Oh, the joy of baking! There’s something so comforting about the smell of cookies wafting through the house, especially when they’re as delightful as Chocolate Cherry Cookies. If you’re like me and love a quick treat that combines rich chocolate with the tartness of cherries, then you’re in for a real treat! This recipe is not only easy to follow but can be whipped up in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for those busy weeknights when you want to indulge without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, it’s a fantastic addition to your Christmas Baking Recipes collection!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to make, perfect for 30-minute meals.
- Rich chocolate flavor balanced with tart cherries.
- Great for family gatherings or as a sweet treat after quick family dinners.
- Perfect for sharing or enjoying all by yourself!
- Can be made ahead and stored for later enjoyment.
Ingredients
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making these delicious Chocolate Cherry Cookies. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 1/2 cups (188 g) all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
- 1/2 cup (40 g) Dutch-process cocoa powder
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 3/4 cup (168 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup (165 g) light brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup (50 g) granulated white sugar
- 2 egg yolks, at room temperature
- 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 5 oz chocolate, chopped (I love using Endangered Species Chocolate Vibrant Cherries + Dark Chocolate)
- 1/4 cup + 2 tbsp (90 ml) heavy cream
- 1/4 cup (85 g) cherry preserves
Full ingredient list with measurements is provided in the printable recipe card below.
How to Make the Recipe
Now, let’s get to the fun part—baking these scrumptious cookies!
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and sea salt. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg yolks and vanilla extract to the butter mixture, mixing until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in the chopped chocolate and cherry preserves, ensuring an even distribution throughout the dough.
- Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers are still soft. Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
Here are some of my favorite tips to ensure your Chocolate Cherry Cookies turn out perfectly:
- Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature for easy creaming.
- Don’t overmix the dough once you add the dry ingredients; this keeps the cookies tender.
- For an extra chocolatey experience, feel free to add chocolate chips or chunks to the dough!
- Let the cookies cool completely before storing them to maintain their texture.
How to Serve
These Chocolate Cherry Cookies are delightful on their own, but you can elevate your serving game by:
- Pairing them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.
- Serving them alongside a warm cup of coffee or tea for a cozy afternoon treat.
- Creating a beautiful dessert platter with other Baking Sweets like Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies or a slice of Decadent Chocolate Cake.
Make Ahead and Storage
If you want to prepare these cookies in advance, here’s how to do it:
- Prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 3 days before baking.
- Baked cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
- For longer storage, freeze the baked cookies in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months.
So there you have it! A delightful recipe for Chocolate Cherry Cookies that’s sure to impress your family and friends. Whether you’re looking for a sweet treat after one of your easy pasta recipes or just want to indulge in something special, these cookies are the perfect choice. Happy baking!
Chocolate Cherry Cookies
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Mix dry ingredients in a bowl. Cream butter and sugars until fluffy, then add egg yolks and vanilla.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to wet, then fold in chopped chocolate and cherry preserves.
- Scoop dough onto baking sheets and bake for 10 minutes. Let cool before serving.