These Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies with Mocha Chips are the ultimate fusion of sweet, tart, and bold. The chewiness of dried cherries, the richness of chocolate chips, and the depth of mocha chips all come together to create a cookie that’s anything but ordinary.
Perfect with a cup of coffee or a glass of milk, these cookies elevate your usual chocolate chip experience. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just craving a cozy treat, this recipe brings a delightful twist with every bite — a comforting, slightly caffeinated hug in cookie form.
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
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1 cup unsalted butter, softened
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1 cup light brown sugar
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1/2 cup granulated sugar
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2 large eggs
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2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
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2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
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1/2 teaspoon baking soda
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1/2 teaspoon salt
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1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
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3/4 cup mocha chips (or espresso-flavored chocolate chips)
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3/4 cup dried tart cherries, roughly chopped
Directions:
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
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In a large bowl, cream together the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
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Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla extract.
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In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture.
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Stir in chocolate chips, mocha chips, and dried cherries until well combined.
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Drop dough by rounded tablespoons onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing about 2 inches apart.
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Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden but centers are still soft.
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Cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 12 minutes | Total Time: 27 minutes
Kcal: 210 kcal per cookie | Servings: 24 cookies
The Allure of Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies with Mocha Chips
There’s something timeless and irresistible about chocolate chip cookies. Whether it’s their nostalgic aroma wafting through the kitchen or their golden edges with gooey centers, they hold a special place in the heart of every home baker. But what happens when we take this beloved classic and elevate it with rich mocha chips and tart dried cherries? Magic. Pure, delicious magic.
Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies with Mocha Chips aren’t just another cookie—they’re an experience. Each bite delivers a balance of flavors that feels luxurious, comforting, and unexpected all at once. The tartness of dried cherries dances beautifully with the bold flavor of coffee-infused chocolate, while the semisweet chocolate chips offer familiar comfort. It’s a recipe that turns heads, starts conversations, and becomes an instant favorite at gatherings.
Why These Cookies Stand Out
What makes these cookies truly unique is the blend of flavors that feel both familiar and gourmet. Instead of relying solely on the classic chocolate chip profile, this recipe introduces complexity through the use of mocha chips and dried cherries.
The mocha chips—essentially chocolate chips with a hit of espresso—add a deep, roasted note that resonates with coffee lovers and chocolate aficionados alike. They add a maturity to the cookie that elevates it far above your typical bake-sale fare. The dried cherries bring in a bright, tangy contrast that cuts through the richness of the chocolate, creating layers of flavor that surprise and delight.
In essence, this cookie delivers balance. Sweet but not cloying, rich but not overwhelming, with just the right chew thanks to the cherries and a crisp edge from the butter and sugar base.
Perfect for Coffee Lovers and Adventurous Bakers
If you’re someone who can’t start the day without a cup of coffee, these cookies are going to speak to your soul. The mocha chips infuse that unmistakable espresso essence into each bite, making them an ideal pairing with your morning brew or an afternoon pick-me-up.
And if you’re a baker who enjoys stepping outside of the traditional chocolate chip realm, this recipe will quickly become your go-to. It’s easy enough for weeknight baking, yet sophisticated enough to serve at dinner parties or holiday gatherings. The combination of ingredients invites curiosity—and compliments.
A Cookie with Depth and Personality
One of the best aspects of this cookie recipe is its ability to surprise. At first glance, they may resemble a standard chocolate chip cookie, but one bite tells a different story. The depth of flavor is remarkable. The tartness of cherries cuts through the buttery richness, while the mocha chips introduce a lingering, earthy warmth.
This is the kind of cookie that people take a bite of and immediately ask, “What’s in this?” It’s a conversation starter. It’s the kind of cookie you keep going back to, not because it’s familiar—but because it offers something new with every bite.
The Science of Cookie Perfection
Behind every great cookie is solid baking science, and this one is no exception. The ratio of sugars (both brown and white) creates the ideal texture: crisp edges with soft, chewy centers. Brown sugar retains more moisture, while granulated sugar encourages spread and caramelization. Together, they work in harmony to give you that perfect bite.
Adding the mocha and chocolate chips together offers a dual texture—smooth, melted pockets of sweetness with that slight espresso edge. The cherries, meanwhile, soften during baking and add chewy bits of fruitiness that pop against the warm cookie dough.
Proper chilling of the dough (even for just 30 minutes) can enhance the flavor even more, allowing the flour to hydrate and the sugars to meld, resulting in a more nuanced cookie.
Storage and Serving Suggestions
These cookies store beautifully. In an airtight container at room temperature, they’ll last 4–5 days—though chances are, they’ll be gone much sooner. If you want to prolong their life, store them in the fridge for up to a week or freeze them for up to 3 months. Simply reheat for a few seconds in the microwave to restore their softness.
They’re perfect as an afternoon snack, a sweet treat in a lunchbox, or served on a platter at your next get-together. Try pairing them with cold brew, a dark roast coffee, or even a scoop of cherry vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
Customizing the Recipe to Your Taste
While this recipe is delightful as written, it’s also extremely versatile. Want a more intense coffee flavor? Add a teaspoon of instant espresso powder to the dough. Prefer white chocolate? Swap out the semisweet chips for white chocolate chunks to complement the cherries.
You can even substitute the cherries with dried cranberries, blueberries, or chopped dried apricots if you’re looking to shake things up. And for those who want to lean into the coffee-shop vibe, try drizzling the cooled cookies with a mocha glaze or sprinkling sea salt on top before baking to balance the sweetness.
A Crowd Favorite for All Seasons
These cookies aren’t tied to a single season, which makes them even more valuable to have in your repertoire. In winter, they’re cozy and indulgent with a cup of hot chocolate. In spring, they pair well with a light cappuccino and feel like a nod to cherry blossom season. In summer, they’re delicious with iced coffee, and in fall, they complement spiced teas and pumpkin-flavored everything.
Because they’re slightly unexpected, they also make excellent gifts. Stack a few in a mason jar or wrap them in parchment and twine—they’re a gourmet treat that feels thoughtful and personal.
Why This Recipe Belongs in Your Baking Rotation
This isn’t a cookie you make once and forget. It’s one that becomes part of your regular baking cycle because it offers everything a good cookie should—familiarity with a twist. It satisfies your sweet tooth while exciting your palate. It’s quick to prepare but feels like a special indulgence.
It’s also a wonderful way to introduce new flavors to people who may be hesitant to experiment. Kids will love the sweet chewiness, adults will appreciate the depth of mocha, and everyone will agree that this cookie hits the mark.
Whether you’re baking for yourself, your family, or a crowd, these Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies with Mocha Chips offer the ideal balance of comfort and creativity.
Conclusion
The Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies with Mocha Chips are more than just another spin on a classic—they are an example of how thoughtful ingredient combinations can elevate a well-loved recipe into something truly memorable.
Their depth, complexity, and comforting textures make them a perfect addition to your cookie repertoire, especially for those who appreciate bold flavor contrasts and love a hint of coffee in their desserts. Whether you’re serving them at a cozy winter gathering or just enjoying one with your morning espresso, these cookies promise to deliver satisfaction with every bite.
If you’re looking for a treat that goes beyond the ordinary, gives your tastebuds something to talk about, and earns rave reviews every time, this is the recipe to bookmark, bake, and repeat.