Chocolate Cherry Cookies

These Chocolate Cherry Cookies are the perfect blend of rich chocolate and sweet cherries. Their fudgy texture and delightful chocolate cherry ganache filling make them an irresistible treat for any occasion. Whether you’re celebrating a special event or simply indulging in a sweet craving, these cookies will impress everyone with their deliciousness.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Decadent Flavor: The combination of chocolate and cherry creates a rich taste that is hard to resist.
• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, even novice bakers can whip up these cookies without hassle.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: These cookies shine at parties, holidays, or as a thoughtful gift for loved ones.
• Impressive Presentation: The thumbprint design filled with ganache makes them not only tasty but visually appealing.
• Versatile Treat: Enjoy them with coffee, tea, or as a dessert after dinner; they fit perfectly into any meal.

Tools and Preparation

Before you dive into making these delicious Chocolate Cherry Cookies, gather all your tools to streamline the baking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Whisk
• Rubber spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowl: A large bowl allows you to combine ingredients easily without making a mess.
• Baking sheet: Ensures even baking and makes transferring cookies simple.
• Parchment paper: Prevents sticking, allowing for easy removal of cookies once baked.

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

For the Cherry Filling

• 1/4 cup (85 g) cherry preserves

How to Make Chocolate Cherry Cookies

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet

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, whisk together the all-purpose flour, Dutch-process cocoa powder, baking powder, and sea salt until well combined.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars

In another bowl, beat the softened butter with light brown sugar and granulated white sugar until creamy and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Add the egg yolks and vanilla extract to the butter mixture. Mix until fully incorporated.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet mixture. Stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix!

Step 6: Shape Cookies

Scoop tablespoon-sized amounts of dough onto your prepared baking sheet. Use your thumb or a small spoon to create an indentation in the center of each cookie.

Step 7: Bake Cookies

Bake in your preheated oven for about 10 minutes or until set. Allow cooling on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.

Step 8: Prepare Ganache Filling

While cookies cool, heat heavy cream in a small saucepan over medium heat. Once it’s hot but not boiling, pour it over chopped chocolate in a separate bowl. Let it sit for a minute before stirring until smooth.

Step 9: Assemble Cookies

Once cookies are completely cool, fill each indentation with cherry preserves followed by drizzling the chocolate ganache on top.

Enjoy your homemade Chocolate Cherry Cookies! These treats are sure to be a hit with friends and family alike.

How to Serve Chocolate Cherry Cookies

These chocolate cherry cookies are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you are hosting a gathering or enjoying a quiet evening, these cookies can be served to impress.

Pair with Coffee

• Enjoy your chocolate cherry cookies with a warm cup of coffee for a cozy afternoon treat. The rich flavors of the cookies complement the coffee perfectly.

Serve with Ice Cream

• Top your cookies with a scoop of vanilla or cherry ice cream for an indulgent dessert. The cold ice cream balances the fudgy texture of the cookies.

Create a Cookie Platter

• Arrange several chocolate cherry cookies on a platter alongside other baked goods for a dessert spread. This variety allows guests to mix and match their favorites.

Gift in Decorative Boxes

• Package your chocolate cherry cookies in decorative boxes as gifts for friends and family. This thoughtful gesture is perfect for any occasion.

How to Perfect Chocolate Cherry Cookies

To achieve the best results with your chocolate cherry cookies, consider these helpful tips.

• Measure Ingredients Accurately: Ensure you spoon and level your flour and cocoa powder to avoid dense cookies.
• Use Room Temperature Eggs: Allow egg yolks to reach room temperature for better mixing, leading to softer, fudgier cookies.
• Chill the Dough: Refrigerate the cookie dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This helps prevent spreading during baking.
• Watch Baking Time: Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake. Remove them when they are still slightly soft in the center for that perfect fudgy texture.
• Cool Completely Before Filling: Let the cookies cool before adding ganache filling; this ensures it doesn’t melt into the cookie.

Best Side Dishes for Chocolate Cherry Cookies

Chocolate cherry cookies pair wonderfully with various side dishes that enhance their flavor profile. Consider these options:

1. Fresh Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad offers refreshing contrast to the rich chocolate flavor.
2. Cheese Plate: A selection of cheeses, like brie or goat cheese, provide a savory balance to sweet cookies.
3. Chocolate Fondue: Dip remaining cookie pieces into warm chocolate fondue for an extra touch of indulgence.
4. Nut Mix: A mix of salted nuts adds crunch and savory notes that complement the sweetness of the cookies.
5. Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and fresh cherries alongside your cookies for a delightful breakfast option.
6. Tea Selection: Offer a variety of herbal teas that can cleanse the palate between bites of rich chocolate flavors.
7. Caramel Sauce: Drizzle warm caramel sauce over the top for an extra sweet treat that pairs beautifully with chocolate.
8. Ice Cream Sundae Bar: Set up an ice cream sundae station where guests can top their scoops with crumbled cookie pieces and cherry toppings.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Using the right techniques is crucial for making perfect Chocolate Cherry Cookies. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them:

• Boldly skip the chilling step: Not chilling the dough can lead to cookies spreading too much while baking. Make sure to chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking.

• Boldly ignore ingredient temperatures: Using cold butter or eggs can affect the texture of your cookies. Ensure your butter is softened and your eggs are at room temperature for the best results.

• Boldly mismeasure ingredients: Incorrect measurements can ruin the balance of flavors and textures in your cookies. Use a kitchen scale or proper measuring cups for accuracy.

• Boldly overlook baking time: Overbaking can lead to dry cookies, while underbaking may result in a gooey center. Keep an eye on your cookies and bake until just set for fudgy perfection.

• Boldly skip the ganache: Forgetting to fill with chocolate cherry ganache will leave your cookies less flavorful. Don’t skip this step; it’s essential for that rich chocolate experience!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store cookies in an airtight container.
• They will last up to 5 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Chocolate Cherry Cookies

• Allow cookies to cool completely before freezing.
• Use freezer-safe containers or bags; they can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Chocolate Cherry Cookies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm cookies for about 5-7 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat one cookie at a time on a microwave-safe plate for about 10-15 seconds.
• Stovetop: Place a skillet over low heat and warm the cookies for about 1-2 minutes, covered with a lid.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about making Chocolate Cherry Cookies:

How do I make my Chocolate Cherry Cookies more chocolatey?

To enhance the chocolate flavor, consider adding extra cocoa powder or using chocolate chips in addition to the ganache filling.

Can I use fresh cherries instead of preserves?

Yes! Fresh cherries can be used, but ensure they are pitted and chopped finely. You might need to adjust sweetness based on their tartness.

What is the best way to store Chocolate Cherry Cookies?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days, or refrigerate them if you prefer a chilled treat.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

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

How long does it take to bake Chocolate Cherry Cookies?

Bake these cookies for about 10 minutes, but remember every oven is different, so watch them closely!

Final Thoughts

These Chocolate Cherry Cookies are not only delicious but also versatile. They offer a rich blend of chocolate and cherry flavors that can be enjoyed any time of year. Plus, feel free to customize them with different fillings or toppings according to your taste preferences!