Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies with Mocha Chips Recipe

There’s something simply irresistible about the sweet and tart marriage of cherries and chocolate, and these Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies with Mocha Chips Recipe perfectly capture that magic. Soft, chewy cookies dotted with luscious maraschino cherries and melting mocha-flavored chocolate chips create a delightful texture and flavor that’s hard to beat. It’s a recipe that offers a fun twist on classic chocolate chip cookies with an inviting pop of color and a hint of coffee-infused richness, making every bite an absolute joy. Whether you’re baking for a cozy afternoon treat or impressing friends at your next gathering, this recipe is sure to become a beloved favorite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple but essential ingredients is the first step toward creating these scrumptious cookies. Each element plays a crucial role in providing that chewy texture, balanced sweetness, and vibrant color that make this Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies with Mocha Chips Recipe a standout.

• Butter (1/2 cup): Adds richness and helps achieve that perfect soft cookie texture.
• Brown Sugar (3/4 cup): Offers deep molasses notes and moisture for chewiness.
• White Sugar (1/4 cup): Balances sweetness and contributes to light crisp edges.
• Egg (1 large): Binds ingredients and adds structure with a tender crumb.
• Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors for a warm, comforting taste.
• Pink Food Dye (1–2 drops): Gives a subtle, festive color hint to brighten the cookies.
• All Purpose Flour (1 3/4 cups): The backbone that holds the cookie dough together.
• Baking Powder (1 teaspoon): Provides gentle lift for a soft, cakey bite.
• Baking Soda (1/2 teaspoon): Helps with spreading and gives a tender texture.
• Maraschino Cherries (3/4 cup, drained and chopped): Brings juicy bursts of sweet-tart flavor and vibrant color.
• Milk Chocolate Chips (1/2 cup): Adds creamy sweetness and smooth melting pockets throughout each cookie.

How to Make Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies with Mocha Chips Recipe

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugars

Start by beating the butter, brown sugar, and white sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is key because it incorporates air into the dough, helping your cookies rise slightly while keeping them soft and tender on the inside.

Step 2: Add the Egg, Vanilla, and Food Dye

Next, beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined. Stir in the pink food dye carefully – just one or two drops will tint your dough with a pretty blush tone without overwhelming the flavor or appearance.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients Separately

In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and baking soda. This ensures your leavening agents are evenly distributed for consistent texture throughout the batch.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet batter, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to over-mix or the cookies could become tough instead of chewy and tender.

Step 5: Fold in Cherries and Chocolate Chips

Gently stir in the chopped maraschino cherries and milk chocolate chips, distributing them evenly through the dough for every delicious bite to have that fruity-chocolate surprise.

Step 6: Scoop and Bake

Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them about two inches apart. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10 to 12 minutes, until the edges are golden but the centers still look slightly soft. Let them cool briefly on the tray before transferring to a wire rack to set completely.

How to Serve Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies with Mocha Chips Recipe

Garnishes

Sprinkle a little powdered sugar on top or press a few whole cherries gently into each cookie before baking for an extra pop of color and charm. You could even drizzle melted chocolate or a simple mocha glaze for a glossy, decadent finish that delights both eyes and palate.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair wonderfully with a cold glass of milk or a hot cup of coffee, enhancing their mocha notes. They also work well alongside ice cream sundaes or a scoop of cherry sorbet for a refreshing and indulgent treat.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn your Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies with Mocha Chips Recipe into charming cookie sandwiches by spreading cream cheese frosting or chocolate ganache between two cookies. You can also arrange them on a pretty plate with fresh cherries and a dusting of cocoa powder for a beautiful dessert display.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and delicious for up to four days, making it easy to enjoy them throughout the week.

Freezing

You can freeze unbaked cookie dough balls on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer bag once frozen. Bake directly from frozen, adding a couple of minutes to the baking time. Alternatively, fully baked cookies freeze well wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and stored in a freezer-safe container.

Reheating

To refresh the warmth and softness of your cookies, pop them in the microwave for about 10 seconds or warm them briefly in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes. This will bring back that fresh-baked feeling.

FAQs

Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries?

Fresh cherries can work, but they will add more moisture which might affect the cookie texture. If using fresh, pit and chop them well, and consider reducing any added liquid slightly to balance.

What makes these cookies “mocha” flavored?

While this recipe specifically uses milk chocolate chips, you can substitute or add mocha-flavored chocolate chips that have coffee infused for an intense mocha note. The combination of coffee and chocolate creates that classic mocha taste.

Why add pink food dye to the dough?

The pink dye is optional but adds a beautiful, subtle rosy hue that compliments the cherries visually, making these cookies feel extra festive and unique without altering their taste.

Can this dough be made vegan or dairy-free?

You can try substituting the butter with a vegan alternative and replacing the egg with a flax or chia egg, but note that texture and flavor might differ slightly. Vegan chocolate chips and plant-based milk options can also be used.

How do I prevent the cherries from sinking to the bottom of the dough?

Toss chopped cherries lightly in a little flour before folding them into the dough. This helps suspend them more evenly so that every cookie gets a nice distribution without lots sinking during baking.

Final Thoughts

There’s no denying the charm and deliciousness packed into this Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies with Mocha Chips Recipe. From the inviting aromas to the bursts of juicy cherries and melty chocolate, it’s a treat that lifts spirits and brings people together. I encourage you to whip up a batch, share them with friends and family, and savor the warm glow of homemade sweetness that only these cookies can bring to your kitchen.

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