Cherry Chunk Cookies Recipe
Introduction
Cherry Chunk Cookies are a delightful treat that combines the tartness of cherries with rich chocolate chunks in a soft, buttery cookie. Perfect for a cozy afternoon snack or sharing with friends, these cookies are simple to make and wonderfully satisfying.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cherries, chopped
- 1 cup chocolate chunks
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, combine the softened butter with the flour, mixing until a dough forms.
- Step 2: Gently fold in the chopped cherries and chocolate chunks until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Step 3: Scoop dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing each cookie about 2 inches apart.
- Step 4: Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers remain soft.
- Step 5: Remove from oven and allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips & Variations
- Use dried cherries if fresh are unavailable, but reduce added sugar elsewhere as dried fruit is sweeter.
- For extra flavor, add a teaspoon of vanilla extract or a pinch of cinnamon to the dough.
- Try substituting chocolate chunks with white chocolate or nuts for a different texture.
Storage
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. To keep them fresh longer, you can freeze the baked cookies for up to 2 months. Reheat briefly in a microwave or oven to enjoy them warm.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cherries in this recipe?
Yes, frozen cherries work well. Just thaw and drain them thoroughly before folding into the dough to avoid excess moisture.
Do I need to chill the dough before baking?
Chilling is not necessary for this recipe, but if you prefer thicker cookies, you can refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes before baking.
PrintCherry Chunk Cookies Recipe
Delight in these Cherry Chunk Cookies, featuring a perfect balance of sweet cherries and rich chocolate chunks nestled in a buttery, golden-baked dough. These cookies offer a luscious treat with a soft yet slightly crisp texture, ideal for any occasion or a cozy snack.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
Fruit
- 1 cup fresh or dried cherries, chopped
Chocolate
- 1 cup chocolate chunks (semi-sweet or dark)
Wet Ingredients
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Mix Dough: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Fold in the chopped cherries and chocolate chunks evenly throughout the dough.
- Shape Cookies: Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, drop rounded spoonfuls of dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
- Bake Cookies: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are set. Avoid overbaking to keep the cookies soft and chewy.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Use fresh cherries when in season for best flavor; dried cherries work well year-round.
- Chocolate chunks provide a rustic look and melt beautifully, but chocolate chips can be substituted.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or freeze for longer storage.
Keywords: Cherry Chunk Cookies, cherry cookies, chocolate chunk cookies, homemade cookies, baked cookies, dessert cookies
