I make these every holiday season, and sometimes in mid-July, I give in to impulse and make them just because I miss them. They’ve had it all: melting chocolate and chewy dried cherries, with that forever irresistible almond liqueur flavor working on top. The best part? They come together in less than thirty minutes! YAY!!

What are Chocolate Cherry Amaretto Cookies?

Chocolate Cherry Amaretto Cookies are soft and chewy chocolate cookies packed with dark chocolate chips, dried cherries, and a splash of amaretto liqueur. Rich with the chocolate, bursting with cherries, and finished with the warm nutty undertones of the amaretto, these cookies exemplify easy elegance. Ideal in gift baskets or simply for your enjoyment.

Ingredients

Wet Ingredients

½ cup unsalted butter, softened
¾ cup brown sugar
¼ cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1½ tsp vanilla extract
2 tbsp amaretto liqueur

Dry Ingredients

1½ cups all-purpose flour
¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
½ tsp baking soda
¼ tsp salt

Mix-ins

¾ cup dark chocolate chips
½ cup dried cherries, chopped

How to Make Chocolate Cherry Amaretto Cookies

The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C) with a parchment-lined baking sheet. Butter and both sugars are creamed together until light and fluffy.
Egg, vanilla, and amaretto are added and beaten until smooth.
In another bowl, whisk flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt together.
Dry ingredients go into the wet. Mix until just combined.
Chocolate chips and cherries will be folded into the batter.
With a tablespoon, drop balls of dough onto the baking sheet.
The cookies are to be baked for 10–12 minutes until set on the edges with soft, gooey centers.
Cool for 5 minutes on a baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack.

Related: Easy Sponge Cake

Storage Tips

Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for 5 days.
Bakery-fresh cookies can be frozen for up to two months. Just thaw and enjoy.
You can also freeze the dough—scoop it into balls first for easy baking later.

Serving Suggestions

Serve warm with milk or coffee.
Crumble on vanilla ice cream for a very easy dessert.
These make lovely homemade gifts in a gift tin.

Pro Tips & Variations

No amaretto? Sub with 1 tsp almond extract.
Substitute dried cherries for cranberries or chopped dates.
Chopped almonds can be added for more crunchiness; you could add ¼ cup.
Substitute the gluten-free all-purpose blend flour at a 1:1 ratio.

FAQs

Can I make these without alcohol?

Yes! Just replace the amaretto with almond extract (start with ½ to 1 tsp).

Are these cookies very sweet?

They’re sweet but balanced with cocoa and tart cherries.

Can I use fresh cherries?

Not recommended—dried cherries hold up better and don’t make the dough soggy.

Can I make them vegan?

Use plant-based butter, a flax egg (1 tbsp flax + 3 tbsp water), and dairy-free chocolate chips.

Try These Cookies Now!

These Chocolate Cherry Amaretto Cookies are loaded with flavor and totally worth every bite. They’re the kind of cookies people ask for the recipe after one taste. Give them a try—you’ll be hooked just like I am!