Chocolate and Cherry Cookies: 10 Scrumptious Homemade Treats

Name: Chocolate and Cherry Cookies
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 11 min
Total time: 21 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 ¼ cups all purpose flour; ¾ cups unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 teaspoon baking soda; ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon baking powder; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature; 1 cup light brown sugar; ½ cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs, at room temperature; 2 tablespoons maraschino cherry liquid; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 25 maraschino cherries; ½ cup chocolate chips; 1 tablespoon shortening

Jump to Recipe

Hey there, fellow dessert lovers! Nothing makes me happier than sharing a little bit of baking magic with you. For as long as I can remember, the kitchen has been my favorite place, where simple ingredients turn into something truly special. Today, we’re diving into a recipe that holds a sweet spot in my heart: delicious chocolate and cherry cookies. If you’re looking for other cookie inspiration, you might also love my Cream Cheese Chocolate Chip Cookies – they’re incredibly soft!

These aren’t just any cookies; they’re a perfect dance between deep, rich cocoa and bright, sweet-tart maraschino cherries. Every bite is a delightful surprise, full of amazing flavor that just makes you smile. The combination of classic chocolate cookie dough with those vibrant red cherries is simply irresistible.

Baking these chocolate and cherry cookies always brings joy. Whether it’s a cozy evening at home, a family gathering, or a festive celebration, they fit right in. There’s something truly heartwarming about the aroma filling your kitchen and seeing the happy faces when these beautiful treats are served.

These chocolate and cherry cookies are more than just a dessert; they’re an invitation to slow down, savor a moment, and share a sweet connection. Get ready to bake a batch of pure happiness that everyone will love. For more inspiration on delicious bakes, check out this great resource for chocolate and cherry cookies. Let’s make some memories, one delicious cookie at a time!

Table of Contents

Gather Your Goodies: Ingredients for Irresistible Chocolate and Cherry Cookies

Alright, bakers! Before we dive into the fun, let’s gather all the goodies we need for these irresistible chocolate and cherry cookies. Having everything measured out and ready to go makes the baking process so much smoother. Plus, making sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature is a little secret for truly amazing cookie dough!

Here’s your shopping list for creating a batch of these delightful treats:

3 ¼ cups all purpose flour
¾ cups unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon baking powder
1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
1 cup light brown sugar
½ cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs, at room temperature
2 tablespoons maraschino cherry liquid
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
25 maraschino cherries
½ cup chocolate chips
1 tablespoon shortening

chocolate and cherry cookies on a plate, with a bowl of cherry liquid and loose cherries.

Baking Bliss: Step-by-Step Guide to Perfect Chocolate and Cherry Cookies

Now for the fun part! Making these delightful chocolate and cherry cookies is a truly rewarding experience. Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a batch of incredible homemade cookies ready to enjoy. Let’s get baking!

Step 1: Prep Your Space
First things first, let’s get your oven ready. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line several baking trays with parchment paper to get started. This simple trick prevents your delicious chocolate and cherry cookies from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.

Step 2: Whisk the Dry
In a medium bowl, combine your dry ingredients: the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, salt, and baking powder. Give them a good whisk to make sure they’re all mixed together. This helps ensure every bite of your chocolate cookie has the perfect flavor and texture.

Step 3: Cream the Wet
Now, in a large bowl, get out your electric mixer. Add the softened unsalted butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Beat them together on medium speed until the mixture looks light, fluffy, and pale. This creaming process adds air, making your cookies wonderfully tender.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Flavor
Next, beat in the large eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each one. Then, stir in the maraschino cherry liquid and vanilla extract. The cherry liquid really helps bring that lovely cherry flavor into the cookie dough, setting the stage for amazing chocolate and cherry cookies.

Step 5: Combine Dry and Wet
It’s time to bring it all together! Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture from Step 2 into the wet ingredients in the large bowl. Use a low mixer setting and mix only until the mixture comes together. Be careful not to overmix the dough, as this can make your cookies tough. We want soft, chewy perfection!

Step 6: Fold in the Fun
Take your maraschino cherries and drain them really well. You can even pat them dry with a paper towel to remove extra moisture. Chop about half of the cherries into small pieces. Gently fold both the chopped cherries and the chocolate chips into your cookie dough using a spatula. This makes sure every cookie gets a wonderful burst of flavor.

Step 7: Scoop and Shape
Roll the cookie dough into 1.5-inch balls. Place these dough balls about 2 inches apart on your prepared baking sheets. Press down gently on each ball with your hand to slightly flatten it. Then, press a whole maraschino cherry right into the center of each cookie dough disc. This creates that beautiful signature look for our irresistible chocolate and cherry cookies.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection
Slide those baking sheets into your preheated oven. Bake for 9-11 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the edges of the cookies are set, but the centers still look a little soft. Don’t worry, they will firm up as they cool! Overbaking can lead to dry cookies, and we want soft, decadent treats.

Step 9: Cool Down
Once your cookies are baked, let them rest on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes. This cooling time helps them firm up so they don’t fall apart when you move them. After 5 minutes, carefully transfer your beautiful chocolate and cherry cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 10: Drizzle with Decadence
For an extra touch of deliciousness, let’s add a chocolate drizzle! In a small microwave-safe bowl, combine the ½ cup chocolate chips and 1 tablespoon shortening. Microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring well after each one, until the chocolate is smooth and melted. Use a spoon or a fork to drizzle this melted chocolate over your cooled chocolate and cherry cookies. Let the drizzle set before you dig in. Enjoy every single bite!

Chef’s Secrets for Amazing Chocolate and Cherry Cookies

Baking is an art, and a few simple tricks can make your chocolate and cherry cookies truly shine. These “chef’s secrets” will help you achieve perfect results every time, making your homemade treats even more special.

Room Temperature Ingredients are Key: Always use butter and eggs that are at room temperature. This helps them mix smoothly, creating a light and fluffy dough. Cold ingredients won’t combine as well, leading to a denser cookie texture for your chocolate and cherry cookies.

Don’t Overmix the Dough: Once you add the dry ingredients to the wet, mix just until combined. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour too much, which can make your chocolate and cherry cookies tough instead of soft and chewy. Mix until you no longer see streaks of flour.

Chilling for Better Texture: If you have time, chill your cookie dough for at least 30 minutes. This helps the flavors meld and prevents the cookies from spreading too much in the oven, giving your chocolate and cherry cookies a chewier texture and a more defined shape.

Taming Sticky Cherries: Maraschino cherries can be a bit sticky. To chop them easily, try chilling them first, or lightly dusting your knife with flour. Draining them well and patting dry is also crucial for preventing excess moisture in your chocolate and cherry cookies.

Mix It Up with Substitutions: Feel free to get creative! You can use dark chocolate chips for a richer flavor, or white chocolate chips for a sweeter contrast. A handful of chopped walnuts or pecans also adds a lovely crunch to these chocolate and cherry cookies.

Keeping Them Fresh: Store your cooled chocolate and cherry cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh and delicious for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 2 months.

Serving Suggestions: These chocolate and cherry cookies are amazing on their own. But they are also wonderful with a cold glass of milk, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a warm cup of coffee. Enjoy every delightful bite!

One of the greatest things about baking is the freedom to mix and match flavors!

This classic chocolate and cherry cookie recipe is fantastic as is, but it’s also a great starting point for some fun variations. Don’t be afraid to experiment and find your new favorite twist!

Dark Chocolate Cherry Cookies: For a more intense, sophisticated flavor, swap out the semi-sweet chocolate chips for dark chocolate chips or even chopped dark chocolate bars. This creates a bolder chocolate and cherry cookie experience.
White Chocolate Cherry Cookies: If you prefer a sweeter, creamier touch, try using white chocolate chips instead of traditional chocolate. The milky sweetness of white chocolate pairs beautifully with the tartness of the cherries in these delightful chocolate and cherry cookies. For another delicious white chocolate combo, check out my White Chocolate Raspberry Cookies.
Nutty Cherry Cookies: Add some crunch and extra flavor by folding in ½ cup of chopped walnuts, pecans, or even sliced almonds with the cherries. Nuts bring a lovely texture contrast to the soft chocolate and cherry cookies.
Spiced Cherry Cookies: Enhance the warmth of your cookies with a pinch of spice. Add ¼ teaspoon of ground cinnamon or ½ teaspoon of almond extract to the dry ingredients for a subtle, aromatic twist on your chocolate and cherry cookies.
Boozy Cherry Cookies: For an adult-friendly treat, replace 1 tablespoon of the maraschino cherry liquid with a tablespoon of kirsch (cherry brandy) or a good quality dark rum. This adds a wonderful depth of flavor to your chocolate cherry cookies. If you’re exploring different flours, my Almond Flour Chocolate Cookies are another must-try!

Every batch of cookies tells a story, and these chocolate and cherry cookies hold a very special place in my heart. I remember one chilly December, getting ready for our annual family holiday party. I wanted to bake something truly festive, something that looked as cheerful as it tasted.

That’s when the idea for these cookies sparked! The deep, dark chocolate paired with the vibrant, festive red of the maraschino cherries seemed like the perfect combination. As the cookies baked, the warm, sweet aroma of chocolate and cherry filled my entire home, making it feel extra cozy.

When I pulled those beautiful, perfectly round chocolate and cherry cookies from the oven, they looked just magical. Each one was a little masterpiece, with the bright red cherry peeking out from the rich chocolate dough.

Seeing my family gather around the dessert table, their eyes lighting up as they reached for these treats, was the best feeling. My little cousin, usually picky, asked for a second one! It wasn’t just about the delicious taste; it was about the laughter, the warm conversations, and the way those cookies seemed to bring everyone closer. It reminded me why I love to bake so much – to share joy and create those sweet, lasting memories.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Chocolate and Cherry Cookies

Here are some common questions I get about making and enjoying these delightful chocolate and cherry cookies. Hopefully, these answers help you bake with confidence!

How should I store chocolate and cherry cookies to keep them fresh?

To keep your chocolate and cherry cookies wonderfully fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. A cookie jar or a plastic container with a tight-fitting lid works perfectly. They’ll stay soft and delicious for about 3-4 days. If your kitchen is very warm, you can keep them in the fridge, but let them come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.

Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries in this chocolate and cherry cookie recipe?

While you can use fresh cherries, it will change the cookie quite a bit. Fresh cherries have more moisture and less sugar than maraschino cherries. If you use them, make sure to pit and chop them, and consider reducing the maraschino cherry liquid slightly to avoid making the dough too wet. The flavor profile will also be less sweet and more tart, which some people prefer for their chocolate and cherry cookies!

Can I freeze chocolate and cherry cookie dough or baked cookies?

Absolutely! These chocolate and cherry cookies are great for freezing.
For dough: Roll the dough balls as directed in Step 7, then place them on a baking sheet and freeze until solid (about 1 hour). Transfer the dough balls to a freezer-safe storage bag or container for long-term keeping. When ready to bake, place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake from frozen, adding a couple more minutes to the bake time.
For baked cookies: Once completely cooled, place the cookies in a single layer in an airtight freezer-safe container, separating layers with parchment paper. They will keep well for up to 2 months. Thaw them at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy.

What kind of chocolate is best for chocolate and cherry cookies?

For the cookie dough itself, semi-sweet chocolate chips are a fantastic choice as they offer a balanced sweetness that complements the cherries. If you love a richer, less sweet flavor, dark chocolate chips (around 60-70% cocoa) are wonderful for chocolate and cherry cookies. For the drizzle, standard semi-sweet chocolate chips melted with a bit of shortening work beautifully to create a smooth, shiny finish. Feel free to experiment with milk chocolate for a sweeter cookie or even white chocolate for a pretty contrast!

Conclusion: Final Thoughts on Chocolate and Cherry Cookies

And there you have it! A recipe for truly delightful chocolate and cherry cookies that I hope brings as much joy to your kitchen as it does to mine. Baking is more than just following steps; it’s about the wonderful smells, the shared moments, and the simple pleasure of creating something delicious with your own hands.

Don’t hesitate to give these chocolate and cherry cookies a try. They’re perfect for brightening any day, sharing with loved ones, or simply treating yourself. I hope you enjoy every single bite and feel that special connection that only homemade treats can bring. Happy baking, everyone!