Cherry Brownie Cookies

Who doesn’t love the rich, indulgent taste of brownies? Now, imagine that decadence in a chewy, bite-sized cookie with the delightful burst of cherries! Brownie Cookies with Cherries are the perfect combination of two classic desserts: brownies and cookies. These cookies are soft, fudgy, and chewy, with the added sweetness and tartness of cherries that make each bite an irresistible treat.

If you're a fan of both brownies and cookies but can never quite choose between them, these brownie cookies are the best of both worlds. Perfect for any occasion, from holiday parties to weekend cravings, these cookies are bound to satisfy your sweet tooth. The cherries provide a surprising contrast to the richness of the chocolate, and their juiciness adds a touch of freshness that lightens up the indulgence. Whether you're baking for yourself, your family, or a crowd, these brownie cookies with cherries will be the talk of the table!

In this blog post, we’ll walk you through the steps to create these mouthwatering cookies and share some tips on how to store and serve them. Let’s get baking!

What You’ll Need for Brownie Cookies with Cherries

Before you get started, gather all of your ingredients and make sure you have the right tools to make these brownie cookies with cherries as delicious as possible.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup cocoa powder (unsweetened)
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• ½ cup maraschino cherries, drained and chopped (or fresh cherries, pitted and chopped)
• ¼ cup cherry juice (from the maraschino cherries or fresh cherry juice for added flavor)
• Optional: ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch (skip if nut-free)
• Optional: ¼ cup powdered sugar for dusting (for a finishing touch)

Tools You’ll Need:

• Large mixing bowl
• Hand mixer or stand mixer (for easy mixing)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Baking sheet (lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat)
• Cooling rack
• Cookie scoop or tablespoon (for portioning dough)
• Knife (for chopping cherries and optional nuts)
• Small bowl (for mixing cherry juice)

How to Make for Brownie Cookies with Cherries

Making Brownie Cookies with Cherries is an easy and fun process. With just a few simple steps, you’ll have warm, fudgy cookies in no time. Follow these instructions to bake the perfect batch!

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or use a silicone baking mat to ensure the cookies don’t stick. This also helps them bake evenly.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, cream together 1 cup unsalted butter and 1 cup granulated sugar. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat the butter and sugar until smooth and creamy. This should take about 2 minutes. The texture should be light and fluffy.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Add the 2 eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until fully combined. The mixture should be smooth and slightly thickened.

Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the ½ cup all-purpose flour, ¼ cup cocoa powder, ½ teaspoon baking powder, and ¼ teaspoon salt. These dry ingredients will help create that fudgy brownie texture in your cookies.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix — you want the dough to remain thick and soft.

Step 6: Add the Chocolate Chips and Cherries

Stir in 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips and ½ cup chopped maraschino cherries. If you like a bit of crunch in your cookies, feel free to add ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans at this point. The cherries should be evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Step 7: Scoop the Dough

Using a cookie scoop or a tablespoon, drop rounded portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Make sure to leave about 2 inches of space between each cookie, as they will spread slightly while baking.

Step 8: Bake the Cookies

Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are set but the center is still soft. The cookies will continue to cook slightly once removed from the oven, so don’t worry if they’re a little soft in the middle.

Step 9: Cool and Serve

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack to cool completely. This allows them to firm up without breaking apart. Once cooled, you can optionally dust the cookies with a little powdered sugar for a decorative touch.

Serving and Storage Tips for Brownie Cookies with Cherries

How to Serve for Brownie Cookies with Cherries:

• Serve warm: For the best experience, serve the cookies warm, so the chocolate is still gooey and the cherries are soft and juicy. Pair them with a glass of milk, or for a fun twist, serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
• Platter or Boxed: These cookies are perfect for holiday parties, picnics, or as a sweet gift. Arrange them on a platter for an elegant touch or box them up in a cute gift box for a homemade treat.
• Pair with Drinks: If you’re having these cookies as part of an afternoon snack, they pair wonderfully with coffee, tea, or hot chocolate.

How to Store for Brownie Cookies with Cherries:

• Room Temperature: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They’ll stay fresh and soft, perfect for grabbing on the go or serving to guests.
• Freezing: To store for a longer period, freeze the cookies. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They will last for up to 3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy them, just thaw them at room temperature or warm them in the oven for a few minutes.

Mistakes to Avoid for Brownie Cookies with Cherries

When baking Brownie Cookies with Cherries, a few simple missteps can affect the outcome of your cookies. To ensure perfect results every time, here are some common mistakes to watch out for:

1. Overmixing the Dough

While it’s important to thoroughly combine the ingredients, overmixing the dough can lead to cookies that are too dense and tough. When adding the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mix just until combined. The dough should remain thick and soft, not overly worked.

2. Using Too Much Flour

Flour measurement is crucial. Too much flour can lead to dry, crumbly cookies instead of chewy, fudgy ones. Always measure your flour correctly by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling it off with a knife, rather than scooping directly from the bag.

3. Skipping the Chilling Step

Although these cookies don’t require a long chill time like some others, chilling the dough for 10-15 minutes can make it easier to scoop and can help the cookies hold their shape better while baking. This also prevents them from spreading too much.

4. Not Adjusting for Altitude or Oven Variations

If you live at a high altitude or have an oven that runs hot or cold, be aware that baking times and temperatures may need slight adjustments. Check the cookies at 8 minutes of baking and continue to bake for a few more minutes if necessary. Likewise, if your cookies are spreading too much, you might want to reduce the baking temperature by 10°F and check again.

5. Forgetting the Parchment Paper or Silicone Mat

Always line your baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Otherwise, your cookies may stick to the pan and break when trying to remove them. This is especially important for cookies with gooey chocolate chips or cherries, which can be a little sticky.

6. Overbaking the Cookies

It’s tempting to leave cookies in the oven a bit longer, but overbaking will dry them out. Check for doneness after 10 minutes. The edges should be set, but the centers can still appear slightly soft. The cookies will firm up as they cool on the baking sheet.

Tips and Tricks for Brownie Cookies with Cherries

To ensure your Brownie Cookies with Cherries are absolutely perfect every time, here are a few handy tips and tricks:

1. Use Room Temperature Ingredients

For the smoothest batter, make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature. Softened butter will mix more easily and evenly with the sugar, ensuring a fluffier texture. Room temperature eggs will also incorporate better into the dough, avoiding lumps.

2. Add Extra Cherry Flavor

If you’re a big fan of cherries, consider adding a bit of cherry extract to enhance the flavor. A teaspoon of extract can really intensify the cherry taste in the cookies, complementing the tartness of the cherries and the sweetness of the chocolate.

3. Go for Fresh Cherries

While maraschino cherries work wonderfully, fresh cherries will give your cookies a more vibrant, juicy flavor. If using fresh cherries, make sure to pit and chop them finely before mixing them into the dough to ensure even distribution.

4. Don’t Skip the Chocolate Chips

The semi-sweet chocolate chips are a key ingredient in creating that perfect brownie-like texture in these cookies. You can use dark chocolate chips for a more intense chocolate flavor or milk chocolate chips for a sweeter cookie. Experiment and find your perfect balance!

5. Give Them a Little Extra Touch

For a beautiful finishing touch, consider dusting the cooled cookies with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar or cocoa powder. It adds a nice visual appeal, making your cookies look even more elegant when serving at a party or gift-giving occasion.

6. Serve with Ice Cream or Whipped Cream

For an indulgent treat, pair your cookies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. The creamy texture of the ice cream perfectly complements the chewy, chocolatey cookies and makes for a delicious dessert combo.

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Suggestions for Brownie Cookies with Cherries

While these Brownie Cookies with Cherries are delicious as they are, here are a few creative suggestions to customize them or elevate your baking experience:

1. Add a Dash of Spice

For a warm, cozy flavor, try adding a pinch of cinnamon or cardamom to the dough. These spices will complement the sweetness of the chocolate and the tartness of the cherries, adding a subtle depth to your cookies.

2. Switch Up the Nuts for Brownie Cookies with Cherries

While we’ve suggested walnuts or pecans, there are plenty of other nuts that can add texture and flavor to your cookies. Almonds, hazelnuts, or even macadamia nuts can bring an exciting twist to your brownie cookies. If you’re not a fan of nuts, you can skip them altogether for a more straightforward chocolate-cherry combo.

3. Make a Double Chocolate Version for Brownie Cookies with Cherries

For those who can never get enough chocolate, consider adding an extra ¼ cup of cocoa powder to the dough or using dark chocolate chips in place of semi-sweet. This will give you an even richer, more decadent chocolate flavor that pairs beautifully with the cherries.

4. Experiment with Other Fruits for Brownie Cookies with Cherries

While cherries are the star of this recipe, you could also experiment with other fruits such as diced strawberries, raspberries, or even dried cranberries. Keep in mind that if you're using fresh fruit, it might release moisture into the dough, so be cautious not to add too much to avoid affecting the texture.

5. Make a Cookie Sandwich

For an extra special treat, consider making cookie sandwiches. After your cookies have cooled, spread a layer of cherry jam or chocolate ganache between two cookies for a delicious bite-sized indulgence.

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FAQ for Brownie Cookies with Cherries

1. Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries?

Yes, you can definitely use fresh cherries! Just be sure to pit and chop them finely before adding them to the dough. If you choose fresh cherries, they may release some juice, which can slightly alter the texture of the dough. However, this will still result in a delicious cookie!

2. Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the cookie dough in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days before baking. Alternatively, you can freeze the dough. Scoop the dough onto a baking sheet and freeze the individual cookie dough balls. Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight container or zip-top bag and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you're ready to bake, simply bake from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.

3. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes, you can make these cookies gluten-free by swapping the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Make sure the blend you use contains xanthan gum or another binder to help the dough hold together. If you’re also concerned about cross-contamination, be sure to use gluten-free chocolate chips and cherries.

4. How do I know when the cookies are done?

The cookies are done when the edges are set, but the center still appears slightly soft. They’ll firm up as they cool, so don’t worry if they look a little underbaked when you first pull them out of the oven. Check for doneness at about 10 minutes, and if necessary, add a couple more minutes until the edges are slightly golden.

5. Can I freeze the cookies after baking?

Yes, once the cookies are baked and completely cooled, you can store them in the freezer. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, thaw them at room temperature or heat them in the oven for a few minutes.

Cherry Cheesecake in a Jar

Conclusion for Brownie Cookies with Cherries

These Brownie Cookies with Cherries are the perfect dessert for any occasion — whether you're baking for a family gathering, hosting a party, or just indulging in a sweet treat after a long day. With the richness of chocolate, the chewiness of the brownie dough, and the bright burst of cherries, every bite is a delightful experience.

By following the steps in this recipe, you’ll end up with cookies that are soft, gooey, and full of flavor. Remember, these cookies are incredibly versatile — so feel free to play around with different variations and find what works best for you.

Whether you enjoy them fresh out of the oven or with a scoop of ice cream, these cookies are sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire. Enjoy every bite of these decadent, cherry-filled brownie cookies!

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