Cherry Cookies
Also known as: Cherry Cookie, Fire Cookies #12, Cherry Cookies (Relentless line)
Breeder: Relentless Genetics
Cherry Cookies is the flagship strain from Relentless Genetics, an indica-dominant hybrid discovered as a standout phenotype within their Fire Cookies line (GSC Forum Cut x Fire OG Bx1) in the early 2000s. It earned its name for a terpene profile strikingly similar to the Cherry Pie clone but paired with dramatically improved bud structure described by the breeder as 'cookies on roids.' The strain is heavy in myrcene and delivers a loud cherry-gas funk rather than a sweet perfume cherry. Known for heavy couch-lock effects at 22-28% THC, Cherry Cookies became the genetic backbone of Relentless Genetics' catalog, producing celebrated descendants like Tropicana Cherry, Frosted Cherry Cookies, and Rozay. Cherry Cookies was the phenotype that put Relentless Genetics on the map. Selected from Fire Cookies #12 (GSC Forum Cut x Fire OG Bx1), the breeder chose it for its Cherry Pie-like terpene profile married to a superior Cookies structure. The terps are described as 'LOUD cherry gas — not perfume cherry, but cherry funk gas,' the kind of acrid cherry funk associated with rare, potent herb. The line has been worked extensively through F2, F3, F4, and F5 generations, and serves as a parent to numerous acclaimed crosses including Frosted Cherry Cookies (Cherry Cookie x The White), Fire Cherry Cookies (Cherry Cookie x Fire OG Bx2), and Tropicana Cherry (Tropicana Cookies x Cherry Cookies F3). The strain tests 22-28% THC, runs heavy in myrcene, and delivers deep couch-lock sedation.
Lineage & Genetics
Cross: GSC (Forum Cut) x Fire OG Bx1
GSC (Forum Cut) is the legendary Girl Scout Cookies phenotype prized for its potency, dense trichome production, and dessert-like flavor. Fire OG Bx1 is a Relentless Genetics backcross of Fire OG (OG Kush Fire Cut x SFV OG Kush lineage), selected for its gassy intensity and resin production. The combination yielded Fire Cookies, from which the Cherry Cookies pheno was selected for its unique cherry-gas terpene expression.
Lineage Dispute
Community sources widely list Cherry Pie x Girl Scout Cookies as the lineage. The original breeder Relentless Genetics explicitly states Cherry Cookies is a phenotype selected from their Fire Cookies cross (GSC Forum Cut x Fire OG Bx1), named Cherry Cookies because its terpene profile closely resembled Cherry Pie — not because Cherry Pie is a parent.
Terpene Profile
Myrcene —
Caryophyllene —
Limonene —
Aroma: Loud cherry-gas funk — not sweet perfume cherry but a deep, pungent cherry funk associated with rare potent herb. Earthy and herbal undertones with a spicy edge when broken up.
Flavor: Sweet cherry on the inhale with cookie dough and earthy undertones. The exhale carries herbal richness and lingering cherry-gas funk. Terpenes are exceptionally persistent in cured flower, retaining profile for up to a year with proper storage per the breeder.
Effects & Experience
Onset: Fast and heavy, hitting with immediate cerebral euphoria and unfocused happiness
Quickly transitions to deep full-body relaxation and heavy couch lock. Strongly sedating with powerful physical effects.
Duration: Long-lasting, typically 2-3 hours
Commonly Reported Uses
Grower's Notes
Cherry Cookies is an indica-dominant hybrid that Relentless Genetics selected from their Fire Cookies line (GSC Forum Cut x Fire OG Bx1) in the early 2000s. The breeder dubbed the phenotype "Cherry Cookie" because it carried a terpene profile strikingly similar to Cherry Pie but on a far sturdier Cookies frame — dense, vigorous, and heavily resinous. Most seedlings express a cherry stem rub from early veg, a reliable marker when pheno-hunting.
Stretch and Structure
Expect plants to double or slightly less on the flip, settling at medium to medium-tall heights. The architecture is classically indica-leaning — bushy with good lateral branching and tight internodal spacing. The sturdy stems handle heavy flower weight well, though staking or trellising outer branches in late flower is prudent. Low-stress training and SCROG methods are highly effective; growers report 15-20% yield increases from opening the canopy early. Topping at the third or fourth node encourages multi-cola development.
Flower Time and Yield
Cherry Cookies can be pulled at 9 weeks but rewards patience at 10 weeks with a proper flush. The extra week pushes resin maturity and deepens the cherry funk. Indoor yields run 450-650 g/m² under adequate lighting, with some reports north of that in optimized setups. Outdoor plants can produce 600-750+ grams per plant when given a full season, finishing in early-to-mid October in the Northern Hemisphere.
Nutrients and Media
The strain performs well in soil, coco, and hydro, though Ed Rosenthal notes a preference for hydroponic systems in a multi-branch grow style. In soil, maintain pH between 6.0 and 6.5; in coco or hydro, target 5.8-6.2. A balanced NPK formulation with a 3:1:2 ratio during flower optimizes resin production. Start nutrient strength conservatively in early flower to avoid burn on the OG-influenced foliage, ramping through mid-flower as demand increases.
Environment and Light
Daytime temperatures of 68-78°F (20-26°C) with a slight night drop are ideal. Relative humidity should sit at 50-60% in veg, dropping to 40-50% during flower to protect the dense bud clusters from mold. Provide at least 600W equivalent LED or HPS per 4x4 space. The standard 18/6 veg to 12/12 flower photoperiod applies; some growers run 11/13 in the final two weeks to push finishing.
Color and Bud Structure
The flowers are exceptionally large, spade-shaped, and so tightly packed they can be difficult to break up by hand. Emerald green base coloring is accented by deep orange pistils and a heavy coat of milky-white trichomes. Exposing plants to cooler nighttime temperatures (around 60°F/15°C) during late flower triggers anthocyanin expression, producing dramatic purple and red streaks. The resin coverage accounts for consistent 22-28% THC testing.
Pest and Disease
Dense bud structure demands diligent IPM. Airflow management is critical — keep plants spaced at least 0.8-1.1m apart and defoliate strategically in mid and late flower to prevent microclimate pockets where botrytis thrives. The strain shows reasonable general pest resistance but is not mold-proof; proactive humidity control and canopy management are non-negotiable in humid climates.
Wash and Extraction
Per the breeder's own notes, Cherry Cookies "doesn't usually wash well" for bubble hash or ice-water extraction — the trichome heads tend to be fragile or not release cleanly. However, the strain excels in hydrocarbon extraction, dumping diamonds and producing high-quality BHO. For solventless producers, the closely related Frosted Cherry Cookies (Cherry Cookie x The White) or Trop Cherry crosses offer better wash characteristics.
Drying and Curing
The cherry funk terpene profile is dominated by myrcene with supporting caryophyllene and limonene. Dry trim is recommended — leaving sugar leaves on during drying slows moisture loss and preserves volatile terpenes. Target 60°F and 60% RH for 10-14 days in complete darkness. Jar cure at 58-62% internal RH, burping daily for the first week, then tapering over 3-4 weeks. The breeder notes that Cherry Cookies holds onto terps in flower form longer than most strains, sometimes up to a year in proper storage. Excess heat or rushed drying will collapse the top-note cherry brightness into flat dough and earth.
History & Origin
In the early 2000s, Relentless Genetics (a breeding group from the southern United States) crossed the GSC Forum Cut with a Fire OG Bx1 male to create Fire Cookies. Within that line, they identified a phenotype with an exceptionally loud cherry-gas terpene profile that closely mimicked Cherry Pie but with far superior bud structure and potency. They dubbed it Cherry Cookies and it became the strain that put Relentless Genetics on the map. The line was stabilized through multiple generations (F2 through F5) and became the foundation for numerous acclaimed crosses including Tropicana Cherry, Frosted Cherry Cookies, and others.
Awards & Recognition
- ●Frosted Cherry Cookies (direct descendant): 2nd Place Best Indica — High Times Alaska Cannabis Cup (grown by Patrick Reagan, Ak Legend Garden Center)
- ●Tropicana Cherry (direct descendant): 1st Place Greenhouse — High 95 Cup (High Striker Farms); 2nd Place Sativa — Harvest Fest Cup 2023 (Trop Cherry No. 8 cut)
- ●Cherry Burger (direct descendant): Multiple High 95 Cup finalist placements across indoor and organic categories
Notable Crosses
Strains bred using Cherry Cookies as a parent:
Frequently Asked Questions
7 common questions about Cherry Cookies
What is Cherry Cookies and what are its genetics?
Cherry Cookies is a hybrid cannabis strain (60/40 Indica-dominant) bred by Relentless Genetics. It is a cross of GSC (Forum Cut) x Fire OG Bx1, testing at 22-28% THC. Cherry Cookies is the flagship strain from Relentless Genetics, an indica-dominant hybrid discovered as a standout phenotype within their Fire Cookies line (GSC Forum Cut x Fire OG Bx1) in the early 2000s. It earned its name for a terpene profile strikingly similar to the Cherry Pie clone but paired with dramatically improved bud structure described by the breeder as 'cookies on roids.' The strain is heavy in myrcene and delivers a loud cherry-gas funk rather than a sweet perfume cherry.
What does Cherry Cookies smell and taste like?
Cherry Cookies's dominant terpenes are Myrcene. The aroma is described as loud cherry-gas funk — not sweet perfume cherry but a deep, pungent cherry funk associated with rare potent herb. earthy and herbal undertones with a spicy edge when broken up.. The flavor profile features sweet cherry on the inhale with cookie dough and earthy undertones. the exhale carries herbal richness and lingering cherry-gas funk. terpenes are exceptionally persistent in cured flower, retaining profile for up to a year with proper storage per the breeder..
What are the effects of Cherry Cookies?
Fast and heavy, hitting with immediate cerebral euphoria and unfocused happiness Quickly transitions to deep full-body relaxation and heavy couch lock. Strongly sedating with powerful physical effects.. Duration is typically long-lasting, typically 2-3 hours. Commonly reported uses include Chronic pain, Appetite loss, Insomnia, Nausea.
How hard is Cherry Cookies to grow?
Cherry Cookies is rated moderate difficulty. It flowers in 9-10 weeks, reaches medium-tall (100-140 cm indoor) in height, and yields 450-650 g/m² indoors. Best suited for indoor preferred environments.
What are the parent strains of Cherry Cookies?
Cherry Cookies is a cross of GSC (Forum Cut) and Fire OG Bx1. GSC (Forum Cut) is the legendary Girl Scout Cookies phenotype prized for its potency, dense trichome production, and dessert-like flavor. Fire OG Bx1 is a Relentless Genetics backcross of Fire OG (OG Kush Fire Cut x SFV OG Kush lineage), selected for its gassy intensity and resin production.
What strains were bred from Cherry Cookies?
Cherry Cookies has been used as a parent in several notable crosses, including Tropicana Cherry, Frosted Cherry Cookies, Caked Up Cherries, Cherry Cookie Breath, Cherry Octane. Its genetics contribute to a wide range of modern cultivars.
Has Cherry Cookies won any cannabis awards?
Yes. Cherry Cookies has received recognition including Frosted Cherry Cookies (direct descendant): 2nd Place Best Indica — High Times Alaska Cannabis Cup (grown by Patrick Reagan, Ak Legend Garden Center); Tropicana Cherry (direct descendant): 1st Place Greenhouse — High 95 Cup (High Striker Farms); 2nd Place Sativa — Harvest Fest Cup 2023 (Trop Cherry No. 8 cut); Cherry Burger (direct descendant): Multiple High 95 Cup finalist placements across indoor and organic categories.
Sources & References (28)
- https://www.relentless-genetics.com/our-strains/event/cherry-cookie
- https://seedfinder.eu/en/strain-info/cherry-cookies/relentless-genetics
- https://www.thcfarmer.com/strains/cherry-cookies.1965/
- https://blackbuffaloseedbank.com/relentless-genetics/cherry-cookie-f2-relentless-genetics-seeds/
- https://pars-planet.com/product/cherry-cookies-bx2-relentless-genetics/
- Grower's Notes cultivation sources:
- https://relentless-genetics.com/our-strains/event/cherry-cookie
- https://app.jointcommerce.com/blog/category/cannabis-101/cherry-cookies-by-relentless-genetics-a-comprehensive-strain-guide/
- https://blackbuffaloseedbank.com/relentless-genetics/cherry-cookie-f2-relentless-genetics-seeds/
- https://www.marijuana-guides.com/seeds/relentless-genetics/frosted-cherry-cookies-info/
- https://cannabistraininguniversity.com/strains/cherry-cookies/
- https://www.marijuanaseeds.com/product/cherry-cookies-strain-feminized-marijuana-seeds/
- https://dopethc.com/blog/cherry-cookies-strain-review-effects-flavor-and-tips/
- https://www.linda-seeds.com/en/buy-feminized-marijuana-seeds/indica/extremely-high-content-of-thc/medium-yield/cherry-cookies-pure-instinto
- https://seedfinder.eu/en/strain-info/fire-cherry-cookies/relentless-genetics
- https://growdiaries.com/seedbank/relentless-genetics/fire-cherry-cookies
- https://www.marijuana-guides.com/seeds/relentless-genetics/fire-cherry-cookies-info/
- https://www.leafly.ca/strains/cherry-cookies
- https://www.allbud.com/marijuana-strains/indica-dominant-hybrid/cherry-cookies
- https://www.nuggmd.com/strains/cherry-cookies
- https://herbapproach.com/product/cherry-cookies/
- https://www.edrosenthal.com/ask-ed-blog/2018/7/12/you-will-want-to-try-these-19-top-indica-strains-from-around-the-world
- https://pureinstinto.com/product/cherry-cookies-feminized-cannabis-seeds/
- https://pevgrow.com/en/cherry-cooks.html
- https://bar-h.com/trop-cherry-cup-winner
- https://neptuneseedbank.com/brand/relentless-genetics/
- https://high95.com/finalists/
- https://app.jointcommerce.com/blog/category/cannabis-101/cherry-cookies-strain-a-comprehensive-strain-guide/
Want to Grow Cherry Cookies?
Check our genetics menu for available clones or call us to discuss your growing needs.