Why This Recipe Works
When you think about why these Dark Chocolate Cherry Oatmeal Cookies stand out, it starts with that magical blend of ingredients. The rich dark brown sugar harmonizes beautifully with the dark chocolate, generating a deep, caramel-like sweetness. Then there’s the oats, playing a crucial role in adding texture and chewiness that you crave in a cookie. Each bite brings satisfaction, with the oats giving a heartiness that contrasts wonderfully with the smooth chocolate.
And let’s not forget those tart cherries! Their bright, fruity flavors cut through the sweetness of the chocolate and sugar, creating a balanced taste that’s simply irresistible. The combination of all these elements creates a cookie that’s not just delicious, but also an experience worth savoring.
Why You’ll Love This Dark Chocolate Cherry Oatmeal Cookies
You’ll fall in love with the warm, inviting charm of these cookies right from the first whiff as they bake. The aroma fills your kitchen, drawing everyone in, which is half the fun of baking. Plus, these cookies are wonderfully versatile. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or just enjoying a cozy evening at home, they fit any occasion perfectly.
Baking always brings a comforting sense of nostalgia, doesn’t it? As you mix, scoop, and watch them brown in the oven, there’s a sense of satisfaction knowing that you’re creating something special to share. Each homemade cookie has a story, a shared moment, making them more than just a treat.
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup salted butter, softened (1 and 1/2 sticks)
- 1 and 1/2 cups dark brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
- 3/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup old-fashioned oats
- 1 and 1/4 cups quick oats
- 1 cup dried tart cherries, coarsely chopped
- 4 ounces bittersweet chocolate, chopped (approximately 3/4 cup)
- 1 cup pecans, toasted and chopped
- Dark chocolate chips, for topping the cookies
Preparing the Dough
Gather Your Ingredients
Begin your baking journey by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F. This ensures the perfect baking temperature. Then prepare your baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper or silicone mats. This little step makes cleanup a breeze!
Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl or stand mixer, beat the softened salted butter and dark brown sugar together until the mixture is fluffy, which should take about 1-2 minutes. Don’t forget to scrape down the sides of the bowl. This way, all your ingredients mix evenly, resulting in a creamy base for your cookies.
Add Egg and Vanilla
Next, incorporate that large egg and the teaspoon of vanilla extract into your butter-sugar mixture. Blend this together well until it’s smooth and fully combined.
Combine Flour and Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, stir together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to your wet ingredients. Mix it until just combined; you don’t want to overdo it here.
Fold in Oats and Mix-Ins
Now it’s time for the fun part. Gently fold in the old-fashioned oats, quick oats, coarsely chopped cherries, bittersweet chocolate, and toasted pecans. Make sure everything is well combined, keeping an eye out for any flour streaks—you want a consistent dough.
Shape the Cookies
Using a 1/4 cup measuring cup, scoop the dough and shape it into balls. Place them on your prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart; 8 cookies per sheet works perfectly.
Baking the Cookies
Bake to Perfection
Pop your cookies in the preheated oven and bake for 12-13 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the edges are set, and the centers have a slight shine. As soon as you take them out, sprinkle some dark chocolate chips on top while they are still warm. That melting chocolate is pure magic!
Cooling Stage
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. This helps them firm up a little before transferring them to a cooling rack.
Serving Suggestions
I can’t think of a better pairing for these cookies than a cold glass of milk or a steaming cup of coffee. They are also perfect for sharing; pop them onto dessert platters at gatherings, and watch the smiles spread.
Tips for Success
- Make sure your butter is softened, but not too warm. This will give you the best textural results.
- Avoid over-mixing the dough. Doing so keeps those cookies nice and chewy, rather than dense.
- Feel free to experiment with other nuts or fruits that you love!
Variations
If you’re looking to mix things up a bit, you can substitute dried cherries with cranberries for a new flavor. Want to add a hint of warmth? A pinch of cinnamon can do wonders. And don’t hesitate to try different types of chocolate, like white chocolate, for an exciting twist!
Storage Tips
For the freshest cookies, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will keep great for up to one week. If you want to store them longer, freeze the cookies in a sealed bag and thaw them at room temperature when you’re ready.
Pairing Ideas
For an over-the-top dessert experience, pair your Dark Chocolate Cherry Oatmeal Cookies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. They also pair wonderfully with fresh fruit salads, offering a balanced treat that everyone can enjoy.
FAQs
-
Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned oats?
Yes, you can, but the texture will be slightly different. Both types work well! -
How do I make these cookies gluten-free?
Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. -
What can I replace pecans with?
Try walnuts or almonds; they both add great flavor. -
Can I use fresh cherries instead of dried?
Fresh cherries work, but you may need to reduce moisture in the recipe. -
How can I make these cookies vegan?
Swap butter for a plant-based alternative and use a flax egg in place of the regular egg.
The experience of baking Dark Chocolate Cherry Oatmeal Cookies brings warmth and comfort in every bite. This luscious combination of chewy oats, rich chocolate, and tart cherries creates a beloved favorite for any occasion. Whether shared with friends or enjoyed solo, each cookie offers a taste of care and creativity. So grab those ingredients, and let the delicious journey begin!
Print
Dark Chocolate Cherry Oatmeal Cookies
These cookies offer a perfect blend of chewy oats, rich dark chocolate, and tart cherries, making them a delightful treat for gatherings or cozy evenings.
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup salted butter, softened (1 and 1/2 sticks)
- 1 and 1/2 cups dark brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
- 3/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup old-fashioned oats
- 1 and 1/4 cups quick oats
- 1 cup dried tart cherries, coarsely chopped
- 4 ounces bittersweet chocolate, chopped (approximately 3/4 cup)
- 1 cup pecans, toasted and chopped
- Dark chocolate chips, for topping the cookies
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F and prepare baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Beat softened butter and dark brown sugar until fluffy.
- Add egg and vanilla, mixing until smooth.
- Combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a separate bowl, then mix with wet ingredients until just combined.
- Fold in oats, cherries, chocolate, and pecans until well combined.
- Scoop dough into balls and place on prepared sheets, spacing them 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 12-13 minutes until edges are set.
- Sprinkle dark chocolate chips on top while warm and cool on a rack.
Last Step:
Please leave a rating and comment letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business to thrive and continue providing free, high-quality recipes for you.Notes
Ensure butter is softened, but not melted for best texture.
Avoid over-mixing to keep cookies chewy.
Feel free to experiment with different nuts or fruit.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 13 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 12
- Sodium: 150
- Fat: 10
- Saturated Fat: 3
- Unsaturated Fat: 6
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 27
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 3
- Cholesterol: 15
