Soft Chewy Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies

why make this recipe

Soft Chewy Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies are a delightful balance of sweet, tart cherries and melty chocolate, with a tender, chewy crumb that keeps you coming back for more. They’re quick to make, use pantry-friendly ingredients, and bring a familiar comfort with a slightly special twist—perfect for bake sales, weeknight treats, or an easy dessert to share.

introduction

These cookies pair the deep richness of chocolate chips with bursts of cherry flavor—fresh or dried—for a texture and taste contrast that’s irresistible. The recipe yields soft, chewy cookies with golden edges and a slightly underbaked center that stays tender as they cool.

how to make Soft Chewy Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies

Start by creaming the butter and sugars until smooth, then incorporate the eggs and vanilla. Combine the dry ingredients separately, then fold them into the wet mix just until combined to avoid overworking the dough. Finally, fold in the chocolate chips and chopped cherries, scoop the dough, and bake until the edges are golden. Cooling briefly on the baking sheet helps the cookies set without losing that desired chew.

Ingredients :

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup chocolate chips
• 1 cup fresh or dried cherries, chopped

Directions :

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth.
3. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla.
4. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
5. Fold in the chocolate chips and cherries.
6. Drop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto ungreased baking sheets.
7. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
8. Allow to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

FAQ

Q: Can I use frozen cherries?
A: Yes—thaw and pat them dry to remove excess moisture, then chop and fold in gently.

Q: Can I substitute maraschino cherries or dried cherries?
A: Both work. Maraschino cherries add sweetness and color; dried cherries concentrate the flavor—adjust sugar slightly if using very sweet add-ins.

Q: How do I keep cookies soft?
A: Don’t overbake; remove when edges are set but centers still look slightly soft. Store properly (see below) to maintain chewiness.

how to serve Soft Chewy Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies

Serve warm with a cold glass of milk, alongside coffee or tea, or plate them as part of a cookie tray. For a special presentation, sandwich two cookies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for quick ice cream sandwiches.

how to store Soft Chewy Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies

• Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Place a slice of bread in the container to help keep them soft.
• Refrigeration: Up to 1 week in an airtight container.
• Freezing: Freeze baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature.

tips to make Soft Chewy Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies

• Use room-temperature butter and eggs for even mixing.
• Measure flour by spooning it into the cup and leveling—don’t pack—so cookies stay tender.
• Chop cherries to roughly the size of the chocolate chips for even distribution.
• Underbake slightly for a chewier center; cookies will firm up as they cool.
• If using fresh cherries, reduce other liquids slightly and blot cherries dry to avoid excess moisture.

variation (if any)

• Nutty: Fold in 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts.
• White chocolate and cherry: Substitute half the chocolate chips with white chocolate for a sweeter profile.
• Oat-cherry-chocolate: Replace 1/2 cup of flour with 1/2 cup rolled oats for heartier texture.
• Maraschino twist: Use chopped maraschino cherries (drained and patted dry) for bright color and extra sweetness.

Conclusion

For more ideas on cherry-and-chocolate combinations, check out this detailed take on Maraschino Cherry Cookies with Chocolate Chips, and for variation inspiration and technique tips see Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies.