Cherry Chocolate Chip No-Bake Cookies are fruity, festive, & so simple to make! Bursting with cherry, almond, and vanilla flavor, these easy no-bake cookies come together for a deliciously sweet treat.
Cherry Chocolate Chip No-Bake Cookies are one of those fun, nostalgic treats that bring everyone into the kitchen. They’re soft, chewy, and packed with that classic cherry-almond flavor that feels both festive and comforting at the same time. The pretty pink color and chocolate on top make them extra special, and they always disappear fast when family is around.
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Because they’re no-bake, they’re especially perfect for spring and summer gatherings when you don’t want to turn on the oven, but they’re festive enough for Valentine’s Day and holiday cookie trays too. Families love how quick and easy they are to make — and kids especially enjoy helping scoop and decorate each cookie.
Ingredients for No-Bake Chocolate Oat Cookies
Butter creates the rich base of the cookies and helps bind everything together.
Sugar sweetens the cookies and helps the mixture set properly after boiling.
Milk adds moisture and works with the sugar and butter to create the smooth, fudgy consistency.
Shredded Coconut adds texture and a subtle sweetness that complements the cherry flavor.
White Chocolate Chips melt into the mixture, adding creamy sweetness and helping the cookies firm up.
Slivered Almonds bring a light crunch and enhance the cherry-almond flavor combination.
Quick Oats give the cookies structure and that signature hearty, chewy no-bake texture.
Vanilla Extract rounds out the sweetness and deepens the overall flavor.
Almond Extract intensifies the cherry flavor and gives the cookies their signature bakery-style taste.
Maraschino Cherries add fruity flavor, moisture, and a pretty pink color.
Mini Chocolate Chips add a pop of chocolate on top and balance the sweetness with a touch of richness.
Tips for making No-Bake Cherry Chocolate Cookies
1. Boil for exactly one full minute — no more, no less. Start timing only once the mixture reaches a true rolling boil (bubbling across the entire surface, even while stirring). Underboiling leads to sticky cookies that won’t set, and overboiling makes them dry and crumbly.
2. Pat the cherries completely dry before adding them. Maraschino cherries hold a lot of syrup, and excess moisture can prevent the cookies from setting properly. Gently blot them with paper towels before stirring them in.
3. Let the mixture cool slightly before scooping. After stirring everything together, allow it to rest about 8–10 minutes. This helps the oats absorb moisture and keeps the cookies from spreading too much on the pan.
4. Stir the white chocolate gently, not aggressively. After adding it, let it sit for a minute before stirring slowly. Over-stirring can cause the chocolate to seize or separate, affecting the final texture.
Can no-bake Cherry and Chocolate Cookies be frozen?
Yes, these cookies can absolutely be frozen. It will help them firm up, and in my opinion, taste better! Especially in the summer. Although, mine are always eaten before I even open the freezer!
Do these need to be refrigerated?
They will set at room temperature, but you can refrigerate them to speed up the process. Store in an airtight container at room temp for 4-5 days or in the fridge for up to a week.
Cherry Chocolate Chip No-Bake Cookies
Cherry Chocolate Chip No-Bake Cookies are fruity, festive, & so simple to make! Bursting with cherry, almond, and vanilla flavor, these easy no-bake cookies come together for a deliciously sweet treat.
1cupwhite chocolate chipsI use Ghirardelli white chocolate melting wafers
½cupslivered almonds
3cupsquick oats
1tspvanilla extract
½tspalmond extract
½cupmaraschino cherries
½cupmini semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
Prepare two cookie sheets by lining them with wax paper or parchment paper.
Combine the butter, sugar, and milk in a pan. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil and let it boil for 1 minute.
The boil should remain even when stirring. After a minute, remove the pan from heat and stir in the white chocolate chips. Let sit a minute, then stir gently until the mixture is nearly smooth.
Add the coconut, almond, oats, and extracts. Stir everything until it’s all thoroughly combined. Add cherries and stir gently. Let cool about 10 minutes.
Scoop mixture in balls onto the cookie sheet. Top with mini semi-sweet chocolate chips, about 6-7 per cookie. Let cool to set. Enjoy!
Notes
Store cookies in an airtight container on the counter for up to 5 days.
Most likely the mixture didn’t boil long enough. Make sure it reaches a full rolling boil and stays there for one full minute before removing from heat. Too much moisture from the cherries can also affect setting, so be sure to pat them dry.
Can I use old-fashioned oats instead of quick oats?
Yes, but the texture will be chewier and slightly more coarse. Quick oats create a softer, more classic no-bake cookie texture.
Different recipes may call for different types of oats, but for the best No-Bake Cookies, quick oats are the way to go. Using old-fashioned or other varieties will change the texture and can affect how well the cookies set. Since oats are the main ingredient in this recipe, choosing the right kind makes all the difference.
Can I substitute the white chocolate?
You can use white chocolate chips instead of melting disks, but choose a high-quality brand so it melts smoothly. Regular chocolate can be used, though it will change the flavor profile.
How long does it take for no-bake cookies to set?
These cookies take about 10–15 minutes to cool and set at room temperature, but you can cut that time in half by placing them in the refrigerator. If you prefer their softer texture at room temperature, simply remove them from the fridge once they’ve set. They’re just as delicious enjoyed cold, too!
Enjoy more of our favorite No-Bake Cookie recipes here:
Caramel Coconut No-Bake Cookies are made with brown sugar, honey, cream, toasted coconut, and hearty oats, they’re a delicious twist on the classic no-bake you didn’t know you needed!
With just 5 simple ingredients you can create soft, chewy, crispy treats everyone loves. These No-Bake Avalanche Cookies are an easy, no-bake cookie that disappears fast!
This recipe for No-Bake S’mores Cookies bring all the campfire flavors you love—oats, peanut butter, marshmallows, and graham crackers—into one chewy, no-bake treat.
Microwave No-Bake Cookies are ready in under 10 minutes—no stove required! Chewy, chocolatey, and packed with oats and peanut butter, they’re the easiest sweet treat you’ll ever make.
These No-Bake Caramel Crunch Cookies mix cornflakes, rice krispies, and coconut with soft caramel for the perfect sweet-and-crunchy treat. An irresistible no-bake snack everyone will love!
Sweet, buttery treats made with graham crackers, powdered sugar, and peanut butter. These No-Bake Peanut Butter Blossoms are an easy no-bake favorite that disappear fast.
Cherry Chocolate Chip No-Bake Cookies are fruity, festive, and incredibly easy to make! Packed with cherry, almond, and vanilla flavors, they’re a sweet, chewy treat that’s perfect for sharing with family and friends.
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I began Family Cookie Recipes to delve deeper into my fascination with food! I love cooking easy, delicious recipes and trying out new products. Welcome and I hope you stick around! Meet Jessica & Nellie...
My mouth started to water when I saw the photos and read the ingredient list. This is going to happen at my house for Valentine’s day this year. Thanks for the yumminess!
Kim says
These are exactly what I’m looking for! Thank you!
Renee says
My mouth started to water when I saw the photos and read the ingredient list. This is going to happen at my house for Valentine’s day this year. Thanks for the yumminess!