Easy Chocolate Cherry Blossom Cookies

Chocolate Cherry Blossom Cookies: The Only Recipe You’ll Ever Need

Imagine unwinding after a long day with a batch of warm, homemade Chocolate Cherry Blossom Cookies that deliver an irresistible blend of rich chocolate and tart cherries in every bite. As a home baker, I’ve always sought recipes that promise both ease and indulgence, and this one stands out as the ultimate chocolate cherry cookie delight. Drawing from Chef Lalybeth’s expertise, these cookies feature a secret technique for achieving that perfect chewy texture that keeps you coming back for more. With just 15 minutes of prep, you’ll create 24 servings of pure bliss, making Chocolate Cherry Blossom Cookies a go-to treat for family gatherings or quiet evenings.

The moment these Chocolate Cherry Blossom Cookies emerge from the oven, their aroma fills the kitchen with a symphony of deep, velvety chocolate notes intertwined with the bright, tangy essence of cherries. Each cookie boasts a soft, chewy center that yields gently to the bite, contrasted by a slight crispness on the edges for a delightful textural contrast. The tart cherries burst with flavor, balancing the sweetness of the chocolate chips and providing a refreshing twist that elevates these cookies beyond ordinary desserts.

What makes this Chocolate Cherry Blossom Cookies recipe from cookinwithlalyta.com truly exceptional is Chef Lalybeth’s meticulous testing and passion for perfecting home cooking. Unlike generic recipes, ours incorporates a chef’s secret for ultra-chewy results through precise creaming of butter and sugar, ensuring consistent success every time. In this post, you’ll discover expert tips, ingredient insights, and step-by-step guidance that will empower you to bake with confidence and impress your loved ones with professional-quality treats.

Why This Chocolate Cherry Blossom Cookies Recipe is a Game-Changer

The chef’s secret behind these Chocolate Cherry Blossom Cookies lies in the art of achieving an ultra-chewy texture through thorough creaming of the butter and sugar. This technique aerates the dough perfectly, trapping air bubbles that expand during baking for that signature soft interior while maintaining a gentle crisp on the edges. By creaming the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy, we unlock a level of moisture retention that sets this recipe apart, turning ordinary chocolate cherry cookies into an extraordinary dessert that rivals professional bakeries.

The unbeatable texture of these Chocolate Cherry Blossom Cookies comes from the science of ingredient interactions. The baking soda reacts with the acidic cherries, creating a subtle lift that enhances chewiness without over-rising the dough. This ensures each cookie has a dense yet tender crumb, making it the ideal chocolate cherry treat for those who crave that perfect balance of soft and chewy.

These instructions are foolproof because they’ve been tested multiple times in real home kitchens, guaranteeing success even for novice bakers. Every step has been refined to eliminate common pitfalls, so you can confidently whip up Chocolate Cherry Blossom Cookies that impress every time, with consistent flavors and textures that make this the single best resource online.

Ingredient Spotlight: Quality Makes the Difference

For all-purpose flour, the base of these Chocolate Cherry Blossom Cookies, it’s essential as it provides the structure that holds the dough together without making it tough. Opt for unbleached flour for better gluten development, which contributes to the chewy texture we love. If you’re gluten-sensitive, a high-quality 1:1 gluten-free blend can substitute, but note it might slightly alter the cookie’s tenderness.

Unsweetened cocoa powder is the heart of the chocolate flavor in Chocolate Cherry Blossom Cookies, delivering a deep, rich taste without added sweetness. Choose Dutch-processed for a smoother, less acidic profile that pairs beautifully with the tart cherries. Quality matters here, as inferior cocoa can result in a bitter aftertaste—always go for brands without fillers for the best outcome. For a healthier twist, you could swap with cacao powder, but it may intensify the bitterness.

Unsalted butter, softened to room temperature, is crucial for creaming in these Chocolate Cherry Blossom Cookies, as it incorporates air for that light, chewy consistency. Fresh, high-fat butter ensures the cookies don’t spread too much, maintaining their shape. If substituting, use a plant-based alternative like vegan butter, but adjust for potential moisture differences to keep the texture intact.

Dried cherries bring the signature tartness to Chocolate Cherry Blossom Cookies, adding bursts of flavor and moisture that complement the chocolate. Select unsweetened varieties to control sugar levels, enhancing the overall balance. If unavailable, rehydrate fresh cherries briefly, but they might make the dough wetter, requiring a slight flour adjustment.

Semi-sweet chocolate chips melt subtly in these Chocolate Cherry Blossom Cookies, providing pockets of gooey chocolate goodness. High-quality chips with real cocoa butter ensure even melting and superior taste—avoid cheap options with stabilizers. For a richer variation, dark chocolate chips work wonderfully, amplifying the chocolate cherry harmony.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Sheet

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking. This step is vital for creating the perfect environment for your Chocolate Cherry Blossom Cookies.

Pro Tip: Use a high-quality parchment paper to avoid any greasy residue, which can affect the cookies’ texture and make them less chewy.

Step 2: Whisk Together the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, and 1/4 teaspoon salt until fully combined. This ensures even distribution, which is key for consistent flavor and rise in your Chocolate Cherry Blossom Cookies.

Common Mistake to Avoid: Over-whisking can activate the gluten prematurely, leading to tougher cookies; mix just until blended to maintain that soft, chewy texture.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream 1/2 cup softened unsalted butter and 3/4 cup granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. This step incorporates air for the chewy consistency we’re aiming for in Chocolate Cherry Blossom Cookies.

Pro Tip: Let the butter sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes to ensure it’s soft enough—cold butter won’t cream properly, resulting in dense cookies.

Step 4: Beat in the Egg and Vanilla Extract

Add 1 large egg and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract to the creamed mixture, beating until well combined and smooth. This binds the ingredients and adds moisture for the tender crumb in your Chocolate Cherry Blossom Cookies.

Common Mistake to Avoid: Adding the egg straight from the fridge can curdle the mixture; always use room-temperature eggs for a seamless blend and optimal texture.

Step 5: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined to avoid overworking the dough. This step is crucial for achieving the even distribution needed in Chocolate Cherry Blossom Cookies.

Pro Tip: Mix in batches to prevent lumps, ensuring the cocoa powder is fully incorporated for that rich chocolate flavor.

Step 6: Fold in the Cherries and Chocolate Chips

Gently fold in 1/2 cup chopped dried cherries and 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips using a spatula, being careful not to deflate the dough. This adds the signature chocolate cherry elements to your Cookies.

Common Mistake to Avoid: Over-folding can break down the cherries, releasing excess moisture and making the dough sticky—fold just until evenly distributed.

Step 7: Shape and Place the Dough

Drop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for even spreading during baking. This ensures your Chocolate Cherry Blossom Cookies bake uniformly.

Pro Tip: Use a cookie scoop for uniform sizes, which helps in getting perfectly shaped Chocolate Cherry Blossom Cookies with consistent baking times.

Step 8: Bake the Cookies

Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers remain soft. Keep a close eye to prevent over-baking, which could make your Chocolate Cherry Blossom Cookies too crisp.

Common Mistake to Avoid: Opening the oven door too early can cause the cookies to deflate; wait until at least 8 minutes have passed for the best rise.

Step 9: Cool the Cookies

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. This resting period helps them firm up without becoming brittle.

Pro Tip: Cooling on the sheet locks in that chewy texture, making your Chocolate Cherry Blossom Cookies even more enjoyable.

Serving & Presentation

For an impressive presentation of Chocolate Cherry Blossom Cookies, arrange them on a rustic wooden board with a light dusting of powdered sugar to highlight their glossy tops. Garnish with a few fresh cherry halves for a pop of color and added tartness, enhancing the chocolate cherry theme. These cookies pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert or alongside a hot coffee for a midday treat, making them versatile for any occasion.

Chocolate Cherry Blossom Cookies shine as a standalone dessert but can also complement main courses like a light fruit salad or cheese platter at brunches. For parties, stack them in a tiered stand to create visual appeal, and consider drizzling melted chocolate over the tops for an elegant finish that ties into the recipe’s rich flavors.

Make-Ahead & Storage Solutions

For make-ahead strategies, prepare the dough up to 3 days in advance by shaping the balls and freezing them on a baking sheet before transferring to an airtight container. When ready, bake from frozen, adding 1-2 minutes to the cook time for fresh Chocolate Cherry Blossom Cookies anytime. This method preserves the chewy texture and allows for easy meal prep.

To store leftovers, keep cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain their softness. For longer storage, freeze in a single layer then transfer to freezer bags for up to 3 months; this prevents sogginess and keeps the chocolate cherry flavors intact. The best way to reheat is in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes, which restores the original chewy texture without drying them out.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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Chocolate Cherry Blossom Cookies

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• Author: Chef Lalybeth
• Total Time: 27 minutes
• Yield: 24 cookies 1x

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Description

These delightful Chocolate Cherry Blossom Cookies combine rich chocolate with tart cherries, creating a perfect blend of flavors in a soft, chewy treat.

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Ingredients

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• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup dried cherries, chopped
• 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
6. Fold in the chopped dried cherries and chocolate chips.
7. Drop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
8. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set.
9. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

For a variation, try adding chopped nuts or using dark chocolate chips for a richer flavor.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Method: Dessert
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Calories: 120
• Sugar: 10g
• Fat: 6g
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Protein: 2g