Soft, rich, and bursting with juicy cherries and dark chocolate chunks, these Chocolate Cherry Cookies are the ultimate indulgence for any cookie lover. Imagine biting into a fudgy, brownie-like cookie with the bright burst of tart cherry and the depth of melted chocolate—a truly irresistible flavor combo. They strike the perfect balance between sweet and slightly tangy, chewy yet tender.

These cookies are as stunning as they are delicious, making them ideal for holiday trays, dessert tables, or as an everyday treat with a twist. Whether you’re baking for a cozy night in or gifting a homemade treat, Chocolate Cherry Cookies bring an unexpected elegance to your cookie game.

Why You’ll Love This Chocolate Cherry Cookie Recipe

Deep chocolate flavor: Thanks to cocoa powder and chocolate chips, every bite is intensely chocolaty.
Tart cherry bursts: The cherries add a beautiful contrast and prevent the cookie from being overly sweet.
Brownie-like texture: With a soft center and crisp edges, it’s like a cookie and brownie had a delicious baby.
Visually stunning: The rich brown base with pops of red cherry makes for a gorgeous cookie.
Freezer-friendly: These cookies freeze well, so you can make a batch ahead and enjoy them anytime.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To make these Chocolate Cherry Cookies, a few essential tools will ensure your baking process is smooth and enjoyable:

Mixing Bowls (Large and Medium): You’ll need a couple of sturdy mixing bowls to combine dry and wet ingredients separately before blending them.
Hand Mixer or Stand Mixer: Creaming the butter and sugars until light and fluffy is key to achieving the ideal cookie texture.
Baking Sheet: A rimmed baking sheet lined with parchment paper prevents sticking and promotes even baking.
Cookie Scoop: For evenly sized cookies that bake uniformly. It also saves time and minimizes mess.
Cooling Rack: Helps the cookies cool properly, avoiding soggy bottoms.

A good prep setup ensures consistent, bakery-style cookies every time.

Ingredients for the Chocolate Cherry Cookies

Unsweetened Cocoa Powder – This gives the cookies their deep chocolate flavor and brownie-like richness.
All-Purpose Flour – Provides structure to the cookies.
Baking Soda – Helps the cookies rise slightly and stay soft.
Salt – Enhances the chocolate flavor and balances sweetness.
Unsalted Butter – Creamed with sugar for a soft, chewy texture.
Brown Sugar – Adds moisture and a subtle molasses depth.
Granulated Sugar – Gives sweetness and a slight crisp edge.
Eggs – Bind everything together and add moisture.
Vanilla Extract – Boosts overall flavor and complements the chocolate.
Chopped Dark Chocolate or Chocolate Chips – For gooey chocolate pools in every bite.
Dried or Frozen Cherries – Their tartness balances the chocolate and adds chewy or juicy texture depending on type.

How To Make the Chocolate Cherry Cookies

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper. If using frozen cherries, pat them dry to prevent excess moisture.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream together the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract, mixing well after each addition.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry

Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, just until combined. Be careful not to overmix.

Step 6: Fold in the Cherries and Chocolate

Use a spatula to fold in the chopped chocolate and cherries evenly.

Step 7: Scoop and Bake

Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are set but centers look slightly underbaked.

Step 8: Cool and Enjoy

Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Serving and Storing Chocolate Cherry Cookies

These cookies are best served slightly warm when the chocolate is still melty and the cherry flavor is bold. Enjoy them with a glass of cold milk, a mug of coffee, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

To store, let the cookies cool completely and place them in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Thaw at room temperature or microwave for 10-15 seconds before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of cherries should I use?

You can use dried cherries for a chewy texture or frozen cherries for a juicy burst. If using frozen, make sure to pat them dry to reduce excess moisture in the dough.

Can I substitute the dark chocolate with milk or white chocolate?

Absolutely! While dark chocolate pairs beautifully with cherries, feel free to use milk or white chocolate based on your preference.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, the dough can be made up to 48 hours in advance and kept refrigerated. Bring it to room temperature before scooping and baking.

How do I prevent my cookies from spreading too much?

Chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking can help control spreading and enhance flavor.

Can these cookies be made gluten-free?

Yes, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend for great results.

Do the cookies stay soft after baking?

They do! The brown sugar and butter combo keeps the cookies soft and chewy for days.

Want More Cookie Ideas with a Twist?

If you’re loving these Chocolate Cherry Cookies, here are more fun and delicious cookie recipes to explore:

Try the Quick and Easy Fudgy Chocolate Brownie Cookies for more double-chocolate goodness.
Bake up a batch of Simple Apricot Cream Cheese Thumbprint Cookies for fruity, creamy bites.
Indulge in Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Cups for a sweet-salty experience.
For something seasonal and sweet, the Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is a must-try.
And don’t miss the nostalgic charm of Old-Fashioned Egg Custard Pie for a comforting dessert.

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📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time: Kitchen By Kate on Pinterest

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go for dried cherries or frozen? Any special add-ins you tried?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other bake smarter.