Chocolate-Cherry Oatmeal Cookies

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Soft and chewy oatmeal cookies studded with tart dried cherries and bittersweet chocolate chunks, perfect for a comforting snack or dessert. This american-inspired desserts ready in about 27 minutes layers (113g) unsalted butter, softened, (150g) brown sugar, (50g) granulated sugar into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 140 calories and feeds 24, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 12 min Serves 24 American cuisine 140 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. In a large bowl, cream together 1/2 cup softened unsalted butter, 3/4 cup brown sugar, and 1/4 cup granulated sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 large egg and 1 tsp vanilla extract to the butter mixture and beat until combined. In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1 1/2 cups rolled oats, 1/2 tsp baking soda, and 1/4 tsp salt.
  3. Step 3: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low until just combined. Fold in 3/4 cup chopped dried cherries and 3/4 cup bittersweet chocolate chunks.
  4. Step 4: Scoop heaping tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are golden and centers are set. Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Bakeware & baking tools → Shop all kitchen tools →

Frequently asked questions

How long does Chocolate-Cherry Oatmeal Cookies take to make?

Total time is about 27 minutes (15 min prep + 12 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.

How do I store leftover Chocolate-Cherry Oatmeal Cookies?

Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.

Can I substitute ingredients in Chocolate-Cherry Oatmeal Cookies?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Chocolate-Cherry Oatmeal Cookies for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 24 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 24). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Chocolate-Cherry Oatmeal Cookies?

American desserts like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.