Indulging in a batch of Dark Chocolate Cherry Oatmeal Cookies is like wrapping your taste buds in a warm, cozy blanket. Picture this: chewy oatmeal meets rich dark chocolate and tart cherries, creating a delightful explosion of flavors that dances on your palate. chocolate cherry cream pie The aroma wafting through your kitchen will have everyone asking what’s cooking, and trust me, you’ll want to keep this cookie recipe under wraps for as long as possible.
I still remember the first time I baked these cookies for a family gathering. The moment they came out of the oven, my cousin tried one and exclaimed, “Are these magic?” Let’s just say, they disappeared faster than my hopes of keeping some for myself. summer berry poke cake Perfect for holiday baking or just a cozy afternoon treat, these cookies promise an unforgettable flavor experience.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These Dark Chocolate Cherry Oatmeal Cookies are incredibly easy to make, perfect for novice bakers
- Each bite offers a delightful blend of flavors and textures
- Their rustic appearance makes them visually appealing on any dessert table
- Versatile enough to be enjoyed at breakfast or as a midnight snack
My friends couldn’t stop raving about how delicious these cookies were at our last game night. delicious whoopie pies.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats: Use rolled oats for a chewy texture; quick oats will alter the consistency.
- All-Purpose Flour: Standard flour works perfectly here; feel free to substitute with whole wheat if you prefer.
- Dark Chocolate Chips: Opt for high-quality dark chocolate chips to enhance the cookie’s richness.
- Dried Cherries: Sweet and tart cherries add a burst of flavor; make sure they’re pitted!
- Brown Sugar: Brown sugar adds moisture and depth; light or dark varieties work well.
- Granulated Sugar: A touch of white sugar balances the flavors perfectly.
- Baking Soda: Essential for leavening; make sure it’s fresh for the best rise.
- Eggs: One large egg binds everything together beautifully; use room temperature eggs if possible.
- Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla extract enhances sweetness and flavor; skip imitation vanilla if you can.
- Salt: Just a pinch brings out all the flavors; don’t skip it!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Preheat Your Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper so your cookies won’t stick during baking.
Cream Together Sugars and Butter: In a large bowl, beat together softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This step is crucial as it aerates the mixture for that perfect texture.
Add Wet Ingredients: Stir in one egg and vanilla extract until well combined. You should see a lovely glossy mixture forming – that’s where the magic starts!
Sift Dry Ingredients Together: In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually incorporate this into your wet mixture until just combined – don’t overmix!
Fold in Oats, Chocolate Chips, and Cherries: Gently fold in rolled oats, dark chocolate chips, and dried cherries until equally distributed throughout the dough. The colorful mix will get anyone excited!
Scoop and Bake Cookies: Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop dough onto prepared baking sheets about two inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are golden but centers remain soft – they’ll firm up as they cool!
These Dark Chocolate Cherry Oatmeal Cookies are sure to become your new favorite treat! Enjoy every bite knowing you’ve created something special from scratch. white chocolate confetti cookies.
You Must Know
- Dark Chocolate Cherry Oatmeal Cookies are a delightful treat!
- Their chewy texture and rich taste make them irresistible
- Remember, using high-quality dark chocolate enhances the flavor significantly, while the cherries add a burst of sweetness that perfectly balances the richness
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Mix your wet ingredients first, then combine with dry ingredients for even blending. This technique ensures each cookie is consistent in flavor and texture.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out cherries for dried cranberries or nuts for added crunch. A pinch of sea salt on top before baking can elevate the cookies’ flavors remarkably.
Storing & Reheating
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. To reheat, pop them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to restore their gooey goodness.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use old-fashioned oats for a chewier texture that stands up well in baking
- Avoid overmixing your dough to keep cookies soft and tender
- Let them cool completely before storing to prevent sogginess
My sister once declared these cookies were “life-changing” after tasting them at a family gathering. It was my proudest moment as a baker, watching everyone go back for seconds!
FAQ
Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate?
Absolutely! Milk chocolate will give your cookies a sweeter taste but lacks the depth of dark chocolate. For more inspiration, check out this Chocolate Marshmallow Swirl Cookies recipe.
How do I know when my cookies are done baking?
Look for golden edges and a soft center; they’ll firm up as they cool.
Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Yes! Freeze it in balls and bake fresh cookies anytime you desire warm treats.
Dark Chocolate Cherry Oatmeal Cookies
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: About 24 cookies 1x
Description
Dark Chocolate Cherry Oatmeal Cookies are a heavenly treat that combines chewy oats, rich dark chocolate, and tart cherries for an unforgettable flavor experience. These cookies are perfect for holiday baking, cozy afternoons, or any occasion where you want to impress your guests with homemade goodness. With their delightful texture and rustic appearance, they’re sure to disappear in no time!
Ingredients
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup dark chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup dried cherries (pitted)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Stir in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients until just combined.
- Fold in the rolled oats, dark chocolate chips, and dried cherries until evenly distributed.
- Scoop tablespoon-sized amounts of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving space between each cookie.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are golden and centers remain soft. Allow cooling before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (30g)
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: Substitute dried cherries with cranberries or add nuts for an extra crunch. For enhanced flavor, sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top before baking. Store cookies in an airtight container for up to one week or reheat them in the microwave for a gooey texture.
