If you’re looking to strike the perfect balance between chewy, fruity, and chocolatey, Cherry Chocolate Chewy Cookies (Print Format) are going to captivate your taste buds from the very first bite! Each cookie is a cheerful medley of tart cherries and decadent chocolate chips tucked inside a tender, buttery dough. Whether you’re baking these for a special occasion or to brighten up an ordinary afternoon, each chewy cookie bursts with nostalgic flavors and is bound to become your new favorite treat. Trust me: this sweet combo will have everyone reaching for seconds!

Cherry Chocolate Chewy Cookies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe uses simple ingredients, but don’t underestimate their impact! Each one works magic to ensure your Cherry Chocolate Chewy Cookies (Print Format) turn out rich, vibrant, and delightfully irresistible.

Unsalted butter: Softened butter is the heart of chewy cookies, adding richness and a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Granulated sugar: This gives sweetness and helps the cookies achieve that perfect golden crisp on the edges.
Brown sugar: Packed brown sugar deepens the flavor and adds essential moisture for chewiness.
Large eggs: Eggs provide the structure and keep each bite soft and luscious.
Vanilla extract: A couple teaspoons lend warmth and aroma, making each cookie feel cozy and homemade.
All-purpose flour: The backbone of the dough, giving the cookies their lovely, sturdy texture.
Baking soda: Just a teaspoon helps the cookies rise and spread perfectly as they bake.
Salt: Balances everything out and intensifies both cherry and chocolate notes.
Maraschino cherries: Chopped cherries bring bright color and bursts of tangy-sweet flavor—be sure to drain them well!
Semisweet chocolate chips: The classic companion to cherries, chocolate chips guarantee rich pockets of gooey goodness.

How to Make Cherry Chocolate Chewy Cookies (Print Format)

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheets

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is heating, line your baking sheets with parchment paper to make cleanup a breeze and to prevent the cookies from sticking. A properly prepped baking space sets the stage for consistent, evenly baked cookies every time!

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture becomes light in color and fluffy in texture. A handheld mixer or stand mixer works wonders here, but a little elbow grease and a sturdy spatula are just as effective. This step makes sure your cookies will be chewy and perfectly sweet.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Next, beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract, filling your kitchen with that classic cookie aroma. These elements bring cohesion to your dough and set the stage for a soft, flavorful cookie base.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This helps evenly distribute the leavening and salt, so your cookies rise in a uniform, beautiful way. Gradually add the dry mixture to your wet ingredients, blending gently to keep the dough tender and light—overmixing is the enemy of chewiness!

Step 5: Fold in Cherries and Chocolate Chips

Now comes the fun part! Carefully fold in the chopped, well-drained maraschino cherries and semisweet chocolate chips. Mix just enough so both are evenly distributed, ensuring every cookie is brimming with fruity and chocolatey goodness.

Step 6: Portion Your Dough

Using a tablespoon or small ice cream scoop, drop rounded spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about two inches apart. This keeps your Cherry Chocolate Chewy Cookies (Print Format) from spreading into each other and guarantees perfect shape and texture.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Slide the baking sheets into your preheated oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes. Watch for the edges to turn golden while the centers stay a touch soft—this distinction is what keeps them deliciously chewy!

Step 8: Cool and Enjoy

Once baked, let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for a few minutes (this helps them firm up just enough), then use a spatula to transfer them to wire racks to cool completely. The aroma at this point is irresistible, so sneaking a warm cookie or two is absolutely encouraged!

How to Serve Cherry Chocolate Chewy Cookies (Print Format)

Garnishes

For a finishing touch, dust your Cherry Chocolate Chewy Cookies (Print Format) with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar or a few extra chopped cherries. A delicate drizzle of melted chocolate never hurts either, adding a bakery-style look and an extra layer of indulgence.

Side Dishes

These cookies are perfect served alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a glass of cold milk, or even a hot mug of coffee. The chewy texture and rich mix-ins pair beautifully with most drinks and creamy desserts, making them a well-rounded addition to any dessert spread.

Creative Ways to Present

Try stacking a few cookies and tying them with baker’s twine for adorable edible gifts, or arrange them on a platter with fresh cherries and chocolate curls for a colorful, crowd-pleasing display. A tiered cookie stand at your next gathering will make your Cherry Chocolate Chewy Cookies (Print Format) the instant center of attention!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay wonderfully chewy and flavorful for up to five days, making them perfect for lunchbox treats or afternoon sweets.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze Cherry Chocolate Chewy Cookies (Print Format)! Place cooled cookies in freezer-safe bags with parchment between layers. When the craving hits, just thaw at room temperature and enjoy as if they were freshly baked.

Reheating

If you’d like to enjoy your cookies warm, pop them in the microwave for about 10 seconds. The chocolate will get gooey again, and the cherries will become a touch more fragrant—bringing that just-baked flavor right back.

FAQs

Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries?

Yes, you can! Just be sure to pit and chop them, and dry them well before adding to the dough to avoid excess moisture, which could affect the cookie texture.

What kind of chocolate chips work best?

Semisweet chocolate chips are classic, but dark or milk chocolate also work if you want to tweak the sweetness or richness. You can even use chocolate chunks for extra decadence!

Is it okay to chill the dough?

Chilling the dough is optional, but it can help the flavors meld and prevent excess spreading. If your kitchen is very warm, a brief chill (30 minutes) is a great idea.

Can this recipe be doubled?

Absolutely! Just use a larger mixing bowl and double each ingredient to make a bigger batch—the baking time remains the same, so you can easily adapt for bake sales or parties.

How do I avoid cookies getting too flat?

Make sure your butter is just softened (not melted) and avoid overmixing the dough. Also, be sure the cherries are well-drained; too much liquid can cause spreading.

Final Thoughts

Baking a batch of Cherry Chocolate Chewy Cookies (Print Format) is more than just making cookies—it’s about creating moments of happiness for yourself and your loved ones. I hope you’re as excited to try these as I am to share them with you. Dive into this delightful recipe and fill your kitchen with the incredible aroma and warmth only homemade cookies can bring!