Ultimate Soft & Chewy Cherry Chocolate Cookies with Pudding Mix
Indulge in the irresistible delight of our Cherry Chocolate Cookies, a recipe that promises an extraordinary blend of flavors and textures. These cookies aren’t just soft and chewy; they are intensely rich, bursting with sweet cherries, and boast an incredible depth of chocolate flavor, all thanks to a secret ingredient: chocolate pudding mix. This ingenious addition ensures every bite is perfectly moist, delightfully chewy, and consistently flavorful, making them an instant favorite for any occasion.
The combination of rich chocolate and vibrant cherries is a classic for a reason. It’s a symphony of deep, dark cocoa notes meeting the bright, tangy sweetness of ripe fruit. As a passionate baker, I’ve experimented with this beloved pairing countless times, always seeking that perfect balance. While my Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies are a long-time family favorite, I found myself craving an even deeper chocolate experience. This led me to adapt one of my go-to chocolate cookie bases and generously infuse it with those vibrant cherries. The outcome? A batch of cookies that exceeded all expectations, delivering pure, unadulterated joy with every bite.
The Magic of Pudding Mix in Soft & Chewy Cookies
What truly sets this particular chocolate cookie recipe apart is the inclusion of instant pudding mix. Many experienced bakers, myself included, swear by pudding mix for achieving incredibly soft and chewy cookies with an unmatchable texture. The pudding adds a certain moistness and a wonderfully tender crumb that’s difficult to replicate using traditional ingredients alone. A while back, I had a “lightbulb” moment: why not apply this same principle to chocolate cookies using chocolate pudding mix? The results were transformative. It not only elevated the chocolate flavor but also intensified the color and contributed to an unparalleled softness that instantly made this one of my most cherished cookie recipes. It’s a true game-changer for anyone looking to achieve bakery-quality texture and rich flavor right in their home kitchen.
Expert Tips for Making Amazing Cherry Chocolate Cookies
Achieving the perfect batch of Cherry Chocolate Cookies is easier than you think with these expert tips. Follow these guidelines to ensure your cookies are soft, chewy, and absolutely delicious every single time:
- Ensure Proper Flour Amount for Optimal Texture: The right amount of flour is absolutely crucial for the structure and consistency of your cookies. If your dough feels excessively sticky, which can sometimes happen when adding fruit due to its natural moisture, you may need to incorporate an extra tablespoon or two of flour. This is particularly important with this recipe, as maraschino cherries contain liquid. Always ensure your cherries are thoroughly drained and gently patted dry with paper towels before adding them to the dough. If you notice your first batch of cookies spreading more than you prefer during baking, simply mix in a few more tablespoons of flour into the remaining dough before continuing.
- Butter Consistency is Key – Do Not Melt!: This is a golden rule in baking that cannot be overstated. Your butter must be softened to room temperature, not melted. Melted butter will cause your cookies to spread excessively and become greasy, losing their desired soft and chewy texture. Room temperature butter, on the other hand, creams beautifully with sugar, incorporating vital air that creates a lighter, more tender cookie crumb.
- Spend Time Creaming Butter and Sugars Thoroughly: Do not rush this foundational step! Creaming the softened butter with both brown and granulated sugars for a full 2-3 minutes is essential. This process aerates the mixture, creating a light and fluffy base that is paramount for achieving a wonderfully tender and airy cookie texture. It’s an investment in your cookies’ ultimate chewiness.
- Always Preheat Your Oven Completely: It might seem like a minor detail, but preheating your oven thoroughly before placing cookies inside is vital. A consistently heated oven ensures even baking from the very beginning, preventing the cookies from spreading too quickly before they have a chance to set properly. This practice consistently leads to perfectly baked cookies with uniform shape, color, and texture.
- Invest in a Quality Cookie Scoop for Uniformity: For professional-looking, consistently sized, and evenly baked cookies, a cookie scoop is your most valuable tool. It ensures that each cookie dough ball is the same size, allowing them to bake at the same rate and resulting in a batch of consistently appealing treats. As an added bonus, it makes portioning the dough much faster and significantly less messy!
- Utilize Parchment Paper or a Silicone Baking Mat: Say goodbye to frustratingly stuck cookies and uneven baking! Lining your baking sheets with parchment paper or a reusable silicone baking mat not only prevents sticking but also promotes more even heat distribution. This means your beautifully shaped cookies will effortlessly slide off the pan, and cleanup becomes a breeze.
- Avoid Overbaking at All Costs: This is arguably the most important tip for achieving truly soft and chewy cookies. When you remove your Cherry Chocolate Cookies from the oven, they should still appear slightly underbaked, particularly in the center. Don’t worry, this is exactly what you want! They will continue to bake and set on the hot cookie sheet for a few extra minutes after removal. Overbaking is the leading cause of dry, crumbly cookies, so trust the process and pull them out just a little earlier than you think!
Ingredients for Irresistible Cherry Chocolate Cookies
Gathering the right ingredients, and understanding their role, is the first step to creating these delightful cookies. Here’s a detailed list of what you’ll need, along with a few notes on why each component is essential for achieving the best possible results:
- 1 cup butter, room temperature: As previously emphasized, butter that is truly at room temperature (softened but not melted) is fundamental for proper creaming and ultimately, a tender, chewy cookie.
- 1 cup brown sugar: This ingredient is key to the cookies’ moistness and provides a rich, caramel-like flavor that perfectly complements the chocolate and cherry. It significantly contributes to the desired chewiness.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: While brown sugar adds moisture, granulated sugar helps create that slightly crisp edge on the cookies and balances the overall sweetness.
- 2 large eggs: Eggs act as crucial binders, adding structure, moisture, and richness to the cookie dough, ensuring a cohesive and well-risen cookie.
- 2 tsp vanilla extract: A staple in almost any cookie recipe, vanilla extract isn’t just for flavor; it enhances and deepens all the other ingredients, particularly the chocolate and cherry, making them shine.
- 1 (3.9 oz) box instant chocolate pudding mix: This is our secret weapon! The instant pudding mix is what gives these cookies their incredible softness, chewiness, and an intensely rich, almost fudgy chocolate flavor.
- 2 Tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder: To further boost the chocolate intensity and give these cookies a deep, alluring dark chocolate hue, extra cocoa powder is a must.
- 1 tsp baking soda: As a leavening agent, baking soda helps the cookies rise and spread slightly, contributing to a wonderfully tender and light crumb texture.
- 1 Tbsp cornstarch: Another unsung hero for ultra-soft and tender cookies! Cornstarch works by slightly weakening the gluten in the flour, preventing the cookies from becoming tough and also helping to prevent excessive spreading during baking.
- 1/2 tsp salt: Often overlooked, salt is vital in baking. It balances the sweetness of the sugars and enhances the complex flavors of the chocolate and cherries, making them more pronounced and delicious.
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: This forms the primary structure of your cookies. It’s important to measure flour correctly; avoid scooping directly from the bag, as this can compact it. Instead, spoon flour into your measuring cup and then level it off with a straight edge.
- 12 oz jar maraschino cherries, chopped and thoroughly dried with paper towel: The star fruit of our cookies! These chopped cherries provide vibrant color, a pleasant chew, and a sweet-tart burst of flavor. It is absolutely vital to chop them and then thoroughly drain and pat them dry with paper towels to remove as much excess moisture as possible. This critical step prevents the dough from becoming too wet, which could lead to excessively spread or soggy cookies.
Simple Steps to Bake Your Cherry Chocolate Cookies
Follow these straightforward instructions to create a batch of these delectable Cherry Chocolate Cookies, ensuring each step contributes to their incredible flavor and texture:
- Prepare the Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened room temperature butter with both the brown sugar and granulated sugar. Using an electric mixer, cream these ingredients together for a full 2 minutes until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and well combined. This aeration step is incredibly important for the final texture of your cookies. Next, beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated into the butter-sugar mixture before adding the next. Finally, stir in the vanilla extract until just combined.
- Incorporate Dry Flavor Enhancers: To the wet mixture, add the dry instant chocolate pudding mix, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, cornstarch, and salt. Mix these dry ingredients on low speed until they are just incorporated into the wet mixture, and no dry streaks remain. Be careful not to overmix at this stage to prevent developing too much gluten.
- Add Flour and Cherries: Gradually add the all-purpose flour to the bowl, mixing on low speed until it is just combined. Overmixing the flour can lead to tough, dense cookies, so mix only until no dry flour pockets are visible. Once the flour is mostly incorporated, gently fold in the chopped and thoroughly dried maraschino cherries by hand. Ensure the cherries are evenly distributed throughout the dough without crushing them.
- Scoop and Prepare for Baking: Using a cookie scoop (approximately 1.5-2 tablespoons per cookie), drop rounded balls of cookie dough onto your prepared cookie sheets. Make sure your baking sheets are lined with either parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking and promote even baking. Space the cookie dough balls about 2 inches apart to allow for proper spreading during baking.
- Bake to Perfection: Place the prepared cookie sheets into a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C). Bake the cookies for approximately 9 minutes. Remember our golden rule: the cookies should still look slightly underbaked and soft in the center when you remove them from the oven. This ensures maximum chewiness and softness.
- Cool and Set: Once removed from the oven, allow the cookies to cool and set on the baking sheet for 2-3 minutes. This crucial resting period allows them to firm up slightly and continue their residual baking process. After this initial cooling time, carefully transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.
Cherry Chocolate Cookies
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Ingredients
- 1 cup butter room temperature
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 (3.9 oz) box instant chocolate pudding mix
- 2 Tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 Tbsp cornstarch
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 12 oz jar maraschino cherries chopped and thoroughly dried with paper towel
Instructions
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In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar for 2 minutes until light and fluffy. Add in eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
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Add the dry instant chocolate pudding mix, cocoa powder, baking soda, cornstarch, and salt. Mix on low speed until all ingredients are just incorporated.
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Gradually add the all-purpose flour and mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix. Gently stir in the chopped and dried maraschino cherries by hand until evenly distributed.
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Use a cookie scoop to form cookie dough balls and place them about 2 inches apart on a prepared cookie sheet (lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat).
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Bake cookies for 9 minutes at 350°F (175°C). The cookies will look slightly underbaked in the center when removed from the oven.
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Allow to cool on the cookie sheet for 2-3 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Mastering Room Temperature Butter for Baking Success
Softened butter is a critical ingredient for cookies with a perfect texture, contributing to their chewiness and preventing them from becoming dry. However, achieving that ideal, pliable consistency can sometimes be tricky. The best and most recommended method is always to plan ahead: simply leave your butter out on the counter for a few hours (typically 1-2 hours) before you intend to bake. This allows it to soften naturally and evenly.
But let’s be honest, life happens, and often we don’t think that far in advance! (Speaking from personal experience, this is often the case in a busy kitchen.) Fortunately, there are several quick tricks to get your butter just right in a matter of minutes, without resorting to melted butter, which will adversely affect your cookies’ structure and texture. Remember, melted butter will cause your cookies to spread excessively and become greasy, losing their desired soft and chewy quality.
My go-to rapid softening technique involves the microwave. It’s incredibly fast, but it requires vigilance to prevent accidental melting. Place the entire stick of butter (ensure it’s unwrapped if it has foil) into the microwave and heat for approximately 6-7 seconds. Immediately check its softness by gently pressing it. If it’s still quite firm, give it another 5-7 seconds. You might need a few short intervals, reducing the time to just 2-3 seconds for the final bursts, especially as it starts to soften. The goal is butter that is pliable and yields slightly to gentle pressure, not a liquid mess. Always err on the side of caution with shorter bursts.
Another method I’ve found to be reliable, albeit a bit slower than direct microwaving, is using the defrost setting on my microwave. While I can’t pinpoint the exact scientific difference in how it works, it seems to gently warm the butter more evenly, making it easier to achieve that perfect softened state without the higher risk of accidental melting. This usually takes closer to 30 seconds, depending on your microwave’s power, but it’s often a safer bet if you’re prone to over-microwaving regular settings.
Alternatively, if you prefer not to use a microwave or are looking for a completely hands-off approach, you can try the warm water bath method. Fill a glass or small bowl with very warm (but not boiling) water, let it sit for a minute to heat the container, then pour out the water. Invert the warm glass or bowl over the stick of butter on your counter. The residual heat will gently warm and soften the butter in about 5-10 minutes. This is a great, fool-proof way to get perfectly softened butter every time, without any direct heat.
Serving and Storage Tips for Your Cherry Chocolate Cookies
Once your delectable Cherry Chocolate Cookies are baked and cooled, you’ll want to enjoy them in the best possible way and ensure their freshness lasts. Here are some simple and effective tips:
Serving Suggestions:
- The Classic Milk Pairing: There’s truly nothing quite like a tall, cold glass of milk to accompany these rich, chewy cookies. The coolness and creaminess of the milk perfectly balance the intensity of the chocolate and the sweetness of the cherries.
- Elevate Your Coffee or Tea Break: Enjoy these cookies with a warm cup of coffee, a soothing herbal tea, or a rich hot chocolate for a delightful afternoon treat or an evening indulgence. They make a perfect pairing for a cozy moment.
- Create an Epic Ice Cream Sandwich: For an extra indulgent dessert, sandwich a scoop of your favorite ice cream between two Cherry Chocolate Cookies. Vanilla bean, cherry swirl, or even a dark chocolate ice cream would be phenomenal choices.
- A Star on Any Dessert Platter: Their vibrant color and enticing aroma make these cookies a standout. Arrange them on a dessert platter with other treats for holiday gatherings, parties, or family dinners to impress your guests.
Storage Instructions:
- Room Temperature Storage for Short-Term Freshness: Store completely cooled Cherry Chocolate Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-5 days. To help maintain their signature softness and chewiness, you can place a slice of plain white bread in the container with the cookies. The cookies will absorb moisture from the bread, keeping them wonderfully soft.
- Freezing Cookie Dough for Future Cravings: If you want to prepare ahead or simply have freshly baked cookies on demand, you can freeze the cookie dough balls. Scoop the dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, spaced apart, and freeze until they are solid (this usually takes about 1-2 hours). Once frozen, transfer the solid dough balls to a freezer-safe zip-top bag or container for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, simply place the frozen dough balls on a baking sheet and bake as directed, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time as needed.
- Freezing Baked Cookies for Longer Enjoyment: Baked cookies also freeze exceptionally well. Once they are completely cooled to room temperature, place them in a single layer in a freezer-safe container or bag. For best results and to prevent sticking, you can separate layers of cookies with parchment paper. Store them in the freezer for up to 1 month. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw them at room temperature for about 30 minutes to an hour before serving. For a warm, freshly baked feel, you can gently reheat them in a low oven for a few minutes.
More Beloved Cherry Cookie Recipes You’ll Adore!
If you’re a fellow cherry enthusiast like me, then you’ll undoubtedly appreciate these other fantastic cherry-infused cookie recipes from our collection. Each one offers a unique and delicious twist on this delightful fruit, promising more sweet satisfaction:
- Cherry Pie Cookies: Experience all the comforting flavors of a classic cherry pie, but in a convenient, perfectly portioned, bite-sized cookie form. These are a delightful treat for pie lovers!
- Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies: A creative and delicious twist on the traditional chocolate chip cookie, adding a vibrant burst of fruity flavor that perfectly complements the rich chocolate.
- Double Chocolate Cherry Cookies: For the ultimate chocolate lovers, this recipe features even more cocoa goodness, making every bite intensely rich and decadent, balanced by the sweet tartness of cherries.
- Cherry Cheesecake Cookies: Indulge in a creamy, dreamy cookie that tastes just like a miniature cheesecake, complete with the irresistible tang and sweetness of cherries.
These Cherry Chocolate Cookies are truly a testament to how simple ingredients, combined with a little baking magic (hello, chocolate pudding mix!), can create something truly extraordinary. Perfectly soft and chewy, with a generous amount of sweet, tart cherries and deep chocolate flavor, they are destined to become a staple in your recipe collection and a beloved treat for friends and family alike.
Baking with Love: A Family Tradition and Little Brooklyn’s Food Adventures
Baking is more than just following a recipe; it’s an act of love, especially when you’re sharing the delicious results with your family. There’s something incredibly fulfilling about seeing the joy on my children’s faces when they bite into a freshly baked cookie, or any homemade treat. As a mother of five, my kitchen is often the vibrant heart of our home, constantly filled with laughter, the sounds of learning, and, of course, the irresistible aroma of homemade delights.
My youngest, little Brooklyn, now a charming 7 months old, is truly proving to be the most enthusiastic eater of the bunch! It’s truly amazing to watch her discover new flavors and textures with such gusto. While my other four children were generally good eaters, Brooklyn takes it to a whole new level of culinary appreciation. She devours anything and everything I offer, often consuming surprisingly large quantities for such a tiny human! Her current favorites include fresh bananas, juicy blueberries, and creamy avocado, but honestly, I haven’t found a single food she turns her nose up at. I know this wonderful, adventurous eating phase might not last forever, but for now, I’m cherishing every single moment of having a child who absolutely loves everything I feed her and never, ever complains about what’s for dinner. It’s these precious moments, shared around good food and warm memories, that make all the effort and passion in the kitchen so incredibly worthwhile, and these delightful Cherry Chocolate Cookies are certainly a part of those cherished family traditions.
