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Chocolate Cherry Crinkle Cookies

Chocolate Cherry Crinkle Cookies

Chocolate Cherry Crinkle Cookies are fudgy, chewy treats that perfectly combine rich cocoa with tart dried cherries. Featuring a signature crackled surface and a tender texture, these cookies are easy to make with simple pantry ingredients and perfect for gifting or any special occasion.

  • Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Yield: 24 cookies 1x

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

  • 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • Pinch of salt

Sugars

  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed

Wet Ingredients

  • 3/4 cup (1.5 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Add-ins and Coating

  • 1 cup dried cherries (unsweetened or sweetened)
  • Powdered sugar (for coating the dough balls)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the unsweetened cocoa powder, all-purpose flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt to ensure even distribution and the right texture.
  2. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes, to aerate the dough and create a tender crumb.
  3. Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract, to bind the ingredients and add depth of flavor.
  4. Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed or folding gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep cookies tender.
  5. Fold in Dried Cherries: Gently fold the dried cherries evenly throughout the dough, ensuring each cookie has bursts of tart fruit.
  6. Chill the Dough: Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm up, help flavor development, and prevent spreading during baking.
  7. Shape and Coat: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough, roll into balls, and generously coat each in powdered sugar to achieve the signature crinkle appearance.
  8. Bake: Place coated dough balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes. Allow the cookies to rest a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

  • Chilling the dough is essential for controlling spreading and intensifying flavor.
  • Mix ingredients only until combined to avoid tough cookies.
  • Use high-quality unsweetened cocoa powder for rich chocolate flavor.
  • Roll dough balls generously in powdered sugar for the best crackled surface.
  • Watch the baking time carefully; slight underbaking will keep the cookies moist and fudgy inside.
  • Author: Lina
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Gluten Free (if using gluten-free flour substitute)

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cookie
  • Calories: 130
  • Sugar: 15g
  • Sodium: 60mg
  • Fat: 6g
  • Saturated Fat: 3.5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 20g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 2g
  • Cholesterol: 30mg

Keywords: chocolate cherry cookies, crinkle cookies, fudgy cookies, chewy cookies, holiday cookies, gift cookies