Name: Chocolate Cherry Cookies 5 Secrets for Perfect Festive Holiday Baking
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 24
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup Dutch-processed cocoa powder; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar; 1 large egg, room temperature; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 3/4 cup dried cherries, finely chopped; 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips; 24-30 maraschino cherries, drained and patted dry; 1 cup powdered sugar; 2-3 tablespoons cherry juice (from maraschino jar); 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Chocolate Cherry Cookies bring together two timeless holiday flavors in one irresistible bite.

Hi, I’m Jack from Cooks Foody, and I still remember the first Christmas cookie exchange I attended I brought plain sugar cookies that looked sad next to everyone else’s festive creations.

Determined never to feel underprepared again, I developed these stunning cookies that look bakery-perfect but come together in just 30 minutes.

Tired of cookies that spread into flat puddles, turn out dry and crumbly, or simply lack that wow factor? These Chocolate Cherry Cookies deliver fudgy chocolate richness punctuated by sweet-tart cherry bursts, topped with a beautiful cherry half that makes each cookie look professionally decorated.

The texture hits that perfect balance soft and chewy centers with slightly crisp edges that keep people reaching for just one more.

After years of recipe development at Cooks Foody, I’ve perfected the technique that prevents spreading, ensures consistent sizing, and creates that signature chocolate-cherry flavor everyone craves during the holidays.

In this comprehensive guide, I’ll walk you through selecting quality ingredients, mastering the dough consistency, achieving perfect baking results, troubleshooting common issues, and creating delicious variations. Whether you’re baking for a cookie exchange, holiday party, or simply filling your cookie jar, these Chocolate Cherry Cookies will become your go-to festive treat.

Why This Chocolate Cherry Cookies Recipe Works

These Chocolate Cherry Cookies succeed where other holiday cookies often disappoint, offering convenience, reliability, and impressive presentation with minimal effort.

• Uses pantry staples you already have: No specialty ingredients or expensive equipment required for bakery-quality results

• Dough comes together in under 15 minutes: Quick mixing means more time decorating and less time measuring

• No chilling required for immediate baking: Skip the refrigerator wait and get cookies in the oven right away

• Perfect for cookie exchanges and gift-giving: Eye-catching presentation makes these stand out on any dessert table

• Naturally beautiful without complicated decorating: The cherry topping creates stunning visual appeal with zero piping skills needed

• Make-ahead and freezer-friendly: Prepare dough weeks in advance or freeze baked cookies for last-minute entertaining

Choosing the Right Ingredients for Chocolate Cherry Cookies

Quality ingredients elevate simple cookies into memorable treats that guests request year after year.

Best Chocolate Options for This Recipe

Dutch-processed cocoa powder creates the deepest, most intense chocolate flavor in Chocolate Cherry Cookies. Brands like Droste, Rodelle, or Ghirardelli deliver rich results without bitterness. Natural cocoa powder works but produces lighter color and more acidic notes. For the chocolate chips, semi-sweet chips balance the cherry sweetness perfectly. Dark chocolate chips (60-70% cacao) work beautifully if you prefer less sweet cookies. Avoid milk chocolate chips they’re too sweet and overpower the cherry flavor.

Buying Tips for Premium Cherries

Maraschino cherries are traditional for Chocolate Cherry Cookies, but quality matters enormously. Look for brands without artificial dyes natural red maraschino cherries taste better and don’t bleed color into the dough. Luxardo maraschino cherries offer superior flavor but cost significantly more. For the dough, use dried cherries (not Craisins) for concentrated tartness. Chopping dried cherries finely prevents large chunks that create uneven texture. Fresh cherries don’t work too much moisture ruins cookie structure.

Substitutions for Dietary Preferences

Replace all-purpose flour with gluten-free 1-to-1 baking flour for celiac-friendly Chocolate Cherry Cookies add 1/4 teaspoon xanthan gum if your blend doesn’t include it. Swap butter for vegan butter sticks (not spreadable tubs) for dairy-free versions. Use flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water per egg, let sit 5 minutes) for egg-free cookies, though texture will be slightly denser. Replace granulated sugar with coconut sugar for deeper caramel notes.

Ingredients & Prep for Chocolate Cherry Cookies

Essential Cookie Dough Ingredients

For the Chocolate Cherry Cookies:

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup Dutch-processed cocoa powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
1 large egg, room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3/4 cup dried cherries, finely chopped
1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
24-30 maraschino cherries, drained and patted dry

Optional Glaze:

1 cup powdered sugar
2-3 tablespoons cherry juice (from maraschino jar)
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

Prep Essentials for Perfect Chocolate Cherry Cookies

Begin by bringing butter and egg to room temperature 30-60 minutes before baking cold ingredients don’t cream properly and create dense cookies. Drain maraschino cherries thoroughly and pat completely dry with paper towels to prevent color bleeding. Chop dried cherries into pieces no larger than chocolate chips for even distribution. Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.

Measure flour correctly by spooning it into measuring cups and leveling with a knife scooping directly from the bag packs too much flour and creates dry cookies. Sift cocoa powder before measuring to remove lumps. Have an ice cream scoop or cookie scoop ready for uniform sizing.

Essential Baking Tools

You’ll need two large baking sheets for efficient batch baking, parchment paper or silicone baking mats for non-stick surfaces, and a stand mixer or handheld electric mixer for proper creaming. A 1.5-tablespoon cookie scoop ensures consistent sizing and prevents spreading. A cooling rack allows proper air circulation. Sharp kitchen scissors make chopping dried cherries effortless.

Step-by-Step Baking Instructions for Chocolate Cherry Cookies

Pre-Baking Prep for Chocolate Cherry Cookies

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and position racks in the upper and lower thirds. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt until no cocoa lumps remain. This dry mixture can be prepared up to 3 days ahead and stored in an airtight container.

Prepare your maraschino cherries by draining them completely, then laying them on paper towels. Pat the tops dry as well excess moisture causes cookies to spread and creates soggy bottoms. Set aside 24-30 cherries for topping, one per cookie.

Mixing Method for Chocolate Cherry Cookies

In a large bowl or stand mixer, beat softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar on medium-high speed for 3-4 minutes until light and fluffy. This creaming process incorporates air for soft texture. Scrape down the bowl halfway through. Add egg and vanilla extract, beating until fully incorporated about 1 minute. The mixture should look smooth and creamy.

Reduce mixer speed to low and add the flour mixture in two additions, mixing just until no dry streaks remain. Overmixing develops gluten and creates tough Chocolate Cherry Cookies. Fold in chopped dried cherries and chocolate chips with a spatula, distributing them evenly throughout the dough. The dough will be thick and slightly sticky.

Shaping and Baking Chocolate Cherry Cookies

Using a 1.5-tablespoon cookie scoop, portion dough and roll into balls between your palms. Place 12 dough balls on each prepared baking sheet, spacing them 2 inches apart they spread moderately during baking. Gently press a dried maraschino cherry into the center of each dough ball, pushing about halfway down. The cherry should be visible but secure.

Bake one sheet at a time on the center rack for 10-12 minutes. Chocolate Cherry Cookies are done when edges look set but centers still appear slightly underdone they’ll continue cooking on the hot pan. Overbaking creates dry, crumbly cookies. Remove from oven and let cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.

Cooling and Optional Glazing for Chocolate Cherry Cookies

Allow Chocolate Cherry Cookies to cool completely on wire racks about 30 minutes. For glazed versions, whisk together powdered sugar, cherry juice, and vanilla until smooth and pourable. Drizzle glaze over cooled cookies using a fork or transfer to a piping bag for precise lines. The glaze sets within 15 minutes, creating a beautiful shiny finish that highlights the cherry topping.

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Pro Tips for Perfect Chocolate Cherry Cookies

Preventing Flat, Spread-Out Cookies

Room temperature butter (not melted) is crucial for Chocolate Cherry Cookies that hold their shape. Butter should be soft enough to leave a slight indent when pressed but not greasy or shiny. If your kitchen is warm, chill shaped dough balls for 15 minutes before baking. Don’t skip the parchment paper greased pans cause excessive spreading. Measure flour accurately using the spoon-and-level method, never scooping directly from the bag.

Tool Recommendations for Chocolate Cherry Cookies Success

Invest in a quality cookie scoop for uniform sizing OXO makes excellent 1.5-tablespoon scoops that release dough cleanly. Silicone baking mats last years and eliminate parchment paper waste. A stand mixer simplifies creaming but isn’t essential handheld mixers work perfectly with patience. Heavy-gauge aluminum baking sheets prevent burning and ensure even heat distribution. An oven thermometer confirms accurate temperature since most ovens run hot or cold.

Storage and Freezing Strategy

Store cooled Chocolate Cherry Cookies in airtight containers at room temperature for up to 1 week, layering parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. Freeze baked cookies in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving. Unbaked dough balls freeze beautifully for up to 2 months. Freeze on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to freezer bags. Bake from frozen, adding 2-3 extra minutes to baking time.

Flavor Variations for Chocolate Cherry Cookies

White Chocolate Cherry Version

Replace semi-sweet chocolate chips with white chocolate chips and use natural cocoa powder instead of Dutch-processed for a lighter, sweeter Chocolate Cherry Cookies variation. The white chocolate creates beautiful visual contrast against the dark dough. Add 1/2 teaspoon almond extract to the dough for extra depth that complements both chocolate and cherry.

Double Chocolate Cherry Explosion

Fold in 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips in addition to regular chips for ultra-decadent Chocolate Cherry Cookies. Use dark chocolate chips (70% cacao) for intense chocolate lovers. Add 1 tablespoon espresso powder to the dry ingredients coffee enhances chocolate flavor without tasting like coffee. Top with chocolate-dipped maraschino cherries for extra elegance.

Spiced Cherry Chocolate Cookies

Add 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon and 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom to the dry ingredients for warming spice notes that feel extra festive. This variation pairs beautifully with holiday coffee and creates wonderful aroma while baking. The spices complement both chocolate and cherry without overpowering either flavor.

Flavor Variations Comparison Table

Variation	Key Changes	Flavor Profile	Best Occasion	Difficulty
Classic Chocolate Cherry Cookies	Original recipe	Rich, balanced, nostalgic	Christmas parties, cookie exchanges	Easy
White Chocolate Cherry	White chips, almond extract	Sweet, elegant, visually striking	Bridal showers, tea parties	Easy
Double Chocolate Cherry	Extra chips, espresso powder	Intensely chocolatey, bold	Chocolate lovers, Valentine’s Day	Easy
Spiced Cherry Chocolate	Cinnamon, cardamom	Warming, complex, festive	Holiday gatherings, winter events	Easy
Cherry Amaretto (Non-Alcoholic)	Amaretto flavoring, almond extract	Sophisticated, nutty, Italian-inspired	Dinner parties, adult gatherings	Easy
Mint Chocolate Cherry	Mint extract, Andes mints	Refreshing, holiday classic	Christmas celebrations	Medium

Serving Suggestions for Chocolate Cherry Cookies

Serve Chocolate Cherry Cookies at room temperature for optimal soft, chewy texture the chocolate chips should be slightly soft but not melted. Arrange on festive platters lined with decorative tissue paper or fresh pine boughs for holiday presentations. Stack in clear glass jars tied with ribbon for beautiful gift-giving that showcases the cookies’ gorgeous cherry tops.

Pair these cookies with hot cocoa, coffee, or spiced chai tea for perfect winter refreshment. The chocolate-cherry combination also complements vanilla ice cream beautifully sandwich a small scoop between two cookies for an impressive dessert. For holiday parties, create a cookie trio featuring Chocolate Cherry Cookies alongside gingerbread and sugar cookies for variety in flavors and textures.

Package Chocolate Cherry Cookies in cellophane bags tied with festive ribbons for party favors or neighbor gifts. Layer them in decorative tins with parchment paper between layers for sturdy transport to cookie exchanges. These cookies also shine on dessert boards surrounded by fresh cherries, chocolate truffles, and holiday candies.

FAQs About Chocolate Cherry Cookies

Can I use fresh cherries instead of dried and maraschino?

Fresh cherries contain too much moisture for Chocolate Cherry Cookies and will make the dough soggy, causing spreading and structural issues. Stick with finely chopped dried cherries in the dough for concentrated flavor without excess liquid. Maraschino cherries work for topping because they’re candied and relatively dry. If you absolutely must use fresh, pit them, roast at 200°F for 2 hours to remove moisture, then chop finely.

Why did my Chocolate Cherry Cookies spread too much?

Excessive spreading usually results from melted or too-soft butter, insufficient flour, or baking sheets that are too hot. Ensure butter is truly room temperature (65-68°F), not warm or melted. Measure flour accurately using the spoon-and-level method. Always use cool baking sheets run hot pans under cold water and dry thoroughly before portioning new dough. Adding 2-3 tablespoons extra flour can help if your dough seems too soft.

How do I prevent the cherry topping from falling off?

Press maraschino cherries firmly into the dough balls, pushing them about halfway down they should be secure but still visible. Pat cherries completely dry before pressing into dough, as moisture creates slip. If cherries still fall off during baking, try chilling shaped cookies for 15 minutes before baking to firm up the dough around the cherry.

Can I make Chocolate Cherry Cookies without a mixer?

Absolutely! Use a wooden spoon and some elbow grease to cream the butter and sugars it takes 5-7 minutes of vigorous stirring but works perfectly. The mixture should look lighter in color and fluffy. Mix in the egg and vanilla thoroughly before adding dry ingredients. Hand mixing actually reduces the risk of overmixing, which creates tough cookies.

What’s the best way to chop dried cherries?

Kitchen scissors work better than knives for chopping sticky dried cherries. Spray scissors lightly with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Alternatively, pulse dried cherries in a food processor with 1 tablespoon of flour from your recipe the flour prevents clumping. Chop into pieces roughly the size of chocolate chips for even distribution throughout Chocolate Cherry Cookies.

Are Chocolate Cherry Cookies safe during pregnancy?

Yes! These cookies contain no raw eggs (they’re fully baked) and no unpasteurized ingredients, making them perfectly safe for pregnant women. The maraschino cherries are preserved in syrup, not certain substances, so they’re also fine. However, always consult your healthcare provider about dietary questions during pregnancy.

How do I ship Chocolate Cherry Cookies without breaking them?

Package completely cooled cookies in airtight containers lined with bubble wrap or crumpled parchment paper. Layer cookies with parchment paper between each layer. Fill any empty space in the container with crumpled paper to prevent shifting. Place the sealed container inside a sturdy box surrounded by packing peanuts or crumpled newspaper. Ship early in the week to avoid weekend delays these cookies stay fresh for 5-7 days when properly packaged.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes! Prepare Chocolate Cherry Cookies dough up to 3 days ahead and refrigerate in an airtight container. Let dough sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before scooping it will be quite firm straight from the fridge. Alternatively, shape dough into balls, freeze on a baking sheet, then transfer to freezer bags for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen, adding 2-3 minutes to baking time.

Conclusion

These Chocolate Cherry Cookies combine nostalgic holiday flavors with foolproof technique that guarantees bakery-quality results every time. The fudgy chocolate base studded with tart cherry pieces creates perfect flavor balance, while the maraschino cherry crown makes each cookie look professionally decorated. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting your cookie journey, this recipe delivers consistent success.

Chocolate Cherry Cookies 5 Secrets for Perfect Festive Holiday Baking