Name: Cherry Chocolate Chip Dream Cookies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened; 3/4 cup granulated sugar; 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1 teaspoon salt; 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips; 1 cup maraschino cherries, drained and chopped; 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

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Crisp edges giving way to a soft, chewy center, these Cherry Chocolate Chip Dream Cookies are a delightful symphony of textures and flavors. The bright sweetness of maraschino cherries perfectly complements the rich, comforting taste of semi-sweet chocolate chips. These cookies work because the slight tartness of the cherries cuts through the sweetness of the chocolate, preventing the cookies from being overly saccharine. This balance, combined with a classic cookie base, makes them an irresistible treat suitable for any occasion.

Why you’ll love this Cherry Chocolate Chip Dream Cookies with Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies

These are incredibly easy to make, perfect for beginner bakers!
The combination of sweet cherries and rich chocolate is a flavor explosion.
They’re a festive and colorful treat, ideal for holidays or potlucks.
These cookies are soft, chewy, and utterly irresistible.
They’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, loved by kids and adults alike.
Prep time is minimal, so you can satisfy your sweet cravings quickly.

Ingredients & Substitutions

Ingredients for Cherry Chocolate Chip Dream Cookies

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup granulated sugar
3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 cup maraschino cherries, drained and chopped
1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

Cherry chocolate chip cookies makes every moment feel comforting. Substitutions: If you’re looking for a different flavor profile, try using white chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet. For a similar chewy texture to maraschino cherries, dried cranberries are a great alternative.

How to make Cherry Chocolate Chip Dream Cookies

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This step is crucial for achieving a soft and tender cookie.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. Make sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures even distribution of the baking soda, which helps the cookies rise properly.

Step 5: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough, as this can result in tough cookies.

Step 6: Add Cherries, Chocolate Chips, and Nuts

Stir in the chocolate chips, chopped maraschino cherries, and nuts (if using). Ensure everything is evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Step 7: Bake the Cookies

Drop by rounded tablespoons onto the prepared baking sheets. Bake for 9-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are set.

Step 8: Cool and Enjoy

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents them from breaking.

Tips for Success

For softer cookies, slightly underbake them by a minute or two.
Make sure your butter is properly softened but not melted, for the best texture.
Don’t overmix the dough, as this can lead to tough cookies.
Chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking can help prevent the cookies from spreading too thin.

Serving Suggestions

These Cherry Chocolate Chip Dream Cookies are delicious on their own, but they also pair well with a cold glass of milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. They are also great alongside a warm beverage like the hot chocolate lasagna.

Storage & Reheating

Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. To maintain their soft texture, consider adding a slice of bread to the container. While reheating isn’t typically necessary, you can warm them slightly in the microwave for a few seconds to enhance their gooeyness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I freeze these cookies?

A: Yes, you can freeze both the cookie dough and the baked cookies. For the dough, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in a freezer bag. Baked cookies can be frozen in an airtight container. Thaw completely before enjoying.

Q: Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries?

A: While you can, the flavor and texture will be different. Fresh cherries have a different moisture content and aren’t as sweet. If using fresh cherries, pit and chop them, and consider adding a bit more sugar to the recipe.

Q: Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

A: Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Be sure to choose a blend that contains xanthan gum for the best texture. For a similar cookie recipe, check out these pecan snowball cookies.

These Cherry Chocolate Chip Dream Cookies are a guaranteed hit, bringing together the perfect balance of sweet and slightly tart flavors in a soft, chewy package. Easy to make and even easier to enjoy, they’re sure to become a new family favorite. Let us know in the comments how your batch turns out!

Perfect Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies Your Family Will Love