When you want a cookie that feels warm, comforting, and a little extra special, Chocolate Chunk Oatmeal Cookies with Dried Cherries are the perfect bake. They’re thick and chewy with hearty oats, melty pockets of chocolate, and bursts of sweet-tart cherries in every bite.
Unlike basic oatmeal cookies, this homemade version has a bakery-style texture—soft in the center, lightly crisp at the edges, and packed with flavor. Perfect for lunchboxes, holiday cookie trays, afternoon snacks, or satisfying a serious cookie craving.
Ingredients
Makes 18 cookies
- 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup (100g) brown sugar (packed)
- 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional, but delicious)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups (135g) old-fashioned rolled oats
- 3/4 cup (130g) chocolate chunks (or chocolate chips)
- 2/3 cup (100g) dried cherries
- Optional: 1/3 cup (35g) chopped walnuts or pecans
Preparation Time
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Chill time: 20 minutes (recommended)
- Bake time: 10–12 minutes
- Total time: About 45 minutes
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, beat softened butter with brown sugar and granulated sugar until light and fluffy (about 1–2 minutes).
Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla
Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until smooth.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, cinnamon (if using), and salt.
Step 5: Make the Dough
Add dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix just until combined. Stir in oats.
Step 6: Fold in the Good Stuff
Fold in chocolate chunks and dried cherries (and nuts if using). Chill dough for 20 minutes for thicker cookies.
Step 7: Scoop and Bake
Scoop dough into 1 1/2 tablespoon portions and place on the baking sheets, leaving space to spread.
Bake 10–12 minutes until edges are set and centers look slightly underbaked.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Let cookies cool on the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a rack to cool completely.
Serving Suggestions
- Enjoy warm with a glass of cold milk or a hot cup of coffee.
- Sandwich with vanilla ice cream for an easy cookie ice cream sandwich.
- Drizzle with melted dark chocolate for a fancy finish.
- Pack into lunchboxes for a sweet midday treat.
- Add to a holiday cookie tray for a unique flavor combo.
Nutritional Highlights
| Nutrient | Per Serving (1 cookie) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 170 |
| Protein | 2 grams |
| Total Fat | 8 grams |
| Saturated Fat | 4 grams |
| Carbohydrates | 24 grams |
| Sugars | 13 grams |
| Fiber | 2 grams |
| Sodium | 140 milligrams |
Nutritional Notes:
- Oats add fiber and give these cookies a satisfying, hearty texture.
- Dried cherries bring natural sweetness plus a bright, tart contrast to the chocolate.
- Using chocolate chunks creates bigger melty pockets than regular chips.
Tips for Perfect Cookies
- Chill the dough for thicker, chewier cookies.
- Don’t overbake—pull them when the centers still look slightly soft.
- If cherries are very dry, soak them in warm water for 5 minutes, then pat dry.
- Use a mix of dark and semi-sweet chocolate chunks for deeper flavor.
- Press a few extra chocolate chunks on top before baking for a bakery look.
Variations to Try
- White Chocolate Cherry: Swap chocolate chunks for white chocolate chips.
- Almond Cherry: Add 1/2 teaspoon almond extract for a bakery-style flavor.
- Coconut Twist: Mix in 1/3 cup shredded coconut.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and certified gluten-free oats.
- Extra Chewy: Replace 1 tablespoon of flour with cornstarch.
These Chocolate Chunk Oatmeal Cookies with Dried Cherries are the ultimate balance of chewy, melty, sweet, and tart. Easy to make and packed with texture, they’re perfect for everyday snacking or special occasions.
Whether you bake them soft and gooey or a little more crisp, this recipe guarantees a cozy, chocolatey bite with a cherry pop every time.
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