Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies with Mocha Chips

If you’re looking for a cookie that brings together the sweetness of cherries and the richness of chocolate, you’ve come to the right place! These Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies with Mocha Chips are more than just a treat; they’re a celebration of flavors that will leave your taste buds dancing. I love making these cookies for family gatherings, cozy evenings at home, or even just to satisfy a sweet craving. The combination of juicy cherries and bold mocha chips makes each bite an irresistible indulgence.

Whether you’re baking with little ones or surprising friends with a delightful dessert, these cookies are perfect for any occasion. Plus, they’re super easy to whip up! Let’s dive into why this recipe is bound to become a favorite in your home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can have these cookies ready in no time!
• Family-Friendly: Everyone loves cookies! These sweet treats are sure to bring smiles all around the table.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Bake them ahead of time for parties or keep some dough in the fridge for spontaneous cravings.
• Deliciously Unique Flavor: The mix of cherries and mocha adds a fun twist to classic chocolate chip cookies!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering your ingredients is part of the fun! You’ll find that these are simple, wholesome ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry. Let’s take a look at what you need:

For the Cookies

• 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ¼ tsp salt
• ¾ cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 1 cup brown sugar (packed)
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 ½ tsp vanilla extract
• ½ cup dark chocolate chips
• ½ cup mocha chips
• ½ cup dried cherries (chopped)

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible, so feel free to get creative! Here are some fun variations to try:

• Add nuts: Throw in some chopped walnuts or pecans for an extra crunch.
• Use fresh cherries: Fresh cherries can replace dried ones if you want a burst of juiciness!
• Try different chips: Experiment with white chocolate or peanut butter chips instead of mocha for a different flavor profile.
• Make it gluten-free: Use a gluten-free flour blend to accommodate dietary preferences.

How to Make Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies with Mocha Chips

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial because it ensures that your cookies bake evenly and achieve that lovely golden color. While you’re at it, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, combine your flour, baking soda, and salt. Mixing these dry ingredients first helps distribute the baking soda evenly, giving your cookies that perfect rise.

Step 3: Cream Butter & Sugars

In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until fluffy. This step is essential because creaming introduces air into the mixture, resulting in light and tender cookies.

Step 4: Add Egg & Vanilla

Now it’s time to mix in one large egg and your vanilla extract until smooth. This adds richness and depth of flavor—don’t skip this part!

Step 5: Combine Wet & Dry

Slowly stir the flour mixture into the wet ingredients until everything is well blended. Take care not to overmix; we want tender cookies!

Step 6: Fold in Chocolate, Mocha, and Cherries

Gently fold in the dark chocolate chips, mocha chips, and chopped dried cherries until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough. Each spoonful should be packed with flavor!

Step 7: Scoop & Shape

Using a tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto your prepared baking sheet. Leave some space between each ball; they will spread as they bake!

Step 8: Bake

Pop your cookie sheet into the oven and bake for about 10-12 minutes or until the edges turn golden brown. Keep an eye on them; ovens can vary!

Step 9: Cool & Eat

Once they’re out of the oven, let them cool on a wire rack for a few moments—if you can resist! Then enjoy these delightful Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies with Mocha Chips warm or store them for later. Happy baking!

Pro Tips for Making Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies with Mocha Chips

Baking can be a delightful adventure, and these tips will help you create the perfect batch of cookies that everyone will love!

• Use room temperature ingredients – Allowing your butter and egg to warm up a bit before mixing helps create a smoother batter, resulting in softer, chewier cookies.

• Don’t overmix the dough – Once you combine the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until incorporated. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies; we want them soft and tender!

• Chill the dough – If you have time, refrigerate the cookie dough for 30 minutes before baking. This step enhances flavor and prevents spreading, giving you thicker cookies.

• Experiment with chocolate types – Feel free to swap dark chocolate chips for semi-sweet or even white chocolate chips. Each variation will provide a unique twist on the flavor profile.

• Store properly – Keep your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their freshness. You can also freeze them for up to three months for an indulgent treat anytime!

How to Serve Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies with Mocha Chips

These cookies are perfect for any occasion! Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply treating yourself, presentation can make all the difference.

Garnishes

• Dust with powdered sugar – A light sprinkle of powdered sugar adds an elegant touch and enhances the cookie’s sweetness without overwhelming it.

• Pair with fresh cherries – Placing a few fresh cherries on the side not only looks beautiful but also complements the flavors of the cookies perfectly.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla ice cream – The creamy texture of vanilla ice cream pairs wonderfully with warm cookies, creating a delightful contrast that’s hard to resist.

• Coffee or espresso – A steaming cup of coffee enhances the mocha notes in your cookies and provides a lovely balance of flavors—perfect for a cozy afternoon treat.

• Milk or plant-based milk alternatives – Classic chocolate chip cookies go hand-in-hand with milk! Use almond, oat, or soy milk for those who prefer non-dairy options.

• Fruit salad – A fresh fruit salad adds brightness to your dessert table and offers a refreshing counterpoint to the rich flavors of the cookies.

Enjoy baking these delightful Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies with Mocha Chips, and don’t forget to share them with family and friends (or keep them all to yourself)!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies with Mocha Chips are perfect for meal prep! You can whip up a batch ahead of time and enjoy them throughout the week, making snack time or dessert a breeze.

Storing Leftovers

• Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• For longer freshness, place a slice of bread in the container to help maintain moisture.

Freezing

• Allow cookies to cool completely before freezing.
• Place cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
• Transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Place the cookies on a baking sheet and heat for about 5-10 minutes until warmed through.
• Alternatively, microwave for about 10-15 seconds for a quick treat!

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about these delightful cookies:

Can I use fresh cherries instead of dried ones in Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies with Mocha Chips?

Fresh cherries can be used, but make sure to chop them into small pieces and reduce the amount of liquid in the recipe slightly, as fresh fruit contains more moisture than dried fruit.

How do I make Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies with Mocha Chips gluten-free?

You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure that the blend is suitable for baking to achieve the best texture.

Can I double the recipe for Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies with Mocha Chips?

Yes! This recipe can easily be doubled. Just make sure you have enough space on your baking sheets when you scoop out the dough.

What can I substitute for butter in this recipe?

You can use coconut oil or vegan butter as substitutes if you’re looking for a dairy-free option.

Are these cookies suitable for kids?

Absolutely! These Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies with Mocha Chips are kid-friendly and perfect for lunchboxes or after-school snacks.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making these Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies with Mocha Chips as much as I do! They bring together the sweetness of cherries and chocolate in every bite, creating an irresistible treat that’s perfect for sharing (or keeping all to yourself!). Remember, whether you’re baking them ahead of time or enjoying them fresh out of the oven, these cookies are sure to bring smiles all around. Happy baking!