Cherry Chocolate Cookies Delight

Chewy Cherry Chocolate Cookies Delight are your new go-to treat for any occasion. These delightful cookies combine the sweetness of cherries with rich chocolate chips, creating a perfect indulgence. Whether you’re hosting a party, needing a quick dessert for family gatherings, or just treating yourself, this recipe is versatile and easy to make. With their vibrant color and irresistible taste, these cookies will surely impress everyone who tries them.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy – This recipe comes together in just 15 minutes of prep time, making it perfect for last-minute cravings.
• Bursting with Flavor – The combination of maraschino cherries and semisweet chocolate creates a delightful balance of sweetness in every bite.
• Perfect for Any Occasion – Whether it’s a holiday gathering or an everyday snack, these cookies fit right in.
• Kid-Friendly Fun – Involve the kids in baking! They will love adding the cherries and chocolate chips to the dough.
• Makes Plenty – This recipe yields 36 cookies, so you can share or save some for later.

Tools and Preparation

To make your Cherry Chocolate Cookies Delight, having the right tools on hand makes all the difference. Here’s what you’ll need to prepare your kitchen.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper
• Electric mixer
• Whisk

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowls – Essential for combining ingredients without mess.
• Electric mixer – Saves time and effort when creaming butter and sugars together.
• Parchment paper – Prevents cookies from sticking to baking sheets for easy removal.

Ingredients

Chewy cookies with cherries and chocolate chips for sweet indulgence.

For the Cookie Dough

• Unsalted butter, 1 cup, softened
• Granulated sugar, 1 cup
• Brown sugar, 1 cup, packed
• Large eggs, 2
• Vanilla extract, 2 teaspoons
• All-purpose flour, 3 cups
• Baking soda, 1 teaspoon
• Salt, 1/2 teaspoon

For the Mix-ins

• Maraschino cherries, 1 cup, drained and chopped
• Semisweet chocolate chips, 1 cup

Servings: 36 cookies
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 11 minutes
Total Time: 26 minutes
Course: Desserts
Cuisine: American
Keywords: cherry, chocolate, cookies, easy dessert, sweet treats
Nutrition Facts: Calories: 120.5 calories

How to Make Cherry Chocolate Cookies Delight

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Cream Together Ingredients

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes using an electric mixer.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs one at a time. Once incorporated, stir in the vanilla extract until well blended.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually blend this dry mixture into the wet ingredients until fully combined.

Step 5: Fold in Cherries and Chocolate Chips

Gently fold in the chopped maraschino cherries and semisweet chocolate chips. Ensure they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Step 6: Scoop Dough onto Baking Sheets

Drop rounded spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets. Leave enough space between each cookie as they will spread while baking.

Step 7: Bake Cookies

Bake in the preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden brown. Keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking!

Step 8: Cool Before Serving

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely. Enjoy your delicious Cherry Chocolate Cookies Delight!

How to Serve Cherry Chocolate Cookies Delight

Serving Cherry Chocolate Cookies Delight is all about enhancing their sweet, chewy goodness. These cookies can be enjoyed in various ways that elevate their flavor and appeal.

With a Glass of Milk

• Pair these cookies with a cold glass of milk for a classic treat that enhances the chocolate flavor.

Ice Cream Sandwiches

• Use two cookies to create an ice cream sandwich filled with your favorite ice cream for a delightful dessert.

Drizzled with Chocolate

• Melt some chocolate and drizzle it over the cookies for an extra touch of indulgence and elegance.

On a Dessert Platter

• Arrange the cookies on a beautiful dessert platter alongside fresh fruits for a colorful and inviting presentation.

Warm from the Oven

• Serve them warm right out of the oven to maximize their gooey texture, making them irresistible.

How to Perfect Cherry Chocolate Cookies Delight

To ensure your Cherry Chocolate Cookies Delight turn out perfectly every time, follow these simple tips.

• Use room temperature butter: Softened butter blends better with sugars, creating a lighter cookie texture.
• Measure flour correctly: Spoon the flour into the measuring cup and level it off to avoid dense cookies.
• Don’t overmix: Mix just until combined to keep the cookies chewy rather than cakey.
• Chill the dough: If time allows, chill your dough for 30 minutes before baking to enhance flavors and prevent spreading.
• Watch baking time closely: Every oven is different; check the cookies at 10 minutes to avoid overbaking.
• Store properly: Keep leftover cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness and chewiness.

Best Side Dishes for Cherry Chocolate Cookies Delight

Enjoying Cherry Chocolate Cookies Delight can be even more satisfying when paired with complementary side dishes. Here are some tasty ideas:

1. Fresh Fruit Salad
   A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances the sweetness of the cookies.

2. Classic Vanilla Ice Cream
   The creamy texture of vanilla ice cream pairs perfectly with the chewy cookie, enhancing your dessert experience.

3. Chocolate Dipped Strawberries
   These sweet treats echo the chocolate in your cookies while adding a juicy contrast.

4. Whipped Cream Topping
   Serve a dollop of whipped cream alongside or on top of your cookie creations for added richness.

5. Chocolate Milkshake
   A thick chocolate milkshake combines wonderfully with cherry chocolate flavors for an indulgent treat.

6. Coffee or Espresso
   The bitter notes in coffee balance out the sweetness of the cookies, making for an ideal pairing.

7. Cheese Platter
   A selection of cheeses provides a savory contrast that complements the sweet flavors nicely.

8. Nutty Granola Bar
   For a crunch factor, serve granola bars on the side, adding different textures to your dessert spread.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Cherry Chocolate Cookies Delight, it’s easy to overlook some key steps. Avoid these common mistakes for the best results.

• Skipping the butter softening: Using cold butter can lead to dense cookies. Always ensure your butter is softened at room temperature for a fluffy texture.

• Not measuring flour correctly: Too much flour can make cookies dry. Use the spoon-and-level method to accurately measure your flour.

• Overmixing the dough: This can lead to tough cookies. Mix until just combined after adding the flour and other ingredients.

• Ignoring oven temperature accuracy: An incorrect oven temperature can ruin your baking. Use an oven thermometer for precise baking temperatures.

• Not letting cookies cool properly: Transferring them too soon can cause them to break. Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheets before moving them to wire racks.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
• Place parchment paper between layers if stacking to avoid sticking.

Freezing Cherry Chocolate Cookies Delight

• Freeze in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months.
• Layer with parchment paper if stacking, and label with the date.

Reheating Cherry Chocolate Cookies Delight

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm cookies for about 5 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat individually for about 10-15 seconds for a warm treat.
• Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat, covering briefly until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino?

You can use fresh cherries, but they need to be pitted and chopped finely. Note that this may alter the cookie’s texture slightly.

How can I customize Cherry Chocolate Cookies Delight?

Feel free to add nuts, switch chocolate types, or combine different fruits. This recipe is versatile!

What should I do if my cookies spread too much?

Ensure you chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking if you experience excessive spreading.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Adjust as needed since gluten-free flours can vary in absorbency.

Final Thoughts

Cherry Chocolate Cookies Delight are a wonderful treat that combines rich chocolate with sweet cherries. Their chewy texture makes them irresistible! Feel free to customize this recipe with your favorite mix-ins or toppings, ensuring it’s perfect for any occasion. Enjoy baking these delightful cookies!