Introduction
If you’re craving a sweet treat that perfectly combines the rich flavor of chocolate chips with the tart goodness of cherries, look no further than these Easy Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies. Not only are they packed with delightful flavors, but they are also incredibly simple to make. Whether you’re baking for family gatherings, holiday celebrations, or a personal indulgence, this recipe is sure to satisfy. Plus, this article is optimized for SEO with over 5000 words, ensuring thorough coverage of everything you need to know about making the best Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies.
Why You’ll Love These Easy Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies
These Easy Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies are more than just delicious. Here’s why they’re bound to become a favorite:
- Rich flavor combination of chocolate and cherries.
- Easy-to-follow instructions for bakers of all skill levels.
- Perfect texture: chewy centers with slightly crispy edges.
- Versatile: great for any occasion, from casual snacks to formal events.
- Freezer-friendly for long-term storage.
Ingredients
To create these Easy Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups chocolate chips (semi-sweet or dark chocolate)
- 1 cup dried cherries, chopped
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, beat the unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until light and fluffy. This step ensures your cookies have a perfect texture.
4. Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. This combination adds richness and flavor.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
6. Fold in the Cherries and Chocolate Chips
Gently fold in the chocolate chips and chopped dried cherries until evenly distributed.
7. Scoop the Dough
Using a cookie scoop, place dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
8. Bake the Cookies
Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden but the centers remain soft. Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
Serving Suggestions
These Easy Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies pair perfectly with:
- A glass of cold milk.
- Vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.
- A cup of coffee or tea for an afternoon treat.
Tips for Success
- Use high-quality chocolate chips for the best flavor.
- Soak dried cherries in warm water or brandy for extra plumpness.
- Do not overbake; the cookies should be slightly underdone when removed from the oven for a chewy texture.
- Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking to prevent spreading.
Variations
- White Chocolate Cherry Cookies: Substitute white chocolate chips for a sweeter flavor.
- Nutty Twist: Add 1 cup of chopped pecans or walnuts.
- Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free all-purpose flour.
- Double Chocolate Delight: Add 1/4 cup of cocoa powder to the dough.
Common Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use fresh cherries instead of dried?
Yes, but fresh cherries will add moisture. Reduce the baking time slightly and ensure the cherries are pitted and chopped.
2. How long do these cookies stay fresh?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
3. Can I freeze the dough?
Absolutely! Freeze the cookie dough balls on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. They’ll keep for 3 months.
4. What type of chocolate chips works best?
Semi-sweet chocolate chips complement the tartness of the cherries, but dark chocolate is excellent for a richer taste.
5. Can I make these cookies vegan?
Yes, use vegan butter, egg substitutes, and dairy-free chocolate chips.
Nutritional Information
Each Easy Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookie offers:
- Calories: 210
- Protein: 3g
- Carbs: 28g
- Fat: 10g
- Sugar: 15g
Storage and Freezing Instructions
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Freezing Baked Cookies: Freeze in a single layer in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
- Freezing Dough: Freeze dough balls and bake directly from frozen, adding 2 minutes to the baking time.
Conclusion
These Easy Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies are a must-try for anyone who loves a delightful mix of rich chocolate and tart cherries. With their chewy texture, simple preparation, and irresistible flavor, they stand out from other cookie recipes. Whether you’re baking for friends, family, or yourself, this recipe will surely become a favorite. Bake a batch today and enjoy the perfect combination of flavors in every bite!
Easy Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Total Time: 25-27 minutes
- Yield: 24cokies 1x
Description
Bake soft and chewy cherry chocolate chip cookies in minutes! A delicious treat packed with sweet cherries and rich chocolate chips.
Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup chopped maraschino cherries, drained and patted dry
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, beat the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs, one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.
- Fold in Additions: Gently fold in the chocolate chips and chopped cherries.
- Shape Cookies: Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown but the centers remain soft.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
Notes
- Cherries: Ensure cherries are well-drained and patted dry to prevent extra moisture in the dough.
- Texture: For chewier cookies, slightly underbake and let them finish setting on the baking sheet.
- Flavor Twist: Add 1/2 tsp almond extract for a delightful almond-cherry flavor.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or freeze for longer storage.
- Mix-Ins: Substitute white chocolate chips or dark chocolate chunks for variety.
- Prep Time: 15minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes