Cherry chocolate chip cookies combine the rich, buttery goodness of classic chocolate chip cookies with the juicy, tart flavor of cherries. This delightful twist adds a burst of fruitiness and an extra layer of flavor to the traditional cookie, making them perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re baking for a special event or just craving a unique treat, these cookies are sure to impress.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup dried cherries, chopped (or fresh cherries, pitted and chopped)
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional, such as walnuts or pecans)
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugars:
- In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add Eggs and Vanilla:
- Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
5. Mix Dry Ingredients with Wet Ingredients:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined.
6. Fold in Chocolate Chips and Cherries:
- Stir in the chocolate chips, chopped cherries, and nuts (if using). Mix until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
7. Shape and Bake:
- Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are just set.
8. Cool:
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips for Perfect Cookies
- Use Room Temperature Butter: Make sure the butter is softened to room temperature for easier mixing and better texture.
- Chop Cherries Uniformly: If using fresh cherries, make sure they are pitted and chopped uniformly so they bake evenly into the cookies.
- Don’t Overmix: Once you add the dry ingredients to the wet, mix just until combined to avoid tough cookies.
- Adjust Baking Time: Oven temperatures can vary, so keep an eye on your cookies and adjust the baking time as needed.
Serving Suggestions
Cherry chocolate chip cookies are versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways:
- Classic Style: Serve them as they are with a glass of cold milk or a cup of coffee.
- Dessert Sandwiches: Use two cookies to create a dessert sandwich with a scoop of vanilla ice cream in the middle.
- Garnish: Sprinkle with a bit of sea salt before baking for an extra flavor dimension.
Conclusion
Cherry chocolate chip cookies offer a delightful twist on a classic favorite, blending the rich flavors of chocolate and the tartness of cherries into every bite. They are perfect for adding a touch of fruitiness to your cookie repertoire and are sure to be a hit with family and friends. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply indulging in a sweet treat, these cookies are a delicious choice.