Chocolate Cherry Cookies: A Sweet Journey Through Memory and Flavor
When I think about the essence of home, it’s often tied to the simple joy of sharing a homemade treat with family and friends. One of my fondest memories is of baking with my grandmother in her cozy kitchen, where the smell of freshly baked cookies would waft through the air, wrapping us in a warm, comforting hug. Today, I want to share with you a recipe that’s become a beloved staple in my home—Chocolate Cherry Cookies. These cookies are the perfect blend of rich chocolate and sweet cherries, making them an irresistible treat for any occasion. Whether you’re gathering with family for a cozy night in or looking to impress at a potluck, these cookies are sure to bring smiles all around.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Family-Friendly Fun
Baking these cookies is a perfect activity to involve the little ones. They’ll love helping to place the cherry on top of each cookie. This interaction not only fosters a love for baking but also creates cherished memories that will last a lifetime. Engaging children in the kitchen can also enhance their understanding of measurements and following instructions, making it a fun and educational experience.
Comfort Food at Its Best
There’s something about the combination of chocolate and cherry that feels like a warm hug—it’s classic comfort food. The rich, deep flavor of chocolate mixed with the sweet, slightly tart burst of cherries creates a harmonious blend that is both nostalgic and satisfying. Each bite transports you to a place of warmth and happiness, reminiscent of family gatherings and joyful celebrations.
Accessible Ingredients
You probably already have most of these ingredients in your pantry, making this recipe not only delicious but also convenient. There’s no need for a last-minute grocery run, which means you can decide to bake these on a whim whenever the craving hits. The ingredients are simple yet effective, ensuring you can easily recreate this delightful treat at home.
Quick and Easy
With a total time of just 27 minutes, you can whip these up even on a busy day. Whether you’re looking for a quick after-dinner dessert or a last-minute contribution to a party, these cookies can be made swiftly without sacrificing quality or taste. Their simplicity doesn’t compromise their rich flavor, making them an ideal choice for any occasion.
Beautiful Presentation
The pink drizzle and cherry topping make these cookies look as good as they taste, perfect for gifting or sharing. They add a splash of color to any cookie platter and are sure to catch the eye of anyone in the room. The visual appeal of these cookies makes them a delightful treat to share during the holidays or special occasions.
The Recipe
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 27 minutes
Servings: 12 cookies
Calories: 176 kcal per serving
Ingredients
- 7 tablespoons (98 grams) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon instant espresso powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup chopped maraschino cherries (plus 6 whole cherries for topping)
- 1/4 cup chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons maraschino cherry juice from the jar
Directions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a cookie sheet with a silicone mat to minimize cookie spread. This step is essential for ensuring your cookies bake evenly and maintain their shape.
Cream the butter and sugar in a medium bowl until light and fluffy. This step is crucial for achieving that perfect cookie texture. Once creamed, add the egg yolk, vanilla, and almond extracts, mixing until thoroughly combined. The creaming process incorporates air into the batter, leading to lighter and softer cookies.
Whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, instant espresso powder, baking powder, and salt in a small bowl. Evenly sprinkle this dry mixture over the wet ingredients and mix until combined. This ensures the dry ingredients are evenly distributed, preventing any clumps and ensuring a consistent flavor throughout.
Prepare the cherries by placing the chopped and whole cherries on a paper towel to dry slightly. Cut the 6 whole cherries in half to create 12 halves. Drying the cherries helps prevent excess moisture from altering the dough consistency.
Incorporate the cherries into the cookie dough by lightly stirring in the chopped cherries. It’s okay if they break up a bit; this will distribute the cherry flavor throughout the cookies. The cherries add a delightful chewiness and burst of sweetness that complements the chocolate.
Add the chocolate chips, mixing just enough to distribute them evenly. The chocolate chips melt slightly during baking, creating gooey pockets of chocolate in each bite.
Drop large scoops of dough (about 2 tablespoons each) onto the prepared cookie sheet, spacing them evenly. Gently press each dough ball down with your palm, then place a cherry half on top of each cookie. This step ensures the cookies bake evenly and creates a beautiful presentation.
Bake for 12-13 minutes until the edges are set and the middles are just starting to firm up. Allow them to cool on the sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Baking for just the right amount of time ensures your cookies are soft and chewy.
Drizzle the cookies: Once cool, mix the powdered sugar with the maraschino cherry juice to create a pink drizzle. Drizzle over the cookies for a sweet finishing touch. The drizzle adds an extra layer of sweetness and a pop of color.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
- Medium Mixing Bowl: For creaming the butter and sugar.
- Small Mixing Bowl: For whisking dry ingredients.
- Silicone Baking Mat: Helps prevent cookies from spreading too much.
- Cookie Sheet: To bake the cookies.
- Wire Rack: For cooling the cookies.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Essential for precision in baking.
- Whisk and Spatula: For mixing ingredients thoroughly.
The Benefits of Each Ingredient
Butter
Butter provides richness and moisture, crucial for that perfect cookie texture. Its fat content helps create a tender crumb and enhances the overall flavor of the cookies. The choice of unsalted butter allows for better control over the salt level in the recipe.
Granulated Sugar
Granulated sugar not only sweetens but also helps create a tender crumb. It plays a crucial role in the browning process, giving cookies their appealing golden hue. The sugar also helps in the creaming process, which is essential for light and fluffy cookies.
Egg Yolk
Egg yolk adds richness and helps bind the ingredients together. It contributes to the chewy texture of the cookies and adds a subtle richness that enhances the overall flavor.
Vanilla and Almond Extracts
These extracts enhance the flavor profile, adding depth and warmth. Vanilla provides a sweet, floral aroma, while almond extract adds a nutty note that pairs beautifully with the cherries.
Cocoa Powder
Cocoa powder is the base of our chocolate flavor, essential for that rich taste. It provides a deep, intense chocolate flavor without adding additional fat or sweetness.
Instant Espresso Powder
Instant espresso powder intensifies the chocolate flavor without making it taste like coffee. It’s a secret ingredient that enhances the depth of the chocolate, making it more robust and pronounced.
Maraschino Cherries
Maraschino cherries offer a burst of sweetness and a chewy texture that complements the chocolate. They add a beautiful pop of color and a unique flavor that sets these cookies apart.
Chocolate Chips
Chocolate chips add pockets of melted chocolate throughout the cookie. They provide a delightful contrast in texture and an extra layer of chocolatey goodness.
Powdered Sugar Drizzle
The powdered sugar drizzle is a sweet, decorative touch that also adds a hint of cherry flavor. It enhances the visual appeal of the cookies and adds an extra layer of sweetness.
What to Serve With This Dish
These Chocolate Cherry Cookies pair beautifully with a cup of hot cocoa or a glass of cold milk—perfect for an afternoon snack or a sweet end to a family dinner. The creamy richness of the milk complements the chocolate, while the cocoa enhances the overall indulgence. If you’re hosting a gathering, consider serving them alongside a fruit platter or our Classic Vanilla Ice Cream for a delightful dessert spread. The contrast of flavors and textures will surely impress your guests.
Storage & Leftover Tips
If you find yourself with leftover cookies (though that rarely happens in my house!), you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, place them in a freezer-safe bag and freeze for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply let them thaw at room temperature or warm them slightly in the oven for that freshly-baked feel. This ensures that you always have a delicious treat on hand whenever the craving strikes.
In Conclusion
These Chocolate Cherry Cookies are more than just a treat—they’re a way to bring a little extra love and warmth into your home. I hope you enjoy making and sharing them as much as I do. Remember, the best ingredients in any recipe are the love and joy you put into it. Happy baking, my friends!
For more cozy recipes that bring the family together, check out my Homemade Meatloaf or Comforting Chicken Noodle Soup. They’re sure to become family favorites, just like these cookies. Whether you’re baking for an event or simply indulging in a personal craving, these cookies are a testament to the joy and comfort found in homemade treats. Enjoy the delightful fusion of chocolate and cherries, and let these cookies become a cherished part of your family’s culinary traditions.
Chocolate Cherry Cookies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a cookie sheet with a silicone mat to help reduce cookie spread.
- In a medium bowl, cream together the butter and sugar. When light and fluffy, add the egg yolk, vanilla, and almond extract, and mix until thoroughly combined.
- In a small bowl, whisk together all the dry ingredients (flour, cocoa powder, espresso powder, baking powder, and salt). Evenly sprinkle over the wet ingredients, and mix to combine.
- Place the chopped cherries and whole cherries on a paper towel to lightly dry them. Cut the 6 whole cherries in half to make 12 halves.
- Add the chopped cherries to the cookie dough and lightly stir them in. Finally, stir in the chocolate chips.
- Drop large scoops of dough (2 tablespoons each) onto a cookie sheet, evenly spaced. Press each dough ball down slightly with your palm. Place a cherry half on top of each cookie.
- Bake for 12-13 minutes, until the edges of the cookie begin to set and the middles aren’t wet. Let cool on the sheet pan for 5 minutes before moving them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once the cookies are cool, combine the powdered sugar with the maraschino juice from the jar. Drizzle the pink icing over the cookies.