Name: Decadent Chocolate Cherry Cookies for Holiday Celebrations
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Holiday
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; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 cup chopped dark chocolate; 1/2 cup fresh or maraschino cherries, halved and pitted

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🎉🍒 Decadent Chocolate Cherry Cookies for Holiday Celebrations 🍪🌟

1. Introduction

Indulge your senses with these mouthwatering Chocolate Cherry Cookies, a perfect blend of rich cocoa and juicy cherries that brighten up any holiday table. Whether you’re baking for a festive gathering or looking for a delightful treat to share, these cookies offer a luscious combination of chewy cherries and crispy edges, all nestled within a tender chocolate cookie. The aroma alone will have everyone rushing to the oven!

2. Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ready in 30 mins — perfect for last-minute holiday baking.
One-bowl recipe — minimizes cleanup and maximizes flavor.
Versatile & customizable — use dark or milk chocolate, or swap dried cherries with cranberries.

Festive & colorful — adds a cheerful touch to your holiday cookie platter.

3. Ingredient Notes

For these chocolate cookies, I recommend high-quality semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips. They melt beautifully, giving the cookies a rich, bittersweet flavor. Dried cherries should be plump and moist—look for natural, unsweetened varieties if possible, to balance the sweetness of the chocolate. Using fresh, high-quality butter ensures a tender crumb and enhances the aromatic depth of the cookies. For sweetness, organic cane sugar or molasses can add nuanced flavor and a hint of caramel.

4. Kitchen Tools You Need

For perfect results, equip yourself with some fantastic tools. The Compact 6-in-1 Digital Air Fryer is great for quickly crisping the cookies if you like an extra crunch. A reliable T-fal 14-Piece Hard Anodized Nonstick Cookware Set simplifies baking and cleaning. For mixing, I love the KitchenAid Artisan 5-Quart Stand Mixer—it’s a baker’s best friend, ensuring even mixing and fluffy batter every time.

5. How to Make Decadent Chocolate Cherry Cookies

Melting the Butter & Preparing Wet Ingredients

Start by melting high-quality butter until it’s just barely bubbling, releasing a fragrant aroma. Mix in brown sugar and granulated sugar until the mixture is smooth and glossy—this imparts moisture and richness. As the scent of vanilla bean and melted chocolate fills the air, add a hint of salt to balance the sweetness.

Combining Dry & Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, and baking soda. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. The batter will be thick but pourable. Fold in the chocolate chips and dried cherries, distributing them evenly for a vibrant, chewy bite in every cookie.

Baking & Finishing Touches

Scoop dough onto a lined baking sheet using an ice cream scoop for uniform cookies. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for approximately 10-12 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the edges are set and slightly crispy, yet the centers remain soft. For an extra touch, lightly sprinkle some flaky sea salt on top before cooling, enhancing the flavor complexity.

6. Expert Tips for Success

Ensure the butter is at room temperature before creaming it with sugars; this creates a fluffy, airy texture. Chilling the dough for 15 minutes before baking helps enhance the flavors and prevents spreading. Use a reliable oven thermometer to ensure your oven maintains a consistent temperature—this is key for cookies turning out perfectly crispy on the edges and chewy inside.

7. Variations & Substitutions

If you’re vegan, substitute butter with coconut oil and use dairy-free chocolate chips. Gluten-free flour blends work well as a replacement for traditional flour; just follow the package’s conversion instructions. For a more festive touch, sprinkle crushed peppermint candies on top just before baking or fold in chopped nuts for added crunch.

8. Storage & Reheating

Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze in a sealed bag or container for up to a month. To reheat, warm the cookies in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5 minutes, restoring their crispy edges and gooey centers.

9. FAQ

Can I use fresh cherries instead of dried?

Fresh cherries release a lot of moisture and may affect the cookie’s texture. Dried cherries are better because they keep the cookies chewy without making them soggy.

How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?

Chilling the dough for at least 15 minutes before baking significantly reduces spreading. Using a silicone baking mat also helps maintain shape and prevents sticking.

Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare the dough ahead, refrigerate, and bake fresh cookies when needed. The dough can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for up to a month.

Are these cookies suitable for holiday giving?

Yes! Decorate with a drizzle of white chocolate or festive sprinkles to make them even more appealing for holiday celebrations.

10. Conclusion

Bringing together rich chocolate and tangy cherries, these Chocolate Cherry Cookies are a show-stopping treat for any holiday celebration. With easy steps, expert tips, and customizable options, you’ll be able to bake and share cookies that everyone will love. For more baking inspiration, check out our festive Charcuterie Wreath or explore our other holiday recipes. Happy baking!