Name: Chocolate Cherry Cookies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 2/3 cup granulated sugar; 1/3 cup brown sugar, packed; 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips; 1/2 cup chopped dried cherries

Why You’ll Love Chocolate Cherry Cookies Recipe

Perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors
Chewy texture with a soft center
Easy to make with pantry staples
Great for holiday baking or everyday treats
Can be customized with different mix-ins
Crowd-pleasing and kid-friendly
Makes a great gift or party dessert
Freezer-friendly for make-ahead baking
No fancy equipment needed
Ready in under 30 minutes

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
2/3 cup granulated sugar
1/3 cup brown sugar, packed
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup chopped dried cherries

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
In a medium bowl, sift together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well incorporated.
Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined.
Fold in the chocolate chips and chopped dried cherries evenly throughout the dough.
Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centers are slightly soft.
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Enjoy with a glass of milk or your favorite warm drink.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields about 20–24 cookies, depending on the size of your scoops.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Bake time: 10–12 minutes
Total time: 25–30 minutes

Variations

Use white chocolate chips for a sweeter twist
Substitute dried cranberries or raisins for cherries
Add chopped walnuts or pecans for a nutty crunch
Mix in dark chocolate chunks for an intense chocolate flavor
Use almond extract instead of vanilla for a different aroma
Add a sprinkle of sea salt on top before baking
Make sandwich cookies by spreading cherry jam between two cookies
Replace part of the cocoa powder with instant espresso powder for a mocha flavor

Storage/Reheating

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months.
To reheat, warm individual cookies in the microwave for 10–15 seconds to restore their gooey texture.

FAQs

What kind of cherries should I use?

Dried cherries are best for this recipe because they add a chewy texture and concentrated flavor without adding extra moisture.

Can I use fresh or frozen cherries instead?

Fresh or frozen cherries can make the dough too wet. Stick to dried cherries for best results.

Can I use a different type of chocolate?

Yes, milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even white chocolate chips can be used based on your preference.

How do I make the cookies softer or crispier?

Bake for the shorter time (10 minutes) for softer cookies and longer (up to 12 minutes) for a slightly crispier edge.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely. Just double each ingredient and bake in batches to avoid overcrowding the baking sheet.

Do I need to chill the dough?

Chilling isn’t required for this recipe, but if the dough feels too soft, a 15-minute chill in the fridge can help.

How do I keep the cookies from spreading too much?

Make sure your butter isn’t overly melted and that your baking sheet is cool before adding more dough.

Can I make these gluten-free?

You can substitute a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Just make sure it includes xanthan gum or add a pinch for structure.

Are these cookies freezer-friendly?

Yes, both the dough and baked cookies can be frozen. For dough, scoop onto a tray, freeze, then store in a bag. Bake straight from frozen, adding 1–2 minutes.

What’s the best way to chop dried cherries?

Use a sharp knife and lightly coat it with flour or oil to prevent sticking while chopping.

Conclusion

Chocolate Cherry Cookies are a rich and flavorful treat that’s simple to make and endlessly customizable. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just craving a chocolatey snack, these cookies are sure to satisfy with their perfect mix of cocoa, cherries, and chocolate chips. Keep this recipe in your rotation for a go-to homemade dessert everyone will love.