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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
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.