Homemade Vegan Chocolate-Cherry Cookies 🍒🍫

I find it a bit difficult to bake with sour berries or fruit, so cherries were a challenge for me for a while. I now gathered a few recipes that workes for me where I can include fresh cherries but when I want something new and yet am not in the mood to experiment and risk ruining the meal - I go for cherry and chocolate blend. This combination never disappointed me and is a trusted duo by many. Therefore as I had a bunch of fresh cherries a few days ago, I chose the safe path to utilize them - and made some mouth-watering cookies!

Bursting with juicy cherries and rich chocolate chips, these cookies are a perfect addition to any snack time or dessert spread. Bake them as a surprise for friends, as a thoughtful treat for a friend's birthday, or simply whip them up as a delightful weekend baking project with your loved ones. They bring a touch of joy to any moment and are perfect for sharing with friends and family.

This recipe isn't just for vegans; it's for anyone who craves a satisfying, sweet and sour dessert. Fresh cherries make it a bit sour but the chocolate perfectly supplements the cookies by adding a sweet note.

Made with simple, easy-to-find ingredients, this recipe is beginner-friendly, making it perfect for both seasoned bakers and newcomers to the kitchen. The cookies turn out soft and chewy on the inside, with a slightly crisp edge—a delightful contrast that's sure to satisfy even the pickiest eaters.

The soft, chewy texture combined with the burst of cherry goodness and the decadent chocolate chips will have your friends and family asking for seconds (and thirds!). They are a great option for those with dietary restrictions, allergies, or anyone looking to reduce their consumption of animal products without sacrificing taste.

You will need:
For about 14 cookies
● 120 g. wheat flour
● ½ teaspoon baking powder
● ¼ teaspoon salt
● 50 ml. coconut oil
● 70 g. brown sugar
● 1 well-ripened banana
● 50 g. dark chocolate chips (or simply chopped dark chocolate)
● 2 teaspoons unsweetened cocoa powder
● 140 g. fresh cherries

Preparation

1.Remove the pits from the cherries. This can be done with a special pitting tool or, if you don't have one, with a simple wooden skewer or, if the cherries are larger, with a straw.

Then slightly chop the cherries by cutting them in half or into 4 pieces.

2.Preheat the oven to 180°C. Line a baking tray with baking paper and set aside.

3.Mix the dry ingredients - flour, baking powder, cocoa and salt.

4.Mash the banana with a fork until smooth.

Then mix it with melted coconut oil and sugar.

5.Pour the banana mixture into the flour mixture and mix.

Add the chocolate chips (or chopped chocolate) and chopped cherries and stir until combined.

6.Place about a tablespoon of dough per biscuit on a baking tray with baking paper.

Arrange them 2-3 cm. apart as they will expand slightly during baking. The dough makes about 14 biscuits.

7.Bake for about 15-20 minutes - until the biscuits are lightly browned.

8.Once the cookies are out of the oven, let them cool on the baking tray for 10-15 minutes and then place them in another bowl/plate to cool completely.

What about you - do you like cherry-chocolate desserts? 🍒