If you are a devoted chocolate lover looking for a cookie that delivers layers of rich flavor and a delightful burst of fruitiness, this Triple Chocolate Cherry Cookies Recipe is an absolute must-try. These cookies bring together the deep, fudgy allure of cocoa dough, the melty goodness of semi-sweet and dark chocolate chunks, and the sweet-tart pop of dried cherries for an unforgettable treat with a bakery-style softness that melts in your mouth. Whether you’re baking for a cozy night in or to impress guests at your next gathering, these triple chocolate cherry cookies offer an incredible balance of texture, taste, and indulgence that will keep everyone reaching for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe relies on a handful of simple but essential ingredients that work together beautifully to create cookie magic. Each component plays a key role, whether it’s the creamy butter that lends tenderness, the cocoa powder for that chocolate depth, or the dried cherries that provide a vibrant contrast in flavor and color.
- Unsalted butter, ½ cup: Adds richness and creates a soft, tender texture.
- Granulated sugar, ¾ cup: Provides sweetness and helps achieve a slight crispness on the edges.
- Brown sugar, ¼ cup: Introduces moisture and a subtle caramel note for depth.
- Egg, 1 large: Binds ingredients while contributing to the cookie’s chewy structure.
- Vanilla extract, 1 tsp: Enhances overall flavor with a warm, aromatic touch.
- All-purpose flour, 1 cup: Forms the cookie’s base for a classic crumbly yet soft bite.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder, ⅓ cup: Delivers a rich chocolate foundation with slight bitterness.
- Baking soda, ½ tsp: Leavens the dough for a gentle rise and tender crumb.
- Salt, ¼ tsp: Balances sweetness and intensifies chocolate flavor.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips, ½ cup: Brings melty bursts of mild chocolate sweetness throughout.
- Dark chocolate chunks, ½ cup: Adds intense, bold chocolate pockets for complexity.
- Dried cherries, ¾ cup: Infuses chewy, tart sweetness that pairs perfectly with chocolate.
How to Make Triple Chocolate Cherry Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining your baking sheets with parchment paper. This step ensures your cookies bake evenly and don’t stick, giving you that perfect shape and texture.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and smooth. This step is crucial because it incorporates air that helps your cookies rise just right and maintain a soft, tender crumb.
Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla
Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined. These ingredients add moisture and richness, lending structure and an aromatic boost to the cookie dough.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. This dry mix brings together the chocolate depth, helps the dough rise, and balances sweetness for the ideal cookie framework.
Step 5: Mix Dry Ingredients Into Wet
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed butter and sugar mixture, stirring until just combined. Overmixing can make the cookies tough, so handle the dough gently to preserve that perfect soft texture.
Step 6: Fold in Chocolate and Cherries
Carefully fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips, dark chocolate chunks, and dried cherries. This step adds layers of melty chocolate and chewy fruit pieces that define the unique character of this triple chocolate cherry cookies recipe.
Step 7: Scoop and Bake
Scoop the dough into 1½-tablespoon balls and arrange them on the baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, until the edges are set but the centers remain soft for that fudgy perfection.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Let the cookies cool on the pan for about 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. This step helps them set properly without losing their soft, bakery-style texture.
How to Serve Triple Chocolate Cherry Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
These cookies are stunning on their own, but if you’re feeling fancy, a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted white chocolate can elevate their appearance and add a subtle contrast in sweetness. Fresh cherries on the side make for a lovely seasonal presentation.
Side Dishes
Pair them with a tall glass of cold milk or a warm cup of coffee or tea. The creamy beverage perfectly complements the fudgy richness and tart fruitiness in this Triple Chocolate Cherry Cookies Recipe, making each bite even more comforting.
Creative Ways to Present
Create a cookie platter with an assortment of nuts, dried fruit, and chocolates for a festive touch. You can also sandwich them with mascarpone or vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert option that’s sure to impress your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They maintain their soft, fudgy centers beautifully, so you can enjoy them fresh for the rest of the week.
Freezing
You can freeze the cookie dough balls before baking or the fully baked cookies. For dough, wrap tightly and freeze up to 3 months—bake straight from frozen by adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time. Baked cookies freeze well in a sealed container for up to 2 months.
Reheating
To refresh the soft texture, warm the cookies in a microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a preheated 300°F oven for about 5 minutes. This brings back their melt-in-your-mouth appeal just like fresh out of the oven.
FAQs
Can I substitute fresh cherries for dried in this recipe?
Fresh cherries have more moisture, which could alter the dough’s consistency and baking time. It’s best to stick with dried cherries or try dried cranberries as an alternative for a similar burst of tart sweetness.
Why does this recipe use both semi-sweet chips and dark chocolate chunks?
The combination of semi-sweet chips and dark chocolate chunks adds a balance of smooth sweet and intense bitter chocolate flavors, offering a complex and rich experience in every bite.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend of equal measure, but results may vary slightly in texture. Be sure to choose a blend intended for baking for the best outcome.
How do I ensure the cookies stay soft and fudgy?
Do not overbake, as that leads to firmer cookies. Stick to the recommended 10–12 minutes or until edges are just set. Also, chilling the dough beforehand helps maintain thickness and softness.
What is the best way to scoop the dough evenly?
Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon measure to portion the dough. This ensures that all cookies bake evenly and have a consistent size and shape, perfect for presentation and portion control.
Final Thoughts
You really cannot go wrong with this Triple Chocolate Cherry Cookies Recipe. It’s one of those feel-good recipes that bring cozy warmth and indulgent flavor to any occasion. The balanced blend of chocolate varieties and the sweet, chewy cherries make every bite a celebration of texture and taste. So grab your ingredients, preheat that oven, and prepare to enjoy cookies that will quickly become a beloved favorite among friends and family alike.
Print
Triple Chocolate Cherry Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These triple chocolate cherry cookies are rich, fudgy, and loaded with flavor. Made with cocoa-infused cookie dough, melty chocolate chips, and sweet-tart cherries, they’re soft in the center with a bakery-style texture—perfect for holidays or chocolate lovers seeking an indulgent treat.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ⅓ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
Add-ins
- ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ½ cup dark chocolate chunks
- ¾ cup dried cherries
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy for a tender cookie base.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated, ensuring even flavor and proper dough consistency.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt to evenly distribute leavening and chocolate flavor.
- Mix Dry into Wet: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined to avoid overworking the dough which could make the cookies tough.
- Fold in Add-ins: Gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips, dark chocolate chunks, and dried cherries, evenly distributing the chocolate and fruity elements throughout the dough.
- Scoop Dough: Using a cookie scoop or spoon, portion the dough into 1½-tablespoon balls and place them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets to allow for spreading.
- Bake Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes, until the edges are set but the centers remain soft to retain that fudgy texture.
- Cool Cookies: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to firm up slightly before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, preventing breakage and excess moisture.
Notes
- Do not overbake to maintain fudgy, soft centers in the cookies.
- Chill dough for 20–30 minutes before baking to achieve thicker cookies.
- For a twist, substitute dried cranberries if dried cherries are not available.
- Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain freshness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Snack · Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
