Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies with Mocha Chips

If you’re looking for a cookie that combines the lovely sweetness of cherries with the rich decadence of chocolate, then you’ve stumbled upon a true gem: Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies with Mocha Chips! This recipe is one of my all-time favorites, perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s a busy weeknight treat or a sweet addition to family gatherings, these cookies never fail to impress.

The blend of juicy cherries and bold mocha chips creates a delightful balance that is simply irresistible. Trust me, once you take a bite, you’ll find it hard to stop at just one!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Make: With just 15 minutes of prep and less than half an hour total time, you can whip these cookies up in no time.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will adore the combination of flavors in these cookies. They are guaranteed to be a hit!
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Feel free to prep the dough ahead of time. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days or even freeze it for later.
• Deliciously Decadent: The mix of cherries, chocolate chips, and mocha brings an indulgent flavor that feels special yet comforting.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies with Mocha Chips rely on simple, wholesome ingredients that are likely already in your pantry. Let’s gather what we need!

Dry Ingredients

• 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ¼ tsp salt

Wet Ingredients

• ¾ cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 1 cup brown sugar (packed)
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 ½ tsp vanilla extract

Mix-Ins

• ½ cup dark chocolate chips
• ½ cup mocha chips
• ½ cup dried cherries (chopped)

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible, allowing you to customize it according to your taste or what you have on hand. Here are some fun variations!

• Add Nuts: For extra crunch, toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans.
• Use Fresh Cherries: If you’re lucky enough to have fresh cherries in season, feel free to use them instead of dried ones!
• Swap the Chips: Experiment with white chocolate chips or even butterscotch chips if you want to switch things up.
• Make It Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend for those who need it.

How to Make Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies with Mocha Chips

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that it’s hot and ready when your cookie dough is prepared. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to keep cookies from sticking and make cleanup easier.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and salt. Mixing these dry ingredients together first helps distribute the baking soda evenly throughout the batter, leading to perfectly baked cookies.

Step 3: Cream Butter & Sugars

In another bowl, beat the softened butter along with brown sugar and granulated sugar until it becomes fluffy. This step is crucial as it incorporates air into the mixture, giving your cookies that delightful lightness.

Step 4: Add Egg & Vanilla

Next, mix in the egg and vanilla extract until smooth. This adds moisture and flavor that enhances every bite.

Step 5: Combine Wet & Dry

Slowly stir in the flour mixture until everything is well blended. Be careful not to overmix; this keeps your cookies tender and chewy.

Step 6: Fold in Chocolate, Mocha, and Cherries

Gently fold in those luscious dark chocolate chips, mocha chips, and chopped dried cherries until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough. Each bite will be bursting with flavor!

Step 7: Scoop & Shape

Drop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto your prepared baking sheet. Give them some space between each ball as they will spread while baking.

Step 8: Bake

Pop them into your preheated oven and bake for about 10-12 minutes. Keep an eye on them; they’re done when the edges turn golden brown but still slightly soft in the center.

Step 9: Cool & Eat

Allow your cookies to cool on a wire rack before diving in. But let’s be honest; who can resist tasting one warm right out of the oven? Enjoy every delicious bite!

Pro Tips for Making Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies with Mocha Chips

Baking can be a delightful adventure, and with these pro tips, you’ll ensure your cookies turn out perfectly every time!

• Use room temperature ingredients – This helps the butter cream more effectively with the sugars, leading to a lighter, fluffier cookie.

• Don’t overmix the dough – Mixing too much after adding the flour can lead to tougher cookies. Mix just until everything is combined for that perfect chewy texture.

• Chill the dough – If you have time, chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking will enhance the flavors and help control spreading in the oven.

• Check for doneness carefully – Ovens can vary, so keep an eye on your cookies towards the end of bake time. They should just be golden around the edges but still soft in the center.

• Experiment with add-ins – Feel free to swap dried cherries for other fruits like cranberries or raisins, or try different types of chocolate chips to customize your cookie experience!

How to Serve Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies with Mocha Chips

These Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies with Mocha Chips are not only delicious but also versatile when it comes to serving! Here are some fun ideas for presentation and pairing.

Garnishes

• Powdered sugar dusting – A light sprinkle of powdered sugar adds a touch of elegance and sweetness.
• Chocolate drizzle – Melted chocolate drizzled over the cookies creates a beautiful finish and extra indulgence.

Side Dishes

• Fresh fruit salad – A medley of seasonal fruits adds a refreshing balance to the sweetness of the cookies, making it a delightful contrast.
• Vanilla yogurt parfaits – Layer yogurt with granola and fresh berries for a creamy and crunchy side that complements the cookies wonderfully.
• Coffee or mocha drinks – Pairing these cookies with a cup of coffee or a mocha drink enhances their mocha flavor and makes for a cozy treat.
• Ice cream sundaes – Serve warm cookies alongside scoops of vanilla or chocolate ice cream topped with fudge sauce for an irresistible dessert option!

Now you’re all set to bake these scrumptious Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies with Mocha Chips. Enjoy every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies with Mocha Chips are perfect for meal prep! You can easily whip up a batch ahead of time and store them for later enjoyment.

Storing Leftovers

• Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
• For longer freshness, consider refrigerating them, which can extend their life by a few more days.

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 can be frozen for up to three months.

Reheating

• To enjoy warm cookies, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Place the cookies on a baking sheet and heat for about 5-7 minutes, or until warmed through.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about this delightful recipe!

Can I use fresh cherries in Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies with Mocha Chips?

Absolutely! Fresh cherries add a lovely burst of flavor. Just make sure to pit and chop them before adding to the dough.

What can I substitute for dark chocolate chips in Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies with Mocha Chips?

You can use semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips if you prefer a sweeter taste. Both options will still pair wonderfully with the mocha chips!

How do I know when my Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies with Mocha Chips are done baking?

Look for golden brown edges and a soft center. They will continue to firm up as they cool, so don’t worry if they seem a bit soft when you take them out!

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free flour blend. The texture may vary slightly but will still be delicious!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making these Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies with Mocha Chips! They are not only scrumptious but also bring a little sweetness into everyday life. Whether you’re treating yourself or sharing with loved ones, these cookies are bound to bring smiles all around. Enjoy every bite, and happy baking!