Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies with Mocha Chips

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that combines the sweetness of cherries with the richness of chocolate, you’ve come to the right place! These Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies with Mocha Chips are a favorite in my house. They’re perfect for busy weeknights when you need a little pick-me-up or for family gatherings where everyone is looking for a delicious dessert. The combination of juicy cherries and bold mocha chips makes these cookies simply irresistible.

Every time I bake these cookies, the aroma that fills my kitchen brings back memories of cozy afternoons spent with loved ones. Trust me, once you take a bite, you’ll understand why this recipe has become a cherished staple!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you’ll have warm cookies in no time!
• Perfect for Sharing: Whether it’s a potluck or just an afternoon snack, these cookies are sure to impress.
• Kid-Friendly: The sweet flavors make them a hit with kids and adults alike.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare the dough in advance and bake whenever you’re ready!
• Delicious Flavor: The unique blend of cherries and mocha chips creates an unforgettable taste experience.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies with Mocha Chips require simple, wholesome ingredients that are easy to find. Gather these goodies and let’s get baking!

• 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

The beauty of these cookies is their flexibility! Feel free to play around with different ingredients to suit your taste or what you have on hand.

• Add Nuts: For extra crunch, toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans.
• Use Fresh Cherries: If it’s cherry season, fresh cherries can replace dried ones for an even juicier cookie!
• Try Different Chocolates: Mix it up by using milk chocolate or white chocolate chips instead of dark.
• Spice It Up: A pinch of cinnamon or espresso powder can elevate the flavor profile even more.

How to Make Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies with Mocha Chips

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cookies bake evenly. While the oven heats up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper—this will help prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze!

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and salt. Mixing these dry ingredients first helps distribute the leavening agent evenly throughout the dough. Set this bowl aside for now while we work on the wet ingredients.

Step 3: Cream Butter & Sugars

In another large bowl, beat together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until it becomes fluffy. This step incorporates air into the mixture, which helps create light and tender cookies. You’ll know it’s ready when it looks pale and creamy!

Step 4: Add Egg & Vanilla

Next, mix in one large egg and vanilla extract until smooth. The egg acts as a binder while adding moisture to your cookie dough. Plus, who doesn’t love that rich vanilla aroma?

Step 5: Combine Wet & Dry Ingredients

Now it’s time to bring it all together! Slowly stir in your flour mixture until everything is well blended. Be careful not to overmix; you want just enough incorporation so that no dry flour remains.

Step 6: Fold in Chocolate, Mocha, and Cherries

Gently fold in your dark chocolate chips, mocha chips, and chopped dried cherries. This step is crucial because you want those delicious bits evenly distributed throughout each cookie for maximum flavor!

Step 7: Scoop & Shape

Using a tablespoon-sized scoop or spoon, drop balls of dough onto your prepared baking sheet. Leave some space between each one; they will spread as they bake.

Step 8: Bake

Place your baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 10-12 minutes. Keep an eye on them until the edges turn golden brown but remember—soft centers are what make these cookies delightful!

Step 9: Cool & Eat

Once baked, let your cookies cool on a wire rack for just a few minutes before diving in. Trust me; they are best enjoyed warm! Grab a glass of milk and enjoy every delicious bite.

Happy baking!

Pro Tips for Making Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies with Mocha Chips

Baking cookies can be a delightful experience, and a few helpful tips can make your Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies with Mocha Chips even more enjoyable!

• Use room temperature ingredients – Allow your butter and egg to reach room temperature before mixing; this helps create a smoother batter and improves the cookie’s texture.

• Chill the dough – If you have time, refrigerate the cookie dough for about 30 minutes before baking. This helps the flavors meld together and makes for thicker, chewier cookies.

• Don’t overmix – When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until combined to avoid tough cookies. Overmixing can lead to dense baked goods.

• Rotate the baking sheet – Halfway through baking, rotate your baking sheet to ensure even cooking. Ovens can have hot spots, and this simple step will help all cookies bake perfectly.

• Experiment with mix-ins – Feel free to get creative! Try adding nuts or using different types of chocolate chips to customize your cookies based on personal preference.

How to Serve Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies with Mocha Chips

These cookies are not only delicious but also versatile when it comes to serving. Here are some fun ideas to elevate your presentation!

Garnishes

• Powdered sugar dusting – A light sprinkle of powdered sugar adds a touch of elegance and sweetness without overpowering the cookie’s flavor.

• Chocolate drizzle – Melt some dark chocolate and drizzle it over the top of the cooled cookies for an extra chocolatey treat that looks as good as it tastes.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla almond milk – This creamy beverage complements the rich flavors of the cookies perfectly while providing a refreshing contrast.

• Fresh fruit salad – A vibrant mix of seasonal fruits adds brightness and balance, making it a refreshing side that pairs wonderfully with sweet treats.

• Coffee or tea – Brew a pot of your favorite coffee or herbal tea to sip alongside these cookies; the warmth enhances their gooeyness and brings out their mocha notes.

• Ice cream sundae bar – Set up an ice cream station with various toppings. Serve warm cookies alongside scoops of vanilla or cherry ice cream for an indulgent dessert experience.

Now that you have all these tips and serving suggestions ready, it’s time to get baking! Enjoy every bite of your Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies with Mocha Chips!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies with Mocha Chips are perfect for meal prep! You can whip up a batch in advance, making them an easy treat to have on hand for unexpected guests or your own late-night cravings.

Storing Leftovers

• Place cookies in an airtight container at room temperature.
• They will stay fresh for about 3-5 days.
• For longer freshness, consider refrigerating them.

Freezing

• Allow cookies to cool completely before freezing.
• Place them 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 3 months.

Reheating

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Place cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
• Warm in the oven for about 5-7 minutes until just heated through.

FAQs

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

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

Absolutely! If using fresh cherries, make sure to pit and chop them into small pieces. Keep in mind that the moisture content will be higher, so you may need to adjust the flour slightly.

How do I ensure my Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies with Mocha Chips turn out chewy?

For chewier cookies, avoid overmixing the dough once you add the flour. Also, try slightly underbaking them; they will continue cooking on the baking sheet after being removed from the oven.

What can I substitute if I don’t have mocha chips?

You can easily replace mocha chips with additional chocolate chips or even espresso-flavored chocolate if you want that coffee kick!

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend that includes xanthan gum for better texture.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in baking these Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies with Mocha Chips! Their sweet combination of cherries and chocolate is truly a treat for any occasion. Whether you’re sharing them with friends or enjoying them all by yourself, these cookies are sure to bring a smile. Happy baking—let me know how it goes!