Hi, I’m Sam from dishfoody.com, where comforting classics get a fresh twist. Chocolate Cherry Cookies blend fudgy chocolate dough with tart dried cherries and melty chips for chewy centers and crisp edges.
These 25-minute drop cookies yield 30 holiday treats perfect for cookie swaps with balanced sweet-tart richness.
These cookies are versatile, freezer-friendly, and ideal for Christmas platters. Cherries cut chocolate intensity while sea salt amplifies flavors.
Why This Recipe Works
Cocoa powder creates deep fudgy base without melting chocolate. Brown sugar keeps chewy texture. Cornstarch tenderizes without cakiness. Chilling prevents spreading. Dried cherries rehydrate slightly during baking.
Ingredients & Prep
- 1¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp cornstarch
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup dried cherries, chopped
- ¾ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- Flaky sea salt
Step-by-Step Instructions

- Whisk flour, cocoa, cornstarch, soda, and salt.
- Beat butter and sugars 2 minutes until fluffy; add egg and vanilla.
- Mix dry into wet until just combined; fold in cherries and chips. Chill 30 minutes.
- Preheat 350°F; scoop 1½-tbsp balls 2 inches apart on parchment sheets.
- Sprinkle sea salt; bake 10–12 minutes until edges set. Cool 10 minutes on sheet.
Flavor Variations
| Variation | Key Add/Swap | Resulting Twist |
|---|---|---|
| White Chocolate | White chips + cherries | Festive swirl |
| Almond Joy | Coconut + almonds | Tropical crunch |
| Mexican Hot | Cayenne + cinnamon | Spiced warmth |
| Vegan | Vegan butter + flax egg | Plant-based fudgy |
Storage Tips
Airtight room temperature 5 days; freeze 2 months.
FAQs
Spread too much?
Chill longer; use cold butter.
Dry texture?
Don’t overbake; extra brown sugar.
Gluten-free?
1:1 GF flour blend.
Conclusion
Chocolate Cherry Cookies balance fudgy-tart perfection holiday essential.
PrintChocolate Cherry Cookies Recipe
Soft and chewy chocolate cherry cookies loaded with rich cocoa flavor and bursts of sweet-tart cherries. Perfect for holidays, gifting, or anytime chocolate cravings hit.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 12 mins
- Total Time: 27 mins
- Yield: 18 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup dried cherries, chopped
- 3/4 cup chocolate chips or chunks
- Optional:
- 1/4 tsp almond extract
Instructions
- 1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- 2. In a bowl, whisk flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
- 3. In another bowl, cream butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until fluffy.
- 4. Beat in egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract if using.
- 5. Gradually mix in dry ingredients until just combined.
- 6. Fold in dried cherries and chocolate chips.
- 7. Scoop dough into tablespoon-sized balls and place on baking sheet.
- 8. Bake for 10–12 minutes until edges are set but centers are soft.
- 9. Cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
Notes
- Soak dried cherries in warm water for 10 minutes for extra softness.
- Do not overbake to keep cookies fudgy.
- Cookies store well for up to 5 days in an airtight container.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 140mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Keywords: chocolate cherry cookies, cherry chocolate cookies, holiday cookies

