Introduction to Chocolate Cherry Cookies – In Bloom Bakery
Welcome to the delightful world of Chocolate Cherry Cookies from In Bloom Bakery! If you’re like me, juggling a busy life while trying to whip up something special for your loved ones can feel overwhelming. These cookies are the perfect solution! They blend rich chocolate with sweet cherries, creating a treat that’s sure to impress. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering or just craving a sweet moment, this recipe is quick and easy. Trust me, once you take a bite, you’ll be transported to cookie heaven!
Why You’ll Love This Chocolate Cherry Cookies – In Bloom Bakery
These Chocolate Cherry Cookies are a dream come true for busy moms and professionals alike! They come together in just 27 minutes, making them a quick and satisfying treat. The combination of rich chocolate and sweet cherries creates a flavor explosion that will have everyone asking for seconds. Plus, they’re perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy family night or a festive gathering. You’ll love how easy they are to make!
Ingredients for Chocolate Cherry Cookies – In Bloom Bakery
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to creating these delightful Chocolate Cherry Cookies. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Unsalted butter: This adds richness and helps create a tender cookie. Make sure it’s softened for easy mixing.
- Granulated sugar: This sweetener gives the cookies a lovely sweetness and helps them spread while baking.
- Brown sugar: Packed with moisture, it adds a hint of caramel flavor and contributes to a chewy texture.
- Large eggs: They bind the ingredients together and provide structure, making your cookies fluffy and delicious.
- Vanilla extract: A splash of this aromatic ingredient enhances the overall flavor, making each bite irresistible.
- All-purpose flour: The backbone of the cookie, it provides structure and helps achieve that perfect chewy texture.
- Baking soda: This leavening agent helps the cookies rise and gives them a light, airy quality.
- Salt: Just a pinch enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness of the cookies.
- Chocolate chips: The star of the show! They melt beautifully and add rich chocolatey goodness to every bite.
- Dried cherries: These sweet and tart gems complement the chocolate perfectly, adding a burst of flavor.
Feel free to get creative! You can substitute fresh cherries when they’re in season for a juicier twist. For a nutty crunch, consider adding chopped walnuts or pecans. The exact measurements for these ingredients are at the bottom of the article, ready for you to print and use!
How to Make Chocolate Cherry Cookies – In Bloom Bakery
Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s dive into the fun part: making these delicious Chocolate Cherry Cookies! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a batch of cookies that will make your kitchen smell heavenly.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Preheating is crucial because it ensures that your cookies bake evenly. If you skip this step, your cookies might spread too much or not rise properly. Trust me, a well-preheated oven is the secret to cookie perfection!
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is smooth and fluffy. This process is essential because it incorporates air into the dough, giving your cookies that light, tender texture. You want to beat them until they look pale and creamy—about 2-3 minutes should do the trick!
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Next, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract. Eggs are the glue that holds everything together, while vanilla adds a warm, inviting flavor. It’s like a hug for your taste buds!
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Mixing dry ingredients separately helps ensure that the baking soda and salt are evenly distributed throughout the flour. This step is key to achieving that perfect rise and flavor balance in your cookies.
Step 5: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients
Now, gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix until just combined—don’t overdo it! Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, and we want them soft and chewy. A few flour streaks are okay; they’ll disappear as you fold in the next ingredients.
Step 6: Fold in Chocolate Chips and Dried Cherries
Gently fold in the chocolate chips and dried cherries. Folding is a technique that helps maintain the airiness of the dough. You want to ensure that every cookie gets a delightful burst of chocolate and cherry goodness without deflating your dough.
Step 7: Shape the Cookies
Using a tablespoon, drop rounded scoops of dough onto ungreased baking sheets. Make sure to leave some space between each cookie, as they will spread while baking. For a uniform shape, you can roll the dough into balls in your hands before placing them on the sheet.
Step 8: Bake the Cookies
Pop the baking sheets into the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. Keep an eye on them! You want the edges to be lightly golden while the centers remain soft. A little underbaking will give you that chewy texture we all love.
Step 9: Cool and Enjoy
Once baked, allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes. This helps them set before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely. The cooling process is essential; it allows the flavors to meld and the texture to firm up. Then, grab a glass of milk and enjoy your delicious Chocolate Cherry Cookies!
Tips for Success
- Use room temperature ingredients for better mixing.
- Don’t skip the preheating step; it’s crucial for even baking.
- For chewier cookies, slightly underbake them.
- Experiment with different types of chocolate chips for varied flavors.
- Store cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh longer.
Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowls: A large bowl for mixing and a smaller one for dry ingredients. You can use any size you have on hand.
- Electric mixer: A hand mixer works great, but a whisk and some elbow grease will do the job too!
- Baking sheets: Use ungreased sheets or line them with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Cookie scoop: A tablespoon works well, but a cookie scoop ensures uniform sizes.
- Wire racks: These are perfect for cooling cookies, but a plate will work in a pinch.
Variations of Chocolate Cherry Cookies – In Bloom Bakery
- Nutty Delight: Add chopped walnuts or pecans for a crunchy texture that complements the soft cookies.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to make these cookies suitable for gluten-sensitive friends.
- Dark Chocolate Twist: Use dark chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet for a richer flavor profile.
- Cherry Almond Fusion: Incorporate almond extract along with vanilla for a delightful cherry-almond flavor combination.
- Oatmeal Addition: Mix in rolled oats for a heartier cookie that adds fiber and chewiness.
Serving Suggestions for Chocolate Cherry Cookies – In Bloom Bakery
- Pair these cookies with a tall glass of cold milk for a classic treat.
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
- Present them on a colorful platter, garnished with fresh cherries for a pop of color.
- Enjoy with a cup of coffee or tea for a cozy afternoon snack.
FAQs about Chocolate Cherry Cookies – In Bloom Bakery
As a passionate home cook, I often get questions about my favorite recipes. Here are some common queries about these delightful Chocolate Cherry Cookies:
Can I use fresh cherries instead of dried?
Absolutely! Fresh cherries can add a juicy burst of flavor. Just be sure to pit and chop them before adding to the dough. Keep in mind that fresh cherries may alter the texture slightly, so adjust baking time as needed.
How should I store the cookies?
To keep your Chocolate Cherry Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay delicious for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them!
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. Just let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before baking. This is a great time-saver for busy days!
What can I substitute for eggs?
If you need an egg substitute, try using 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water). This will help bind the ingredients while keeping the cookies moist.
Can I add other mix-ins?
Final Thoughts on Chocolate Cherry Cookies – In Bloom Bakery
There’s something truly magical about baking Chocolate Cherry Cookies from In Bloom Bakery. The aroma that fills your kitchen is like a warm hug, inviting everyone to gather around. Each bite offers a delightful balance of rich chocolate and sweet cherries, making them a perfect treat for any occasion. Whether you’re sharing them with family or enjoying a quiet moment with a cup of tea, these cookies bring joy and comfort. So, roll up your sleeves and indulge in this delightful recipe. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you, and your loved ones will be begging for more!
Chocolate Cherry Cookies from In Bloom Bakery Delight!
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious chocolate cherry cookies that combine rich chocolate flavor with sweet cherries, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1 cup dried cherries
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in the chocolate chips and dried cherries.
- Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto ungreased baking sheets.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Allow to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
Notes
- For a chewier cookie, slightly underbake them.
- Store cookies in an airtight container for up to a week.
- Feel free to substitute fresh cherries if in season.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg