Chocolate Cherry Cookies are a delightful twist on a classic cookie. The combination of maraschino cherries and chocolate chips creates a rich, slightly tangy flavor with juicy bursts of fruit in every bite. These chewy, chocolate-forward cookies make a wonderful treat for holidays, gatherings, or a special everyday dessert.
This double-chocolate cookie recipe uses all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, butter, and baking powder to achieve a tender, slightly chewy texture. The maraschino cherries add color and a pop of sweetness, while semi-sweet chocolate chips deepen the chocolate flavor. With straightforward steps and common pantry ingredients, you can bake a batch of cookies that are both impressive and easy to prepare.
What are chocolate cherry cookies?
Chocolate cherry cookies pair rich chocolate dough with chopped maraschino cherries and chocolate chips. The result is a soft, chewy cookie that balances chocolate intensity with bright cherry notes. These cookies are ideal for anyone who enjoys Black Forest–inspired desserts in handheld form.
Why you’ll love this cherry cookie recipe
- Simple and approachable: The method is straightforward and uses common ingredients you likely already have or can easily find.
- Versatile for occasions: These cookies are great for parties, cookie swaps, lunchboxes, or a cozy afternoon with a glass of milk.
- Balanced flavor: Cocoa powder and chocolate chips give deep chocolate flavor, while maraschino cherries add sweetness and a subtle tang that lifts each bite.
Ingredients
- Maraschino cherries: ½ cup, drained and finely chopped, plus extra for topping
- All-purpose flour: 1¼ cups
- Unsweetened cocoa powder: ¼ cup
- Baking powder: ½ teaspoon
- Salt: ¼ teaspoon
- Unsalted butter: ¼ cup (half a stick), softened
- Granulated sugar: ¾ cup
- Egg: 1 large, room temperature
- Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips: 1 cup, plus extra for topping
How to make double chocolate cherry cookies
Prep
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Remove stems from the maraschino cherries and finely chop them. Pat the chopped cherries dry on a paper towel to remove any excess liquid—this helps prevent the dough from becoming too wet.
Dough
Whisk the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt together in a small bowl and set aside. In a larger bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar with an electric mixer for about 2 minutes until light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, and mix until combined. Stir in the chopped cherries and the cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips with a spatula until evenly distributed.
Portion the dough into 15 equal balls and place them on the prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart. Gently press each ball slightly with the palm of your hand. Press a few additional cherry pieces and extra chocolate chips on top of each cookie for an attractive finish.
Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 12–15 minutes, until the edges are set but the centers remain soft. Transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve once cooled, or enjoy slightly warm for a gooier chocolate experience.
Variations and substitutions
White chocolate cherry cookies: Swap semi-sweet chocolate chips for white chocolate chips for a creamy, sweeter contrast to the cherries.
Gluten-free option: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend that contains xanthan gum to mimic the structure of all-purpose flour. For dairy-free or vegan cookies, choose dairy-free butter and suitable egg replacers and chocolate chips labeled dairy-free.
Storage and shelf life
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for about 3–5 days. For longer storage, freeze the cooled cookies in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Tips and FAQs
Best way to soften butter: Let butter sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. If you’re short on time, cut it into small pieces or warm it briefly in the microwave on low power for 10–15 seconds—do this carefully to avoid melting.
Why room temperature eggs? Room temperature eggs integrate more smoothly into the dough, improving texture and ensuring even mixing. To quickly bring an egg to room temperature, place it in a bowl of warm (not hot) water for a few minutes.
Role of cocoa powder: Unsweetened cocoa powder deepens the chocolate flavor without adding extra fat or sweetness. It provides a richer chocolate profile and enhances the contrast with the cherries.
Nutrition (per cookie, approximate)
Calories: 162 kcal | Carbohydrates: 24 g | Protein: 2 g | Fat: 7 g | Sugar: 15 g
These chocolate cherry cookies offer a delicious balance of rich chocolate and bright cherry flavor. They’re easy to make, adaptable to dietary needs, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Enjoy baking and sharing them with friends and family!
