Chocolate Cherry Cookies

These Chocolate Cherry Cookies are the perfect blend of rich chocolate and sweet cherries, making them an irresistible treat for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a gathering, celebrating a special event, or simply satisfying your sweet tooth, these cookies stand out with their fudgy texture and delightful chocolate cherry ganache filling. They capture the essence of comfort in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Fudgy Texture: These cookies have a soft and chewy center that melts in your mouth.
• Easy to Make: With simple steps and minimal prep time, anyone can whip up these delicious cookies.
• Versatile Treat: Perfect for holidays, parties, or just an everyday indulgence.
• Charming Presentation: The thumbprint style makes these cookies visually appealing for any dessert table.
• Rich Flavor Combination: The pairing of chocolate and cherry creates a unique taste that’s hard to resist.

Tools and Preparation

To create these delectable Chocolate Cherry Cookies, you’ll need some essential tools that will make the process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper
• Cookie scoop
• Whisk
• Rubber spatula

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients without making a mess.
• Baking sheets: Ensure even baking and prevent sticking when lined with parchment paper.
• Cookie scoop: Helps form uniform cookie sizes for consistent baking.

Ingredients

These are the best chocolate cherry cookies! They’re fudgy chocolate thumbprint cookies, filled with chocolate cherry ganache.

For the Cookie Dough

• 1 1/2 cups (188 g) all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
• 1/2 cup (40 g) Dutch-process cocoa powder
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp sea salt
• 3/4 cup (168 g) unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup (165 g) light brown sugar, packed
• 1/4 cup (50 g) granulated white sugar
• 2 egg yolks, at room temperature
• 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

For the Ganache Filling

• 5 oz chocolate, chopped (Endangered Species Chocolate Vibrant Cherries + Dark Chocolate)
• 1/4 cup + 2 tbsp (90 ml) heavy cream
• 1/4 cup (85 g) cherry preserves

How to Make Chocolate Cherry Cookies

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures even baking from the start.

Step 2: Prepare Your Baking Sheets

Line your baking sheets with parchment paper. This will help prevent the cookies from sticking.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, whisk together:
1. All-purpose flour,
2. Dutch-process cocoa powder,
3. Baking powder,
4. Sea salt.

This combination creates a flavorful base for your cookies.

Step 4: Cream Butter and Sugars

In another bowl, beat together:
1. Softened unsalted butter,
2. Light brown sugar,
3. Granulated white sugar until fluffy.

This step is crucial for achieving the right texture in your cookies.

Step 5: Add Egg Yolks and Vanilla

Mix in:
1. The egg yolks,
2. Vanilla extract until well combined.

These ingredients add richness to your dough.

Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture until fully incorporated. Be careful not to overmix; just combine until there are no visible flour pockets.

Step 7: Shape Cookies

Using a cookie scoop or your hands, form dough balls about one inch in diameter and place them on prepared baking sheets.

Step 8: Create Thumbprints

Press your thumb into each dough ball to create an indentation for filling later.

Step 9: Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes or until slightly puffed but still soft in the center. Allow them to cool on the sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks.

Step 10: Make Chocolate Ganache

In a microwave-safe bowl, combine chopped chocolate with heavy cream. Heat gently until melted and smooth. Stir well to combine.

Step 11: Fill Cookies

Once cookies have cooled completely, fill each thumbprint with cherry preserves followed by drizzling or spooning ganache over each cookie.

Enjoy these delicious Chocolate Cherry Cookies as a perfect dessert or snack!

How to Serve Chocolate Cherry Cookies

Chocolate cherry cookies are a delightful treat perfect for any occasion. Their rich chocolate flavor combined with the sweetness of cherries makes them irresistible. Here are some fun serving suggestions to enhance your cookie experience.

With a Glass of Milk

• Pair these cookies with a cold glass of milk for a classic combination that balances the rich chocolate flavor.

Warmed with Ice Cream

• Gently warm the cookies in the microwave and serve them alongside a scoop of vanilla or cherry ice cream for a decadent dessert.

As Part of a Dessert Platter

• Arrange cookies on a dessert platter with other treats like brownies and fruit tarts to create an appealing spread for gatherings.

Gifted in a Jar

• Layer these cookies in a mason jar, adding a ribbon and tag, making them a charming homemade gift for friends and family.

With Fresh Cherries

• Serve the cookies with fresh cherries on the side, enhancing the cherry flavor while adding a refreshing contrast.

Dusted with Powdered Sugar

• A light dusting of powdered sugar can elevate the presentation, giving these cookies an elegant touch for special occasions.

How to Perfect Chocolate Cherry Cookies

Achieving the perfect chocolate cherry cookies requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your cookies turn out just right.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Bring your eggs and butter to room temperature to ensure even mixing and better texture.

• Measure Flour Correctly: Spoon flour into your measuring cup and level it off instead of scooping directly from the bag. This prevents dense cookies.

• Do Not Overmix: Mix until just combined after adding dry ingredients. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.

• Chill the Dough: For thicker cookies that hold their shape, chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking.

• Monitor Baking Time: Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake. They should look slightly underbaked when you take them out; they will continue cooking on the tray.

• Store Properly: Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain freshness and softness.

Best Side Dishes for Chocolate Cherry Cookies

Chocolate cherry cookies pair wonderfully with various side dishes. Here’s a list of complementary options that can enhance your dessert experience.

1. Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds color and freshness, balancing the richness of the cookies.
2. Vanilla Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a light dish that contrasts beautifully with chocolate.
3. Cheese Platter: Combine soft cheeses like brie or goat cheese with crackers and nuts for an interesting flavor contrast.
4. Chocolate Fondue: Set up a chocolate fondue station where guests can dip fruits or pretzels alongside their cookies.
5. Nut Mix: A selection of roasted nuts provides crunchiness, complementing the soft texture of your chocolate cherry cookies.
6. Coffee or Tea: Offer brewed coffee or herbal tea to cleanse the palate and enhance the flavors of chocolate and cherry in every bite.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Chocolate Cherry Cookies, there are common pitfalls that can affect your results. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:

• Using cold butter: Cold butter doesn’t cream well with sugar. Make sure your butter is softened at room temperature for the best texture.
• Not measuring flour correctly: Too much flour can make cookies dry. Always spoon and level your flour rather than scooping it directly from the bag.
• Skipping the chilling time: Chilling the dough helps prevent spreading during baking. Allow at least 30 minutes in the fridge before baking.
• Overbaking the cookies: Overbaking can lead to hard cookies. Take them out when they still look slightly underdone; they will firm up as they cool.
• Ignoring ingredient temperatures: Room temperature eggs blend better into the batter. Let your eggs sit out for about 30 minutes before using them.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Chocolate Cherry Cookies in an airtight container.
• They will last up to one week in the refrigerator.

Freezing Chocolate Cherry Cookies

• Place cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen solid.
• Transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to three months.

Reheating Chocolate Cherry Cookies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Bake for about 5-7 minutes for warm cookies.
• Microwave: Heat one cookie at a time for about 10-15 seconds, checking to avoid overheating.
• Stovetop: Use a skillet on low heat, cover with a lid, and warm for about 2-3 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions related to Chocolate Cherry Cookies:

How do I make my Chocolate Cherry Cookies fudgier?

To enhance the fudginess of your Chocolate Cherry Cookies, try adding an extra egg yolk or reducing the flour slightly.

Can I use fresh cherries instead of preserves?

Yes, you can use finely chopped fresh cherries instead of cherry preserves, but keep in mind the moisture content may vary.

What is the best way to store leftover cookies?

Store leftover Chocolate Cherry Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate for longer freshness.

How can I customize my Chocolate Cherry Cookies?

Feel free to add nuts, swap chocolate types, or mix in different fruit preserves based on your preferences!

Final Thoughts

These Chocolate Cherry Cookies are not only deliciously fudgy but also versatile. You can easily customize them with different flavors and ingredients. Don’t hesitate to experiment with additions like nuts or other types of chocolate. Enjoy making these delightful treats!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Chocolate Cherry Cookies

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• Author: Jennifer
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x

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Description

Indulge in the rich flavors of these Chocolate Cherry Cookies, a delightful fusion of fudgy chocolate and sweet cherries. Perfect for any occasion, whether you’re celebrating a special event or simply treating yourself, these cookies feature a soft and chewy center with an irresistible chocolate ganache filling. Their visually appealing thumbprint design makes them a charming addition to any dessert table. Made easy with simple ingredients and steps, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire.

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Ingredients

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• 1 1/2 cups (188 g) all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
• 1/2 cup (40 g) Dutch-process cocoa powder
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp sea salt
• 3/4 cup (168 g) unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup (165 g) light brown sugar, packed
• 1/4 cup (50 g) granulated white sugar
• 2 egg yolks, at room temperature
• 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 5 oz dark chocolate, chopped
• 1/4 cup + 2 tbsp heavy cream
• 1/4 cup (85 g) cherry preserves

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
3. In another bowl, cream softened butter with brown and granulated sugars until fluffy.
4. Mix in egg yolks and vanilla until combined.
5. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture until just combined.
6. Scoop dough into one-inch balls and place on baking sheets; make thumbprint indentations.
7. Bake for 10 minutes; cool slightly before transferring to wire racks.
8. Prepare ganache by melting chopped chocolate with heavy cream; mix until smooth.
9. Once cooled, fill cookies with cherry preserves and drizzle ganache on top.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cookie (30g)
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 10g
• Sodium: 50mg
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 30mg