There’s a certain joy that fills the kitchen when sweet, chewy cookies are in the oven, and the delightful aroma wafts through the air. The vibrant pop of maraschino cherries mingling with rich chocolate chips brings back memories of baking with loved ones on cozy afternoons. On a quest to elevate this classic treat, I stumbled upon a delightful twist: adding espresso powder to the mix, creating Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies with Mocha Chips that are not only visually stunning but also bursting with flavor.
Perfect for any occasion, from a casual afternoon snack to a dazzling dessert at gatherings, these cookies balance the sweetness of cherries with the robust flavors of mocha and chocolate. They’re incredibly easy to make and promise to be a crowd-pleaser—so whether you’re entertaining guests or simply craving something sweet, these treats will not disappoint. Grab your apron, and let’s dive into making these irresistible cookies!
Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies with Mocha Chips?
Delightful and unique, these cookies bring a twist to a beloved classic. Easy to make, they require minimal time and effort, perfect for busy bakers or those just starting out. Flavor explosion awaits as the sweet cherries meld beautifully with rich chocolate and the deep notes of mocha. Versatile enough for any gathering, they impress as a stand-alone treat or paired with coffee. Looking for a creative snack option? Try these delightful cookies for a refreshing change from the ordinary!
Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies Ingredients
• For the Dough
- Unsalted butter – 1 cup, softened; it enriches the cookies with moisture and flavor.
- Granulated sugar – 1 cup; sweetness that complements the chocolate and cherries.
- Brown sugar – 1 cup, packed; adds a lovely caramel undertone to the dough.
- Large eggs – 2; binds ingredients and adds essential moisture for chewy texture.
- Vanilla extract – 2 teaspoons; intensifies and enhances the overall taste profile.
- All-purpose flour – 3 cups; forms the structure of the cookie, can be swapped for gluten-free flour.
- Baking soda – 1 teaspoon; acts as a leavening agent to ensure the cookies are soft.
- Salt – 1/2 teaspoon; harmonizes flavors by cutting through the sweetness.
• For the Mix-Ins
- Maraschino cherries – 1 cup, drained and chopped; adds bursts of sweetness and moisture—well-drained is key!
- Semisweet chocolate chips – 1 cup; brings richness and decadent flavor that pairs perfectly with cherries.
- Espresso powder – 1 tablespoon; this addition boosts the mocha notes and enhances the chocolate flavor.
• Optional Toppings
- Chopped nuts – for extra crunch and texture; walnuts or pecans work great.
- Sea salt – a sprinkle on top before baking can enhance all the flavors in the cookies.
These Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies with Mocha Chips are sure to become a favorite, combining sweetness with a delightful kick!
How to Make Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies with Mocha Chips
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper. This step ensures even baking and helps prevent the cookies from sticking.
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Cream together the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar in a large bowl until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process usually takes about 2-3 minutes and helps create a nice texture.
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Add the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then, stir in the vanilla extract. This combination adds moisture and richness to your cookie dough.
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Whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and espresso powder in a separate bowl. Gradually mix this dry ingredient blend into your creamed mixture until just combined—this helps avoid overmixing for chewy cookies.
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Fold in the chopped maraschino cherries and semisweet chocolate chips gently, ensuring they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough. This step makes every bite a delightful explosion of flavor.
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Drop rounded spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them apart for even baking. Aim for about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
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Bake for 10-12 minutes, until the edges turn golden brown. The cookies should look slightly underbaked in the center to maintain that soft, chewy texture.
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Cool the cookies on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely. This helps them set while retaining their delightful chewiness.
Optional: Drizzle with melted chocolate for an extra touch of indulgence!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies Variations
Feel free to play around with these ideas to create your perfect cookie experience. Each twist invites a little adventure in flavor!
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Mocha Delight: Add 1 tablespoon of espresso powder to enhance the mocha flavor, making every bite an indulgent treat. This simple addition transforms your cookies into an irresistible delight.
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Nutty Crunch: Toss in 1 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch. The added texture balances the chewy cherries and chocolate beautifully.
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White Chocolate Swap: Substitute semisweet chocolate chips with white chocolate chips for a sweeter flavor infusion. The creamy white chocolate adds a lovely contrast to the tart cherries.
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Dried Cherry Twist: Replace maraschino cherries with 1 cup of dried cherries for a chewier, less sweet cookie. This gives a more intense cherry flavor and is a lovely twist on the original.
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Sea Salt Finish: Sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top before baking to elevate the flavors further. This simple step makes the sweetness pop and adds an elegant finish.
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Coconut Bliss: Mix in 1 cup of shredded coconut for a tropical twist. The coconut adds moisture and a delightful flavor profile that pairs beautifully with chocolate.
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Spiced Touch: Add 1 teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dry ingredients for a warm spiced cookie. This unexpected flavor takes your cookies to a cozy, comforting level.
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Zesty Citrus: Incorporate the zest of one orange or lemon into the dough for a fresh, citrusy brightness. This zesty note balances the sweetness, creating a refreshingly unique cookie experience.
Storage Tips for Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies
Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week to keep them soft and chewy.
Fridge: If you live in a warm climate, you can refrigerate the cookies for up to two weeks. Just ensure they’re well-sealed to prevent drying out.
Freezer: Freeze the cookies in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to three months. To enjoy later, thaw at room temperature or warm in the oven for that fresh-baked taste.
Reheating: For a delightful treat, reheat frozen cookies in a 350°F oven for about 5-7 minutes, restoring their chewy texture and rich flavors. Enjoy your Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies with Mocha Chips!
Expert Tips for Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies
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Perfect Butter Softness: Ensure your unsalted butter is softened to room temperature for the best creaming consistency; this is crucial for chewy Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies.
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Avoid Overmixing: Mix your dry ingredients into the wet until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies instead of tender, chewy ones.
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Properly Drain Cherries: Drain maraschino cherries well to avoid excess moisture. Too much liquid can negatively affect the texture of the cookies.
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Espresso Enhancement: Don’t skip the espresso powder! It enhances the chocolate flavor, making your Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies with Mocha Chips unforgettable.
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Space for Spreading: Place cookie dough balls at least 2 inches apart on the baking sheet. This allows the cookies to spread evenly without merging into each other during baking.
Make Ahead Options
These Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies with Mocha Chips are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts, making your baking experience seamless! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance by mixing all the ingredients and refrigerating the dough in an airtight container. To maintain quality, make sure to wrap it tightly to prevent drying out or absorbing odors. When you’re ready to bake, simply scoop out the dough and place it on a lined baking sheet, then bake it straight from the fridge for a few extra minutes to account for the cold temperature. This way, you can enjoy fresh-baked cookies with minimal effort on busy weeknights!
What to Serve with Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies?
These lovely cookies are a delightful treat on their own, but pairing them can elevate your experience to new heights.
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Cold Glass of Milk: The classic pairing of cookies and milk is simply irresistible! The creaminess of the milk perfectly balances the sweetness of the cookies.
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Coffee or Espresso: A warm cup of coffee or espresso enhances the mocha notes in the cookies, making for a cozy afternoon snack. You’ll love how the bitterness complements the sweetness!
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Ice Cream Scoop: Serve a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream on the side for an irresistible dessert sandwich, combining chewy cookies with creamy, cold indulgence.
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Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad adds brightness and a burst of flavor that contrasts beautifully with the richness of the cookies. Think strawberries, blueberries, and a drizzle of mint.
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Chocolate Dipping Sauce: For added decadence, try drizzling or dipping your cookies in warm chocolate sauce. This doubles the chocolate experience for true sweet tooth satisfaction!
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Tea Time: Pair these cookies with a cup of herbal or chai tea for a soothing afternoon treat. The warmth will pair wonderfully with the chewy texture and sweet cherries.
Indulging in these pairings transforms your Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies into a wonderfully complete dessert experience.
Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies with Mocha Chips Recipe FAQs
What kind of maraschino cherries should I use?
Absolutely use high-quality maraschino cherries that are well-drained! Look for bright red, firm cherries without any dark spots. The juice and syrup can add excess moisture, which may alter the cookie’s texture. For the best results, chop them finely and pat them dry with paper towels before adding them to your dough.
How should I store my Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies with Mocha Chips?
Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. This keeps them soft and chewy. If you need them to last longer, pop them into the fridge, where they will stay fresh for about two weeks. For even better longevity, you can freeze them! Just place them in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. To enjoy, thaw at room temperature or reheat in a 350°F oven for about 5-7 minutes.
Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Absolutely! You can freeze the dough before baking for a convenient option. Simply scoop rounded spoonfuls onto a baking sheet and freeze them for about 1 hour until solid. Once frozen, transfer the dough balls to a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready to bake, you can bake them directly from the freezer—just add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
Why are my cookies spreading too much while baking?
If your cookies are spreading too much, it could be due to softened butter that was too warm or the dough being too soft. Make sure your butter is softened at room temperature—but not melted! If your dough feels too loose, chill it for about 30 minutes before baking. This helps the cookies hold their shape better.
Can I add nuts to my Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies with Mocha Chips?
Very! Adding nuts, like chopped walnuts or pecans, can enhance the texture and flavor. Just mix in about ½ to 1 cup of your preferred nuts when folding in the cherries and chocolate chips. This addition not only provides a delightful crunch but also pairs beautifully with the sweet and chocolatey flavors.
Are these cookies suitable for those with gluten allergies?
Definitely! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour measure-for-measure in the recipe. Just make sure to check for certified gluten-free labels to ensure safety for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. Enjoy baking and sharing these delicious Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies with Mocha Chips!
Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies with Mocha Chips for a Sweet Fix
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Cream together the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar in a large bowl until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, fully incorporating each before adding the next, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- Whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and espresso powder in a separate bowl. Gradually mix this into your creamed mixture.
- Fold in the chopped maraschino cherries and semisweet chocolate chips gently.
- Drop rounded spoonfuls of dough onto prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, until edges turn golden brown.
- Cool the cookies on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to wire racks.