Chewy Chocolate Cherry Cookies

                                                           My New Favorite Cookie


I have a new favorite cookie. I am making these my cookie gifts this year, along with the recipe. I did do something different than this recipe called for, which was to chop the cherries, rather than use them whole. I didn't want to bite into a giant chunk of cherry. They came out wonderful, and you want them soft, so don't overbake. I was surprised by how much I liked these, (really, really liked these) so I wanted to share this with all of you as my cookie "gift" to you all. This is my adapted version of a recipe I found on line. Enjoy!



Chewy Chocolate Cherry Cookies



1 cup all purpose flour

1/3 cup cocoa powder

½ tsp. baking powder

¼ tsp. baking soda

¼ tsp. salt

1 cup sugar

1/3 cup butter, softened

1 tsp. vanilla extract

1 large egg

2/3 cup dried tart cherries, chopped

4 Tbsp. semisweet chocolate chips



Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Lightly spoon flour into a dry measuring cup, and level with a knife. Combine flour, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, and salt, stirring with a whisk. Place sugar and butter in a large bowl; beat with a mixer at high speed until well blended. Add vanilla and egg, and beat well. With mixer on low, gradually add flour mixture. Beat just until combined. Fold in cherries and chocolate chips.

Drop by tablespoonfuls 2 inches apart onto baking sheets coated with cooking spray. Bake at 350 degrees for 12 minutes or just until set. Remove from oven, let cool on pans for 5 minutes. Remove from pans, and cool completely on wire racks.

Yield: 30 cookies