I have a thing for dried cherries.
Let’s call it a mutual relationship.
Speaking of mutual relationships, that’s how Mr. How Sweet’s best man described their bond at our wedding. It was odd, and I’m grateful I have the video to remember it by.
Dried cherries always remind me of vacations in Northern Michigan. We used to bring home a large bag from American Spoon and finish it in days.
Yes, I was the one doing the devouring.
Now that my palate has matured a bit, I can’t think of a better match for dried cherries than chocolate — especially dark chocolate.
I don’t often reach for dark chocolate; I usually prefer milk chocolate — the kind that’s decadently rich. But for tart cherries, dark chocolate is just right.
And yes, it’s the healthier kind of chocolate, so you can feel better about enjoying more of these cookies.
I made these cookies with my dad in mind — he loves dried cherries, chocolate, and Northern Michigan, so I knew they’d be a hit. I gave him almost the entire batch and left only a few to finish cooling at home.
Five minutes later I received a picture message from Mr. How Sweet asking, “What is in these cookies that I wouldn’t like? They look weird. Don’t fib.”
I knew he wouldn’t try them. The hint of cherry peeking through the chocolate was enough to put him off — he still has that five-year-old palate.
He’s always looking for ways to be more like my dad, who seems to do everything perfectly. You’d think he’d take a bite.
Maybe one day he will.
The cookie recipe comes from Mother Lovett’s recipe vault and is the same base I used for Christmas cookies. The dough is dangerously good — you’ll be tempted to snack on it raw — and once baked it yields incredibly moist, chocolatey cookies.
These cookies practically melt in your mouth. The rich dark chocolate and tart cherries are a perfect pairing.
Dark Chocolate Cherry Cookies
2 sticks butter
1 1/2 cups sugar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 cups flour
1/2 cup cocoa powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup dried cherries
1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
Preheat oven to 350°F.
Cream the butter, sugar, eggs and vanilla until light and fluffy. Add the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda and salt, mixing until just combined.
Fold in the chocolate chips and dried cherries. Roll the dough into balls and arrange on a baking sheet.
Bake for 8–10 minutes at 350°F, until the cookies are set but still soft in the center. Let cool slightly on the sheet before transferring to a rack.
I’m excited to attend Fitbloggin’ this weekend. I’m a little worried about Mr. How Sweet — he’s not much of a cook, so who will check on him while I’m away?
I guess we’ll find out when I get back.