If you are craving a cookie that blends rich, comforting flavors with a surprising twist, this Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies with Mocha Chips Recipe is going to become your new favorite treat. Imagine biting into a soft, chewy cookie with luscious pockets of semi-sweet and mocha chocolate chips, all accented perfectly by tart dried cherries and a subtle hint of espresso. These cookies bring together the best of chocolate and cherry in a way that feels both nostalgic and delightfully sophisticated, making every bite an irresistible experience.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward, yet each one plays a crucial role in crafting the perfect texture and flavor balance in your cookies. From the buttery richness to the espresso infusion, these components come together beautifully.
- All-purpose flour (2 1/4 cups): The foundation for your cookie dough, providing structure and that classic chewy texture.
- Baking soda (1 teaspoon): Helps your cookies rise just enough for a tender crumb without puffing up too much.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances the sweetness and balances flavors perfectly.
- Unsalted butter (3/4 cup, softened): Adds richness and moisture; make sure it’s softened for easy mixing.
- Granulated sugar (3/4 cup): Contributes to the sweetness and helps create a crispy edge.
- Brown sugar (3/4 cup, packed): Brings moisture and a subtle caramel depth to the cookies.
- Large eggs (2, room temperature): Bind everything together and add tenderness to the dough.
- Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): Elevates all the other flavors with its warm, sweet aroma.
- Instant espresso powder (1 tablespoon): Intensifies the chocolate flavor and adds a mocha twist without bitterness.
- Hot water (2 tablespoons): Helps dissolve the espresso powder evenly into the dough.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips (1 cup): Classic chocolate chips that melt into pockets of chocolate goodness.
- Mocha chocolate chips (1 cup): Offer a coffee-infused chocolate hit for a unique flavor dimension.
- Dried cherries (3/4 cup, roughly chopped): Provide bursts of tart, chewy fruitiness that perfectly complement the chocolate.
How to Make Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies with Mocha Chips Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Dry Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and lining your baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cleanup. In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures your dry ingredients are evenly combined and ready to be folded into the dough later.
Step 2: Dissolve the Espresso Powder
In a small bowl, dissolve the instant espresso powder in the hot water. This step is key to bringing out that subtle mocha flavor in the cookies. Set it aside to cool slightly while you move on to the next step.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This aerates the dough and makes the cookies tender with a slight crisp on the edges.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Flavorings
Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then mix in the vanilla extract followed by the cooled espresso mixture. These ingredients give the dough its rich, layered flavor foundation.
Step 5: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients
Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until everything is combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cookies tough instead of soft and chewy.
Step 6: Fold in Chocolate Chips and Cherries
Gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips, mocha chips, and chopped dried cherries until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough. This is where the magic begins, as these add-ins create the delightful flavor bursts that make this recipe so special.
Step 7: Scoop and Bake
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto your prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading. Bake for 9 to 11 minutes or until the edges turn golden brown and the centers have set. Remember, slightly underbaking ensures a soft, chewy center.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to set up before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents breakage and helps them finish cooking gently.
How to Serve Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies with Mocha Chips Recipe
Garnishes
These cookies are wonderful on their own, but if you want to elevate their presentation, sprinkle a few extra dried cherries or a light dusting of powdered sugar on top just before serving. For a subtle scent, add a sprig of fresh mint on the side for color and freshness.
Side Dishes
Pair your Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies with a glass of cold milk, a steaming cup of coffee, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat. The mocha chips in the cookies particularly complement coffee beverages beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For gatherings, arrange the cookies on a rustic wooden platter surrounded by small bowls of dried cherries and mocha chips to highlight the ingredients. These cookies also make fantastic dessert gifts when wrapped in cellophane tied with a colorful ribbon.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftover Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies with Mocha Chips Recipe fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay soft and delicious for up to a week, perfect for snacking over several days.
Freezing
You can freeze the baked cookies as well as the dough. Store baked cookies in a sealed freezer bag with parchment layers to prevent sticking. For dough, portion and freeze on a tray, then transfer to an airtight container. Thaw before baking or baking directly from frozen with a few extra minutes in the oven.
Reheating
To bring back that freshly baked warmth, reheat cookies in a preheated 300°F oven for about 5 minutes. This melts the chocolate chips slightly again and restores their soft, chewy texture without drying them out.
FAQs
Can I use fresh cherries instead of dried cherries?
Fresh cherries have a lot of moisture, which can alter the cookie texture and cause spreading. It’s best to stick with dried cherries for that chewy tartness and to maintain cookie structure.
What if I don’t have mocha chocolate chips?
No worries! You can substitute regular chocolate chips or even dark chocolate chips to keep a rich chocolate flavor, but the mocha chips add a unique coffee-infused twist you won’t find elsewhere.
How can I make these cookies thicker?
Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. Cold dough spreads less and results in thicker, chewier cookies, which many people prefer.
Can I make these cookies vegan?
To veganize this recipe, you’d need to replace the butter with a plant-based alternative, use egg replacers like flax eggs or applesauce, and ensure your chocolate chips are dairy-free. Keep in mind this will slightly change the texture and flavor.
What’s the best way to avoid overbaking?
Bake just until the edges are golden and the centers appear set but still soft. The cookies continue to cook slightly after removal from the oven, so it’s better to err on the side of slightly underbaked for that perfect chewy bite.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready for a cookie that dazzles your taste buds with layers of chocolate, tart cherries, and a hint of espresso, you have to try this Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies with Mocha Chips Recipe. It’s a dessert that feels cozy and a little bit special at the same time, perfect for sharing with friends or enjoying a quiet moment just for yourself. Happy baking and even happier munching!
Print
Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies with Mocha Chips Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 36 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies with Mocha Chips combine the rich flavors of semi-sweet and mocha chocolate with tart dried cherries and a hint of espresso. Perfectly chewy with golden edges, they make a delightful treat for holiday baking or any time you crave a special cookie.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Flavorings
- 1 tablespoon instant espresso powder
- 2 tablespoons hot water
Add-ins
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup mocha chocolate chips
- 3/4 cup dried cherries, roughly chopped
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F and line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt until evenly combined.
- Dissolve Espresso: In a small bowl, dissolve the instant espresso powder in the hot water and set aside to cool slightly to bring out the coffee flavor.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, creating a smooth base for your dough.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add eggs one at a time to the butter mixture, beating well after each addition to incorporate air and improve texture. Stir in the vanilla extract and the cooled espresso mixture for a mocha twist.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing gently just until combined to avoid overworking the dough and toughening the cookies.
- Fold in Chips and Cherries: Carefully fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips, mocha chocolate chips, and chopped dried cherries until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Portion and Bake: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow room for spreading. Bake for 9 to 11 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are set.
- Cool Cookies: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to firm up, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely, maintaining their chewy texture.
Notes
- For thicker cookies, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking to reduce spreading.
- Do not overbake to keep the centers soft and chewy.
- You can substitute dark chocolate chips for semi-sweet if preferred for a richer chocolate flavor.
