These Cherry Chocolate Crinkle Cookies are a delightful twist on the classic crinkle cookie, combining the rich flavors of chocolate with the sweet and tart taste of cherries. The vibrant red hue and crackled surface make them visually appealing, while the soft, chewy texture and burst of flavors create an unforgettable taste experience. These cookies are perfect for holiday baking, special occasions, or simply as a sweet treat to brighten your day. The combination of chocolate chips and dried cherries creates a harmonious blend that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
There are countless reasons to fall in love with these Cherry Chocolate Crinkle Cookies. First and foremost, the flavor combination is simply divine. The semi-sweet chocolate perfectly complements the tartness of the dried cherries, creating a balanced and satisfying taste. The addition of cherry jam and almond extract enhances the cherry flavor, adding depth and complexity to the overall profile.
Secondly, these cookies are incredibly easy to make. The recipe requires simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, making it accessible for both novice and experienced bakers. The dough comes together quickly, and the chilling time is essential for achieving the perfect crinkle texture.
Thirdly, the visual appeal of these cookies is undeniable. The crackled surface, dusted with powdered sugar, gives them a rustic and elegant look that is sure to impress. The vibrant red color, enhanced by the red food coloring, adds a festive touch that makes them perfect for holidays like Christmas or Valentine’s Day.
Finally, these cookies are incredibly versatile. They can be customized to suit your preferences by using different types of chocolate chips, dried fruits, or extracts. You can also adjust the amount of sugar to control the sweetness level. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or simply treating yourself, these Cherry Chocolate Crinkle Cookies are sure to be a hit.
Ingredients:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar (for the dough)
- 1 large egg
- ⅓ cup cherry jam or preserves
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon almond extract
- 1 teaspoon red food coloring (optional, for a more vibrant color)
- ¾ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips or chunks, roughly chopped
- ½ cup dried cherries, roughly chopped
- 1 + ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup granulated sugar (for rolling)
- ½ cup powdered sugar (for rolling)
Preparation:
Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream together the softened butter and ¾ cup of granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This process typically takes 3-5 minutes, and it’s crucial for creating a tender cookie. Be sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl occasionally to ensure that all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
Step 2: Add the Wet Ingredients
Beat in the egg, cherry jam or preserves, vanilla extract, almond extract, and red food coloring (if using). Mix until well combined. The cherry jam adds moisture and enhances the cherry flavor, while the vanilla and almond extracts add a subtle depth of flavor. The red food coloring is optional but can help to achieve a more vibrant red color, especially if you’re using a lighter-colored cherry jam.
Step 3: Incorporate the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough, as this can result in tough cookies. Mix until the flour is just incorporated, and then stop.
Step 4: Fold in the Chocolate and Cherries
Stir in the semi-sweet chocolate chips or chunks and the dried cherries until evenly distributed throughout the dough. The chocolate chips add a rich, chocolatey flavor, while the dried cherries provide a chewy texture and a burst of fruity sweetness. Make sure to chop the dried cherries into smaller pieces to ensure that they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Step 5: Chill the Dough
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator to chill for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight. Chilling the dough is essential for preventing the cookies from spreading too much during baking and for achieving the perfect crinkle texture. The cold dough will also be easier to handle and roll into balls.
Step 6: Preheat and Prepare
When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. Parchment paper prevents the cookies from sticking to the baking sheets and makes cleanup easier.
Step 7: Shape and Coat the Cookies
Scoop the dough into 1 tablespoon-sized portions and roll each portion into a ball. Dip each ball first into the ½ cup of granulated sugar to coat, and then into the ½ cup of powdered sugar to coat. Shake off any excess powdered sugar. The granulated sugar helps the cookies to spread and create a slightly crisp edge, while the powdered sugar creates the signature crinkle effect.
Step 8: Bake the Cookies
Place the dough balls 2 inches apart on the lined baking sheets. Bake for 13-15 minutes, or until the edges are set and the tops are cracked and just dry. The baking time may vary depending on your oven, so keep a close eye on the cookies and adjust the time as needed.
Step 9: Cool and Enjoy
Allow the cookies to cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This allows the cookies to firm up slightly and prevents them from breaking. Once cooled, store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days.
Cooking Rating:
- Ease of Preparation: Easy
- Flavor Complexity: Medium
- Visual Appeal: High
- Overall Deliciousness: High
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve these Cherry Chocolate Crinkle Cookies with a glass of cold milk or a cup of hot coffee or tea.
- They make a delightful addition to a dessert platter or cookie exchange.
- Package them in a decorative tin or gift box for a homemade gift.
- Serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
- Pair them with a rich chocolate sauce or a dollop of whipped cream for added decadence.
Tips:
- For the best flavor, use high-quality chocolate chips and dried cherries.
- Make sure the butter is softened to room temperature before creaming it with the sugar.
- Don’t overmix the dough, as this can result in tough cookies.
- Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes to prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
- Roll the dough balls generously in powdered sugar to ensure a thick, crackled surface.
- Store the cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh.
- If you don’t have cherry jam, you can substitute it with another type of fruit preserve, such as raspberry or strawberry.
- Experiment with different extracts, such as almond, peppermint, or orange, to customize the flavor of the cookies.
- Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a warm, spicy flavor.
- For a more intense chocolate flavor, use dark chocolate chips or chunks.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 13-15 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes (including chilling time)
Nutritional Information (per cookie):
(Note: Nutritional information is approximate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.)
- Calories: 150
- Protein: 2g
- Sodium: 50mg
Conclusion
Cherry Chocolate Crinkle Cookies are a delightful and festive treat that is sure to impress. The combination of rich chocolate, sweet cherries, and a crackled, powdered sugar coating makes them irresistible. Whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering, a special occasion, or simply to satisfy your sweet tooth, these cookies are a perfect choice. The recipe is easy to follow, and the results are always delicious. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy these delectable Cherry Chocolate Crinkle Cookies! They’re guaranteed to become a new family favorite!
Questions and Answers About This Recipe:
Q1: Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can definitely make these cookies ahead of time. The dough can be prepared and chilled in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. In fact, chilling the dough overnight can even enhance the flavor and texture of the cookies. Just be sure to wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out. Once baked, the cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days.
Q2: Can I freeze the cookie dough?
A: Absolutely! Freezing the cookie dough is a great way to have freshly baked cookies on hand whenever you want them. To freeze the dough, shape it into balls, coat them in sugar (both granulated and powdered), and then place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze the dough balls until solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag or airtight container. The dough can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. When ready to bake, simply preheat the oven and bake the frozen dough balls as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Q3: What can I substitute for cherry jam?
A: If you don’t have cherry jam on hand, you can substitute it with another type of fruit preserve, such as raspberry, strawberry, or even apricot. The key is to choose a preserve that complements the flavor of the chocolate and cherries. You can also use a cherry pie filling, but be sure to drain off any excess liquid before adding it to the dough. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even make your own cherry jam using fresh or frozen cherries.
Q4: Can I use different types of chocolate chips?
A: Of course! Feel free to experiment with different types of chocolate chips to customize the flavor of these cookies. Dark chocolate chips will add a more intense chocolate flavor, while milk chocolate chips will make the cookies sweeter and more decadent. You can also use white chocolate chips for a unique twist, or even a combination of different types of chocolate chips. For a more sophisticated flavor, try using chocolate chunks instead of chips.
Q5: Why are my cookies not crinkling?
A: There are several reasons why your cookies might not be crinkling. The most common reason is that the dough wasn’t chilled long enough. Chilling the dough is essential for achieving the perfect crinkle texture. Make sure to chill the dough for at least 30 minutes, or even overnight, before baking. Another reason could be that you didn’t use enough powdered sugar when coating the dough balls. Be sure to coat the dough balls generously in powdered sugar to ensure a thick, crackled surface. Finally, make sure your oven temperature is accurate, as baking at too low of a temperature can also prevent the cookies from crinkling.
