Chocolate Cherry Cookies for Easy Holiday Baking

© Original Recipe By The Daily Garnish ©

🍫🍒 Chocolate Cherry Cookies for Easy Holiday Baking

1. Introduction

Imagine biting into a delicate, chewy cookie dotted with luscious cherries and rich, velvety chocolate. These chocolate cherry cookies are the perfect holiday treat that blend sweetness with a hint of tartness from the cherries. Whether you’re preparing for a festive gathering or craving a comforting homemade dessert, this recipe elevates classic holiday cookie recipes into a scrumptious experience. The balance of fruity brightness and decadent chocolate makes these cookies unforgettable—ideal for sharing with family and friends or enjoying during cozy nights by the fire.

2. Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Ready in 30 minutes—perfect for last-minute baking sessions.
• One-bowl simplicity—minimal mess and maximum flavor.
• Festive flavors—combines the sweetness of cherries with rich chocolate, ideal for holiday celebrations.
• Versatile—can be customized with dark, milk, or white chocolate chips.

3. Ingredient Notes

Choosing high-quality ingredients makes all the difference in these chocolate cherry cookies. Use a reliable digital air fryer to toast nuts or dry fruits if you’d like to add additional texture or flavor layers.

Cherries: Opt for high-quality dried tart cherries or fresh ones if in season. Dried cherries hold up better during baking and add concentrated sweetness.

Chocolate: Choose good-quality dark or semi-sweet chocolate chips for a rich, indulgent flavor. For a gourmet touch, try chopped high-quality baking chocolate bar.

Butter: Unsalted butter provides a creamy base, enhancing the cookie’s aroma and flavor. Use softened butter for easier mixing.

Flour & Baking Powder: Selecting fresh baking essentials ensures your cookies rise perfectly and have the right texture. Use superfine flour for a softer crumb if available.

4. Kitchen Tools You Need

Having the right tools streamlines the baking process. Consider adding these essential items to your kitchen arsenal:

• KitchenAid Artisan 5-Quart Stand Mixer in Scorched Orange—for effortlessly mixing dough without tiring your wrist. Its powerful motor handles sticky ingredients smoothly.
• Compact 6-in-1 Digital Air Fryer by Amazon Basics—perfect for quick prep work like drying cherries or roasting nuts, which can add extra crunch to your cookies.
• Ninja Air Fryer Pro Crisp & Roast 4-in-1—great for quickly crisping up toppings or even baking small batches of cookies.

5. How to Make Chocolate Cherry Cookies

Preparation

Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). In your stand mixer with the paddle attachment, cream together the softened butter and sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. The aroma will be fragrant and sweet.

Mixing the Dough

Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract for depth of flavor. Gradually add sifted flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. The dough should come together nicely—thick yet pliable. Gently fold in chocolate chips and cherries, ensuring even distribution.

Baking

Scoop tablespoon-sized portions onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. At this stage, your kitchen should fill with irresistible chocolaty aroma with hints of cherry brightness. The cookies will look soft but will firm up as they cool.

6. Expert Tips for Success

For the perfect texture, do not overmix the dough once you add the flour. Overmixing can result in tough cookies. Keep ingredients cold if your kitchen is warm; this helps maintain cookie shape and chewiness.

If you prefer chewier cookies, slightly underbake and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Consider adding chopped nuts such as toasted almonds or pecans for extra crunch and flavor.

7. Variations & Substitutions

• Vegan version: Swap butter for coconut oil and use dairy-free chocolate chips.
• Gluten-free: Use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour.
• White chocolate cherry: Replace dark chocolate with white chocolate chips for a different flavor profile.
• Low-sugar: Reduce sugar or substitute with natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup (adjust baking time accordingly).

8. Storage & Reheating

Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for about a week or freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (177°C) for 5 minutes or microwave briefly for a soft, warm treat.

9. FAQ

Can I use fresh cherries instead of dried?

Fresh cherries can be used, but they release more moisture, so reduce baking time slightly and ensure they are pitted and chopped small to prevent soggy cookies.

What type of chocolate is best for these cookies?

Semisweet or bittersweet chocolate chips are ideal. High-quality dark chocolate will give a richer flavor, but feel free to experiment with your favorite type.

How do I get my cookies to stay soft and chewy?

Avoid overbaking and store in an airtight container. Adding a slice of bread to the container can also help keep cookies moist longer.

10. Conclusion

These chocolate cherry cookies are a delightful holiday treat that captures the spirit of festive baking. Combining the tart brightness of cherries with rich chocolate creates a memorable flavor experience. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can impress your friends and family with this gourmet-quality cookie. Dive into the holiday baking season with this irresistible recipe and enjoy warm, freshly baked goodness with every bite!

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