Chocolate Cherry Crinkle Cookies

When craving something fudgy, chewy, and bursting with flavor, these Chocolate Cherry Crinkle Cookies hit every mark. With the perfect harmony of rich, velvety chocolate and the bright, tart pop of dried cherries, each bite is an irresistible experience. These cookies are coated in a delicate dusting of powdered sugar that cracks just right, revealing that soft, luscious texture inside. Whether you’re baking for a festive occasion or simply treating yourself, this recipe offers a delightful way to enjoy a sweet twist on classic chocolate crinkle cookies.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich flavor combo: The deep chocolate and tangy cherries create an unforgettable taste explosion.
• Perfect texture: Chewy on the inside with a slight crisp on the edges, making every bite satisfying.
• Easy to make: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps mean you can bake these anytime you want.
• Great for gifting: Beautiful and tasty cookies that everyone will love receiving.
• Versatile snack: Enjoy them with coffee, tea, or as a sweet treat on their own.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To create these tempting Chocolate Cherry Crinkle Cookies, you don’t need a long list of fancy ingredients. Each one plays an essential role in delivering that rich chocolate taste, moist texture, and bursts of cherry delight.

• Unsweetened cocoa powder: Provides the deep chocolate flavor and rich color that defines these cookies.
• All-purpose flour: Gives structure and holds everything together perfectly.
• Baking powder: Helps the cookies rise just enough for a tender crumb.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create that crackled surface.
• Vegetable oil: Keeps the cookies moist and chewy without weighing them down.
• Vanilla extract: Lifts the chocolate flavor with warm, aromatic notes.
• Dried cherries: Offer bursts of tartness and chewy texture that contrast beautifully with the chocolate.
• Powdered sugar: Essential for coating the cookies to achieve that classic crinkle look.
• Eggs: Bind ingredients and add richness to the dough.

Variations for Chocolate Cherry Crinkle Cookies

One of the best things about this recipe is how easy it is to tweak according to your preferences or what you have on hand. Customize these cookies to suit your taste buds or dietary needs without losing their magic.

• Swap cherries for cranberries: Use dried cranberries for a slightly different tartness that pairs beautifully with chocolate.
• Add nuts: Toss in chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch and depth of flavor.
• Use dark chocolate chips: Mix some chocolate chips into the dough for extra pockets of gooey chocolate.
• Gluten-free option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend for a safe alternative.
• Vegan version: Replace eggs with flax or chia egg and use dairy-free chocolate to make it vegan-friendly.

How to Make Chocolate Cherry Crinkle Cookies

Step 1: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together unsweetened cocoa powder, all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures even distribution of your leavening agent and cocoa, creating a consistent base for your cookies.

Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, beat the sugar and eggs until light and fluffy. Add vegetable oil and vanilla extract, mixing until everything is smoothly combined. This creates a rich and slightly airy dough foundation.

Step 3: Incorporate Dry Ingredients and Dried Cherries

Gradually fold the dry mixture into the wet ingredients until a thick dough forms. Gently stir in the dried cherries, making sure they’re evenly spread without overworking the dough.

Step 4: Chill the Dough

Cover the dough and refrigerate it for at least one hour. Chilling firms up the dough, making it easier to handle and helping the cookies maintain their shape when baking.

Step 5: Shape and Coat

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough, roll into balls, then generously coat each with powdered sugar until fully covered. This coating is key for the iconic cracked look after baking.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Place the sugar-coated dough balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet with space between each. Bake for 10-12 minutes, just until the edges set, but the centers remain soft. Allow cookies to cool slightly on the sheet before transferring to a rack.

Pro Tips for Making Chocolate Cherry Crinkle Cookies

• Don’t skip chilling: It makes shaping easier and improves texture.
• Use room temperature eggs: They blend better, helping create a lighter dough.
• Coat thoroughly in powdered sugar: This is what creates the beautiful cracks so don’t hold back.
• Watch baking time closely: Cookies will look slightly underdone but firm up as they cool for a chewy finish.
• Store in an airtight container: Keeps your cookies fresh and soft for days.

How to Serve Chocolate Cherry Crinkle Cookies

Garnishes

Add a simple dusting of extra powdered sugar just before serving for a snowy finish that looks as beautiful as these cookies taste.

Side Dishes

Pair these cookies with a hot cup of coffee, rich hot chocolate, or a calming herbal tea to complement their decadent yet balanced flavor profile.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack them in a clear jar tied with a ribbon as a gift, or arrange alongside fresh cherries and chocolate shards on a dessert platter for a stunning party spread.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your leftover Chocolate Cherry Crinkle Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. This preserves their soft, chewy texture without drying out.

Freezing

Freeze leftover dough balls wrapped tightly or frozen baked cookies layered with parchment paper in a sealed bag for up to 3 months. Thaw to room temperature before enjoying.

Reheating

Warm cookies briefly in the microwave or oven (about 10 seconds in the microwave or 3-4 minutes at 300°F) to revive that freshly baked softness and bring out the flavors.

FAQs

Can I use fresh cherries instead of dried?

Fresh cherries contain more moisture, which can affect the cookie dough’s texture, so dried cherries are best for maintaining the chewy consistency and preventing sogginess.

Are these cookies gluten-free?

The basic recipe uses all-purpose flour, which contains gluten; however, you can substitute with a gluten-free flour blend to make a gluten-free version with minimal changes.

How long do Chocolate Cherry Crinkle Cookies stay fresh?

Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, these cookies remain soft and fresh for about 5 days, though they’re usually eaten up sooner!

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes! In fact, chilling the dough overnight enhances the flavor and texture, making your next-day baking even better.

What if I don’t have cocoa powder?

Cocoa powder is essential for the chocolate flavor and texture here, so it’s best not to substitute; instead, try a different recipe if you don’t have it on hand.

Final Thoughts

These Chocolate Cherry Crinkle Cookies are a true crowd-pleaser with their marvelous blend of chocolate richness and cherry tartness. Easy to bake and brimming with flavor, they’re perfect for any occasion or whenever you want a little homemade indulgence. Give this recipe a try—you’ll be sharing the joy of these irresistible treats in no time!

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