If you’re ready to experience pure bliss in cookie form, let me introduce you to Cherry Chunk Cookies. These gems are loaded with chewy dried cherries, hunks of rich dark chocolate, and a heavenly hint of almond. Every bite is a perfect harmony of sweet, tart, and chocolatey convenience—I promise these cookies will become an instant favorite. Whether you’re baking for a holiday tray or just craving something special with your afternoon coffee, Cherry Chunk Cookies deliver a delightful burst of flavor and nostalgia.

Cherry Chunk Cookies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What I adore about making Cherry Chunk Cookies is that you probably have most of these ingredients in your kitchen already. Each plays a vital role, balancing flavors and creating that irresistible chewy texture with pockets of chocolate and cherry in every bite.

Butter: Use softened butter for that plush, tender crumb—don’t skip letting it come to room temperature!
Brown Sugar: Brings warmth and a rich molasses note, ensuring the cookies stay moist.
Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps the edges get perfectly golden and crisp.
Egg: The binding agent that gives structure and a little lift to each cookie.
Almond Extract: Just a teaspoon makes the flavors pop and complements the cherries beautifully.
Flour: Provides the sturdy backbone to hold all those mix-ins—sift for best texture.
Baking Soda: Ensures your Cherry Chunk Cookies bake up with just the right amount of spread and chewiness.
Salt: A pinch balances the sweetness and enhances every other flavor.
Dark Chocolate Chunks: Opt for a good-quality dark chocolate for irresistible melty pools in every bite.
Dried Cherries: These jewels bring a tart, fruity punch—chop them a bit so you get cherry in every mouthful.

How to Make Cherry Chunk Cookies

Step 1: Prep Your Baking Sheet and Oven

Set yourself up for success by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line your baking sheet with parchment paper so the cookies slide off easily and cleanup becomes a breeze. This step also helps prevent over-browning on the bottom.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In your stand mixer, beat together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar on medium speed. It takes about a minute, and you’ll know it’s ready when the mixture turns light, fluffy, and almost mousse-like—this aeration leads to lighter, chewier cookies.

Step 3: Add Egg and Almond Extract

Add in the egg and almond extract, then mix again until everything’s beautifully smooth. That extra dash of almond makes these Cherry Chunk Cookies fragrant and unique—worth every drop!

Step 4: Incorporate the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, and salt. With your mixer on the lowest speed, add this dry mix to the wet ingredients. Handle the dough gently at this stage; overmixing can make your cookies tough.

Step 5: Mix in Chocolate Chunks and Cherries

Now for the fun part—gently stir in the dark chocolate chunks and chopped dried cherries. Try to distribute them evenly throughout the dough so no cookie is left behind without its fair share of goodies.

Step 6: Scoop, Shape, and Flatten

Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them 2 inches apart on your lined baking sheet. That distance helps them spread without merging. Press each ball down slightly with your palm to encourage the perfect thickness and shape.

Step 7: Bake and Set

Bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes. You want the edges set and gently golden while the centers look slightly soft. Let them rest on the sheet for 5 minutes—they’ll finish setting up and come off whole and beautiful.

How to Serve Cherry Chunk Cookies

Garnishes

A little flourish makes all the difference. I love sprinkling a pinch of flaky sea salt or shaving a touch of dark chocolate over the tops right as they come out of the oven. This brings out all the nuanced flavors and adds a delightful crunch.

Side Dishes

Pair Cherry Chunk Cookies with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream, a glass of cold milk, or—even better—a hot cup of coffee or tea. For a fun dessert platter, add fresh berries or serve alongside other favorite cookies for variety.

Creative Ways to Present

For gift-giving, layer them in cellophane bags tied with ribbon. If you want a show-stopper dessert, stack the cookies and drizzle with a little cherry syrup and extra melted chocolate. You can even crumble them over yogurt or ice cream for an impromptu sundae topping.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your Cherry Chunk Cookies at their freshest by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay delicious for up to five days. Slip a piece of bread into the container if you want to help them stay extra chewy.

Freezing

Cherry Chunk Cookies are freezer champions. Freeze the baked cookies in single layers separated by parchment, or freeze the unbaked dough balls and bake straight from the freezer—just add a minute or two to the baking time. Either way, you’ll always have fresh cookies on hand.

Reheating

If you love a warm cookie (who doesn’t?), pop one in the microwave for 8 to 10 seconds before serving. This revives the gooey chocolate and makes the cherry flavor sing. Oven reheating works too: a couple of minutes at 300 degrees and they’re as good as new.

FAQs

Can I use fresh cherries instead of dried?

For this recipe, dried cherries work best—they don’t add excess moisture, and their tartness gets concentrated. If you try fresh, make sure to pat them dry and know the cookies will be a little softer.

Can I swap chocolate chunks for chips?

Absolutely! Use whatever chocolate you love. Chunks offer rustic bits of melty chocolate, but chips create that classic cookie look and work wonderfully in Cherry Chunk Cookies.

How can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Use a cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend in place of wheat flour. Check that your other ingredients (like chocolate) are certified gluten-free, and you’ll get scrumptious results.

What if I don’t have almond extract?

No problem! Vanilla extract is a good substitute—use an equal amount. You’ll get a slightly different flavor, but it still pairs perfectly with cherries and chocolate.

Can I double the recipe?

Of course! Cherry Chunk Cookies are perfect for sharing. You can easily double or even triple the batch—just be sure to use multiple baking sheets so they bake evenly.

Final Thoughts

There’s something magical about Cherry Chunk Cookies: their irresistible mix of flavors, chewy texture, and beautiful bursts of color always make people smile. Give these a try—and don’t be surprised if they become your new household signature. Happy baking!