Name: Chocolate Cherry Crinkle Cookies: Fudgy Treats for Joyful Baking
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 47 min
Ingredients: 1 cup Unsalted Butter (or Coconut Oil); 1 cup Granulated Sugar; 2 large Eggs; 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract; 1/2 cup Cocoa Powder (unsweetened); 1 cup All-Purpose Flour (or Gluten-Free 1:1 Blend); 1 teaspoon Baking Powder; 1/4 teaspoon Salt; 1 cup Dried Cherries (or Freeze-Dried Cherries); 1/2 cup Mini Chocolate Chips (optional); 1 cup Powdered Sugar

The aroma of freshly baked cookies wafted through the air, instantly evoking memories of cherished family gatherings and holiday cheer. That’s the magic of my Chocolate Cherry Crinkle Cookies. With their stunning crackled tops and fudgy centers, these treats seamlessly blend rich chocolate and tart cherry flavors, making every bite an unforgettable experience. Best of all, they’re a breeze to whip up—in just 30 minutes, you can impress friends and family without spending hours in the kitchen. Ideal for any holiday dessert table, these cookies offer a delightful twist on traditional baking, ensuring they become a new favorite at every gathering. Who’s ready to dive into the world of fudgy, festive flavors? Let’s get started!

Why are Chocolate Cherry Crinkle Cookies irresistible?

Fudgy Delight: The texture is a perfect mix of fudgy and chewy, making each bite a melt-in-your-mouth experience.

Holiday Charm: Their stunning appearance with crackled tops adds a festive touch that’s sure to impress at any holiday gathering.

Quick and Easy: With just one bowl and 30 minutes of prep, you can whip these up on a whim, even for unexpected guests.

Nutritious Twist: The addition of tart cherries provides a delightful balance of flavors while adding a hint of fruitiness—who said cookies can’t be a little healthy?

Crowd Favorite: These cookies are perfect for sharing, whether in holiday gift tins or at cookie exchanges, ensuring everyone leaves with a smile!

For more chocolate delights, don’t miss my irresistible Chocolate Marshmallow Swirl cookies, or if you want a classic treat, check out the Chocolate Chip Cookies.

Chocolate Cherry Crinkle Cookies Ingredients

• For the Batter

Unsalted Butter (or Coconut Oil) – Acts as the fat, contributing moisture and richness; substitute with equal parts coconut oil for a dairy-free option.
Granulated Sugar – Provides sweetness and helps to create a tender cookie texture.
Eggs – Acts as a binder for the ingredients and adds richness.
Vanilla Extract – Enhances the overall flavor profile.
Cocoa Powder (unsweetened) – Adds a deep chocolate flavor and color.
All-Purpose Flour (or Gluten-Free 1:1 Blend) – Provides structure to cookies; use gluten-free blend for a gluten-free version.
Baking Powder – Adds leavening, creating a light texture.
Salt – Balances sweetness and enhances flavor.

• For the Mix-Ins

Dried Cherries (or Freeze-Dried Cherries) – Adds tartness and texture contrast, making these Chocolate Cherry Crinkle Cookies truly special.
Mini Chocolate Chips (optional) – Adds extra chocolaty goodness and delightful texture.

• For Rolling

Powdered Sugar – Coats cookies for a visually appealing finish that adds a festive touch.

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Chocolate Cherry Crinkle Cookies

Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures a perfectly baked Chocolate Cherry Crinkle Cookies. While the oven warms up, prepare your baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper to prevent sticking and promote even baking.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine melted unsalted butter (or coconut oil) with granulated sugar. Using a whisk or electric mixer, blend these together until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This should take about 1-2 minutes, creating a light, airy texture that will enhance the fudginess of your cookies.

Step 3: Add the Eggs and Vanilla
Next, beat in two large eggs and a splash of vanilla extract to your wet mixture. Continue mixing until fully incorporated, and the batter appears uniform and glossy, about another 1-2 minutes. This step adds richness and flavor, contributing to the overall delight of your Chocolate Cherry Crinkle Cookies.

Step 4: Incorporate Dry Ingredients
Sift together the unsweetened cocoa powder, all-purpose flour (or gluten-free blend), baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Gradually add this dry mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring gently with a spatula or spoon. Mix until just combined—be careful not to overmix, as this helps maintain the soft, fudgy texture in your cookies.

Step 5: Fold in Cherries and Chocolate Chips
Now it’s time to make your cookies even more delightful! Gently fold in the chopped dried cherries and optional mini chocolate chips into the batter. Ensure they are evenly distributed throughout, creating pockets of sweetness and tartness within each bite of your Chocolate Cherry Crinkle Cookies.

Step 6: Scoop the Dough
Using a cookie scoop or a tablespoon, portion out the cookie dough and roll it into balls. Aim for uniform sizes for even baking. Roll each dough ball in powdered sugar until completely covered—this will give your cookies that beautiful crackled appearance once they bake.

Step 7: Arrange on Baking Sheet
Place the rolled dough balls on the prepared baking sheets. Keep them spaced about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading while baking. If you piled them too close, they might merge into one another, losing their charming crinkle look!

Step 8: Bake to Perfection
Bake the cookies in your preheated oven for 10-12 minutes. Watch for the edges to set and the tops to develop a crackled appearance—this is the hallmark of Chocolate Cherry Crinkle Cookies! The centers should look slightly under-baked, which keeps them fudgy and delicious.

Step 9: Cool Before Transferring
Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. This resting time allows them to firm up a bit before transferring to a wire rack. This is essential to keep your cookies from falling apart while still maintaining their lovely fudgy texture.

Step 10: Enjoy and Store
Once cooled, indulge in the rich flavor and festive look of your Chocolate Cherry Crinkle Cookies! Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or freeze for longer-lasting enjoyment. Just be prepared for the compliments to roll in!

Make Ahead Options

These Chocolate Cherry Crinkle Cookies are perfect for busy bakers looking to save time without sacrificing flavor! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance by scooping the dough into balls, rolling them in powdered sugar, and placing them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Simply cover the baking sheet with plastic wrap and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. If you want to prep even further ahead, you can freeze the cookie dough balls for up to 3 months—just transfer them directly from the freezer to the oven, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time. This way, your cookies will be just as delicious and fresh when you decide to bake them!

Chocolate Cherry Crinkle Cookies Variations

Feel free to play around and make these cookies your own with delightful tweaks and swaps!

Fruit Swap: Substitute dried cherries with raisins or chopped nuts for a new flavor and texture combination. It’s a fun way to customize the taste while keeping that fudgy goodness intact.
Chocolate Change: Use dark chocolate chips instead of mini ones for a more intense chocolate flavor. This is perfect for the true chocolate lovers in your life.
Salt Touch: Sprinkle a dash of sea salt on top after baking for an enhanced flavor profile. The contrast between sweet and salty can elevate each bite to a gourmet experience.
Vegan Version: Replace eggs with flaxseed meal or unsweetened applesauce for a vegan spin. These alternatives work well while keeping the fudgy texture.
Nutty Twist: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to enrich the flavor and add a pleasant crunch that’s wonderful against the soft cookie. Imagine that delightful bite!
Coconut Flavor: Incorporate shredded coconut into the mix for a tropical twist that compliments the chocolate and cherry beautifully. It adds a surprising layer of sweetness and texture.
Spice It Up: Introduce a pinch of cinnamon or chili powder for a unique twist on the traditional flavor. This warming element can bring a cozy aspect that’s perfect for holiday gatherings.

For more cookie inspirations, don’t miss out on my delicious Chocolate Marshmallow Swirl or the classic Chocolate Chip Cookies. Enjoy experimenting!

Expert Tips for Chocolate Cherry Crinkle Cookies

• Watch the Bake Time: Be mindful not to over-bake; the cookies should look slightly undercooked in the center to maintain their fudgy texture.

• Opt for Melted Chocolate: For an even richer flavor, consider using melted chocolate along with the butter or coconut oil—this enhances the fudginess of your Chocolate Cherry Crinkle Cookies.

• Freeze Dough for Future Baking: Scoop and roll the dough into balls, then freeze them. You can bake from frozen, just adding 1-2 extra minutes to the baking time.

• Mix Gently: When incorporating dry ingredients and mix-ins, stir gently to keep the cookies soft and chewy—overmixing can lead to a tough texture.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Let your eggs and butter come to room temperature before mixing; this helps achieve a smoother batter.

• Don’t Skip the Powdered Sugar: Rolling the dough balls in powdered sugar before baking creates that signature crackled look while adding a delightful hint of sweetness.

What to Serve with Chocolate Cherry Crinkle Cookies

Pairing these delightful treats with the right accompaniments enhances their flavor and creates a memorable experience.

Creamy Vanilla Ice Cream: The coolness and creaminess of vanilla ice cream perfectly balance the rich chocolate and tart cherry flavors, creating a delightful contrast.
Espresso or Coffee: A cup of robust espresso or coffee complements the fudgy sweetness of the cookies while enhancing their chocolate richness. This pairing warms the heart and soul, perfect for cozy evenings.
Fresh Berries: Light, juicy raspberries or strawberries add a refreshing burst of acidity that cuts through the sweetness, bringing balance to your dessert table.
Hot Chocolate: For chocolate lovers, serving these cookies with a warm cup of hot chocolate creates a double chocolate experience that’s undeniably indulgent.
Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds an airy texture and a touch of sweetness, elevating the fudgy cookies to new heights of decadence.
Chocolate Milk: Nostalgic and comforting, chocolate milk offers a sweet pairing that’s loved by kids and adults alike, enhancing the chocolatey goodness of the cookies.
Spiced Tea: Warming spiced teas, such as chai, add a touch of warmth and spice that complements the rich chocolate and cherry flavors beautifully, perfect for chilly afternoons.
Seasonal Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits provides a light and fruity contrast to the cookies, bringing freshness and color to your dessert spread.
Nutty Biscotti: For something crunchy, a side of nutty biscotti pairs excellently, offering a delightful textural contrast alongside the soft, fudgy cookies.

Indulging in any of these pairings with your Chocolate Cherry Crinkle Cookies promises a delightful treat for your taste buds!

How to Store and Freeze Chocolate Cherry Crinkle Cookies

Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week to keep them fresh and chewy.

Fridge: For longer freshness, keep the cookies in the fridge for up to two weeks, but allow them to reach room temperature before enjoying for the best texture.

Freezer: Freeze baked chocolate cherry crinkle cookies in a single layer, then transfer to a sealed freezer bag for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature when ready to enjoy.

Dough Storage: Freeze cookie dough balls on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be baked from frozen with a slight increase in time.

Chocolate Cherry Crinkle Cookies Recipe FAQs

What type of cherries should I use for Chocolate Cherry Crinkle Cookies?
Absolutely! For these cookies, I recommend using dried cherries for their concentrated sweetness and tartness. If you prefer a lighter texture, freeze-dried cherries are a delightful alternative that adds both flavor and a pop of color!

How do I store Chocolate Cherry Crinkle Cookies?
Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week to keep them soft and chewy. If you want them to last longer, they can be refrigerated for up to two weeks. Just remember to let them come to room temperature before enjoying for the best texture!

Can I freeze Chocolate Cherry Crinkle Cookies?
Yes! You can freeze baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer them to a sealed freezer bag for up to three months. To enjoy, simply thaw them at room temperature. For convenient baking, you can also freeze the dough balls—just scoop, roll, and freeze; bake from frozen with an extra 1-2 minutes of oven time!

Why did my cookies spread too much while baking?
Very often, cookie spreading occurs due to warm dough. It’s important to chill the dough in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before baking. Additionally, make sure your butter is melted and not too hot, as excess heat can cause the cookies to spread uncontrollably.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Absolutely! To make Chocolate Cherry Crinkle Cookies gluten-free, simply swap regular all-purpose flour for a gluten-free 1:1 blend. This ensures you can still enjoy the same fudgy, delightful texture without the gluten!

Can my pets have leftovers?
While chocolate and cherries are delightful treats for us, they are toxic to pets, particularly dogs. It’s best to keep all your chocolate cherry crinkle cookies away from furry friends to ensure their safety. Enjoy these scrumptious cookies for yourself!