Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 12 minutes | Total Time: 27 minutes
There’s something absolutely magical about the combination of rich chocolate and tart cherries that makes these cherry chocolate chewy cookies an instant favorite in every household. These aren’t just ordinary cookies – they’re a symphony of flavors and textures that will have your family and friends begging for the recipe. The moment you bite into one of these delectable treats, you’ll experience the perfect balance of sweet chocolate chunks melting on your tongue while bursts of tangy dried cherries provide that delightful contrast that keeps you reaching for more.
What makes these cherry chocolate chewy cookies truly special is their incredible texture. Unlike cookies that turn out hard or crumbly, these beauties maintain that coveted chewy consistency that cookie lovers dream about. The secret lies in the perfect ratio of ingredients and the technique we’ll share with you today.
Why These Cherry Chocolate Chewy Cookies Are Different
Every baker knows that achieving the perfect chewy cookie can be challenging, but these cherry chocolate chewy cookies deliver every single time. The combination of brown sugar and melted butter creates that signature chewiness, while the dried cherries add natural moisture that keeps these cookies soft for days.
These cherry chocolate chewy cookies have become my go-to recipe whenever I want to impress guests or simply treat my family to something extraordinary. The vibrant red cherries scattered throughout the rich chocolate dough create a beautiful visual appeal that’s almost too pretty to eat – almost!
Essential Ingredients for Perfect Cherry Chocolate Chewy Cookies
Creating the ultimate cherry chocolate chewy cookies requires quality ingredients that work together harmoniously. Here’s what you’ll need to achieve cookie perfection:
For the Cookie Base:
- 2¼ cups all-purpose flour, properly measured and leveled
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled (this is crucial for achieving that chewy texture)
- ¾ cup packed light brown sugar (the molasses content creates moisture and chewiness)
- ½ cup granulated white sugar (helps with spreading and structure)
- 2 large eggs, room temperature (adds richness and binding power)
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract (enhances both chocolate and cherry flavors)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda (provides the perfect rise)
- 1 teaspoon fine sea salt (balances sweetness and enhances flavors)
For the Mix-ins:
- 1½ cups high-quality semi-sweet chocolate chunks (chunks work better than chips for texture)
- 1 cup dried cherries, preferably tart varieties (avoid overly sweet ones)
- Optional: ½ teaspoon almond extract (complements the cherry flavor beautifully)
The quality of your chocolate chunks makes a significant difference in these cherry chocolate chewy cookies. I recommend using chunks rather than chips because they create those gorgeous chocolate pools when they melt, giving each bite an intense chocolate experience.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Cherry Chocolate Chewy Cookies
Creating these magnificent cherry chocolate chewy cookies is easier than you might think. Follow these detailed steps, and you’ll have bakery-quality results every time:
Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two large baking sheets with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and ensures even browning on the bottom of your cherry chocolate chewy cookies.
Step 2: Create the Perfect Cookie Base In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter and both sugars until the mixture is smooth and no lumps remain. This should take about 2-3 minutes of vigorous whisking. The mixture should have a glossy appearance and feel slightly warm to the touch.
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then incorporate the vanilla extract (and almond extract if using). The mixture should be well combined and slightly fluffy at this point.
Step 3: Incorporate Dry Ingredients In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, so mix just until you no longer see streaks of flour.
Step 4: Add the Star Ingredients Gently fold in the chocolate chunks and dried cherries, distributing them evenly throughout the dough. The dough will be soft and slightly sticky – this is exactly what we want for chewy cookies.
Step 5: Shape and Bake Using a cookie scoop or rounded tablespoon, drop portions of dough onto your prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. These cherry chocolate chewy cookies will spread slightly during baking.
Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set and lightly golden but the centers still look slightly underbaked. This is the secret to achieving that perfect chewy texture – slightly underbaking ensures they remain soft.
Step 6: Cool to Perfection Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. This brief cooling period lets them finish cooking while maintaining their chewy texture.
Pro Tips for the Best Cherry Chocolate Chewy Cookies
After perfecting this recipe through countless batches, I’ve discovered several tricks that elevate these cherry chocolate chewy cookies from good to absolutely incredible:
Temperature Matters: Room temperature eggs blend more easily and create a smoother dough. If you forgot to take them out ahead of time, place them in a bowl of warm water for 10 minutes.
Don’t Overbake: The centers should look slightly underdone when you remove them from the oven. They’ll continue cooking on the hot pan, resulting in perfectly chewy cherry chocolate chewy cookies.
Chill for Extra Chewiness: For even chewier cookies, refrigerate your dough for 30 minutes before baking. This prevents excessive spreading and creates a thicker, chewier cookie.
Quality Ingredients: Use real vanilla extract and high-quality chocolate chunks. The difference in flavor is remarkable and worth the investment.
Delicious Variations and Internal Links
While these cherry chocolate chewy cookies are perfect as written, you can explore exciting variations that complement other recipes on our site:
For those who love these sweet treats, you might also enjoy exploring our collection of irresistible desserts where you’ll find complementary treats that pair beautifully with these cookies.
If you’re planning a complete meal, consider serving these cherry chocolate chewy cookies alongside dishes from our hearty main dishes collection for a satisfying dinner that ends on a sweet note.
Looking for the perfect beverage to accompany your cookies? Check out our refreshing beverages section for drink ideas that complement the rich chocolate and tart cherry flavors.
For those who enjoy entertaining, these cherry chocolate chewy cookies make excellent additions to a dessert spread alongside treats from our tasty snacks category.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
These cherry chocolate chewy cookies stay fresh for up to one week when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. For longer storage, freeze the baked cookies for up to three months.
You can also prepare the dough ahead of time by scooping it onto baking sheets, freezing until solid, then transferring to freezer bags. Bake directly from frozen, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time.
Nutritional Benefits
While these cherry chocolate chewy cookies are certainly an indulgent treat, the dried cherries provide antioxidants and natural fruit sugars, while dark chocolate offers beneficial compounds when consumed in moderation.
Perfect Pairings
These cherry chocolate chewy cookies pair wonderfully with cold milk, hot coffee, or vanilla ice cream. For special occasions, try serving them with our perfect sides for a memorable dessert course.
Consider incorporating these cookies into your breakfast favorites routine by enjoying them with your morning coffee, or save them for dinner delights as the perfect ending to a special meal.
Conclusion
These cherry chocolate chewy cookies represent the perfect marriage of textures and flavors that will make them a permanent fixture in your baking repertoire. The combination of rich chocolate chunks and tart dried cherries creates a sophisticated flavor profile that appeals to both children and adults alike.
Whether you’re baking for a special occasion, looking to impress guests, or simply craving something sweet and satisfying, these cherry chocolate chewy cookies deliver every single time. The foolproof recipe ensures consistent results, while the expert tips help you achieve bakery-quality cookies in your own kitchen.
Don’t forget to explore our other recipe categories, including fresh vibrant salads and flavored dips marinades to round out your culinary adventures.
Have you tried these cherry chocolate chewy cookies? Share your experience and any creative variations you’ve discovered in the comments below!
