Oregon Chocolate-Cherry Cookies

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 3/4 cup dark brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa
• 1 cup semisweet chocolate morsels
• 1 cup dried sweetened cherries
• 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate morsels, melted (optional)

Preparation

1. 1. Beat butter and sugar at medium speed with an electric mixer 2 minutes or until light and fluffy. Add egg, beating until smooth, stopping to scrape down sides as needed.
2. 2. Stir together flour and next 3 ingredients. Gradually add to butter mixture, beating at low speed until blended. Stir in 1 cup semisweet chocolate morsels and dried sweetened cherries. Drop by rounded tablespoonfuls 2 inches apart on lightly greased or parchment paper-lined baking sheets. Bake, in batches, at 350° for 10 to 12 minutes. Let cool completely on wire racks. Drizzle cookies with 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate morsels, melted, if desired.