Next, I take another bowl and whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Slowly, I fold this dry mixture into the wet ingredients, being careful not to overmix, which can make the cookies tough. The dough should be thick and fudgy, with an irresistible chocolatey smell wafting through the air! Once everything is combined well, I gently add the chocolate chips and chopped cherries, ensuring they’re evenly distributed.
Using a cookie scoop or spoon, I drop the dough onto baking sheets lined with parchment paper, spacing them about two inches apart. As I pop them into the oven, I can’t help but think about how delicious the smell will be soon! After about 10-12 minutes, I take them out—just when the edges start to look firm but the centers remain soft. Letting them cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes helps them firm up a bit before transferring them to a cooling rack.
Finally, once they’re completely cool, I sometimes sprinkle a little sea salt on top—a finishing touch that enhances all those sweet and tart flavors. Each cookie is a little piece of heaven, and I can’t wait to share them with my family and friends!
Pro Tips for Best Results
I tested this recipe three ways to find the perfect texture. If you want an extra chewy cookie, I recommend chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This also helps enhance the flavor as the ingredients meld together. Another tip is to use high-quality chocolate chips; trust me, it makes a big difference in the overall taste!
When you’re mixing the dry ingredients, avoid scooping the flour directly from the bag. Instead, spoon the flour into your measuring cup, then level it off with a knife. This little step keeps the cookies from being too dense. Lastly, don’t skip the parchment paper. It makes for easy removal and helps keep the bottoms from getting too dark.
Lastly, I like to experiment with the ratio of chocolate to cherries. If you’re a cherry lover like me, feel free to toss in a bit more dried fruit. It awakens the flavors of summer, making each bite a nostalgic explosion of taste.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
One common mistake I’ve made in the past is not allowing the butter to soften enough. It should be soft to the touch but not melted. If it’s too soft, your cookies may spread too much while baking. Remember: room temperature butter is the key to a great cookie texture! (See the next page below to continue…)