Gooey Chocolate Cherry Cookies bring together the rich, deep flavor of dark chocolate with the sweet and juicy burst of fresh cherries. These cookies are perfectly soft in the center with a slight crisp on the edges, making them an irresistible treat. Ideal for any occasion, these cookies are simple to bake and delicious to enjoy. The combination of chocolate and cherries creates a balance of flavors that’s sure to satisfy any sweet craving. Whether you’re looking for a special dessert for guests or a simple indulgence for yourself, these cookies are the perfect choice.
Gooey Chocolate Cherry Cookies are a delicious way to indulge in the rich taste of dark chocolate combined with the sweetness of fresh cherries. These cookies have a soft, gooey center, with slightly crisp edges, making them an irresistible treat for any chocolate lover. The addition of fresh cherries adds a burst of flavor that balances the richness of the chocolate, creating a unique and delightful dessert experience. Perfect for sharing or savoring on your own, these cookies are sure to be a hit at any gathering.
INGREDIENTS
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup dark chocolate chips
- 1 cup fresh cherries, pitted and halved
INSTRUCTIONS
- Step 1:
- Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Step 2:
- In a sizeable bowl, whisk together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until they are fluffy.
- Step 3:
- Gradually blend in the eggs, adding one after the other, and mix in the vanilla extract.
- Step 4:
- In a separate bowl, stir the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt, then slowly incorporate this dry mixture into the wet ingredients.
- Step 5:
- Gently fold in the dark chocolate chips and fresh cherries.
- Step 6:
- Place spoonfuls of the dough onto the baking sheets and bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges are firm but the centers remain soft.
- Step 7:
- Allow the cookies to sit on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool.
Serving and Storage Tips
- Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. For a fresher taste, you can freeze the dough and bake fresh batches as needed.
- For an extra indulgence, serve these cookies warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce.
Helpful Notes
- If you prefer a more intense chocolate flavor, use bittersweet chocolate chips instead of dark chocolate chips.
- Make sure to pat the cherries dry after halving them to avoid adding too much moisture to the dough.
Tips from Well-Known Chefs
- For a gourmet touch, add a pinch of flaky sea salt on top of each cookie before baking. This enhances the chocolate flavor and adds a delightful contrast to the sweetness of the cherries.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cherries?
Yes, you can use frozen cherries, but make sure to thaw and drain them well before adding to the cookie dough to avoid excess moisture.
What if I don't have dark chocolate chips?
You can substitute milk chocolate or semi-sweet chocolate chips for a milder flavor.
How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?
Chill the dough for 15-20 minutes before baking to help the cookies hold their shape during baking.
Summary
These Gooey Chocolate Cherry Cookies combine the rich flavors of dark chocolate with the juicy pop of fresh cherries. With a soft center and crisp edges, they are a perfect blend of textures and flavors. Ideal for those who love the mix of chocolate and fruit, these cookies are sure to impress!