Chocolate Cherry Cookies

These Chocolate Cherry Cookies are an irresistible treat that will delight your taste buds! They are fudgy chocolate thumbprint cookies, filled with a luscious chocolate cherry ganache. Perfect for any occasion, these cookies are sure to impress family and friends at gatherings, holidays, or simply as a sweet indulgence.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Deliciously Decadent: The combination of rich chocolate and tart cherries creates a unique flavor profile that is deeply satisfying.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll have these cookies ready in no time!
• Versatile Treat: Ideal for special occasions like Valentine’s Day,special occasion , or even casual get-togethers.
• Crowd-Pleaser: The fudgy texture and delightful cherry filling make these cookies a favorite among both kids and adults.
• Perfect for Gifting: Pack them in a cute box or tin to share with loved ones; they make a thoughtful homemade gift!

Tools and Preparation

Before you get started on this scrumptious recipe for Chocolate Cherry Cookies, gather your tools and equipment. Having everything ready will ensure a smooth baking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups
• Electric mixer
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowls: These allow you to combine ingredients efficiently without spills or mess.
• Electric mixer: A great time-saver for creaming butter and sugar together to achieve the perfect texture.
• Baking sheet: Provides an even surface for baking your cookies, ensuring they cook uniformly.
• Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier after baking.

Ingredients

To create these delightful Chocolate Cherry Cookies, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Cookies

• 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: Prepare Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

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

Whisk together until well blended.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars

In another bowl, use an electric mixer to beat together:
1. Softened unsalted butter,
2. Light brown sugar,
3. Granulated white sugar

Mix until light and fluffy.

Step 4: Add Egg Yolks and Vanilla

Add in the egg yolks one at a time along with the vanilla extract. Beat until fully combined.

Step 5: Combine Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix until just combined; avoid overmixing.

Step 6: Shape the Cookies

Scoop out tablespoons of dough and roll them into balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet about two inches apart. Use your thumb or the back of a spoon to create an indent in each cookie.

Step 7: Bake the Cookies

Bake in your preheated oven for about 10 minutes or until set but still soft in the middle. Remove from oven and let cool slightly on the baking sheet.

Step 8: Prepare Ganache Filling

While cookies are cooling, heat heavy cream in a small saucepan until it begins to simmer. Pour it over chopped chocolate in a bowl and let sit for a minute before stirring until smooth.

Step 9: Fill Cookies with Ganache

Once cooled, fill each thumbprint indentation with cherry preserves followed by the chocolate ganache. Let set before serving.

Enjoy these delectable Chocolate Cherry Cookies as a sweet treat that everyone will love!

How to Serve Chocolate Cherry Cookies

Serving Chocolate Cherry Cookies is all about enhancing their rich, fudgy flavor and delightful cherry notes. Here are some creative ideas to enjoy these cookies:

With a Glass of Milk

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

Topped with Whipped Cream

• Add a dollop of whipped cream on top for an extra indulgent treat, perfect for any dessert table.

Alongside Fresh Cherries

• Serve with fresh cherries to complement the cherry flavor and add a refreshing touch.

As a Dessert Sandwich

• Create cookie sandwiches by spreading cherry preserves or chocolate ganache between two cookies for a decadent bite.

On a Dessert Platter

• Arrange the cookies on a beautiful platter with other desserts like brownies or fruit tarts for an enticing display at parties.

How to Perfect Chocolate Cherry Cookies

Perfecting Chocolate Cherry Cookies takes practice and attention to detail. Here are some tips to help you achieve cookie perfection:

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter and egg yolks are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
• Sift Dry Ingredients: Sifting flour and cocoa powder together helps eliminate lumps, ensuring a smooth dough.
• Chill the Dough: For thicker cookies, chill the dough for about 30 minutes before baking. This prevents spreading during baking.
• Monitor Baking Time: Cookies should be soft in the center when you pull them out. They will firm up as they cool.

Best Side Dishes for Chocolate Cherry Cookies

Chocolate Cherry Cookies can be paired with various delightful sides to create a well-rounded dessert experience. Here are some top suggestions:

1. Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy texture of vanilla ice cream complements the rich chocolate flavors beautifully.
2. Chocolate Sauce: Drizzle warm chocolate sauce over the cookies or serve it on the side for dipping.
3. Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad can balance the richness of the cookies, making it a refreshing addition.
4. Cheese Platter: Pair with mild cheeses like brie or mascarpone for an interesting contrast of flavors.
5. Coffee or Espresso: A cup of coffee enhances the chocolate notes in these cookies, making it perfect for afternoon treats.
6. Nutty Trail Mix: Serve alongside a mix of nuts and dried fruits to add crunch and contrast to the soft cookies.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Chocolate Cherry Cookies can be a delightful experience, but avoiding common mistakes is key to achieving the best results.

• Skipping room temperature ingredients: Using cold butter or eggs can affect the texture. Always let them come to room temperature before starting.
• Not measuring flour correctly: Scoop and level your flour to avoid dense cookies. Too much flour can lead to dry cookies.
• Overmixing the dough: Mixing too long can make cookies tough. Mix just until combined for a soft texture.
• Ignoring cooling time: Letting the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes ensures they set properly. Skipping this step might lead to crumbly cookies.
• Using low-quality chocolate: A good quality chocolate enhances flavor significantly. Invest in quality chocolate for richer taste in your ganache.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days to maintain freshness.
• Place parchment paper between layers if stacking, to prevent sticking.

Freezing Chocolate Cherry Cookies

• Freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to an airtight container.
• They will keep well for up to 3 months.

Reheating Chocolate Cherry Cookies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Warm for about 5-7 minutes until soft.
• Microwave: Heat on low power for 10-15 seconds at a time, checking after each interval.
• Stovetop: Warm gently in a skillet over low heat for a couple of minutes, turning frequently.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Chocolate Cherry Cookies:

How do I ensure my Chocolate Cherry Cookies are chewy?

To achieve chewier cookies, slightly underbake them and use brown sugar as it retains moisture better.

Can I substitute other fruits instead of cherries?

Yes! You can use raspberries or strawberries paired with chocolate for a delicious variation.

What type of chocolate should I use for the ganache?

Use high-quality dark chocolate for the ganache; it will enhance both flavor and richness in your cookies.

Can I make these Chocolate Cherry Cookies gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that measures cup-for-cup.

Final Thoughts

These Chocolate Cherry Cookies are fudgy, rich, and perfect for any occasion. Their versatility allows you to customize them with different fruits or chocolates according to your preference. Try making these delightful treats today!

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

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Description

Indulge in the delightful experience of Chocolate Cherry Cookies, a treat that combines rich chocolate flavor with the tartness of cherries. These fudgy thumbprint cookies are filled with a luscious chocolate cherry ganache that will impress anyone who takes a bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 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 chocolate, chopped
• 1/4 cup + 2 tbsp (90 ml) 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 a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and sea salt.
3. In another bowl, beat softened butter with light brown and granulated sugars until light and fluffy.
4. Add egg yolks and vanilla extract; mix until combined.
5. Gradually blend dry ingredients into wet ingredients until just combined.
6. Scoop tablespoon-sized dough balls onto the baking sheet, creating indents in each cookie with your thumb.
7. Bake for about 10 minutes or until set but soft in the center. Let cool slightly on the sheet.
8. For the ganache, heat heavy cream until simmering, pour over chopped chocolate, stir until smooth.
9. Fill each cookie indent with cherry preserves followed by ganache; let set before serving.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cookie (25g)
• Calories: 120
• Sugar: 9g
• Sodium: 50mg
• Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 14g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 20mg