If you’re searching for a show-stopping, crowd-pleasing treat that will satisfy both your sweet tooth and your craving for something just a bit different, look no further than this Cherry Chocolate Chip Brownies Recipe. These brownies are the perfect marriage of rich chocolate, juicy cherries, and soft, chewy texture in every bite. Whether you’re entertaining, bringing dessert to a potluck, or just indulging at home, this recipe is remarkably easy with results that’ll have everyone begging for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
With only a handful of ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen, each staple in this Cherry Chocolate Chip Brownies Recipe plays a key role—bringing depth, moistness, a fudgy crumb, and bursts of chocolate-cherry flavor. Here’s what you’ll need and why each one makes these brownies irresistible:
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, melted): Richens the batter and creates that classic fudgy texture everyone loves in a brownie.
- Granulated sugar (1 cup): Sweetens each bite while giving the brownies their shiny, crackly top.
- Large eggs (2): Help bind everything together and make these brownies moist and chewy.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances both the chocolate and cherry notes for incredible flavor depth.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder (1/3 cup): Provides that deep, luxurious chocolate taste.
- All-purpose flour (1/2 cup): Gives structure to the brownies while keeping them tender—not cakey.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and intensifies the chocolate.
- Baking powder (1/4 teaspoon): Lifts the batter just enough, making the brownies soft but not too airy.
- Chocolate chips (1/2 cup): Melty pools of chocolate throughout bring extra richness in every bite.
- Chopped dried or maraschino cherries (1/2 cup): Add surprise pops of tart-sweet fruitiness that keep these brownies memorable.
How to Make Cherry Chocolate Chip Brownies Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Baking Pan and Oven
To start, set your oven to preheat at 350°F (175°C). Grab an 8×8-inch baking pan and either grease it with a bit of butter or line it with parchment paper. This not only ensures easy release of your brownies later but also helps keep those beautifully crisp edges intact.
Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, blend the melted butter and granulated sugar together. Mixing these while the butter is still warm helps create that signature shiny crust brownies are famous for. Once combined, add the eggs and vanilla extract, stirring until the mixture is completely smooth.
Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients
Sprinkle in the unsweetened cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder. Stir gently just until there are no dry patches left. Don’t over-mix here—minimal mixing keeps your brownies tender and dense.
Step 4: Fold in Chips and Cherries
Now for the best part of the Cherry Chocolate Chip Brownies Recipe: fold in the chocolate chips and chopped cherries. The mix-ins should be distributed evenly, ensuring every brownie square gets that gooey chocolate and sweet cherry duo.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Pour the batter into your prepped baking pan and smooth it into all the corners with a spatula. Slide the pan into the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. The top should look set but the center will be moist. Use the toothpick test—when poked in the center, a few moist (not wet) crumbs means they’re done.
Step 6: Cool and Slice
Let your brownies cool right in the pan for maximum fudginess and easier slicing. Once cool, lift them out and cut into squares. The Cherry Chocolate Chip Brownies Recipe is now ready to surprise and delight!
How to Serve Cherry Chocolate Chip Brownies Recipe
Garnishes
For a stunning finish, you can drizzle the brownies with a swirl of melted chocolate or add a dusting of powdered sugar. Top with a few extra chopped cherries or chocolate chips for a beautiful, bakery-worthy look!
Side Dishes
Serve these brownies as the star of your dessert table alongside a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream or a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream. For an extra treat, pair with fresh berries or a fresh fruit salad to compliment their rich chocolatey goodness.
Creative Ways to Present
This Cherry Chocolate Chip Brownies Recipe is perfect for parties, bake sales, or cozy nights in. Stack the brownie squares on a pretty platter, wrap individual pieces in parchment for lunchbox treats, or layer them in a jar with ice cream for a homemade brownie sundae everyone will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any brownies left over, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They’ll stay moist and delicious, and possibly even taste better after sitting overnight as the flavors meld together.
Freezing
The Cherry Chocolate Chip Brownies Recipe freezes beautifully! Wrap individual brownie squares tightly in plastic wrap and stash them in a zip-top bag or airtight container. They can be frozen for up to two months. Just thaw at room temperature or pop one in your lunch bag for a sweet treat on the go.
Reheating
To enjoy that just-baked warmth, place a brownie square on a microwave-safe plate and heat for about 10 to 15 seconds. The chocolate chips get melty again and the cherry flavor really pops—like fresh out of the oven!
FAQs
Can I use fresh cherries instead of dried or maraschino?
Absolutely, you can use fresh cherries! Just be sure to pit and chop them, and pat them dry with a paper towel so the batter doesn’t become too wet. Fresh cherries add an extra juicy burst, but you may want to bake the brownies an extra few minutes to compensate for the moisture.
What’s the best way to cut brownies cleanly?
For neat, sharp squares, let the brownies cool completely first. Use a sharp knife, and wipe it clean between cuts. You can also chill the brownies before slicing for ultra-clean edges—perfect for gifting or sharing.
Can I double this Cherry Chocolate Chip Brownies Recipe for a crowd?
Yes! Simply double all the ingredients and bake in a 9×13-inch pan. Keep an eye on the bake time; you may need to add a few extra minutes, but check early to be sure they stay fudgy and not overdone.
Are there nut-free options or add-ins I should try?
This recipe is already nut-free, but you can easily toss in some toasted coconut or substitute in white chocolate chips, dried cranberries, or even a swirl of peanut butter for an extra twist. Be creative and make this Cherry Chocolate Chip Brownies Recipe your own!
How do I know when my brownies are done baking?
The key is not to overbake! Check at the 25-minute mark. Insert a toothpick near the center—when it comes out with just a few moist crumbs, they’re perfectly fudgy. Remember, brownies will firm up as they cool.
Final Thoughts
If you’re longing for a dessert that’s both easy to make and absolutely unforgettable, give this Cherry Chocolate Chip Brownies Recipe a whirl. Each bite is a delightful blend of chocolate and cherry with that just-right fudgy chew. Gather your ingredients, fire up the oven, and get ready to satisfy your cravings!
Print
Cherry Chocolate Chip Brownies Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 9–12 brownies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the perfect blend of rich chocolate and sweet cherries with these scrumptious Cherry Chocolate Chip Brownies. These fudgy treats are easy to make and even easier to enjoy!
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
Wet Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Mix-Ins:
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup chopped dried cherries (or maraschino cherries, well-drained and chopped)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Mix the Batter: In a mixing bowl, combine melted butter and sugar. Add eggs and vanilla, then mix in cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder until just combined. Fold in chocolate chips and cherries.
- Bake: Spread the batter in the pan and bake for 25–30 minutes. Let cool before cutting into squares.
Notes
- For added decadence, drizzle with melted chocolate or serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Experiment with dried cranberries or white chocolate chips for a unique twist.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 20 g
- Sodium: 100 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg
