There’s just something magical about cookies, isn’t there? The way they warm up your kitchen, fill the air with a sugary aroma, and provide a sweet little treat after a long day. One of my absolute favorites is the Chewy Cherry Chocolate Cookies! These delightful little rounds are like a hug in cookie form – soft, chewy, and bursting with the sweet-tart flavor of dried cherries that pair perfectly with rich chocolate. I remember the first time I made these for a family gathering; my cousin snagged one before they were even out of the oven and declared it the best cookie ever! It’s become a must-make for every birthday, holiday, or just a random Tuesday.
What makes this recipe stand out is how versatile it is. You can switch up the add-ins based on the season or your pantry’s contents. Raisins and pecans? Sure! Dried cranberries and white chocolate chips? Absolutely! But I always find my way back to the classic cherry and chocolate combo. Trust me, you’re going to want to keep this recipe on hand!
What’s in Chewy Cherry Chocolate Cookies?
All-Purpose Flour: This is the backbone of your cookie dough. I prefer using a high-quality brand for the best texture.
Granulated Sugar: For that sweet goodness! It helps create the chewy texture we all love.
Brown Sugar: This adds moisture and depth of flavor due to its molasses content. A must-have for chewy cookies!
Baking Soda: This gives our cookies the perfect lift while keeping them nice and soft.
Salt: Just a pinch enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness beautifully.
Unsalted Butter: Use what works for you, but I love to go for grass-fed butter – the flavor is rich and creamy!
Eggs: Your binding agent that gives structure and richness to the cookies.
Dried Cherries: Sweet-tart and chewy, they are the stars of the show! Look for high-quality dried cherries without added sugar if possible.
Chocolate Chips: Semi-sweet or dark, these magical little morsels are the cherry on top (literally!).
Is Chewy Cherry Chocolate Cookies Good for You?
Well, let’s not kid ourselves – these cookies live on the sweeter side of life! But guess what? They do have some health benefits too!
Dried Cherries: These fruits are packed with antioxidants and can help reduce inflammation. Plus, they provide a bit of fiber!
Dark Chocolate: Can be a wholesome treat in moderation—it’s known for benefiting heart health and lowering blood pressure.
Of course, like all treats, moderation is key. Enjoying one or two after a nice meal can be more satisfying (and better for you) than going to town on a whole plate.
Ingredients List
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1 cup brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 1 cup dried cherries, chopped
– 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
This recipe makes about 24 delicious cookies!
How to Make Chewy Cherry Chocolate Cookies?
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the **flour**, **baking soda**, and **salt**. Set it aside.
3. In another large bowl, using an electric mixer, beat the **butter**, **granulated sugar**, and **brown sugar** together until it’s nice and fluffy (around 2-3 minutes).
4. Add the **eggs**, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
5. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until just combined. No need to overmix here!
6. Fold in the **dried cherries** and **chocolate chips** until they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough.
7. Drop tablespoons of cookie dough onto your prepared baking sheets, spacing them about two inches apart.
8. Bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges are lightly golden. The centers may look a bit underbaked, but trust me – they’ll firm up!
9. Let them cool on the sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Creative Cookie Adventures
– Get adventurous! Swap out **dried cherries** for **dried cranberries** or **apricots**.
– Try different chocolates: white chocolate or milk chocolate, if you prefer a sweeter profile.
– You could also throw in a sprinkle of **cinnamon** or **nutmeg** into the batter for some warmth and spice!
So there you have it! These Chewy Cherry Chocolate Cookies are not just a treat; they’re a little bit of love baked into every bite. I really hope you give this recipe a try. They’re so easy to whip up and perfect for sharing (or keeping all to yourself—I won’t judge!). Please let me know how they turn out for you. Happy baking!
