Quick Summary

Soft, chewy, and packed with real cherry flavor, these Cherry Chewbilees are a playful, bite-sized treat made with Traverse Bay Farms Dried Cherries. Sweet-tart, golden, and irresistible — perfect for any cherry lover.

Tart Cherry Recipes: Cherry Chewbilees

Published: May 2011 | Updated: October 2025

Chef’s Note 

This recipe was born from one of our Traverse Bay Farms kitchen experiments during cherry harvest season. We wanted a cookie that was soft, rich, and unmistakably cherry — something that tasted like summer all year long.

After several tweaks, the winning version used our Michigan-grown Dried Cherries for chewy texture and a drizzle of our Tart Cherry Juice Concentrate for a bold finish. When we first baked them at our Elk Rapids store, customers couldn’t stop asking for “those chewy cherry things” — and that’s how the Cherry Chewbilees got their name.

Prep & Yield

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Bake Time: 10–12 minutes

• Yield: About 2 dozen cookies

Ingredients

• 1 cup butter, softened

• ¾ cup light brown sugar

• ¼ cup white sugar

• 2 large eggs

• 2 tsp vanilla extract

• 1 tbsp Traverse Bay Farms Tart Cherry Juice Concentrate

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour

• ½ tsp baking soda

• ½ tsp salt

• 1 cup Traverse Bay Farms Dried Cherries, chopped

• ½ cup white or dark chocolate chips (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

2. In a large bowl, cream butter and both sugars until light and fluffy.

3. Beat in eggs, vanilla, and Traverse Bay Farms Tart Cherry Juice Concentrate until smooth.

4. In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually mix into wet ingredients.

5. Fold in Traverse Bay Farms Dried Cherries and chocolate chips (if using).

6. Drop tablespoon-sized dough balls 2 inches apart on prepared sheets.

7. Bake 10–12 minutes or until edges are lightly golden. Cool on wire racks.

Chef’s Tips & Variations

• Flavor swap: Add chopped pecans or almonds for crunch.

• Extra cherry boost: Drizzle a glaze made from 1 tsp Traverse Bay Farms Tart Cherry Juice Concentrate and ½ cup powdered sugar.

• Make ahead: Freeze cookie dough balls for quick, on-demand baking.

Nutritional Highlight

These Cherry Chewbilees bring together the antioxidant power of Michigan-grown tart cherries and the comforting texture of a homemade cookie — naturally flavorful and packed with real fruit benefits.

Behind the Recipe

The name "Chewbilees-So Good" came from our Traverse Bay Farms team after a batch disappeared faster than we could photograph them. They’re soft, chewy, festive, and perfect for gifting — a little celebration in every bite.

People Also Ask

Why use Traverse Bay Farms Dried Cherries?
They’re made from USA-grown Montmorency cherries, adding real tart flavor and chewy texture to baked goods.

Can I make Cherry Chewbilees gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute almond flour or a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.

What makes these cookies chewy?
The combination of dried cherries, brown sugar, and butter creates soft, chewy centers.

Can I freeze Cherry Chewbilees?
Absolutely — freeze baked cookies or dough for up to 3 months.

Bake, Share, and Enjoy

Bring home the taste of real Michigan cherries. Bake these Cherry Chewbilees using Traverse Bay Farms Dried Cherries and Tart Cherry Juice Concentrate — made with as much locally grown fruit as possible and trusted nationwide for their flavor and quality.