Name: Decadent Chocolate Cherry Cookies Best Holiday Treats
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Cuisine: Holiday Desserts
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 1/2 cups sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup cocoa powder; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 cup chopped dark chocolate; 1 cup dried cherries or fresh cherries halved; 1/2 cup chocolate glaze (optional)

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🍒🍫 Decadent Chocolate Cherry Cookies: The Best Holiday Treats 🍪🎄

1. Introduction

If you’re searching for a show-stopping holiday dessert that combines luscious chocolate with vibrant cherries, you’ve found it. Chocolate cherry cookies are a delightfully decadent treat that perfectly balances rich cocoa and tart fruit—making them an irresistible addition to any festive table. These cherry chocolate cookies are not only visually stunning but also burst with flavor in every bite, elevating your holiday baking to a new level of indulgence.

2. Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick & Easy: These cookies come together in less than 45 minutes, perfect for last-minute holiday baking.

Versatile: Suitable as a gift, party favor, or festive treat for family dinners.
Flavorful & Festive: The combo of chocolate and cherries evokes holiday cheer and cozy winter flavors.
Customizable: Use dark, milk, or even vegan chocolates to suit your preference.

3. Ingredient Notes

Crafting the perfect cherry chocolate cookies starts with high-quality ingredients. For the best flavor, opt for premium dark chocolate—its deep cocoa notes create a rich contrast with sweet, tart cherries. Fresh or attention to quality dried cherries can elevate the taste—look for unsweetened or lightly sweetened varieties for a more balanced flavor.

Butter adds a tender, melt-in-the-mouth texture, so choose unsalted butter for control over salt levels. For added depth, consider using vanilla extract—preferably real vanilla bean paste. If you want an extra festive touch, sprinkle a hint of sea salt on top before baking to enhance the chocolate and cherry combination.

4. Kitchen Tools You Need

Having the right tools can make all the difference in achieving perfect cookies. A T-fal 14-Piece Hard Anodized Nonstick Cookware Set ensures your baking surface is even and your cookies lift effortlessly.

An excellent Compact 6-in-1 Digital Air Fryer is perfect if you want a crispy finish or plan to bake in smaller batches. For mixing, the KitchenAid Artisan 5-Quart Stand Mixer saves time and effort—ideal for combining ingredients smoothly.

5. How to Make Decadent Chocolate Cherry Cookies

Preparation

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining your baking sheets with parchment paper. In a large mixing bowl, beat together softened butter, sugar, and vanilla until creamy and fragrant—the mixture should look fluffy and pale.

Mixing Ingredients

Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Gradually incorporate your dry ingredients: flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. The dough should come together smoothly, smelling rich and chocolatey—like a warm cocoa hug.

Adding the Cherries and Chocolate

Gently fold in chopped dark chocolate and dried cherries. Watch as the dough transforms into a luscious, berry-streaked chocolate mixture—rich, chewy, and visually inviting. The cherries add a pop of color and tartness that perfectly cuts through the sweetness.

Baking to Perfection

Scoop generous spoonfuls of dough onto your prepared baking sheet—about 2 inches apart. Bake until the edges are crisp, and the centers look slightly soft but set, around 10-12 minutes. Your kitchen should fill with the irresistible aroma of cocoa and cherry—an instant holiday mood booster.

Cooling & Serving

Let the cookies cool on a wire rack for at least 10 minutes. This step helps them firm up, ensuring a satisfyingly crispy edge with a chewy center. Serve warm or store in an airtight container for later enjoyment.

6. Expert Tips for Success

Chill the dough for 30 minutes if it feels too sticky—this prevents spreading during baking.
Use fresh, quality cherries to prevent excess moisture from affecting cookie texture.
Don’t overbake: edges should be just golden brown, leaving the centers soft and chewy.

Customize with toppings: try sprinkling chopped nuts or sea salt before baking for additional layers of flavor.

7. Variations & Substitutions

If you need a dairy-free option, substitute butter with coconut oil and use dairy-free chocolate. For a gluten-free version, replace regular flour with almond or gluten-free baking flour. Want a more festive flair? Add a dash of peppermint extract or top the cookies with white chocolate drizzle.

8. Storage & Reheating

Store these cherry chocolate cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze them in a sealed bag—perfect for making your holiday treats last. Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F for just a few minutes to enjoy that just-baked freshness.

9. FAQ

Can I use fresh cherries instead of dried?

Fresh cherries are wonderful but can introduce excess moisture. To prevent sogginess, pit and cut them into small pieces, and pat dry before folding into the dough.

How do I make these cookies vegan?

Replace butter with coconut oil or vegan margarine, and use dairy-free chocolate chips. Egg substitutes like applesauce or flaxseed meal work well too.

Can I freeze the cookie dough?

Yes, scoop the dough onto a baking sheet, freeze until firm, then transfer to a sealed bag. Bake directly from frozen—adding a minute or two to the baking time.

10. Conclusion

There’s no better way to celebrate the season than with these decadent cherry chocolate cookies. Combining rich, fudgy chocolate with bright, tart cherries, these cookies are a festive and indulgent treat perfect for sharing. Whether as a holiday gift or a delightful family dessert, they’re sure to become a new seasonal favorite. Happy baking and joyful holidays!

Decadent Chocolate Cherry Cookies Best Holiday Treats