Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies with Mocha Chips

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that combines the sweetness of cherries with the rich flavors of chocolate and mocha, then these Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies with Mocha Chips are just what you need! This recipe is a family favorite in my home, often made for cozy evenings or to share at gatherings. The juicy cherries add a burst of flavor, while the chocolate and mocha chips create a perfect harmony that will leave your taste buds dancing. Plus, they’re so easy to whip up!

These cookies are perfect for busy weeknights when you crave something sweet but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. Whether it’s a bake sale or just a simple dessert for the family, these cookies fit every occasion beautifully.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple Preparation: You can have these cookies ready in under 30 minutes, making them perfect for last-minute cravings.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the mix of chocolatey goodness and fruity flavor!
• Make-Ahead Convenience: The dough can be made ahead and stored, so you can bake fresh cookies whenever the mood strikes.
• Irresistible Flavor: The combination of cherries, chocolate, and mocha makes each bite an indulgent experience.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Making these Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies with Mocha Chips is all about using simple, wholesome ingredients. You probably have most of these in your pantry already! Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Cookie Dough

• 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

For the Mix-Ins

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

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to get creative with your mix-ins or substitutions. Here are some fun ideas:

• Add nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch.
• Switch up the fruits: Try using dried cranberries or apricots instead of cherries for a different twist.
• Go gluten-free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to accommodate dietary needs.
• Experiment with flavors: Add a pinch of cinnamon or almond extract for extra depth.

How to Make Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies with Mocha Chips

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures that your cookies won’t stick and will bake evenly.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Mixing these dry ingredients first helps evenly distribute the leavening agent and prevents clumps from forming in your dough.

Step 3: Cream Butter & Sugars

In another bowl, beat together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until fluffy. This step is crucial because it incorporates air into the mixture, giving your cookies a light texture.

Step 4: Add Egg & Vanilla

Now it’s time to mix in the egg and vanilla extract until smooth. The egg binds everything together while adding moisture, which is essential for deliciously chewy cookies.

Step 5: Combine Wet & Dry Ingredients

Slowly stir in your flour mixture into the wet ingredients until well blended. Take care not to over-mix here; we want those cookies tender!

Step 6: Fold in Chocolate, Mocha, and Cherries

Gently fold in the dark chocolate chips, mocha chips, and chopped dried cherries until evenly distributed throughout the dough. This step ensures that every cookie has that wonderful burst of flavor!

Step 7: Scoop & Shape

Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, drop dough balls onto your prepared baking sheet. Make sure to leave enough space between each cookie as they will spread while baking.

Step 8: Bake

Place your baking sheet in the oven and bake for about 10-12 minutes, until the edges turn golden brown. Keep an eye on them; overbaking can lead to dry cookies!

Step 9: Cool & Eat

Once baked, let them cool on a wire rack before indulging. But who am I kidding? It’s hard to resist diving into one warm from the oven!

Enjoy making these Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies with Mocha Chips! They’re sure to become a favorite in your home too!

Pro Tips for Making Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies with Mocha Chips

Baking is all about precision and a little love, so here are some pro tips to ensure your cookies come out perfect every time!

• Use room temperature butter – Softened butter blends more easily with sugars, resulting in a fluffier texture that makes your cookies melt in your mouth.
• Chill the dough – Allowing the cookie dough to chill for at least 30 minutes before baking helps prevent spreading, leading to thicker, chewier cookies.
• Don’t overmix the dough – Mixing just until combined keeps the cookies tender; overmixing can lead to tough cookies!
• Experiment with chocolate types – Feel free to switch up the dark chocolate and mocha chips with milk or white chocolate for a different flavor profile that still satisfies.
• Store properly – Keep any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their freshness for longer.

How to Serve Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies with Mocha Chips

These scrumptious Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies with Mocha Chips are perfect for any occasion! Whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a quiet evening at home, here are some delightful serving ideas.

Garnishes

• Sprinkling of sea salt – A light sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top of the warm cookies enhances the flavors and adds a beautiful touch.
• Fresh cherries on top – A few whole or halved fresh cherries can add an appealing visual element and emphasize that delicious cherry flavor.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla ice cream – A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream pairs beautifully with warm cookies, creating a delightful contrast of textures and temperatures.
• Chocolate milkshake – A rich chocolate milkshake complements the cookie’s flavors while providing a nostalgic treat that everyone loves.
• Fruit salad – A refreshing fruit salad can balance out the sweetness of the cookies, offering a light and healthy side option.
• Coffee or tea – Serving these cookies alongside a warm cup of coffee or herbal tea provides a cozy touch and enhances the mocha flavors in your treats.

Enjoy your delicious Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies with Mocha Chips, whether as an indulgent snack or a sweet ending to your meal!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies with Mocha Chips are perfect for meal prep! Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just want to keep a sweet treat on hand, these cookies store beautifully.

Storing Leftovers

• Keep leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• For longer freshness, store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

Freezing

• To freeze, allow the cookies to cool completely.
• Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
• Transfer the frozen cookies to a freezer-safe bag or container and store for up to 3 months.

Reheating

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

FAQs

If you have questions about this delicious recipe, you’re not alone! Here are some common inquiries answered.

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

You can use fresh cherries, but be sure to chop them finely and remove the pits. Fresh cherries will add moisture, so consider reducing other wet ingredients slightly.

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

The cookies are ready when the edges turn golden brown. They may look slightly underbaked in the center, but they will continue cooking as they cool on the baking sheet.

Can I substitute the dark chocolate chips in this recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to swap dark chocolate chips with semi-sweet or dairy-free chips for a different flavor profile that suits your taste.

What if I don’t have mocha chips?

If you can’t find mocha chips, you can replace them with additional dark chocolate chips or even espresso powder mixed into the batter for that rich coffee flavor.

Final Thoughts

Baking these Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies with Mocha Chips is not just about creating something delicious; it’s about sharing joy and warmth through food. I hope you enjoy making these indulgent treats as much as I do! Remember, there’s nothing quite like the smell of freshly baked cookies wafting through your home. So gather your ingredients, get cozy in your kitchen, and treat yourself—after all, you deserve it!