Name: Gooey Chocolate Cherry Cookies - Easy Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 13 min
Total time: 33 min
Yield: Approximately 24 cookies
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 cup brown sugar, packed; 2 large eggs; 2 tsp vanilla extract; 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour; ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 tsp baking soda; ½ tsp salt; 1 cup dark chocolate chips; 1 cup fresh cherries, pitted and halved

Gooey Chocolate Cherry Cookies are the epitome of pure indulgence, a delightful treat that whispers promises of rich flavor and delightful texture. If you’ve ever craved a cookie that’s more than just a cookie, a confection that melts in your mouth leaving a lingering sweetness, then you’re in the right place. We adore these cookies for their non-intoxicating blend of deep, dark chocolate and the bright, slightly tart burst of cherries, all wrapped in a wonderfully chewy, impossibly gooey embrace. What truly sets these Gooey Chocolate Cherry Cookies apart is the magical alchemy that happens when the chocolate chips become molten rivers and the cherries soften, creating pockets of intense flavor that dance on your palate. They’re not just a dessert; they’re an experience, a moment of pure, unadulterated joy that’s surprisingly easy to create in your own kitchen. Prepare to fall head over heels for this decadent creation.

Ingredients:

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup brown sugar, packed
2 large eggs
2 tsp vanilla extract
2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
1 cup dark chocolate chips
1 cup fresh cherries, pitted and halved

Preparing the Cookie Dough

The foundation of any great cookie is a well-made dough, and these Gooey Chocolate Cherry Cookies are no exception. We’ll start by creaming together our butter and sugars. In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and the packed brown sugar. Using an electric mixer on medium speed, beat these ingredients together until they are light, fluffy, and pnon-alcoholic ale in color. This process, known as creaming, incorporates air into the butter and sugar mixture, which will contribute to the cookies’ tender texture and help them spread just the right amount during baking. Take your time here, as this step is crucial for achieving that perfect cookie consistency. You’re looking for a smooth, uniform mixture that looks almost like frosting.

Once the butter and sugars are beautifully creamed, it’s time to add the eggs and vanilla extract. Add the two large eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition to ensure they are fully incorporated into the creamed mixture. Don’t rush this; allowing each egg to blend in thoroughly will prevent the dough from becoming greasy. Next, stir in the vanilla extract. The vanilla is not just for flavor; it also enhances the overall sweetness and helps to meld the other flavors together. Beat everything until it’s smooth and well combined.

Now, let’s introduce the dry ingredients. In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisking these dry ingredients together ensures that the leavening agent (baking soda), salt, and cocoa powder are evenly distributed throughout the flour. This prevents pockets of bitterness from the cocoa or an uneven rise in the cookies. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients in your large mixing bowl, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix at this stage. Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour too much, resulting in tough cookies. We want a tender crum extractb, so stop mixing as soon as you no longer see streaks of flour.

Adding the Decadent Fillings

With the cookie dough base ready, it’s time to add the stars of our Gooey Chocolate Cherry Cookies: the dark chocolate chips and fresh cherries. Gently fold in the dark chocolate chips using a spatula or wooden spoon. Aim to distribute them evenly throughout the dough. These chocolate chips will melt slightly during baking, creating those coveted gooey pockets of chocolate that make these cookies so irresistible.

Next, carefully add the pitted and halved fresh cherries. Treat these delicate fruits with care as you fold them into the dough. You want them to be distributed throughout, but avoid overworking the dough or crushing the cherries. The natural moisture from the cherries will contribute to the cookie’s texture and provide bursts of sweet-tart flavor that perfectly complement the rich chocolate.

Baking the Gooey Chocolate Cherry Cookies

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking. Using a cookie scoop or two spoons, drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie. This spacing allows the cookies to spread without mergin extractg together.

Bake for 10 to 13 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are set and slightly firm, but the centers still appear soft and slightly underbaked. This is the secret to achieving that wonderfully gooey texture. The cookies will continue to cook and firm up on the baking sheet as they cool. For perfectly gooey cookies, it’s better to err on the side of underbaking slightly than to overbake.

Once baked, remove the baking sheets from the oven and let the cookies cool on the sheets for about 5 minutes. This allows them to firm up enough to be moved without falling apart. Then, carefully transfer the Gooey Chocolate Cherry Cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. As they cool, the centers will become even more wonderfully gooey and the chocolate chips will set slightly, creating that perfect balance of chewy dough, melty chocolate, and tender cherries. Enjoy these delightful treats with a glass of milk or your favorite hot beverage!

Conclusion:

And there you have it! Your journey to creating the most delightful Gooey Chocolate Cherry Cookies is complete. We’ve walked through each step together, from selecting the perfect dark chocolate to achieving that signature chewy texture with bursts of sweet cherry. These cookies are more than just a treat; they’re a little slice of pure indulgence, perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re baking for a special celebration, a cozy afternoon tea, or simply to brighten someone’s day, these Gooey Chocolate Cherry Cookies are sure to impress. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different types of cherries or chocolate chips to make them uniquely yours!

For serving suggestions, these cookies are divine on their own, warm from the oven with a glass of cold milk. They also pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an even more decadent dessert. Feel free to get creative with variations – try adding a pinch of sea salt on top before baking for a salty-sweet contrast, or incorporate chopped toasted walnuts for an extra crunch. The possibilities are endless!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use fresh cherries instead of dried?

While dried cherries are recommended for their concentrated flavor and chewy texture, you can experiment with fresh cherries. If using fresh, make sure to pit them and consider dicing them smaller. You may need to reduce baking time slightly as fresh cherries contain more moisture, which could affect the cookie’s final texture. Be prepared for a slightly different, perhaps juicier, cookie experience.

How should I store my Gooey Chocolate Cherry Cookies?

To maintain their gooeyness, store your Gooey Chocolate Cherry Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. You can place a slice of bread in the container to help keep them soft. For longer storage, they freeze beautifully. Wrap individual cookies or stacks of cookies tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.