How to Make Chocolate Cherry Cookies

These Chocolate Cherry Cookies are a delightful combination of rich chocolate and tangy cherries, offering the perfect balance of flavors. Soft and chewy with a slight tartness from the cherries, these cookies are a wonderful treat for any occasion. Plus, this healthier version allows you to enjoy the indulgence without the guilt!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Sweet & Tart Flavor: The combination of rich chocolate and tart cherries creates a unique flavor profile.
Healthier Ingredients: Uses dark chocolate, whole wheat flour, and a reduced-sugar recipe.
Perfect for Snacking: These cookies are great for satisfying your sweet tooth without going overboard.
Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and quick preparation make these cookies a breeze to bake.

Ingredients

For the Cookies:

• 1 cup whole wheat flour (or gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version)
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
• 1/4 cup coconut oil or light butter, softened
• 1/4 cup brown sugar or a sugar substitute
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips (or sugar-free chocolate chips)
• 1/3 cup dried cherries, chopped (or fresh cherries, pitted and chopped)

Instructions

Preheat the Oven & Prepare Baking Sheets:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.

Mix the Dry Ingredients:

• In a medium bowl, combine the whole wheat flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon (if using). Set aside.

Cream the Wet Ingredients:

• In a separate large bowl, beat together the coconut oil (or butter) and brown sugar until smooth.
• Add the egg and vanilla extract and beat until well combined.

Combine Wet & Dry Ingredients:

• Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
• Stir in the cocoa powder until fully incorporated.

Add the Chocolate & Cherries:

• Fold in the dark chocolate chips and chopped cherries, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the cookie dough.

Scoop & Bake:

• Drop tablespoon-sized portions of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
• Flatten the dough slightly with the back of a spoon.
• Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are firm and the centers are set.

Cool & Serve:

• Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
• Enjoy them fresh or store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.

Nutritional Information (Per Cookie, Approximate)

• Calories: 130
• Carbs: 18g
• Protein: 2g
• Fat: 6g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 9g

Tips for Success

• Use Dark Chocolate: Dark chocolate provides antioxidants and a richer, less sugary flavor compared to milk chocolate.
• Add More Cherries: For a more pronounced tart flavor, increase the amount of cherries in the dough.
• Chill the Dough: If the dough is too soft, chilling it for 20-30 minutes can help the cookies hold their shape better during baking.
• Adjust the Sweetness: Feel free to adjust the amount of sweetener to your taste, especially if you prefer a less sweet cookie.

Why This Recipe Works

• Balanced Flavor: The rich chocolate flavor is balanced by the tartness of the cherries, creating a perfect contrast.
• Healthier Ingredients: Using whole wheat flour and dark chocolate keeps the recipe lighter and adds fiber and antioxidants.
• Soft & Chewy: These cookies remain soft and chewy thanks to the addition of coconut oil and the moisture from the cherries.

These Chocolate Cherry Cookies are a deliciously healthy treat that combines the best of both worlds: chocolate and cherries. With their soft, chewy texture and perfectly balanced flavor, these cookies will satisfy your sweet tooth without the extra calories. Bake a batch for your next gathering, or enjoy them as an everyday snack!