Cherry chip cookies are the perfect mix of sweet cherries, rich chocolate, and buttery dough—soft, chewy, and absolutely irresistible. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, a cozy afternoon, or just craving something special, these cookies never disappoint.

The first time I made cherry chip cookies, my kitchen smelled like pure comfort—warm chocolate, fruity sweetness, and buttery goodness. Waiting for them to cool? Nearly impossible. But that first bite? Pure magic.

If you’ve never tried cherry chip cookies, now’s the time! This guide will walk you through everything—from the best ingredients to baking tips—so you can make the perfect batch. Let’s get started! 🍒🍪

A close-up of freshly baked cherry chip cookies with chocolate chips and cherry pieces.

What Are Cherry Chip Cookies?

Cherry chip cookies are a delightful twist on classic chocolate chip cookies, featuring sweet cherries along with chocolate chips for a fruit-meets-chocolate experience. These cookies are soft, chewy, and packed with flavor, making them a favorite for dessert lovers of all ages.

What Makes Cherry Chip Cookies Unique?

✔️ Perfect Sweet & Tart Balance – The combination of sweet chocolate and tart cherries makes these cookies irresistible.
✔️ Soft & Chewy Texture – The moisture from the cherries keeps the cookies chewy and tender.
✔️ Easy to Customize – Use dried cherries, fresh cherries, or cherry-flavored chips for different variations.

Cherry chip cookies are a perfect choice if you love fruit and chocolate together, and they’re a great alternative to classic chocolate chip cookies!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There’s a reason cherry chip cookies have become a favorite among home bakers. Here’s why you’ll love this recipe:

The Perfect Combination of Flavors

The sweetness of chocolate and the tartness of cherries create a well-balanced flavor that isn’t overly sugary. If you’ve ever enjoyed chocolate-covered cherries, you’ll love these cookies!

When to Serve These Cookies

✔️ Holiday Treats – Perfect for Christmas, Valentine’s Day, or any festive occasion.
✔️ Everyday Snacks – Enjoy them with coffee, tea, or milk for a delightful break.
✔️ Gift-Worthy – Pack them up in a box for a thoughtful homemade gift.

If you’re looking for another simple and delicious dessert, try this 3-Ingredient Dessert for a quick and easy treat!

Ingredients for the Best Cherry Chip Cookies

To make cherry chip cookies, you’ll need simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together for the perfect cookie texture.

Ingredient	Quantity
Butter (softened)	1 cup (2 sticks)
Granulated sugar	¾ cup
Brown sugar	¾ cup
Eggs	2 large
Vanilla extract	2 tsp
All-purpose flour	2 ½ cups
Baking soda	1 tsp
Salt	½ tsp
Chocolate chips	1 cup
Chopped dried cherries	¾ cup

How to Make Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies

Making cherry chip cookies is easy and fun! Follow these step-by-step instructions to get the perfect balance of soft, chewy, and chocolatey goodness in every bite.

Step 1: Preparing the Cherries

Before you start mixing your dough, you need to prepare the cherries properly.

A side-by-side comparison of fresh and dried cherries on a wooden cutting board.

✔️ Using Dried Cherries? Chop them into small pieces so they blend evenly into the dough. If they seem too dry, soak them in warm water for 5 minutes, then pat dry.
✔️ Using Fresh Cherries? Pit and chop them finely. Pat them dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture—too much liquid can make the cookies too soft.

Step 2: Mixing the Dough

A mixing bowl filled with cookie dough with cherries and chocolate chips.

1️⃣ Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, beat butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This helps create that soft, chewy texture.

2️⃣ Add Eggs and Vanilla
Add eggs one at a time, then mix in the vanilla. This step enhances the flavor and richness of the cookies.

3️⃣ Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, salt, and baking soda. Slowly add this mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined.

4️⃣ Fold in Cherries and Chocolate Chips
Gently mix in the chopped cherries and chocolate chips, making sure they’re evenly distributed in the dough.

Step 3: Baking to Perfection

1️⃣ Preheat Oven – Set it to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2️⃣ Scoop the Dough – Use a spoon or cookie scoop to form evenly-sized cookie dough balls (about 1 ½ tablespoons each). Place them 2 inches apart.

3️⃣ Bake – Bake for 9-12 minutes or until the edges are golden brown but the centers still look slightly soft.

4️⃣ Cool – Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack. This helps them set properly.

Pro Tip: For extra gooey cookies, slightly underbake them, then let them cool completely on the tray! 🍪

Pro Tips for the Perfect Cherry Chip Cookies

Want your cherry chip cookies to turn out soft, chewy, and packed with flavor every time? Here are some pro tips to help you bake them to perfection!

Three different plates of cherry chip cookies with various toppings.

1️⃣ Use Room Temperature Ingredients

✔️ Why? Softened butter and room-temperature eggs mix more evenly, creating a lighter and fluffier dough.
✔️ Tip: Take the butter and eggs out 30 minutes before baking for best results.

2️⃣ Don’t Overmix the Dough

✔️ Why? Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, which can make cookies tough instead of soft.
✔️ Tip: Once you add the flour, mix just until combined—no need to overwork the dough!

3️⃣ Chill the Dough (Optional, But Recommended!)

✔️ Why? Chilling the dough for 30 minutes helps the cookies hold their shape and enhances flavor.
✔️ Tip: If your dough feels sticky, place it in the fridge before baking for better texture.

4️⃣ Adjust Baking Time for Desired Texture

✔️ For Softer Cookies: Bake for 9-10 minutes, then let them set on the baking tray.
✔️ For Crispier Edges: Bake for 12-13 minutes until the edges turn golden brown.

5️⃣ Enhance the Flavor with Extra Chocolate or Nuts

✔️ Want a richer cookie? Add white chocolate chips or chopped nuts like almonds or pecans.
✔️ Love a little crunch? Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top before baking.

How to Store and Freeze Cherry Chip Cookies

If you have leftover cookies (or want to prepare them in advance), here’s how to store and freeze them properly.

A glass container filled with freshly baked cherry chip cookies.

Storing Fresh Cookies

✔️ At Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days to keep them soft.
✔️ With Bread Trick: Place a slice of bread in the container—the cookies absorb moisture and stay fresh longer!

Yes! Freezing cookie dough is a great way to always have fresh cookies on hand.

✔️ How to Freeze Dough: Scoop the dough into balls, place them on a baking sheet, and freeze for 1 hour before transferring them to a zip-top bag.
✔️ Baking from Frozen: No need to thaw! Simply bake at 350°F (175°C) for an extra 1-2 minutes.

Freezing Baked Cookies

✔️ How to Freeze Cookies: Once cooled, layer cookies between sheets of parchment paper in a container.
✔️ Shelf Life: Frozen cookies stay fresh for up to 3 months.
✔️ How to Thaw: Let them sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes or warm them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes.

Pairing Cherry Chip Cookies with the Perfect Drink

What’s better than a warm cherry chip cookie? Enjoying it with the perfect drink pairing! Whether you love something creamy, fruity, or cozy, these pairings will make your cookies taste even better.

A glass of milk and a cup of coffee with cherry chip cookies on the side.

✔️ Why? The richness of milk balances the sweetness of cherry chip cookies, making every bite more satisfying.
✔️ Best Choice: Cold whole milk for a creamy contrast or almond milk for a dairy-free option.

☕ Coffee – A Perfectly Balanced Treat

✔️ Why? The bitterness of coffee complements the sweet cherries and chocolate in the cookies.
✔️ Best Choice: A latte or cappuccino for a smooth pairing, or black coffee for a bold contrast.

🍫 Hot Chocolate – Double the Sweetness

✔️ Why? If you love rich, chocolatey flavors, this is the ultimate indulgent pairing.
✔️ Best Choice: A dark hot chocolate with a pinch of cinnamon for an extra cozy treat.

🍒 Cherry-Flavored Tea – A Fruity Match

✔️ Why? A cherry-infused tea enhances the cherry flavor in the cookies without overpowering them.
✔️ Best Choice: Black cherry tea or hibiscus tea with a touch of honey.

🥤 Sparkling Water – A Refreshing Option

✔️ Why? A light, fizzy drink helps cleanse your palate between bites.
✔️ Best Choice: Plain sparkling water or a berry-infused variety for a fruity twist.

FAQs About Cherry Chip Cookies

Here are answers to some of the most common questions about cherry chip cookies to help you bake the perfect batch every time!

What makes cherry chip cookies special?

Cherry chip cookies stand out because of their unique combination of sweet chocolate and tart cherries. The chewy texture, fruity bursts, and melty chocolate chips make them an irresistible treat!

Can I use fresh cherries instead of dried ones?

Yes! You can use fresh cherries, but be sure to remove excess moisture before adding them to the dough. Pat them dry with a paper towel to prevent the cookies from becoming too soft.

How do I keep my cookies soft and chewy?

✔️ Store them in an airtight container at room temperature.
✔️ Add a slice of bread inside the container to keep them moist.
✔️ Slightly underbake them and let them finish setting on the tray.

Final Thoughts – Enjoy Your Cherry Chip Cookies!

Nothing beats the sweet, chewy goodness of cherry chip cookies. With rich chocolate, tart cherries, and a soft, buttery texture, every bite is pure comfort.

Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or a simple treat, these cookies are easy to make and impossible to resist. Now that you know how to store, freeze, and enjoy them, it’s time to preheat your oven and start baking! 🍒🍪