Savory Chocolate Cherry Cookies Recipe

I created this Chocolate Cherry Cookies recipe to capture that classic flavor profile in a soft, fudgy treat that feels special enough for Valentine’s Day but simple enough for a Tuesday.

If you enjoy the contrast of deep chocolate with bursts of juicy sweetness, these cookies are going to become your new obsession. I love how the double dose of cherries creates a texture that is both chewy and tender in every single bite.

Why You’ll Love This Chocolate Cherry Cookies Recipe

The texture here is absolutely divine thanks to the addition of cornstarch which keeps the centers soft while the edges stay crisp. You get a double hit of fruit flavor by using both chewy dried cherries and sweet maraschino cherries in the dough.

I really appreciate that this dough does not require any chilling time before it hits the oven. You can go from mixing bowl to warm, fresh cookies in under thirty minutes.

These treats freeze beautifully, so I often make a double batch to keep on hand for sudden cravings. The balance of semi-sweet chocolate chips against the sugary cherries ensures they are never too cloying.

If you enjoyed this fruity twist on a classic, you absolutely must try my Savory Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe for a different flavor profile. I also highly recommend baking my Zesty Chewy Sugar Cookies Recipe when you want something bright and citrusy.

Ingredients for Chocolate Cherry Cookies

Here is the shopping list you need to make this dessert:

• Unsalted butter: Softened to room temperature but still cool to the touch.
• Light brown sugar: Provides moisture and a slight caramel flavor to the dough.
• Granulated sugar: Helps create crisp edges on the cookies.
• Egg: Use a large egg at room temperature for the best emulsion.
• Vanilla extract: Enhances the chocolate flavor.
• Unsweetened cocoa powder: Gives the cookies their deep, fudgy base.
• All-purpose flour: Measured correctly by spooning and leveling.
• Baking soda: The leavening agent that helps the cookies rise.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness of the cherries and chocolate.
• Cornstarch: The secret ingredient for soft, tender centers.
• Maraschino cherries: Chopped, drained well, and patted dry.
• Sweetened dried cherries: Adds a chewy texture and concentrated tartness.
• Chocolate chips or chunks: Semi-sweet works best to balance the sugar.

Step-by-Step Chocolate Cherry Cookies Method

Let’s get baking with this simple method:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Beat the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar in a large bowl or stand mixer until light and fluffy.
3. Add the egg and vanilla extract, beating until fully combined and scraping down the sides of the bowl.
4. Whisk together the cocoa powder, flour, baking soda, salt, and cornstarch in a separate bowl.
5. Mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients on low speed until just combined.
6. Stir in the chopped maraschino cherries, dried cherries, and chocolate chips by hand.
7. Scoop the Chocolate Cherry Cookies dough into 2-tablespoon mounds and place them a couple of inches apart on the prepared sheets.
8. Bake for 8 to 11 minutes until the edges are just set but the centers still look soft and slightly underdone.

Pro Tips for Perfect Chocolate Cherry Cookies

Make sure to pat your chopped maraschino cherries completely dry with a paper towel before adding them to the bowl. Excess moisture from the jar can make your Chocolate Cherry Cookies spread too much during the baking process.

I always recommend fluffing your flour with a spoon before scooping it into the measuring cup to avoid a dense dough. If you prefer a thicker cookie, you can chill the dough balls in the refrigerator for thirty minutes before baking.

To get perfectly round shapes, I place a large circular glass over the hot cookies immediately after taking them out of the oven. Gently swirling the glass around the edges creates that bakery-style look that makes this Chocolate Cherry Cookies recipe look professional.

How to Serve These Chocolate Cherry Cookies

I find these cookies taste best when they are still slightly warm and the chocolate chunks are melty. You can serve them alongside a cold glass of milk or a hot cup of black coffee to balance the sweetness.

For an indulgent dessert, I like to crumble one over a bowl of vanilla bean ice cream. The combination of cold cream and the rich Chocolate Cherry Cookies flavor is truly unbeatable.