When a rich chocolate craving hits, there’s nothing quite like the magic of freshly baked cookies filling your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas. Picture this: Fudgy chocolate thumbprint cookies topped with a luscious chocolate cherry ganache that glistens invitingly. The moment you take a bite, the chewy center and the sweet-tart burst of cherry create a delightful dance of flavors that you simply can’t resist.
These decadent Chocolate Cherry Cookies are perfect for any occasion, but they shine brightly on Valentine’s Day, offering the ideal way to express love or simply indulge after a long week. Best of all? You don’t need to be a master baker to whip them up! With minimal ingredients and a straightforward process, these cookies are as accessible as they are impressive. So let’s roll up our sleeves and take a step toward cookie bliss—your taste buds are about to thank you!
Why are Chocolate Cherry Cookies a must-try?
Indulgent Flavor: The combination of rich chocolate and tart cherry creates an irresistible treat that will satisfy any sweet tooth.
Easy Preparation: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, even novice bakers can create these delightful cookies.
Versatile Treat: Perfect for Valentine’s Day or any occasion, they bring a touch of elegance to your dessert table.
Decadent Textures: Experience the perfect balance of chewy and fudgy in every bite—these cookies are truly a texture lover’s dream!
Crowd-Pleaser: Share with friends and family; these cookies are destined to impress and disappear quickly!
Don’t forget to check out my baking tips for perfecting your cookie-making skills!
Chocolate Cherry Cookies Ingredients
For the Cookie Dough
- All-Purpose Flour – Essential for structure; ensure it’s spooned and leveled for best results.
- Dutch-Process Cocoa Powder – Provides rich chocolate flavor; you can swap with regular cocoa, but keep in mind it may affect color and taste.
- Baking Powder – Acts as a leavening agent, ensuring your cookies have a light and fluffy texture.
- Sea Salt – Balances the sweetness of the cookies; feel free to substitute with regular salt, though it may slightly alter the flavor.
- Unsalted Butter – Adds moisture and richness; substitute with vegan butter for a dairy-free option if desired.
- Light Brown Sugar – Contributes sweetness and moisture; using dark brown sugar will give your cookies a deeper flavor.
- Granulated White Sugar – Sweetness enhancer; you can reduce or omit the sugar for a less sweet treat.
- Egg Yolks – Serve as a binding agent that enriches the batter; whole eggs can be substituted, but will change the texture slightly.
- Vanilla Extract – Enhances the cookie flavor; almond extract is a lovely alternative if you want a different twist.
For the Chocolate Cherry Ganache
- Chopped Chocolate – Forms the fudgy filling; use any dark chocolate if Endangered Species Chocolate is unavailable.
- Heavy Cream – Creates a luscious ganache; half-and-half can be used for a lighter, less rich consistency.
- Cherry Preserves – Imparts a sweet and tangy cherry flavor to the ganache; fresh or dried cherries can be a delightful alternative—just adjust the amount to your taste.
These Chocolate Cherry Cookies are a beautiful blend of flavors and textures that will leave everyone craving more!
How to Make Chocolate Cherry Cookies
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Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, Dutch-process cocoa powder, baking powder, and sea salt until well combined, about 1-2 minutes. This step ensures an even distribution of ingredients for perfect cookies.
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Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar together on medium speed until light and fluffy, approximately 3-5 minutes. You want a smooth texture that will help give your cookies that melt-in-your-mouth quality!
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Incorporate Wet Ingredients: Add the egg yolks and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture, mixing until everything is fully incorporated, around 1-2 minutes. The mixture should be creamy and slightly pale, inviting you to dip in a spoon!
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Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—aim for a soft dough that’s slightly sticky.
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Shape Cookies: Using a cookie scoop, portion out the dough into 32 balls and roll them gently in your hands. Create an indent in the center of each ball with a 1/4 tsp measure, then chill the dough for about 1 hour. Chilling helps your cookies maintain their shape while baking!
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Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the cookies for 9-11 minutes, until they look set but still slightly soft in the middle. If necessary, reshape any cookies that have spread while warm for a perfect thumbprint.
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Make Ganache: In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it reaches just boiling. Pour the heated cream over the chopped chocolate in a bowl, stirring until you achieve a smooth mixture. Incorporate the cherry preserves and mix well.
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Assemble Cookies: Once the cookies have cooled, fill the indents with the chocolate cherry ganache. Place the cookies in the fridge for about 10-15 minutes to let the ganache set beautifully.
Optional: Garnish with a sprinkle of sea salt for an extra flavor boost!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
These delectable Chocolate Cherry Cookies are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance by chilling it in the refrigerator, ensuring that they maintain their rich texture and flavor. Simply scoop and shape the dough into balls, create the thumbprint indent, and cover with plastic wrap before placing it in the fridge. For even longer storage, freeze the unbaked cookie dough balls for up to 3 months—just pop them straight into the oven from the freezer, adding a minute or two to the baking time. When ready to enjoy, bake and fill with your ganache, resulting in cookies that are just as luscious and satisfying as if baked fresh!
Storage Tips for Chocolate Cherry Cookies
- Room Temperature: Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain their chewy texture and rich flavors.
- Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet for 2 hours, then transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag. They can last up to 2 weeks.
- Reheating: When ready to enjoy, simply thaw the frozen cookies at room temperature or warm them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds until just softened.
- Cookie Dough: Freeze unbaked cookie dough balls, and bake directly from the freezer, adding an extra minute to the baking time for the best Chocolate Cherry Cookies!
Expert Tips for Chocolate Cherry Cookies
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Chill the Dough: Always chill your dough before baking to ensure the cookies maintain their shape and don’t spread too much.
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Softened Butter: Make sure your butter is softened, not melted; this helps achieve the perfect creamy texture essential for fudgy cookies.
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Accurate Measurements: Spoon and level your flour when measuring; this prevents excess flour from making your cookies dry and dense.
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Handle Warm Cookies Carefully: If reshaping, do so while warm to avoid cracking; using a cookie cutter can refine their look beautifully.
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Quality Chocolate: Use high-quality chocolate for the ganache; it will elevate the flavor of your Chocolate Cherry Cookies significantly!
What to Serve with Chocolate Cherry Cookies?
Indulging in a warm, fudgy chocolate cherry cookie is only half the experience; the perfect accompaniments can elevate your treat even more!
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Glass of Milk: The classic pairing is simple yet delightful, providing creaminess that balances the rich chocolate flavors.
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Fresh Berries: A mix of raspberries or strawberries adds a refreshing tartness, enhancing the cookie’s sweet-tart cherry ganache.
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Coffee or Espresso: The robust flavor of coffee cuts through the cookie’s richness, making every bite a sophisticated distraction in your day.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve warm cookies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert experience that’s hard to resist!
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Chocolate Sauce Drizzle: For an extra-chocolate lover’s twist, add a drizzle of chocolate sauce on top, enriching every mouthful with even more indulgence.
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Whipped Cream: Light and airy whipped cream adds a lovely texture contrast to the fudgy cookies, elevating the dessert feel.
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Hot Chocolate: Surround your cookie joy with a mug of rich hot chocolate for a cozy treat ideal for chilly evenings or special occasions.
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Cheese Platter: A subtle cheese platter, featuring creamy brie or tangy goat cheese, can provide a savory counterpoint, making your dessert eclectic and gourmet.
These pairings will elevate your indulgence, turning your Chocolate Cherry Cookies into a full culinary experience!
Chocolate Cherry Cookies Variations
Feel free to customize these delightful cookies for a unique twist on the classic recipe!
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Nutty Delight: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the dough for a satisfying crunch that complements the cherry flavor beautifully.
Imagine each bite bursting with both chocolate and nutty goodness! -
Fruit Fusion: Swap cherry preserves for raspberry or strawberry preserves to create a berry-flavored twist.
This swap brings a fresh, fruity brightness that works wonderfully with chocolate! -
Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to make these cookies suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
They’ll still be soft and rich, proving that everyone can enjoy a delicious treat! -
Peppermint Twist: Add a few drops of peppermint extract to the dough for a refreshing holiday vibe.
The chocolate and mint flavors create a delightful pairing that’s perfect for festive occasions! -
Cinnamon Spice: Sprinkle in a teaspoon of ground cinnamon for a warm, aromatic touch that elevates the chocolate cherry goodness.
It’s an unexpected yet delightful flavor journey with every bite! -
Dairy-Free: Replace butter with coconut oil or a dairy-free margarine for a completely dairy-free version of these cookies.
Your cookies will maintain that luscious fudgy texture while catering to dairy-free diets. -
Lower Sugar: Reduce the granulated sugar by half for a less sweet treat that still allows the chocolate and cherry flavors to shine.
Perfect for those who prefer a dessert that isn’t overly sweet! -
Chili Chocolate: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the dough for a spicy kick that complements the chocolate beautifully.
This daring twist will surprise and delight adventurous eaters looking for something bold!
Chocolate Cherry Cookies Recipe FAQs
How do I select ripe cherries for this recipe?
Absolutely! When choosing cherries for your Chocolate Cherry Cookies, look for ones that are plump and firm, with a deep red color. Avoid any cherries with dark spots or wrinkles, as these can indicate overripeness. If you’re using preserves, opt for those that contain real fruit and have a vibrant color for the best flavor.
What is the best way to store my Chocolate Cherry Cookies?
Very! After you’ve baked your cookies, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This keeps their chewy texture intact. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them! Just layer them in a freezer-safe bag with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking, and they’ll last up to 2 weeks.
Can I freeze the chocolate cherry cookie dough?
Absolutely! You can freeze unbaked cookie dough by portioning it into balls and placing them on a baking sheet. Freeze the balls for about 2 hours, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to bake, no need to thaw—just pop them straight into the oven, adding an extra minute to the bake time for delicious Chocolate Cherry Cookies!
What should I do if my cookies spread too much while baking?
Very! If your cookies are spreading excessively, the dough might have been too warm or not chilled long enough. Make sure to chill the dough for a full hour before baking to help them hold their shape. Also, be sure your butter is softened – not melted – when creaming with the sugars. If they still spread too much, you can reshape them right after they come out of the oven. A cookie cutter can help create perfect thumbprint shapes!
Are these cookies suitable for those with nut allergies?
Absolutely! As long as you avoid using almond extract and other nut-based additives, these Chocolate Cherry Cookies can easily be made nut-free. Just check your chocolate and other ingredients for any potential nut contamination, and you’ll be all set to safely share these treats with everyone!
Irresistible Chocolate Cherry Cookies That Melt in Your Mouth
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, Dutch-process cocoa powder, baking powder, and sea salt until well combined, about 1-2 minutes.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar together on medium speed until light and fluffy, approximately 3-5 minutes.
- Add the egg yolks and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture, mixing until fully incorporated, around 1-2 minutes.
- Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined.
- Using a cookie scoop, portion out the dough into 32 balls and roll them gently in your hands, creating an indent in each ball and chilling for about 1 hour.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the cookies for 9-11 minutes, until they look set but still slightly soft in the middle.
- In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until boiling. Pour over the chopped chocolate, stirring until smooth. Incorporate cherry preserves.
- Once cookies are cooled, fill the indents with the ganache and refrigerate for about 10-15 minutes.