Name: Gooey Chocolate Cherry Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 32 min
Yield: 24
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup (226 grams) unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup (200 grams) granulated sugar; 1 cup (220 grams) brown sugar, packed; 2 large eggs; 2 1/2 cups (313 grams) all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup (50 grams) cocoa powder; 1 cup (170 grams) dark chocolate chips; 1 cup fresh cherries, pitted and halved; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt

Decadent chocolate cherry cookies emerge as a delightful surprise for anyone craving intense flavor combinations.

Sweet cherries mingle perfectly with rich dark chocolate chunks.

Soft, chewy textures create an irresistible experience that melts in your mouth.

Baking these treats fills the kitchen with an incredible aroma that draws people closer.

Carefully selected ingredients make these cookies stand out from typical dessert options.

Each bite promises a magical blend of fruity tartness and deep chocolate notes.

You’ll want to share these spectacular cookies with everyone around you.

Chocolate Cherry Cookies: Why They’re Special

Indulge in Decadence: Dive into a luxurious cookie experience with rich dark chocolate and burst of fresh cherry flavors that dance on your taste buds.
Quick Kitchen Magic: Whip up these delightful cookies in just a few simple steps, perfect for bakers of all skill levels who want a fast and impressive treat.
Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: These gooey chocolate cherry cookies are a guaranteed hit for family gatherings, potlucks, or unexpected sweet cravings that demand satisfaction.
Seasonal Versatility: Celebrate summer's fresh cherries or enjoy this recipe year-round by using frozen cherries, making it a flexible dessert for any occasion.

Base Ingredients:

Butter: A rich, creamy foundation that helps create a soft and tender cookie texture.
Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Sweet ingredients that provide caramelization and deep flavor complexity.
Eggs: Binding agents that help hold the cookie dough together and add moisture.
Vanilla Extract: A flavor enhancer that brings warmth and depth to the cookie.

Dry Ingredients:

All-Purpose Flour: The structural base that gives the cookies their shape and texture.
Cocoa Powder: Provides a deep chocolate flavor and dark color to the cookies.
Baking Soda: A leavening agent that helps the cookies rise and become light.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor profile.

Mix-In Ingredients:

Dark Chocolate Chips, Fresh Cherries: Add rich chocolate notes and bursts of fruity brightness to the cookie, creating a gooey and complex taste experience.

Bake Chocolate Cherry Cookies

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Crank the oven to 350F (175C).

Line baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cookie removal and clean-up.

Step 2: Create Creamy Base

In a large mixing bowl, cream together softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy.

Use an electric mixer for the smoothest texture.

Step 3: Incorporate Liquid Ingredients

Crack eggs one at a time into the sugar mixture, beating thoroughly after each addition.

Pour in vanilla extract and blend until completely smooth and well combined.

Step 4: Combine Dry Elements

In a separate bowl, whisk together:

All-purpose flour
Cocoa powder
Baking soda
Salt

Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until just combined to prevent overmixing.

Step 5: Add Delicious Mix-Ins

Gently fold into the cookie dough:

Dark chocolate chips
Fresh cherries (chopped into small pieces)

Ensure ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Step 6: Shape And Bake

Drop spoonfuls of cookie dough onto prepared baking sheets, leaving space between each cookie.

Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges look set but centers remain soft and slightly gooey.

Step 7: Cool And Enjoy

Let cookies rest on baking sheets for 5 minutes to firm up.

Transfer to wire cooling racks to complete cooling.

Serve and savor the rich, fruity chocolate experience.

Choose sweet, plump cherries that are deep red and slightly soft for maximum flavor and moisture in your cookies.
Lightly dust chocolate chips with flour before adding to the dough to help them distribute evenly and prevent sinking.
Pat fresh cherries dry with paper towels to reduce excess liquid that could make cookie dough too wet.
For chewier cookies, slightly underbake and let them continue setting on the baking sheet after removing from the oven.
Keep cookies in an airtight container with a slice of bread to maintain softness and prevent them from drying out quickly.

Gluten-Free Cherry Chocolate Cookies: Replace wheat flour with almond or gluten-free flour blend to accommodate gluten-sensitive individuals.
Vegan Cherry Delight Cookies: Swap butter with coconut oil, eggs with flax eggs, and use dairy-free chocolate chips for a plant-based version.
Low-Sugar Cherry Chocolate Treats: Substitute granulated and brown sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia to reduce overall sugar content.
Nutty Cherry Chocolate Batch: Add chopped almonds or walnuts for extra crunch and protein, enhancing the cookie's texture and nutritional profile.

Serve Chocolate Cherry Cookies with Style

Dessert Pairing Paradise: Serve these gooey chocolate cherry cookies alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for a delightful temperature contrast.
Beverage Bliss: Complement the rich cookies with a steaming mug of dark roast coffee or a glass of cold milk to balance the sweetness.
Gifting Glamour: Package these cookies in a cute decorative box with a ribbon for a homemade gift that will impress friends and family during special occasions.
Brunch Brilliance: Arrange the cookies on a beautiful platter as a decadent dessert addition to weekend brunch gatherings or afternoon tea parties.

Keep Chocolate Cherry Cookies Fresh

Store cookies in an airtight container lined with parchment paper, separating layers to prevent sticking. Keep refrigerated for up to 5 days, maintaining their gooey texture and fresh taste.
Carefully place cookies in a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag, separating layers with wax paper. Freeze for up to 3 months, ensuring maximum flavor preservation.
Remove frozen cookies from the freezer and let them sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes. Alternatively, microwave for 10-15 seconds to restore softness and warmth.

FAQs

What makes the cherries work well in these chocolate cookies?

Fresh cherries provide a burst of natural sweetness and tartness that perfectly balances the rich chocolate flavor, creating a complex and delightful taste profile in each bite.

Can I use frozen cherries instead of fresh?

While fresh cherries are recommended, frozen cherries can work if you thaw and thoroughly pat them dry to prevent excess moisture from affecting the cookie’s texture.

How do I prevent the cherries from sinking in the cookie dough?

Lightly coat the cherries in a bit of flour before folding them into the dough. This helps them stay suspended in the cookie during baking and prevents them from sinking to the bottom.

Nathaniel Brooks

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Farm-to-table cuisine, Seasonal recipe development, Culinary storytelling

Education

Ivy Tech Community College – Indianapolis, IN
Culinary Arts / Hospitality Administration & Events
Focused on hands-on training in classical and modern culinary techniques.

Nathaniel’s story starts in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, where farm stands, backyard gardens, and old family recipes shaped his love for real food. After graduating from Ivy Tech Community College in Indianapolis, he spent years working in farm-to-table kitchens, learning how to turn local, seasonal ingredients into something memorable.
Today, Nathaniel pours that same spirit into every single recipe on Aspiring Culinarian – recipes that feel real, comforting, and connected to the land. When he’s not in the kitchen, you’ll find him foraging wild herbs, chasing sunsets with his camera, or writing about the flavors that shaped his roots.

Quick & Gooey Chocolate Cherry Cookies Recipe for Sweet Lovers

Chocolate Cherry Cookies: Why They’re Special