Chocolate Cherry Blossom Cookies

Get ready to fall head over heels for these Chocolate Cherry Blossom Cookies. Picture this: soft, chewy chocolate cookies filled with rich cocoa flavor and topped with a sweet, slightly tart cherry nestled right in the center. The combination of chocolate and cherry is simply irresistible, and these cookies take that classic flavor combo to a whole new level. Trust me, you’ll want to make a double batch because they’ll disappear faster than you can say “cherry blossom”!

Why You’ll Love Chocolate Cherry Blossom Cookies

Unbeatable Flavor Combination

The marriage of chocolate and cherry is a classic for a reason. The deep cocoa flavor in the cookies pairs so beautifully with the juicy, slightly tart cherry on top. It’s like a mini dessert explosion in every bite.

Soft and Chewy

These cookies are perfectly soft and chewy on the inside with a slightly crisp edge. They’re everything you want in a cookie—sweet, a little gooey, and oh-so-satisfying.

Easy to Make

This is one of those recipes that looks fancy but is super simple to make. With just a few steps, you can have a batch of these delicious cookies ready to share (or not!) in no time.

Perfect for Any Occasion

Whether you’re baking for the holidays, a special occasion, or just because you need a sweet treat, these cookies are sure to impress. They’re perfect for cookie exchanges, family gatherings, or cozy afternoons with a glass of milk.

Ingredients

• Butter: The key to making these cookies soft and rich. Use unsalted butter for the best flavor.
• Granulated Sugar: For sweetness and a bit of texture.
• Brown Sugar: Adds a hint of molasses flavor and helps with moisture, keeping the cookies chewy.
• Eggs: Bind everything together and add richness.
• Vanilla Extract: A touch of vanilla to bring all the flavors together.
• All-Purpose Flour: The base of the cookies. It gives structure and texture to these beauties.
• Cocoa Powder: The chocolatey foundation that makes these cookies so irresistible.
• Baking Soda: Helps the cookies spread a little and rise to the perfect consistency.
• Salt: Enhances the sweetness of the cookies and balances the flavors.
• Chocolate Chips: Because more chocolate makes everything better!
• Maraschino Cherries: The cherry on top, literally. Use the jarred kind, but be sure to drain them well.

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for easy cleanup. This is the first step to cookie perfection!

2. Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 3-4 minutes. The fluffy texture helps give the cookies their soft and chewy consistency.

3. Add the Wet Ingredients

Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and combined.

4. Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. The dough will be thick, but that’s exactly what you want!

5. Fold in the Chocolate Chips

Gently fold in the chocolate chips to the dough, making sure they’re evenly distributed throughout.

6. Form the Cookies

Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, scoop out portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Press a maraschino cherry lightly into the center of each dough ball, making sure the cherry is partially embedded but still visible.

7. Bake the Cookies

Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers are still soft. Don’t worry if they look a little undercooked in the middle; they’ll firm up as they cool, and that’s how they stay chewy!

8. Cool and Enjoy

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. The cookies will have a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture with a little crunch around the edges.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size: 1 cookie
Calories per serving: ~180
Total Fat: 9g

• Saturated Fat: 5g
  Cholesterol: 25mg
  Sodium: 50mg
  Total Carbohydrates: 25g
• Dietary Fiber: 1g
• Sugars: 18g
  Protein: 2g
  Vitamin A: 4%
  Vitamin C: 0%
  Calcium: 2%
  Iron: 4%

Note: These values are estimates and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
Total Time: 25-30 minutes

How to Serve Chocolate Cherry Blossom Cookies

As a Snack

These cookies are perfect for snacking throughout the day. Pack them in a lunchbox, bring them to work, or serve them at a get-together. They’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

With a Glass of Milk

There’s nothing better than enjoying a warm cookie with a cold glass of milk. The creamy milk complements the chocolatey richness of the cookie and cherry, making it the perfect pairing.

As a Dessert

Serve these cookies as a sweet ending to any meal. They pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce.

At Holiday Gatherings

With their festive look, these cookies are perfect for holiday parties, potlucks, or cookie exchanges. The combination of chocolate and cherry is always a hit!

Additional Tips

Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries?

A: While fresh cherries would taste great, maraschino cherries are perfect for this recipe because they are slightly firmer and sweeter. If you do use fresh cherries, be sure to chop them finely and pat them dry to avoid extra moisture in the cookies.

How do I store these cookies?

A: Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you want to keep them fresher longer, you can store them in the fridge for up to a week.

Can I freeze the dough?

A: Yes, you can freeze the dough! Scoop the dough into balls, place them on a baking sheet to freeze, and once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready to bake, just place them on a baking sheet and bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Can I use dark chocolate chips?

A: Absolutely! Dark chocolate chips would give the cookies a more intense, rich flavor. Feel free to swap in your favorite type of chocolate chips for a personalized touch.

How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?

A: If you’re worried about the cookies spreading too much, chill the dough in the fridge for about 30 minutes before baking. This will help them hold their shape better.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

A: Yes, you can use gluten-free all-purpose flour as a substitute for regular flour. Be sure to check the flour blend to ensure it includes xanthan gum or another binding agent for the best results.

How can I make these cookies less sweet?

A: If you prefer less sweetness, you can reduce the amount of sugar or opt for unsweetened chocolate chips instead of milk chocolate chips. You can also use a bit of cocoa powder in place of some sugar for a more balanced flavor.

Can I add nuts to the dough?

A: Yes, feel free to fold in some chopped walnuts or pecans for a crunchy twist! The nutty flavor would complement the chocolate and cherry beautifully.

What should I do if the cookies are too soft?

A: If you find that your cookies are too soft after baking, simply bake them a little longer, checking every minute or so to avoid burning them. You can also let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes to help them firm up.

Can I make these cookies dairy-free?

A: Yes! Use a dairy-free butter substitute and dairy-free chocolate chips to make these cookies completely dairy-free. There are many great alternatives available that will work perfectly in this recipe.

Conclusion

These Chocolate Cherry Blossom Cookies are a decadent, delightful treat that’s sure to impress anyone with a sweet tooth. With their irresistible blend of rich chocolate, chewy texture, and tart cherries, they’re the perfect cookie for any occasion. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, a family gathering, or just because, these cookies are a crowd favorite. So, go ahead, bake a batch (or two), and enjoy the sweet joy of chocolate and cherry goodness!

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