Go Back
To make these cherry chocolate chunk cookies, gather these simple ingredients: - 1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature - 3/4 cup light brown sugar, tightly packed - 1/2 cup granulated sugar - 2 large eggs, at room temperature - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract - 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour - 1 teaspoon baking soda - 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt - 1 cup dark chocolate chunks (or chips) - 1 cup fresh cherries, pitted and halved - 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped (optional) These ingredients come together to create a perfect blend of sweet and tart flavors. The soft butter helps the dough stay moist, while the sugars add that needed sweetness. The fresh cherries give a burst of flavor in every bite. For a twist, think about these add-ins: - 1/2 cup shredded coconut - 1/2 cup white chocolate chunks - 1/2 teaspoon almond extract - A pinch of cinnamon for warmth Adding these can change the whole cookie experience. Coconut adds a chewy texture, and white chocolate gives a creamier taste. Almond extract can deepen the flavor too. If you lack some ingredients, here are easy swaps: - Use margarine instead of butter. - Swap brown sugar with coconut sugar. - Replace eggs with 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce for vegan cookies. - Use gluten-free flour instead of all-purpose flour. These substitutions make it easy to adapt this recipe. No matter your dietary needs, you can enjoy cherry chocolate chunk cookies. For the full recipe, make sure to follow the steps I shared! To make the dough, start by gathering your ingredients. You need butter, sugars, eggs, and vanilla. Cream the softened butter with both sugars in a large bowl. Use an electric mixer on medium speed for about three to four minutes. You want it light and fluffy. Then, add in the eggs one at a time. Mix well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract next. In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually mix this dry blend into your wet ingredients. Do this on low speed until you see no dry flour. Be careful not to overmix! Finally, fold in the dark chocolate chunks and halved cherries. If you like walnuts, toss those in too. This mixture makes a lovely dough. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded portions of dough onto the sheets. Make sure to leave about two inches between each cookie. This space helps them spread while baking. Bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes. They should have golden edges, while the centers look soft. It’s okay if they seem slightly underbaked. They will continue to firm up as they cool. Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven. Let them cool on the baking sheets for about five minutes. This resting time helps them set. After that, transfer the cookies to wire racks to cool completely. This step is key to keeping them from getting soggy. When cooled, your cherry chocolate chunk cookies are ready to enjoy! For the full recipe, check out the complete guide on making these irresistible treats. To get the best texture for your Cherry Chocolate Chunk Cookies, use room temperature butter. This helps create a light, fluffy dough. Cream the butter and sugars well, about three to four minutes. This step adds air to the mix. Don’t skip it! When adding flour, mix just until incorporated. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies. Also, fold in the chocolate and cherries gently. You want them evenly spread but not crushed. Many people make simple mistakes. One is using cold butter. Cold butter makes it hard to cream properly. Another mistake is not measuring flour correctly. Too much flour can make the cookies dry. Use a spoon to scoop flour into your measuring cup, then level it off. Lastly, keep an eye on baking time. Cookies can go from perfect to burnt in a minute. Check them when they are golden brown at the edges but still soft in the center. Serve these cookies warm, right out of the oven. Warm cookies taste the best! For a fun twist, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. The cold ice cream pairs nicely with the warm cookie. You can also plate them with fresh cherries. This adds color and flavor. For a sweet touch, dust the cookies with powdered sugar before serving. This makes them look even more tempting. For the full recipe, follow the steps outlined above to create these delicious treats! {{image_4}} You can change the chocolate in these cookies. Dark chocolate is rich, but you can use milk chocolate for a sweeter taste. White chocolate adds a creamy flavor too. Mix different chocolates for a fun twist. You might try a mix of dark and milk chocolate chunks. This makes each bite exciting and new. If you want to switch up the fruit, go ahead! Dried cranberries or blueberries work well. You could even use chopped strawberries for a refreshing change. Each fruit gives a new flavor and texture. Just remember to adjust the sugar if the fruit is sweeter than cherries. For those who need gluten-free cookies, the recipe can change easily. Use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour. You can find these blends in most stores. They work well and keep the cookies soft. Add a bit of xanthum gum if your blend does not already have it. This helps bind everything together for the perfect cookie. For the full recipe, check out the Cherry Chocolate Chunk Cookies section. To keep your cherry chocolate chunk cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container. This helps prevent them from drying out. You can place a slice of bread in the container. This extra slice will keep the cookies soft. If you use this method, replace the bread slice every few days. Keep the cookies at room temperature for up to five days. If you want to save some cookies for later, freezing is a great option. First, let the cookies cool completely. Then, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze them for about an hour until they are firm. After that, transfer the cookies to a freezer bag. Make sure to remove as much air as possible. You can freeze them for up to three months. When you are ready to enjoy them, just thaw them at room temperature. Cherry chocolate chunk cookies have a good shelf life. When stored correctly, they last about five days at room temperature. If frozen, they can last for up to three months. However, the taste and texture are best enjoyed fresh. For the best flavor, eat the cookies within the first few days after baking. You can always check for any signs of spoilage before eating. Enjoy these treats while they are still delicious! Yes, you can use frozen cherries. Just make sure to thaw and drain them first. This step helps reduce excess moisture. If you skip this, your cookies may turn out soggy. Frozen cherries work well and still taste great. You can replace eggs with several options. Use 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce for each egg. Another choice is 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water. Let it sit for a few minutes until it thickens. These substitutes help bind the cookies while keeping them moist. To achieve a chewier texture, try these tips: - Use more brown sugar than white sugar. - Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking. - Bake the cookies slightly less than the recipe states. This keeps them soft. These changes give your cookies that perfect chewy bite! In this post, we covered essential ingredients and step-by-step instructions for cherry chocolate chunk cookies. You learned about optional add-ins and substitutes. I shared tips for the perfect texture and common mistakes to avoid. We explored different variations, as well as storage tips for leftovers. Baking can be fun and rewarding. With these guidelines, you can create delicious cookies that please everyone. Enjoy your baking journey!

Cherry Chocolate Chunk Cookies

Indulge in the ultimate cherry chocolate chunk cookies that blend rich chocolate and juicy cherries in every bite! This simple recipe is perfect for any baking occasion, featuring classic ingredients and straightforward steps. In just 30 minutes, you can create a batch of delicious cookies that everyone will love. Click through to discover the full recipe and make these delightful treats at home!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature

3/4 cup light brown sugar, tightly packed

1/2 cup granulated sugar

2 large eggs, at room temperature

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt

1 cup dark chocolate chunks (or chips)

1 cup fresh cherries, pitted and halved

1/2 cup walnuts, chopped (optional)

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare two baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper to ensure the cookies do not stick.

    In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar together using an electric mixer. Beat the mixture on medium speed for about 3-4 minutes, until it is light, fluffy, and creamy in texture.

      Incorporate the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition to ensure they are fully blended. Following this, stir in the pure vanilla extract until evenly incorporated.

        In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and sea salt until well combined. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed just until you see no dry flour remaining; be mindful not to overmix.

          Fold in the dark chocolate chunks, fresh cherry halves, and chopped walnuts (if desired) using a spatula or wooden spoon. Make sure these ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the dough for a perfect bite.

            Using a cookie scoop or a tablespoon, drop rounded portions of the dough onto the prepared baking sheets, ensuring to leave enough space (about 2 inches) between each cookie to allow for spreading as they bake.

              Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes. They will be ready when the edges are beautifully golden brown, while the centers still appear soft and slightly underbaked.

                Once done, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for approximately 5 minutes. After that, transfer them to wire racks to cool completely; this prevents them from becoming soggy.

                  Prep Time: 15 mins | Total Time: 30 mins | Servings: 24 cookies

                    - Presentation Tips: Arrange the cookies on a decorative platter and lightly dust with powdered sugar for an elegant touch. For added visual appeal, serve with a bowl of fresh cherries on the side. This not only enhances the presentation but also complements the flavors of the cookies beautifully.