The Ultimate Chocolate Cherry No-Bake Cookie Recipe

Decadent chocolate, creamy peanut butter, and sweet cherries come together in this easy-to-make no-bake cookie recipe. The addition of cherries adds a new delicious twist to these classic no-bake cookies. 

The Ultimate Chocolate Cherry No-Bake Cookies

No-bake cookies are my go-to cookie when I don't have time to bake or it's a hot summer day and there is no way I'm going to turn on the oven. Because they only require a few simple ingredients I know I always have everything I need on hand to whip up some cookies in a snap. 

The Moment of Inspiration

Inspiration for this recipe came to me one evening when our family was enjoying ice cream at our local favorite ice cream parlor, Double Dip!! One of the kids ordered a double scoop of Traverse City cherry fudge ice cream and I of course had to try a few licks from their waffle cone. 

It was amazing - and I've been dreaming about chocolate, fudge, and cherries ever since!

This post was written in partnership with Paradise Fruit Co. I received Paradise Fruit Co. products free in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.  

Fortunately, I didn't have to wait long for this match made in heaven. While making a batch of no-bake cookies I got the great idea to dice up some sweetened red cherries (I like Paradise Fruit Co. Holiday Fruit Red Cherries) and mix them into the cookie batter. I added a whole cherry to the top of each cookie so that everyone knew that these cookies weren't your run-of-the-mill no-bakes - they were a special edition!

While guarding the cookies as they cooled from hungry kids and my no-bake cookie-loving husband I knew I had to share this recipe with all of you too. These cookies are the perfect dessert to bring to a church potluck, summer picnic, or office party. 

Tips For Successful No-Bake Cookies

If you have ever made no-bake cookies you've probably realized that they can sometimes be a little finicky while setting. By this I mean sometimes your cookies can be too dry or too wet after cooling. 

Even though this doesn't affect the taste it can still be frustrating. No need to worry, a few simple tweaks and this problem will be solved.  Here are my tried and true tips to make sure your chocolate cherry no-bakes turn out perfect every time:

• Measure each of the ingredients before you start cooking and set them aside. Timing is an important part of getting this recipe to work properly.
• Use real butter, not margarine.
• Slowly bring the sugar, butter, milk, and cocoa powder to a boil. Once this mixture reaches a boil set a timer and allow it to boil for 2 minutes without stirring. 
• Use quick-cook oats (old-fashioned oats make the cookie chewier)
• Remove the hot mixture from the heat and work quickly to mix in the rest of the ingredients saving the vanilla extract for last. Scoop them out while they are still hot otherwise, they will start to set in the pan.

Get the printable recipe HERE

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Chocolate Cherry No-Bake Cookies Recipe

Ingredients - 

2 cups granulated sugar

1/2 cup milk

1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

1/2 cup salted butter (1 stick)

1/2 cup peanut butter

3 cups quick-cooking oats

1/4 cup finely diced sweetened red cherries (I prefer Paradise Fruit Co.)

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Recipe Instructions - 

* make sure to pre-measure all ingredients before you start cooking. Also, place two large sheets of parchment paper on your countertop or on a baking sheet. 

Step 1 -  In a medium-sized saucepan over medium-high heat bring sugar, milk, cocoa powder, and butter to a rolling boil, stirring regularly. Once it reaches a rolling boil let the mixture boil for 2 minutes, stirring often. 

Step 2 - Remove the saucepan from the heat and immediately add peanut butter, diced cherries, oats, and vanilla stirring to combine.  

Step 3 - With a large spoon scoop out cookie-sized portions dropping them on a piece of parchment paper and adding one whole cherry to the center of each cookie. Allow the cookies to set at room temperature until they are completely cool and hardened. 

These cookies don't last long in my house but if you have some left you can store cookies in an air-tight container at room temperature for up to one week. These no-bake chocolate cherry cookies can be frozen and stored for up to 3 months. Thaw to room temperature before devouring them!

Here are some more great recipes to try:

Gourmet Chocolate Popcorn

Easy No-Bake Chocolate Covered Graham Crackers

No-Bake Oatmeal Peanut Butter Energy Balls

I hope these amazing no-bake cookies satisfied your sweet tooth!