Ah, Cherry Chocolate Brownie Cookies—now that’s a name to get your mouth watering and your heart racing with joy! These little treats are like a beautiful collision of a rich brownie and a fun cookie, topped with a sweet cherry! I still remember the first time I made these: my cousin was visiting, and we decided to have a baking day. With flour everywhere and chocolate smudges on our faces, we whipped up a batch of these delightful concoctions. When they popped out of the oven, the aroma filled the house, and the first bite was pure bliss. I think I may have eaten three before they even cooled down!
What makes these cookies special besides the fabulous flavor is the ease of preparation. You can have them ready in under an hour. Plus, the mix of chocolate and cherry, with optional walnuts if you’re feeling fancy, creates a harmony of flavors that’s simply irresistible. So let’s dive into the magic of making these Cherry Chocolate Brownie Cookies together!
What’s in Cherry Chocolate Brownie Cookies?
Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: The star of the show! I love Ghirardelli chocolate chips; they melt beautifully and add that rich chocolatey flavor we crave.
Unsalted Butter: This creamy goodness helps bind everything together and gives that velvety texture. Make sure it’s at room temperature for easier mixing!
Granulated Sugar: Just the right amount of sweetness that balances out the rich cocoa flavor.
Large Eggs: They provide stability and moisture to the cookies, making them soft and chewy.
Vanilla Extract: A dash of vanilla really enhances the chocolate flavor. I tend to use pure vanilla extract whenever possible—it’s worth it!
All-Purpose Flour: This forms the structure of the cookies. Don’t overmeasure; too much flour can make them dry.
Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: For that deep chocolate flavor, I prefer Dutch-process cocoa for its rich, smooth taste.
Baking Powder: Just a pinch helps the cookies rise a bit without making them puffy.
Salt: Yes, salt! It’s essential to balance the sweetness and bring out all the flavors.
Chopped Walnuts: Optional but highly recommended if you love a little crunch. I usually go for California walnuts—they’re tasty and add a nice texture!
Maraschino Cherries: These cuties are not just for decoration; they add a burst of flavor and a pop of color that makes the cookies visually appealing.
Is Cherry Chocolate Brownie Cookies Good for You?
Well, these cookies are definitely a treat rather than a health food, but let’s break it down a little. The ingredients are pretty straightforward, but moderation is key.
Chocolate Chips: Packed with antioxidants, dark chocolate even provides some health benefits—like improving heart health—if consumed in moderation.
Walnuts: If you choose to add them, they’re packed with Omega-3 fatty acids, which are fantastic for heart health and brain function!
However, there’s definitely sugar and butter involved, so while they can bring joy and happiness, it’s best to treat them as an occasional indulgence rather than a daily snack.
Ingredients
– 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
– 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
– 12 maraschino cherries (for topping)
This recipe makes about 12 delicious cookies, perfect for sharing (or not—you do you!).
How to Make Cherry Chocolate Brownie Cookies?
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to make cleanup a breeze.
2. In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips and unsalted butter together, stirring until smooth. This is the part where the kitchen gets filled with chocolatey goodness!
3. Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the granulated sugar until it’s well mixed in. You want to combine it thoroughly—get that arm workout in!
4. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Stir until your mixture is nice and smooth; this is the time to taste a little if you like (I won’t tell!).
5. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to your chocolate goodness, stirring until just combined. If you’re using the chopped walnuts, now’s the time to fold them in gently.
6. Drop tablespoons of the cookie dough onto your prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart—trust me, they spread a little!
7. Press a maraschino cherry into the center of each cookie dough mound. This is where the magic happens!
8. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are firm but the centers are still soft. Keep a close eye; you don’t want to overbake them!
9. Remove from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Odor alert: your house is about to smell AMAZING!
10. Serve warm or at room temperature, and enjoy the delightful combination of chocolate and cherry!
Sweet Tips for the Best Cookies
– If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a bit of almond extract along with the vanilla for that extra layer of flavor.
– For a fun twist, drizzle some melted white chocolate over the cooled cookies before serving. It adds a lovely sophistication!
– These cookies are delightful on their own, but they pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce.
I can’t wait for you to try these Cherry Chocolate Brownie Cookies! They’re perfect for any occasion—treat yourself, surprise a loved one, or bring to a family gathering (they’ll be gone in minutes!). Enjoy baking and savoring every bite. Don’t forget to share your creations with me; I’d love to hear how they turned out!
