There's an unmistakable warmth that fills the kitchen when I bake a batch of Dark Chocolate Cherry Cookies. The combination of rich, creamy dark chocolate and tart, chewy cherries strikes a perfect balance—like a cozy blanket on a chilly day. The moment those cookies hit the oven, the scent of sweet vanilla and molten chocolate begins to dance through the air, calling everyone to gather around the kitchen.
This recipe was born out of a craving for something extraordinary yet simple, and what I discovered was a chewy cookie with delightful pockets of melty chocolate and bursts of cherry flavor that truly stands out. With no stand mixer required and a subtle nuttiness from optional rye flour, these cookies are as easy to make as they are impressive. Whether you're treating yourself after a long day or surprising friends at a gathering, these cookies promise to satisfy and delight everyone who takes a bite. Ready to experience cookie bliss? Let's dive in!
Why are Dark Chocolate Cherry Cookies the best?
Delightful Combination: These cookies combine rich dark chocolate with tart cherries for an unforgettable flavor.
Easy to Make: No stand mixer is needed, making this recipe accessible to everyone, whether you're a baking novice or a seasoned chef.
Unique Twist: Adding rye flour gives a subtle nuttiness, elevating the cookie experience beyond the ordinary.
Perfect for Any Occasion: From cozy weekends at home to gatherings with friends, these cookies are sure to impress.
Flexible & Customizable: Consider topping them with fresh cherries or enjoying them warm; there's no wrong way to indulge! If you're looking for a delightful dessert, check out my Pineapple Upside Down Sugar Cookies as well!
Dark Chocolate Cherry Cookies Ingredients.
Get ready to create a delicious batch of cookies!
For the Cookie Base
• All-Purpose Flour – Provides structure and bulk for the cookie.
• Rye Flour (optional) – Adds a subtle nuttiness and depth of flavor to complement the dark chocolate and cherries.
• Baking Soda – Acts as a leavening agent for the perfect rise.
• Baking Powder – Another leavening agent that helps with texture.
• Fine Kosher or Sea Salt – Enhances the sweetness and balances flavors beautifully.
For Wet Ingredients
• Unsalted Butter – Adds moisture, flavor, and richness; make sure it’s melted and slightly cooled.
• Packed Light Brown Sugar – Contributes sweetness and moisture, ensuring that you get those delicious chewy cookies.
• Eggs – Binds the ingredients together and provides richness; use at room temperature for best results.
• Vanilla Extract – Adds a warm, inviting flavor to the cookie dough.
For Flavor
• Dried Cherries – The primary flavor component; finely chopped to distribute bursts of cherry flavor evenly. Avoid fresh or maraschino cherries as they add too much moisture.
• Quality Dark Chocolate Bar (75-85% cacao) – Brings rich chocolate flavor and texture; choose a high-quality bar over chocolate chips from brands like Valrhona, Guittard, or Lindt.
• Flaky Sea Salt (optional) – A sprinkle on top adds both flavor and beautiful presentation.
Full measurements can be found in the recipe card below.
How to Make Dark Chocolate Cherry Cookies
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Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine all-purpose flour, optional rye flour, baking soda, baking powder, and fine salt. Whisk well until thoroughly blended, ensuring a light, airy texture in your cookies.
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Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the slightly cooled melted butter and packed brown sugar until they create a smooth mixture. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, followed by the finely chopped dried cherries, mixing until well incorporated.
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Fold Together: Gently fold the dry mixture into the wet ingredients. Just before fully combined, add two-thirds of the chopped dark chocolate, folding until you see a few streaks of flour remaining. This process helps keep your cookies chewy!
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Portion and Chill: Using a 2-tablespoon cookie scoop, portion the dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover with plastic wrap and chill in the fridge for at least 2 hours, or up to 48 hours. Chilling is crucial for cookie perfection!
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Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, until the edges are set and centers look slightly underbaked. Allow them to cool on a wire rack for at least 5 minutes before enjoying!
Optional: Sprinkle flaky sea salt on top for a touch of flavor and beauty.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Tips for the Best Dark Chocolate Cherry Cookies
• Quality Matters: Use a high-quality dark chocolate bar (75-85% cacao) instead of chocolate chips for a richer flavor.
• Chewy Perfection: Make sure to chill the dough for at least 2 hours before baking; this helps develop flavors and prevents excessive spreading.
• Cherry Prep: Finely chop dried cherries for even flavor distribution throughout the cookies, enhancing every bite.
• Baking Time: Keep an eye on your cookies; they should appear slightly underbaked in the center when you pull them out to achieve the perfect chewy texture.
• Use Room Temperature Eggs: Always use eggs at room temperature for better blending and texture in your Dark Chocolate Cherry Cookies.
How to Store and Freeze Dark Chocolate Cherry Cookies
Room Temperature: Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to maintain their chewy texture.
Fridge: For longer freshness, place cookies in the fridge where they can last up to 5 days, wrapped to prevent drying out.
Freezer: For optimal freezing, layer cookies in a freezer-safe container with parchment paper in between, and they will keep well for up to 3 months.
Reheating: To enjoy warm cookies, reheat from the fridge or freezer in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-8 minutes, enhancing that melty chocolate goodness.
Dark Chocolate Cherry Cookies Variations
Feel free to explore new flavors and textures with these delightful twists on the classic recipe!
- Rye Flour: Substitute all-purpose flour entirely with rye flour for a nutty flavor that complements the chocolate beautifully.
- Fresh Cherry Topping: Place a fresh cherry on each cookie right after they come out of the oven for a lovely burst of color and a bit of added sweetness.
- Nutty Addition: Mix in chopped walnuts or pecans to add extra crunch and depth to every bite.
- Spiced Delight: Sprinkle in a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, cozy spice that pairs wonderfully with chocolate and cherries.
- Chocolate Chunk Variety: Use a mix of dark, milk, and white chocolate chunks for a visually appealing and flavor-packed cookie.
- Chewy Texture Boost: Replace half of the butter with coconut oil to create a tropical twist and enhance chewiness.
- Chili Heat: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder for a surprising kick that beautifully contrasts the sweetness of the cherries.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free flour blend for a satisfying cookie that everyone can enjoy.
What to Serve with Dark Chocolate Cherry Cookies?
Imagine delighting in the rich, warm flavors of cookies fresh from the oven, perfectly paired with comforting, complementary delights that heighten your experience.
- Creamy Vanilla Ice Cream: The cool creaminess balances the warm, chewy cookies, creating a decadent contrast that’s utterly irresistible.
- Chilled Milk: A classic pairing that enhances the flavors of chocolate and cherry, it's the perfect choice to wash down these delightful treats.
- Fresh Raspberries: Their tartness is a lovely counterpoint to the sweet chocolate and cherries, adding a burst of freshness to each bite.
- Espresso or Coffee: The robust flavors of coffee harmonize beautifully with the richness of dark chocolate, elevating your dessert experience.
- Spicy Hot Chocolate: For the ultimate indulgence, serve these cookies with a cup of spicy hot chocolate, intensifying the chocolate richness.
- Red Wine: A fruity Merlot or a light Pinot Noir enhances the chocolate and cherry flavors, making it a sophisticated dessert pairing.
- Nutty Biscotti: A crunchy textural contrast that pairs wonderfully with the soft, chewy cookies and deepens the overall flavor experience.
- Peanut Butter Dip: For a playful twist, a salted peanut butter dip offers a creamy, nutty backdrop against the chocolate and cherry.
- Chocolate Mousse: If you're in the mood for extra indulgence, a light, fluffy chocolate mousse can complement the dark chocolate in the cookies beautifully.
Dark Chocolate Cherry Cookies Recipe FAQs
What type of dried cherries should I use?
For the best flavor and texture in your Dark Chocolate Cherry Cookies, I recommend using finely chopped dried cherries. Fresh or maraschino cherries contain too much moisture and can result in a soggy cookie.
How should I store my cookies?
Store your cooled Dark Chocolate Cherry Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to keep them chewy. For extended freshness, you can refrigerate them for up to 5 days, but make sure they’re wrapped to avoid drying out.
Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Absolutely! To freeze your cookie dough, portion it out using a 2-tablespoon cookie scoop. Place the scoops onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer the dough balls into a freezer-safe container with parchment paper between layers. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 months!
What if my cookies spread too much while baking?
If you notice your cookies spreading excessively, they may need a longer chilling time. Chill the dough for at least 2 hours, or even up to 48 hours. Additionally, make sure your butter isn't too hot when mixed, as this could lead to a greasy dough that spreads.
Are these cookies suitable for people with nut allergies?
Yes! This recipe for Dark Chocolate Cherry Cookies does not include any nuts. However, always check the packaging of your ingredients for potential cross-contamination with nuts, especially if you or someone you are serving has severe allergies.
How long will the cookies stay fresh in the freezer?
When properly stored in a freezer-safe container with layers of parchment paper, your Dark Chocolate Cherry Cookies can maintain their deliciousness for up to 3 months. Just pop them in the oven for a quick reheating before enjoying!
Irresistibly Chewy Dark Chocolate Cherry Cookies Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine all-purpose flour, optional rye flour, baking soda, baking powder, and fine salt. Whisk well until thoroughly blended, ensuring a light, airy texture in your cookies.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the slightly cooled melted butter and packed brown sugar until they create a smooth mixture. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, followed by the finely chopped dried cherries, mixing until well incorporated.
- Fold Together: Gently fold the dry mixture into the wet ingredients. Just before fully combined, add two-thirds of the chopped dark chocolate, folding until you see a few streaks of flour remaining. This process helps keep your cookies chewy!
- Portion and Chill: Using a 2-tablespoon cookie scoop, portion the dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover with plastic wrap and chill in the fridge for at least 2 hours, or up to 48 hours. Chilling is crucial for cookie perfection!
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, until the edges are set and centers look slightly underbaked. Allow them to cool on a wire rack for at least 5 minutes before enjoying!
Nutrition
Notes
- Quality Matters: Use a high-quality dark chocolate bar (75-85% cacao) instead of chocolate chips for a richer flavor.
- Chewy Perfection: Make sure to chill the dough for at least 2 hours before baking; this helps develop flavors and prevents excessive spreading.
- Cherry Prep: Finely chop dried cherries for even flavor distribution throughout the cookies, enhancing every bite.
- Baking Time: Keep an eye on your cookies; they should appear slightly underbaked in the center when you pull them out to achieve the perfect chewy texture.
- Use Room Temperature Eggs: Always use eggs at room temperature for better blending and texture in your Dark Chocolate Cherry Cookies.
