Perfect for Christmastime and beyond, these Cherry Chocolate Nut Cookies are soft, chewy cookies packed with vibrant cherries, rich chocolate, and crunchy pistachios, making them an unforgettable treat for any occasion.

If you cherish the delightful combination of chocolate and cherry, you’ll also adore these Baked Chocolate Donuts with Cherry Glaze.

Cherry Chocolate Nut Cookies: A Festive and Flavorful Favorite

There’s something inherently comforting about a freshly baked cookie. It’s a simple pleasure that can brighten any day, and when you combine the classic flavors of chocolate and cherry with the unexpected crunch of pistachios, you create pure magic. These Cherry Chocolate Nut Cookies are not just any cookies; they are soft, tender, and bursting with a symphony of textures and tastes, making them truly special.

Just the other day, my mom posed a question that often stumps even the most seasoned bakers: “What cookies would you make for a cookie swap?” For a moment, my mind went completely blank. Despite having baked countless varieties over the years, from simple chocolate chip to intricate holiday designs, I struggled to pinpoint one that encapsulated everything a perfect cookie swap offering should be. Then, it hit me.

Why These Cherry Chocolate Nut Cookies Are Simply Irresistible

After perfecting this recipe, both my mom and I unanimously agreed: these Cherry Chocolate Nut Cookies are the ultimate cookie swap champions. Their vibrant red cherries instantly evoke a festive, Christmassy feel, making them ideal for holiday gatherings. Who can resist the allure of rich chocolate in a perfectly baked cookie? The answer is almost nobody!

My choice to include pistachios was deliberate. Their subtly sweet, earthy flavor and satisfying crunch offer a beautiful contrast to the soft cookie base, the melty chocolate, and the chewy tartness of the cherries. However, the beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability. While pistachios add a touch of elegance, almost any nut – from classic walnuts to buttery pecans or even slivered almonds – would work equally well, allowing you to customize them to your preference or what you have on hand.

The quest for the perfect cookie swap recipe might seem daunting, but these cookies genuinely stand out. They are not only visually appealing but also offer a complex flavor profile that keeps everyone coming back for more. Their soft texture ensures they remain fresh and delightful, whether you’re enjoying them straight from the oven or sharing them with friends and family. This recipe truly turned my cookie-swap mental block into a triumphant baking success!

Mastering Your Cherry Chocolate Nut Cookies: Essential Baking Tips

Achieving bakery-quality cookies at home is simpler than you think with a few key considerations. Follow these tips to ensure your Cherry Chocolate Nut Cookies turn out perfectly every time:

• Start with Room Temperature Ingredients

  Butter and eggs at room temperature are non-negotiable for a smooth, homogenous cookie dough. Room temperature butter creams beautifully with sugar, incorporating air and creating a light, fluffy base. Cold ingredients, on the other hand, can lead to a lumpy dough and a less tender cookie. Plan ahead and take your butter and eggs out of the refrigerator about 30-60 minutes before you start baking.

• Measure Flour Accurately

  Too much flour is a common pitfall that results in dry, dense cookies. The best way to measure flour is to lightly spoon it into your measuring cup and then level it off with a straight edge, like a knife. Avoid scooping directly with the measuring cup, as this can compact the flour and add up to 25% more than intended.

• Do Not Overmix

  Once you add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mix only until just combined. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, leading to tough, chewy cookies instead of the desired soft texture. A few streaks of flour are perfectly fine; they will disappear during baking.

• Choose Your Nuts Wisely (or Vary Them!)

  While pistachios offer a unique color and flavor, feel free to experiment with other nuts. Walnuts and pecans are classic choices that pair wonderfully with chocolate and cherry. For an enhanced flavor, lightly toast your chosen nuts in a dry pan or oven for a few minutes before adding them to the dough. This simple step brings out their natural oils and deepens their taste.

• Prepare Cherries Properly

  Maraschino cherries are often packed in syrup, which can add too much moisture to your cookie dough. Be sure to drain them thoroughly and, if desired, pat them dry with paper towels before chopping. This prevents the cookies from becoming soggy and helps the cherries retain their distinct shape and flavor.

• Bake Until Just Golden

  Cookie doneness is key to a soft, chewy texture. These cookies should be baked until the edges are lightly golden brown, but the centers still look slightly soft. They will continue to set as they cool on the baking sheet. Overbaking is the enemy of a tender cookie, resulting in a drier, crispier treat.

Creative Variations for Your Cherry Chocolate Nut Cookies

One of the joys of home baking is the freedom to experiment and personalize recipes. While these Cherry Chocolate Nut Cookies are fantastic as written, here are some ideas to inspire your own delicious variations:

• Nutty Innovations

  Beyond pistachios, consider other nuts like chopped pecans, walnuts, or even macadamia nuts for a different texture and flavor profile. You could also try a blend of nuts for added complexity. Lightly toasting them before adding will bring out their best flavor.

• Chocolate Explorations

  Swap out semi-sweet chocolate chips for dark chocolate chunks for a more intense cocoa flavor, or use white chocolate chips for a sweeter, creamier contrast. Milk chocolate chips are also a great option for those who prefer a milder chocolate experience. A combination of different chocolate types can also be incredibly decadent.

• Cherry Swaps

  If maraschino cherries aren’t your preference, dried cherries (rehydrated in warm water or a splash of kirsch for extra flavor, then drained) make a fantastic substitute, offering a more concentrated tartness. Fresh, pitted, and diced cherries can also be used when in season, though they might add a bit more moisture to the dough.

• Flavor Boosters

  A touch of almond extract can enhance the cherry flavor beautifully. Orange zest or a hint of cardamom could also introduce an unexpected but delightful aromatic complexity. Consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warmer, holiday spice profile.

• Garnishes & Glazes

  For an extra touch of elegance, drizzle cooled cookies with melted white chocolate or a simple powdered sugar glaze mixed with a little cherry juice. A sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top can also wonderfully balance the sweetness.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

To enjoy your Cherry Chocolate Nut Cookies at their best, proper storage is essential. These tips will help you keep them fresh and delicious for longer, or prepare them in advance for convenience:

• Storing Baked Cookies

  Once completely cooled, store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. Placing a slice of bread in the container can help keep them soft and moist.

• Freezing Baked Cookies

  Baked cookies freeze exceptionally well. Allow them to cool completely, then arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

• Freezing Cookie Dough

  Prepare the cookie dough as instructed, then roll it into individual balls. Place the dough balls on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. When ready to bake, you can bake them directly from frozen, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time, or let them thaw slightly in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before baking.

Cherry Chocolate Nut Cookies Recipe

Cherry Chocolate Nut Cookies

★★★★★
5 from 1 vote

Author: Deborah Harroun

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Yields: 3 dozen cookies

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Print Recipe
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Perfect for Christmastime and beyond, these Cherry Chocolate Nut Cookies are soft cookies that are packed with chocolate, cherries, and crunchy pistachios.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup butter (softened to room temperature)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed)
• 1 large egg
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 3/4 cup chopped maraschino cherries (well-drained and patted dry)
• 3/4 cup roughly chopped pistachios

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375ºF (190°C). Prepare two large baking sheets by lightly greasing them or lining them with parchment paper.
2. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment (or using a hand mixer), cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar on medium speed until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color, about 2-3 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
3. Add the large egg and beat until it is fully incorporated into the mixture. Then, beat in the milk and vanilla extract until just combined.
4. In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and baking soda until well combined.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients in the mixer, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough, as this can result in tough cookies.
6. Gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips, chopped maraschino cherries, and roughly chopped pistachios by hand using a spatula until they are evenly distributed throughout the cookie dough.
7. Drop tablespoonfuls of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving approximately 2 inches between each cookie to allow for proper spreading during baking.
8. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown and the centers appear just set. The cookies may still look slightly soft in the middle, but they will firm up as they cool.
9. Remove the baking sheets from the oven and let the cookies cool on the sheets for about 5 minutes before carefully transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy!

Keywords: chocolate, Christmas cookies, maraschino cherries, pistachio, holiday baking, soft cookies, dessert, American cuisine

Explore More Delicious Cookie Recipes

If you’re a true cookie enthusiast always on the hunt for your next baking project, don’t stop here! Discover more delightful recipes from our kitchen to add to your repertoire. Each one promises to be a crowd-pleaser, perfect for any occasion or simply as a well-deserved treat:

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