tart.
Whether you’re baking for a crowd, packing a special lunchbox treat, or simply craving a delicious homemade cookie, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite.
Let’s Bake!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¾ cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup dried cherries
Equipment:
- Oven
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mats
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer (optional, but helpful)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula or wooden spoon
Instructions:
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Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
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Cream Together Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This is where an electric mixer comes in handy, but you can also use a wooden spoon and some elbow grease!
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Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Make sure each ingredient is fully incorporated before adding the next.
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Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures the leavening agents are evenly distributed for perfectly textured cookies.
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Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough cookies.
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Fold in the Goodness: Gently fold in the chocolate chips and dried cherries. I like to use a spatula for this step to avoid overmixing.
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Scoop and Bake: Drop heaping tablespoons of cookie dough onto your prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.
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Bake to Perfection: Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are just slightly soft.
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Cooling and Enjoying: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Chocolate Chip and Cherry Cookies
Tips and Tricks:
- Chill Out for Flavor: For chewier cookies with a more intense flavor, consider chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes (or even overnight!) before baking.
- Size Matters: Use a cookie scoop to ensure uniformly sized cookies that bake evenly.
- Don’t Overbake: Keep a close eye on your cookies while they bake, as oven temperatures can vary. The cookies are ready when the edges are set and lightly golden.
- Get Creative: This recipe is a great base for customization! Try adding white chocolate chips, nuts like pecans or walnuts, or even a sprinkle of sea salt.
FAQs:
Can I use fresh cherries instead of dried?
While you can use fresh cherries, keep in mind that they contain a lot of moisture. You’ll need to pit and chop them, then toss them with a tablespoon of flour to help absorb excess moisture and prevent soggy cookies.
How do I store these cookies?
Store your chocolate chip and cherry cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the baked cookies for up to 2 months.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! The cookie dough can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Let it come to room temperature slightly before scooping and baking.
Chocolate Chip Cherry Cookie Dough
Indulge in the Sweet and Tangy Goodness!
These chocolate chip and cherry cookies are a delicious twist on a classic treat. The combination of sweet chocolate and tangy cherries is simply irresistible. So gather your ingredients, preheat that oven, and bake up a batch of these delightful cookies. Your taste buds will thank you!
If you’re a fan of chocolate and cherry together, you might also enjoy our recipe for Chocolate Covered Cherry Cookies. And for a different take on the classic chocolate chip cookie, give our Chocolate Pecan Cookies a try. Happy baking!
