Chocolate Cherry Cookies

If you’re looking for a delightful dessert that will make your heart sing, you’ve stumbled upon the perfect recipe! These Chocolate Cherry Cookies are not only fudgy and rich but also come with a sweet surprise in the middle—chocolate cherry ganache. What more could you ask for? This recipe is a cherished favorite of mine and is sure to be a hit at any gathering, be it a cozy family night or a festive celebration.

The combination of chocolate and cherries feels like a warm hug on a plate. Plus, they’re incredibly easy to whip up, making them ideal for busy weeknights when you need something sweet without spending hours in the kitchen. Trust me, once you try them, you’ll want to keep this recipe close!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Irresistibly delicious: The rich chocolate flavor paired with the tartness of cherries creates a cookie experience that’s simply unforgettable.
• Perfect for sharing: With 32 cookies in each batch, these treats are fantastic for parties, bake sales, or just to enjoy with your loved ones.
• Easy to make: Even if you’re new to baking, this recipe is straightforward and doesn’t require any fancy techniques.
• Make ahead convenience: You can prepare the dough in advance and bake them whenever you’re ready—perfect for meal prep!
• Customizable flavors: Feel free to play around with different fillings or add-ins; these cookies are flexible and fun!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple and wholesome ingredients is part of the joy of baking! Here’s what you need to create these delightful Chocolate Cherry Cookies:

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

• 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

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully adaptable! Here are a few fun ideas to mix things up:

• Swap in different fruits: Use raspberry or strawberry preserves instead of cherry for a tasty twist.
• Try different chocolates: Experiment with milk chocolate or white chocolate for your ganache filling to suit your taste buds.
• Add nuts: Chopped walnuts or almonds can provide an extra crunch and depth to your cookies.
• Make them gluten-free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend for a delicious alternative.

How to Make Chocolate Cherry Cookies

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and sea salt. This step ensures that all dry ingredients are well combined before adding them to your wet mixture. In another bowl, cream together the softened butter with both sugars until it’s light and fluffy. This process incorporates air into your mixture which helps create lovely soft cookies.

Step 2: Combine Wet Ingredients

Next up, add in the egg yolks and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture. Mix well until everything is evenly blended. It’s important that all ingredients are at room temperature so they combine seamlessly—this helps achieve that fudgy texture we love.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients into Wet Mixture

Gradually add your dry flour mixture into the wet ingredients. Stir gently until just combined; overmixing can lead to tough cookies. We want our Chocolate Cherry Cookies to stay tender and melt-in-your-mouth!

Step 4: Bake the Cookies

Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto lined baking sheets. Make an indent in each ball using your thumb—this will hold our luscious ganache later! Bake in your preheated oven for about 10 minutes. They may look under-baked but will firm up once cooled.

Step 5: Prepare the Ganache

While the cookies cool down, let’s make that dreamy ganache! Heat the heavy cream until just simmering then pour it over your chopped chocolate in a small bowl. Let it sit for a minute before stirring until smooth—a little patience goes a long way here!

Step 6: Fill with Ganache and Serve

Once your cookies have cooled completely, fill each thumbprint with cherry preserves followed by that silky ganache on top. Allow everything to set for just a moment before diving in! Share them with friends or keep them all for yourself—no judgment here!

Enjoy every bite of your homemade Chocolate Cherry Cookies!

Pro Tips for Making Chocolate Cherry Cookies

Baking is all about having fun and experimenting, so here are some helpful tips to ensure your Chocolate Cherry Cookies turn out perfectly every time!

• Use room temperature ingredients: Bringing your butter and egg yolks to room temperature will help them mix together smoothly, resulting in a uniform dough that bakes evenly.

• Measure flour correctly: Spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife. This prevents packing too much flour into the cup, which can lead to dry cookies.

• Chill the dough: If you find your dough is too soft to handle, chilling it in the fridge for 15-30 minutes can make it easier to form your thumbprints without the cookies spreading too much while baking.

• Mix ganache thoroughly: When making the chocolate cherry ganache, ensure that the chocolate is fully melted and combined with the cream. This creates a silky texture that will beautifully fill your thumbprint cookies.

• Let cookies cool completely: Allow your cookies to cool before adding the ganache. This prevents the warm cookies from melting the ganache and ensures a delightful layered look.

How to Serve Chocolate Cherry Cookies

These Chocolate Cherry Cookies are not only delicious but also visually stunning! Here are some ideas on how to present them for any occasion or simply to enjoy at home.

Garnishes

• Fresh cherries: Top each cookie with a fresh cherry for a pop of color and an extra burst of fruity flavor.
• Chocolate shavings: Sprinkle some dark chocolate shavings over your ganache for added texture and elegance.
• Powdered sugar dusting: A light dusting of powdered sugar can add a sophisticated touch while enhancing the visual appeal.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla ice cream: The creamy sweetness of vanilla ice cream pairs perfectly with these rich cookies, creating a delightful contrast.
• Fruit salad: A refreshing fruit salad can balance out the richness of the cookies. Consider using seasonal fruits like berries or citrus for brightness.
• Coffee or espresso: Serving these cookies alongside a warm cup of coffee or espresso enhances their chocolate flavor and provides a cozy experience.
• Chocolate mousse: For those truly indulgent moments, pairing these cookies with a light chocolate mousse can elevate your dessert experience to new heights!

With these tips and serving suggestions, you’ll be well on your way to impressing family and friends with your delightful Chocolate Cherry Cookies! Enjoy baking!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Chocolate Cherry Cookies are perfect for meal prep! You can make them ahead of time and store them, ensuring you always have a delightful treat on hand when those sweet cravings hit.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the cookies to cool completely before storing.
• Place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• For longer freshness, consider refrigerating them, where they will last for up to 2 weeks.

Freezing

• To freeze, place the cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
• Transfer the frozen cookies to a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper.
• They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• To enjoy warm cookies, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Place the cookies on a baking sheet and heat for about 5-7 minutes.
• Alternatively, you can microwave them for about 10-15 seconds until warm.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about these delicious Chocolate Cherry Cookies!

Can I use fresh cherries instead of cherry preserves in Chocolate Cherry Cookies?

You can use fresh cherries, but keep in mind that they will change the texture. If using fresh cherries, consider cooking them down into a compote first for a smoother filling.

What makes these Chocolate Cherry Cookies fudgy?

The combination of unsweetened chocolate and butter creates a rich base while the egg yolks add moisture. This results in that delightful fudgy texture that pairs perfectly with cherry.

How do I know when my Chocolate Cherry Cookies are done baking?

The edges should look set while the centers may still appear slightly soft. They will firm up as they cool on the baking sheet.

Can I add nuts to my Chocolate Cherry Cookies?

Absolutely! Chopped walnuts or pecans would complement the chocolate and cherry flavors beautifully. Just be sure to fold them gently into the dough before baking.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making these delectable Chocolate Cherry Cookies! Their rich flavor and fudgy texture make them truly special for any occasion. Whether you’re enjoying them with friends or savoring them alone with a cup of tea, these cookies are sure to bring smiles. Happy baking, and may your kitchen always be filled with love and laughter!