Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Here are just a few reasons why these Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies will become your new favorite:
- Gourmet Flavor – The addition of mocha chips and dried tart cherries takes this cookie to a whole new level of flavor, combining chocolate, fruit, and coffee in each bite.
- Chewy and Gooey – The cookies bake up with a perfect golden exterior while maintaining a chewy texture inside and a gooey, chocolatey center.
- Easy to Make – This recipe is straightforward, using common ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen. No special skills required!
- Perfect for Sharing – With their bakery-quality texture and flavor, these cookies make an impressive treat for gatherings, parties, or simply sharing with loved ones.
- Versatile Flavor Combinations – You can easily customize the cookie by using other dried fruits or different types of chocolate chips if you prefer.
- Perfect for Coffee Lovers – The mocha chips provide a coffee flavor that complements the chocolate, making these cookies the perfect accompaniment to your morning coffee or afternoon pick-me-up.
If you love traditional chocolate chip cookies but crave something a little more exciting, this recipe will give you just the right combination of familiar and new!
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup dried tart cherries
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup mocha chocolate chips (or espresso chips)
Directions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cream the Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in the Mix-ins: Fold in the dried cherries, semi-sweet chocolate chips, and mocha chips evenly.
- Shape the Dough: Drop tablespoon-sized mounds of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake the Cookies: Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are still slightly soft.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
These cookies are delicious when warm, but they’re just as amazing when completely cooled. Enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 18 cookies (approx.)
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
With only 27 minutes from start to finish, these cookies are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth on a busy day.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Reheating: Reheat the cookies in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds for a warm, gooey texture. You can also enjoy them cold or at room temperature.
FAQs
1. Can I use fresh cherries instead of dried cherries?
Fresh cherries can be used, but dried cherries are preferred for their chewy texture and concentrated tartness. Fresh cherries may release too much moisture, affecting the texture of the cookies.
2. Can I use other types of chocolate chips?
Absolutely! You can swap out the semi-sweet and mocha chips for milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or white chocolate, depending on your preference.
3. Do I have to use mocha chips, or can I leave them out?
If you don’t have mocha chips, you can leave them out or substitute them with chocolate chips or espresso powder for a similar coffee flavor.
4. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the cookie dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. Just scoop out the dough and bake as directed when you’re ready.
5. Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Yes, you can freeze the dough. Shape it into balls, place them on a baking sheet, and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer the dough balls to a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to bake, bake the frozen dough directly, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time.
6. Can I add nuts to these cookies?
Yes, chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans would complement the flavor of these cookies beautifully. Add about 1/4 to 1/2 cup of chopped nuts to the dough along with the chocolate and cherries.
7. How do I know when the cookies are done?
The cookies are done when the edges are golden brown, and the centers are still slightly soft. They will firm up as they cool.
8. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure the blend you use includes xanthan gum, or add it separately to help the cookies maintain their structure.
9. How can I make these cookies more chewy?
To achieve a chewier cookie, you can increase the amount of brown sugar slightly, as it contributes to the chewiness. Also, avoid overbaking the cookies.
10. Can I add other fruits to these cookies?
Yes! Feel free to experiment with other dried fruits like cranberries, raisins, or blueberries. Just be sure to adjust the proportions to maintain the right balance.
Conclusion
Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies with Mocha Chips offer a delicious twist on the classic chocolate chip cookie. The combination of tart cherries, rich chocolate, and coffee-flavored mocha chips makes each bite an exciting flavor experience. Whether you’re baking for yourself, your family, or a special occasion, these cookies are sure to be a hit. With their perfect chewy texture and irresistible flavors, these cookies will quickly become a favorite in your cookie jar!
Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies: A Gourmet Twist on a Classic Favorite
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 18 cookies (approx.)
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Description
Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies bring together the familiar comfort of semi-sweet chocolate with a bold twist of mocha and the tartness of dried cherries. This combination creates a gourmet-style cookie that is both indulgent and unique. With their rustic, golden-baked texture and gooey chocolate centers, these cookies are perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup light brown sugar
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup dried tart cherries
1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup mocha chocolate chips (or espresso chips)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cream the Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in the Mix-ins: Fold in the dried cherries, semi-sweet chocolate chips, and mocha chips evenly.
- Shape the Dough: Drop tablespoon-sized mounds of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake the Cookies: Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are still slightly soft.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
Fresh cherries can be used, but dried cherries are preferred for their chewy texture and concentrated tartness.
For a different flavor, substitute semi-sweet and mocha chips with milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or white chocolate.
If you don’t have mocha chips, you can substitute them with chocolate chips or espresso powder for a similar coffee flavor.
Make the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 3 days, or freeze the dough for up to 2-3 months.
Chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans can complement the flavor and texture of these cookies.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
