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Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies

Updated on 5 min read

Cherry chocolate chip cookies are a delightful twist on the classic chocolate chip cookie, combining the richness of chocolate with the sweet and tart flavor of cherries. These cookies are perfect for any occasion, whether you’re baking for a family gathering, a holiday celebration, or simply treating yourself to a sweet indulgence. The unique flavor combination of cherries and chocolate creates a cookie that is both familiar and exciting, making it a favorite among both novice and experienced bakers.

The Appeal of Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies

  1. Unique Flavor Profile: The addition of cherries introduces a sweet and slightly tart flavor that complements the richness of chocolate chips, creating a unique and delicious taste experience.
  2. Versatility: These cookies can be made with various types of cherries, such as fresh, maraschino, or even dried cherries, offering flexibility in recipe variations.
  3. Visual Appeal: The vibrant color of the cherries adds a festive touch, making these cookies perfect for special occasions and holiday celebrations.
  4. Texture: The combination of soft and chewy cookie dough with the crunch of chocolate chips and the slight firmness of cherries creates a delightful texture that will keep you coming back for more.

Ingredients

For a basic recipe, you will need:

  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • ¾ cup brown sugar
  • ¼ cup cane sugar
  • 1 egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 ⅓ cups + 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup chocolate chips (milk, dark, or semi-sweet)
  • ½ cup cherries, pitted and chopped (fresh, maraschino, or dried)

Step-by-Step Directions

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or spray with nonstick spray.
  2. Prepare the Cherries: If using fresh or maraschino cherries, pit and chop them. If using maraschino cherries, pat them dry with a paper towel to remove excess juice.
  3. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugars together until light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, and mix until well combined.
  4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
  5. Add Chocolate Chips and Cherries: Stir in the chocolate chips and chopped cherries by hand to ensure they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
  6. Scoop and Bake: Use an ice cream scooper or cookie scoop to portion the dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie. Bake for 12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
  7. Cool: Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 3 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack.

Serving and Storage Tips

  • Serving: Serve the cookies warm for the best flavor, or store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
  • Storage: To freeze, wrap the cookies individually in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers. Freeze for up to 3 months and thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

Creative Variations

  1. Bourbon Brown Butter Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies: Add a touch of bourbon to the dough and use brown butter instead of regular butter for a richer flavor. This variation introduces a caramel-like flavor to the cookies.
  2. Walnut Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies: Add chopped walnuts to the dough for added texture and a nutty flavor.
  3. Luxardo Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies: Use Luxardo cherries instead of maraschino cherries for a deeper cherry flavor and a more vibrant color.
  4. Gluten-Free Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies: Substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour to make the cookies accessible to those with gluten intolerance. Use a gluten-free flour blend and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
  5. Cranberry White Chocolate Cherry Chip Cookies: Replace the chocolate chips with white chocolate chips and add dried cranberries for a festive holiday variation.

FAQ

Q: Can I use frozen cherries?

A: While you can use frozen cherries, it’s not recommended due to their high moisture content, which can affect the texture of the cookies. Fresh or maraschino cherries are preferred.

Q: How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?

A: Ensure that you dry the maraschino cherries well before adding them to the dough. If the dough is too wet, you can refrigerate it for a few hours or add a bit more flour to achieve the right consistency.

Q: Can I make these cookies without chocolate chips?

A: Yes, you can make the cookies without chocolate chips. Simply omit the chocolate chips and proceed with the rest of the recipe. This is a great option for those who prefer a lighter cookie.

Q: How long do cherry chocolate chip cookies stay fresh?

A: These cookies will stay fresh for up to 5 days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. For longer storage, freezing is recommended.

Q: Can I use different types of cherries?

A: Yes, you can use various types of cherries such as fresh cherries, maraschino cherries, or even dried cherries. Each type will give a different flavor profile and texture to the cookies.

Conclusion

Cherry chocolate chip cookies are a delightful and versatile dessert that offers a unique flavor combination that is sure to please both novice and experienced bakers. With their rich, chewy texture and the added sweetness and tartness of cherries, these cookies are perfect for any occasion. Whether you stick to the basic recipe or explore the creative variations, cherry chocolate chip cookies are a treat that you will return to time and again. So, go ahead and bake a batch today, and enjoy the delightful fusion of chocolate and cherries in every bite