These Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies with Mocha Chips bring together the best of three irresistible flavors—bittersweet chocolate, tart cherries, and bold mocha. The result is a cookie that’s chewy in the center, crisp on the edges, and packed with layers of flavor that keep you coming back for more. Perfect for the coffee lover and chocolate aficionado alike, these cookies offer a balanced sweetness with a slight kick from the mocha chips. Whether you’re baking for a holiday tray, an afternoon pick-me-up, or just because, these cookies are a delightful twist on the classic chocolate chip cookie and sure to become a new favorite.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
-
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
-
1 cup brown sugar, packed
-
1/2 cup granulated sugar
-
2 large eggs
-
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
-
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
-
1 teaspoon baking soda
-
1/2 teaspoon salt
-
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
-
1 cup mocha-flavored chips (or espresso chips)
-
3/4 cup dried tart cherries
-
Optional: flaky sea salt for topping
Directions:
-
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
-
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
-
Beat in the eggs, one at a time, then add vanilla extract and mix until combined.
-
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
-
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined.
-
Fold in the chocolate chips, mocha chips, and dried cherries.
-
Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
-
Optionally, sprinkle the tops with a pinch of flaky sea salt.
-
Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until edges are golden and centers are just set.
-
Cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 12 minutes | Total Time: 27 minutes
Kcal: 210 kcal per cookie (approx.) | Servings: 24 cookies
The Story Behind These Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies with Mocha Chips
What makes a cookie unforgettable? For many bakers and cookie lovers, it’s the fusion of unexpected ingredients that brings depth and surprise to each bite. These Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies with Mocha Chips do exactly that. They are inspired by the classic chocolate chip cookie but elevated with the tangy bite of dried tart cherries and the bold kick of mocha-flavored chips. The recipe was born from the desire to combine three beloved flavors—chocolate, coffee, and cherries—into one indulgent cookie that’s soft, chewy, and bursting with character.
Mocha chips, which are typically infused with espresso or coffee extract, provide a caffeine-kissed warmth that complements the richness of semi-sweet chocolate. Meanwhile, dried tart cherries cut through the sweetness, adding a chewy, fruity contrast that keeps the cookie from feeling one-dimensional. This balance of flavors and textures creates a gourmet cookie experience without the need for fancy ingredients or complex techniques.
The Perfect Cookie for Any Occasion
Whether you’re baking for a holiday cookie exchange, surprising a friend with a thoughtful homemade gift, or simply treating yourself on a cozy afternoon, these cookies fit the bill. Their unique flavor profile makes them a standout on any dessert tray, yet the familiar comfort of chocolate chip dough keeps them approachable and beloved by all ages.
One of the greatest things about these cookies is their versatility. Want to impress at a bake sale? Done. Need something crowd-pleasing for a potluck? Absolutely. Or maybe you’re just looking to elevate your weeknight baking session with a touch of something special. This recipe adapts to it all, offering both comfort and flair in every bite.
Ingredients with Benefits
Each ingredient in this recipe plays a vital role in its success, not only in taste but also in texture and balance. Let’s look a bit closer:
-
Butter gives richness and creates that melt-in-your-mouth texture. It also helps the cookies spread perfectly while baking.
-
Brown sugar adds moisture and gives a subtle caramel undertone that deepens the overall flavor.
-
Granulated sugar balances the chewiness with just the right amount of crisp edges.
-
Eggs bind everything together while contributing to a soft, tender crumb.
-
Vanilla extract enhances every other flavor and adds warmth.
-
Flour, baking soda, and salt create the structural foundation while regulating spread and rise.
-
Semi-sweet chocolate chips provide bursts of classic chocolate goodness.
-
Mocha chips bring a coffee-shop feel, infusing each bite with rich, aromatic coffee flavor.
-
Dried tart cherries break up the richness with a fruity tang and a chewy contrast that brings balance to the whole cookie.
Together, these ingredients create a flavor symphony that’s exciting yet familiar, indulgent but not overwhelming.
Why This Recipe Stands Out
Many chocolate chip cookie recipes exist, but this one dares to be bold. It takes what you love about a chewy chocolate chip cookie and pushes the boundaries by adding dynamic, complementary ingredients. The tart cherries act almost like a secret ingredient—surprising and refreshing. The mocha chips add depth, making the cookie feel almost like a sweet sip of a cherry mocha latte, but in baked form.
Texture also plays a key role here. The outer edges bake into a light crisp while the centers stay gooey and soft. The chunks of fruit and chocolate create a pleasant chew that makes every bite feel exciting and satisfying. For cookie lovers who want more than just sweet, this recipe checks every box.
Tips for Success
To get the best results with this recipe, use room temperature butter. This allows it to cream better with the sugars and contributes to an even texture. If you like a thicker cookie, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking—it prevents excessive spreading and enhances flavor as the ingredients meld together.
If you want a more pronounced coffee flavor, try substituting the mocha chips with espresso-flavored chocolate or even add a teaspoon of instant espresso powder to the dough. For a festive look, press a few chips and cherries on top of each dough ball before baking so they show on the surface.
Storage and Serving Suggestions
These cookies store well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They also freeze beautifully—just place them in a zip-top freezer bag, and they’ll keep for up to 2 months. You can freeze the cookie dough as well; simply scoop into balls and freeze on a baking sheet before transferring to a container. Bake straight from frozen, adding a minute or two to the bake time.
Serve these cookies with a tall glass of cold milk, a hot cup of coffee, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an elevated dessert. They’re also perfect alongside a bold red wine or dessert wine if you’re serving them at a dinner party.
Great for Gifting
Because these cookies look beautiful with their cherry flecks and gooey chocolate centers, they make a thoughtful and delicious homemade gift. Wrap a few in a parchment bag tied with twine, and you’ve got a charming and heartfelt present for teachers, friends, or family members. Their longer shelf life also means you can bake them a day in advance without sacrificing quality.
Conclusion
In a world full of cookie recipes, the Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies with Mocha Chips stand out as a delicious twist on tradition. Their blend of tart, sweet, and bold flavors provides a treat that feels both nostalgic and refreshingly new. These cookies are more than just a snack—they’re a baking experience that brings joy to those who make them and those who receive them. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe is foolproof, fun to make, and absolutely unforgettable.
