Pin This one-bowl cherry chocolate chip cookie recipe transforms ordinary cookie time into something special with minimal cleanup. The combination of tart dried cherries and rich chocolate creates an irresistible flavor profile that elevates these cookies beyond the ordinary chocolate chip standard. The melted butter method produces perfectly chewy centers with slightly crisp edges every time.
I first made these cookies during a weekend baking session with my niece, and they've become our special tradition whenever she visits. The way her eyes light up when she bites into the warm cookie with melty chocolate and chewy cherries makes these worth making again and again.
Ingredients
- All purpose flour: provides the perfect structure for these cookies without making them too cakey or too dense
- Baking soda: ensures the right amount of lift while maintaining that classic chewy texture
- Fine sea salt: balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors
- Unsalted butter: melted and slightly cooled creates chewier cookies than creamed butter
- Light brown sugar: adds moisture and a subtle molasses flavor that pairs beautifully with cherries
- Granulated sugar: provides essential structure and crispness around the edges
- Large eggs: bind everything together and contribute to the rich texture
- Pure vanilla extract: rounds out the flavor profile with warmth and depth
- Semisweet chocolate chips: offer the perfect balance of sweetness and slight bitterness
- Dried cherries: add a bright tartness that cuts through the sweetness perfectly
- Optional chopped walnuts or pecans: bring a wonderful textural contrast and nutty flavor
Instructions
- Mix The Base:
- Pour melted butter into your large mixing bowl and add both sugars. Whisk vigorously for about 1 minute until the mixture becomes smooth and slightly lighter in color. This creates the foundation for perfectly chewy cookies with crisp edges. Make sure your butter is melted but not hot to avoid cooking the eggs in the next step.
- Add The Wet Ingredients:
- Crack both eggs directly into your butter-sugar mixture and pour in the vanilla extract. Whisk for another 30-45 seconds until the mixture becomes glossy and well-combined. The eggs will emulsify with the butter creating a smooth base that helps with the final texture.
- Incorporate The Dry Ingredients:
- Sprinkle your flour, baking soda, and salt evenly over the wet mixture. Using a spatula or wooden spoon, fold everything together with gentle strokes just until no dry flour remains visible. Overmixing at this stage will develop gluten and result in tough cookies, so use a light hand and stop as soon as the ingredients are combined.
- Add The Mix-ins:
- Add chocolate chips, chopped dried cherries, and nuts if using. Fold these in with just 4-5 strokes to distribute them evenly throughout the dough. The cherries might stick together slightly, so make sure to separate any clumps with your fingers before adding.
- Shape And Bake:
- Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto your parchment-lined baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. The cookies will spread during baking, so give them room. Bake in your preheated oven for exactly 10 minutes for soft, chewy centers or 12 minutes for slightly more structure. The edges should be just turning golden while the centers still look slightly underdone.
- Cool Properly:
- Allow the cookies to rest on the hot baking sheet for exactly 5 minutes. This critical step allows them to finish cooking through residual heat while setting up properly. Then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely, which ensures the bottoms don't become soggy from trapped steam.
Pin The dried cherries are truly the star ingredient in these cookies. I discovered their magic when I ran out of cranberries one holiday season and made a desperate substitution. The deeper flavor and perfect chew of the cherries created such a memorable cookie that I never went back to my old recipe. My family now requests these specifically as our holiday tradition.
Perfect Pairing Suggestions
These cookies make an excellent companion to a variety of beverages. For an afternoon treat, pair with black coffee or Earl Grey tea where the slight bitterness complements the sweet-tart cookie profile. For dessert, serve alongside a small glass of port wine or amaretto liqueur which enhances the cherry notes beautifully. For the ultimate indulgence, sandwich vanilla ice cream between two cookies for a sophisticated ice cream sandwich.
Make-Ahead Options
The beauty of these cookies extends to their flexibility for busy schedules. The dough can be prepared up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Simply bring it to room temperature for about 30 minutes before scooping and baking. Alternatively, portion the dough into balls and freeze on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer bag. Frozen dough balls can be baked directly from frozen by adding just 2 extra minutes to the baking time, making fresh cookies possible at a moment's notice.
Troubleshooting Tips
If your cookies spread too much during baking, your butter might have been too warm or your baking sheets too hot. Try chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking or cooling your baking sheets between batches. If your cookies don't spread enough, try flattening the dough balls slightly before baking or check if your oven temperature is accurate with an oven thermometer. For the perfect texture, remember that cookies continue to firm up as they cool, so don't be tempted to overbake them looking for crispness.
Seasonal Variations
Winter Holiday Version Add 1/4 teaspoon of almond extract and replace 1/4 cup of the chocolate chips with white chocolate for a festive twist. Summer Picnic Version Mix in 1/2 teaspoon of orange zest and use a combination of dark and milk chocolate chips. Fall Harvest Version Add 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon and use dried tart cherries with a sprinkle of turbinado sugar on top before baking.
Pin Enjoy these delightful cherry chocolate chip cookies as a special treat or a comforting classic. They are perfect with a cold glass of milk or a warm cup of coffee.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → Can I substitute the dried cherries?
Yes, dried cranberries or other chopped dried fruit can be used in place of cherries for a similar tart flavor.
- → Is it necessary to chill the dough?
Chilling is not required with this method, but a brief chill can help prevent spreading if your dough is very soft.
- → Can I use different chocolate chips?
Absolutely. Semisweet, dark, or even white chocolate chips all pair well with the cherries in these cookies.
- → Are nuts required in these cookies?
Nuts are optional. Walnuts or pecans add crunch but can be omitted or replaced with seeds for nut-free options.
- → How should I store the cookies?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days to maintain freshness and texture.
- → Is this dessert suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this treat uses only vegetarian-friendly ingredients, provided add-ins also meet your dietary needs.