Name: Chocolate Cherry Cookies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter; 3/4 cup brown sugar; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 cup chopped dark chocolate; 3/4 cup dried cherries

There’s something nostalgic about the combination of rich chocolate and tart cherries. It brings together the warmth of a holiday memory and the indulgence of a chocolate lover’s dream. These Chocolate Cherry Cookies are soft, chewy, and studded with bursts of juicy cherries and decadent chocolate chunks in every bite. They taste like something you’d find in a cozy bakery, but they’re incredibly simple to whip up at home.

Whether you’re baking for a festive cookie exchange, prepping treats for a loved one, or just looking for a sweet way to satisfy your cravings, these cookies are bound to hit the spot. They strike the perfect balance between tender cookie dough, luscious chocolate, and the subtle tang of dried cherries. Plus, your kitchen will smell amazing while they bake.

Why You’ll Love These Chocolate Cherry Cookies

These cookies offer a delightful contrast of flavors and textures that makes them uniquely satisfying. The slight tartness from the cherries cuts through the richness of the chocolate, making each bite more interesting than the last. The recipe is also wonderfully versatile: you can switch up the mix-ins, use dark or milk chocolate, and even add nuts if you like. Best of all, you don’t need any fancy equipment to make them—just a bowl, a spoon, and a love for cozy baking.

Can I Use Fresh or Frozen Cherries Instead of Dried?

While dried cherries are ideal because they don’t add extra moisture to the dough, you can use fresh or frozen ones if you take a few precautions. If using fresh, chop them small and pat them dry thoroughly before adding. Frozen cherries should be thawed and drained completely to avoid a soggy cookie. Keep in mind the texture may be slightly different, and the cookies might spread more.

Ingredients for the Chocolate Cherry Cookies

This cookie dough comes together with pantry staples and a few special ingredients that make all the difference.

Unsalted butter: Provides richness and that classic cookie flavor.
Brown sugar: Adds moisture and a hint of molasses, making the cookies chewy.
Granulated sugar: Helps with structure and crisp edges.
Egg: Binds the ingredients together and gives the cookies structure.
Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor.
All-purpose flour: The base of the dough that keeps everything together.
Baking soda: Helps the cookies rise and spread just the right amount.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and deepens the flavors.
Chopped dark chocolate: Adds melty, rich chocolate pockets.
Dried cherries: The star ingredient that brings chewy, tart bites.

How To Make the Chocolate Cherry Cookies

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugars

Start by beating the unsalted butter with both brown and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This helps create a tender, chewy cookie texture.

Step 2: Add Egg and Vanilla

Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated. This helps the dough come together smoothly.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry mix to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined.

Step 4: Fold in Chocolate and Cherries

Gently fold in the chopped dark chocolate and dried cherries until evenly distributed.

Step 5: Scoop and Bake

Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake at 350°F for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are golden but the centers look slightly underdone.

Step 6: Cool and Enjoy

Let the cookies cool on the sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack. They’ll firm up as they cool, so don’t worry if they seem soft out of the oven.

Storing and Serving These Cookies

These cookies are perfect for sharing, gifting, or sneaking one by one from the cookie jar. They serve about 18 people if you go by standard 2-inch cookies. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or freeze them for longer storage. They freeze beautifully, so consider making a double batch.

What to Serve With Chocolate Cherry Cookies?

Coffee or Espresso

The slight bitterness of coffee complements the sweet-tart profile of the cookies perfectly.

Vanilla Ice Cream

Use these cookies as a base for an ice cream sandwich or crumble them on top.

Whipped Cream or Chocolate Mousse

For an elegant dessert, serve the cookies alongside a swirl of whipped cream or a scoop of mousse.

Hot Chocolate

Double down on the chocolate for an ultra-cozy pairing.

Cherry Compote or Jam

Enhance the cherry flavor even more with a spoonful of fruit preserves.

A Glass of Red Wine

Believe it or not, a smooth red like Merlot pairs beautifully with dark chocolate and cherries.

Yogurt Parfait

Crumble a cookie into a Greek yogurt parfait with layers of berries for breakfast that feels like dessert.

If these Chocolate Cherry Cookies made your day, you’ll definitely want to check out these other delicious cookie creations:

Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies for that melt-in-your-mouth richness.
Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls if you’re craving fruity sweetness in a soft swirl.
Whimsical Cotton Candy Cookies for a dreamy, colorful treat.
Peanut Butter Cowboy Cookies if you’re in the mood for something nutty and hearty.
White Chocolate Orange Creamsicle Truffles for a citrusy dessert that melts on the tongue.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.

Let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go with dried cherries or try the fresh ones? Did you add extra chocolate? I love hearing your twists and tips.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting drinks and sweet treats on Zoe Recipes on Pinterest and discover your next favorite dessert today!

Conclusion

Chocolate Cherry Cookies are the kind of recipe that turns an ordinary afternoon into something special. With simple steps, comforting ingredients, and a flavor combo that never disappoints, they’re perfect for bakers of all skill levels. From a cozy snack to a thoughtful homemade gift, these cookies bring joy in every bite.