If you’ve been searching for that perfect balance of fruity sweetness and rich chocolate delight, then the Cherry Chocolate Cookies Treats Recipe is ready to become your new favorite. Each cookie bursts with juicy bits of maraschino cherries and melty chocolate chips, all wrapped up in a tender, buttery dough that’s crisp on the edges and soft in the center. It’s a simple, charming cookie recipe that feels special enough to share at gatherings or to enjoy as an everyday indulgence. Trust me, once you try these Cherry Chocolate Cookies Treats, you’ll find it hard to go back to plain chocolate chip cookies ever again!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Cherry Chocolate Cookies Treats Recipe uses a handful of straightforward pantry staples, but each ingredient has its own important role in making these cookies shine. From the creamy butter that gives moisture and richness, to the brown sugar which deepens the flavor and keeps them chewy, everything comes together perfectly.
- Unsalted butter, 1 cup: Softened butter forms the creamy base that makes these cookies melt in your mouth.
- Granulated sugar, 1 cup: Adds sweetness and helps create the perfect cookie texture with a slight crisp.
- Brown sugar, packed 1 cup: Gives moisture, a hint of caramel flavor, and chewiness to the cookies.
- Large eggs, 2: Bind everything together and add richness.
- Vanilla extract, 2 teaspoons: Enhances flavors and rounds out the sweetness with a warm aroma.
- All-purpose flour, 3 cups: The structure of the cookie, it holds all the ingredients together.
- Baking soda, 1 teaspoon: Helps the cookies rise and spread just the right amount.
- Salt, 1/2 teaspoon: Balances sweetness and amplifies the overall flavor.
- Maraschino cherries, 1 cup, drained and chopped: Adds juicy bursts of cherry that make each bite pop.
- Semisweet chocolate chips, 1 cup: Classic pockets of chocolate that perfectly complement the cherries.
How to Make Cherry Chocolate Cookies Treats Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Sheets
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and to ensure easy cleanup. This simple step sets you up for cookies that bake evenly and come off the tray effortlessly, which is always a win in my kitchen.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter with both granulated and brown sugars. You want to whip them until this mixture is fluffy and light; this creates the soft, tender crumb in your cookies. Then, add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, followed by the vanilla extract, which brings a lovely vanilla note to every bite.
Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Combining these dry ingredients before adding them to the wet mixture ensures they’re evenly distributed, so your cookies rise uniformly with consistent flavor throughout.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Overmixing here can lead to tough cookies, so keep it light. This balance gives the cookies that perfect chewy yet soft texture we want.
Step 5: Fold in Cherries and Chocolate Chips
Gently fold in your chopped maraschino cherries and semisweet chocolate chips. This part is the magic moment of the Cherry Chocolate Cookies Treats Recipe because you’re incorporating those delightful bursts of color and contrasting flavors that make these cookies truly special.
Step 6: Portion and Bake
Drop rounded spoonfuls of dough onto your prepared baking sheets, giving each cookie enough room to spread. Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges turn a beautiful golden brown. Keep an eye out though, as every oven varies slightly!
Step 7: Cool Before Serving
Once baked, let the cookies cool for several minutes on the baking sheets before transferring them to wire racks. This allows them to set perfectly while staying soft and chewy inside, making them easier to handle and enjoy.
How to Serve Cherry Chocolate Cookies Treats Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra touch, consider sprinkling a few finely chopped cherries or a few mini chocolate chips on top of the cookies right after baking. A light dusting of powdered sugar can also add a fancy finish that makes them feel perfect for sharing at any celebration.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with a glass of cold milk or a cup of hot tea or coffee. For a more indulgent treat, serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of warm chocolate sauce. Their playful cherry and chocolate combo makes them versatile companions for many beverages and desserts.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking the Cherry Chocolate Cookies Treats Recipe as mini cookie towers tied with a ribbon for gifts or party favors. You could also sandwich them with cherry jam or chocolate ganache for an irresistible cookie sandwich that amps up the fun and flavor!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftover cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and yummy for up to 4 days, perfect if you want to enjoy them throughout the week.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, freeze the baked cookies in a single layer on a tray first, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They keep well for up to three months and thaw quickly when you’re ready to enjoy that Cherry Chocolate Cookies Treats Recipe magic again.
Reheating
To warm up cookies from freezer or fridge, pop them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 to 7 minutes or microwave them for about 15 seconds. This refreshes their softness and brings out that fresh-baked feeling.
FAQs
Can I substitute fresh cherries for maraschino cherries?
While fresh cherries are delightful, they contain more moisture which might alter the cookie texture, making them softer and potentially increasing bake time. If using fresh, be sure to pit and chop them well, and consider reducing other liquids if your recipe calls for them.
What type of chocolate chips work best?
Semisweet chocolate chips are ideal as they complement the tart sweetness of the cherries without overpowering them. However, you can experiment with dark chocolate for a richer taste or milk chocolate for a sweeter cookie.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend designed for cookies. Just ensure your blend contains xanthan gum or similar to keep the texture right.
Are these cookies chewy or crunchy?
They have a wonderful chewy center with slightly crispy edges, thanks to the balance of sugars and butter and the baking time. If you prefer crunchier cookies, just bake them an extra minute or two.
Can I double the recipe for larger batches?
Absolutely! This Cherry Chocolate Cookies Treats Recipe scales perfectly. Just be sure to mix in batches if your bowl or mixer isn’t large enough to avoid uneven mixing.
Final Thoughts
Now that you have the inside scoop on this delightful Cherry Chocolate Cookies Treats Recipe, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and bake up a batch of these irresistible cookies. They’re easy to make, bursting with flavor, and sure to bring smiles wherever they go. Whether for a cozy night at home or sharing with friends, these treats are pure joy in cookie form. Happy baking!
Print
Cherry Chocolate Cookies Treats Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 36 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in these Cherry Chocolate Cookies Treats that perfectly combine sweet maraschino cherries with rich semisweet chocolate chips baked into a soft, chewy cookie. These cookies are ideal for sharing at gatherings or enjoying as a special homemade treat.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Add-ins
- 1 cup maraschino cherries, drained and chopped
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which creates the perfect base for your cookies.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then mix in the vanilla extract for flavor.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agents and seasoning.
- Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, mixing just until combined to avoid overworking the dough which keeps cookies tender.
- Fold in Cherries and Chocolate Chips: Gently fold in the chopped maraschino cherries and semisweet chocolate chips to evenly disperse the flavors throughout the dough without smashing the cherries.
- Portion Cookies: Drop rounded spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them evenly to allow for spreading during baking.
- Bake: Bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes or until the edges are golden brown, indicating they are perfectly cooked.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for several minutes to set, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely before serving to maintain texture.
Notes
- Ensure butter is softened to room temperature for easier creaming with sugars.
- Do not overmix once flour is added to keep cookies tender.
- Chopping cherries finely helps distribute flavor without large chunks disturbing texture.
- Cookies will firm up as they cool; slightly underbake if you want a chewier texture.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
