Dark Cherry Chocolate Chunk Cookies

Dark Cherry Chocolate Chunk Cookies are the perfect balance of sweet, tart, and rich flavors wrapped up in a soft, chewy cookie. These irresistible treats combine luscious dark chocolate chunks with tangy dried dark cherries, creating a flavor sensation that keeps you reaching for one more. Whether you’re baking for an afternoon snack, a special occasion, or just because, these cookies deliver every time with their tender crumb and delightful bursts of fruity and chocolate goodness.

Why This Recipe Is Reliable

This Dark Cherry Chocolate Chunk Cookies recipe has been crafted and tested to ensure consistent, delicious results in your kitchen. The ratio of butter to sugars guarantees a soft yet sturdy texture, while using both brown and granulated sugars brings depth and chewiness. Incorporating baking soda gives the cookies just the right amount of lift and spread. Plus, the combination of dark chocolate chunks and dried cherries provides a perfect contrast of flavors and textures. Whether you’re an experienced baker or a beginner, this recipe is straightforward and forgiving, making it a go-to for cookie cravings.

Ingredient Breakdown

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Acts as the base fat, providing richness and moisture to the cookies. Softened butter ensures easy mixing and helps achieve a tender texture.
• 3/4 cup brown sugar: Adds sweetness and moisture with its molasses content, contributing to the chewiness of the cookies.
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar: Balances the brown sugar’s moisture and aids in achieving a slight crispness around the edges.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with its warm, aromatic notes.
• 2 large eggs: Provide structure, moisture, and richness, helping to bind the ingredients together.
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour: The main structural ingredient that gives the cookies their body and chew.
• 1 teaspoon baking soda: A leavening agent that helps the cookies rise and spread evenly.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.
• 1 cup dark chocolate chunks: Offers rich, melty bits of chocolate throughout each cookie.
• 1 cup dried dark cherries, chopped: Adds a chewy, tart contrast that complements the chocolate perfectly.

Appliances & Accessories

• Mixing bowls: For combining wet and dry ingredients separately.
• Electric hand mixer or stand mixer: Makes creaming butter and sugar effortless and ensures even mixing.
• Measuring cups and spoons: For precise ingredient measurements to guarantee consistent results.
• Baking sheet: A flat surface for baking the cookies, ideally lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat to prevent sticking.
• Cooling rack: Allows cookies to cool evenly and maintain their texture.
• Cookie scoop or tablespoon: Helps portion out dough uniformly for consistent cookie size and baking time.

Step-by-Step: Dark Cherry Chocolate Chunk Cookies

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Start by softening your butter at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Chop the dried dark cherries if needed, and measure out all your ingredients to have them ready for smooth baking.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color. This usually takes about 3-4 minutes and is essential for creating tender cookies.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract to infuse the dough with its signature aroma.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This evenly distributes the leavening agent and seasoning, preventing clumps in your dough.

Step 5: Mix Dry Ingredients Into Wet

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed or folding gently with a spatula until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep your cookies tender.

Step 6: Fold in Chocolate and Cherries

Gently fold in the dark chocolate chunks and chopped dried cherries, ensuring even distribution throughout the dough for every bite.

Step 7: Portion and Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto a prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden but the centers still look slightly soft.

Step 8: Cool and Enjoy

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them set while maintaining a chewy texture.

Adaptations for Special Diets

• Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend.
• Lower Sugar: Reduce granulated sugar to 1/2 cup and brown sugar to 1/2 cup for a less sweet cookie.
• Vegan: Use vegan butter, replace eggs with flax eggs (2 tablespoons flaxseed meal + 6 tablespoons water, chilled), and ensure vegan chocolate chunks.
• Nut-Free: This recipe is naturally nut-free; just ensure your chocolate chunks and cherries are processed in a nut-free facility.

Flavor Logic

The magic of these Dark Cherry Chocolate Chunk Cookies lies in the harmonious flavor pairing of rich dark chocolate and tart dried cherries. The dark chocolate’s bittersweet notes balance the natural acidity of the cherries, creating a sophisticated flavor profile that’s both indulgent and refreshing. Brown sugar adds caramel undertones, while vanilla rounds out the sweetness with warmth. The slight saltiness from the butter and added salt enhances all these flavors, making each bite complex and satisfying.

Storing, Freezing & Reheating

Store your Dark Cherry Chocolate Chunk Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. To keep them fresh longer, freeze the baked cookies in a sealed container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature or warm briefly in a microwave for 10-15 seconds to revive that fresh-baked softness.

If you prefer to freeze the dough, scoop it into balls and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Bake frozen dough balls by adding 2-3 extra minutes to the baking time.

Ask & Learn

Can I use regular chocolate chips instead of chunks?

Yes! Regular chocolate chips work just fine, but chocolate chunks provide larger pockets of melty chocolate that create a more luxurious texture and look in the cookies.

What if I don’t have dried cherries?

You can substitute dried cranberries or raisins, but dried dark cherries offer a unique tartness that pairs beautifully with dark chocolate. Fresh cherries won’t work well since they add too much moisture.

How do I make sure my cookies stay soft?

Do not overbake—pull the cookies out when the edges are set but centers are still slightly soft. Also, using a mix of brown and granulated sugars helps retain moisture and chewiness.

Can I double this recipe?

Absolutely! Just double all ingredients and bake in batches, making sure not to overcrowd your baking sheets for even cooking.

Make It Tonight

Dark Cherry Chocolate Chunk Cookies are a fantastic project for a cozy evening. Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and dive into mixing up this dough. The aroma of baking cookies will fill your home with warmth and anticipation. In just under 30 minutes, you’ll have a batch of freshly baked cookies perfect for sharing with family or savoring solo with a glass of milk or your favorite cup of tea. It’s a simple way to add a little sweetness and indulgence to your night.

These Dark Cherry Chocolate Chunk Cookies are a delightful treat that combines luscious dark chocolate and tart cherries in a soft, chewy cookie base. With their balanced flavors and easy preparation, they’re sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire. Whether for a special occasion or everyday enjoyment, these cookies are a delicious way to satisfy your sweet tooth and impress anyone lucky enough to share them with you. Happy baking!

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