Gooey Chocolate Cherry Cookies - Rich and Fruity

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.

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Conclusion

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!