Chocolate Cherry Cookies

These Chocolate Cherry Cookies are the ultimate treat for any chocolate lover! Perfect for gatherings, special events, or simply satisfying your sweet tooth, these fudgy thumbprint cookies are filled with a luscious chocolate cherry ganache. With their rich flavor and delightful texture, they stand out as a must-try dessert.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Irresistible Flavor: The combination of rich chocolate and sweet cherry creates a taste sensation that is hard to resist.
• Easy to Prepare: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, these cookies come together quickly.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday celebration or just a casual get-together, these cookies fit right in.
• Fudgy Texture: The soft and chewy center makes each bite an indulgent experience.
• Creative Presentation: Their unique thumbprint design adds an artistic touch to your dessert table.

Tools and Preparation

To make these delightful Chocolate Cherry Cookies, you’ll need a few essential tools. Having the right equipment can make the baking process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Rubber spatula

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowls: These help keep your ingredients organized and allow for efficient mixing without spills.
• Baking sheet: A good quality baking sheet ensures even baking and prevents sticking, giving you perfectly shaped cookies.
• Parchment paper: This prevents the cookies from sticking to the pan and allows for easy cleanup after baking.

Ingredients

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

For the Cookie Base

• 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 Center

• 1/4 cup (85 g) cherry preserves

How to Make Chocolate Cherry Cookies

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prepare for baking.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

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

Whisk together until well blended. Set aside.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars

In another large mixing bowl:
1. Add softened butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar.
2. Beat with a mixer until creamy and smooth.

Step 4: Add Egg Yolks and Vanilla

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

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet ingredients:
1. Mix on low speed until just combined.
2. Do not overmix; it’s okay if there are still some small lumps of flour.

Step 6: Shape Cookies

Using your hands or a cookie scoop:
1. Roll dough into balls about one inch in diameter.
2. Place them on the prepared baking sheet about two inches apart.
3. Use your thumb to create a small indentation in each ball.

Step 7: Bake Cookies

Bake in preheated oven for about 10 minutes or until set around the edges but still soft in the center.

Step 8: Prepare Ganache Filling

While cookies cool:
1. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine chopped chocolate and heavy cream.
2. Stir until melted and smooth.

Step 9: Fill Cookies

Once cookies have cooled slightly:
1. Spoon cherry preserves into each thumbprint.
2. Top with warm ganache filling.

Allow them to cool completely before serving! Enjoy your delicious Chocolate Cherry Cookies!

How to Serve Chocolate Cherry Cookies

Chocolate cherry cookies are a delightful treat that pairs well with various accompaniments. Serving them in creative ways can enhance their flavor and presentation, making them perfect for any occasion.

With a Glass of Milk

• Milk is a classic pairing that complements the rich chocolate flavor of the cookies.

On a Dessert Platter

• Arrange the cookies on a beautiful platter with fresh cherries and chocolate shavings for an elegant presentation.

With Coffee or Tea

• Serve these cookies alongside your favorite hot beverage for a cozy afternoon treat.

As Party Favors

• Package individual cookies in decorative bags as sweet party favors for guests at special events.

How to Perfect Chocolate Cherry Cookies

Achieving the ideal texture and flavor in chocolate cherry cookies is simple with a few helpful tips.

• Use room temperature ingredients: Ensuring butter and egg yolks are at room temperature helps achieve a smooth batter and even baking.

• Don’t overmix the dough: Mixing just until combined prevents tough cookies and keeps them soft and fudgy.

• Chill the dough: Refrigerate the dough for 15-30 minutes before baking. This helps control spreading, resulting in thicker cookies.

• Measure flour correctly: Spoon and level the flour instead of scooping directly from the bag to avoid dense cookies.

Best Side Dishes for Chocolate Cherry Cookies

Pairing side dishes with chocolate cherry cookies can elevate your dessert experience. Here are some delicious options to consider:

1. Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness that balances out the richness of the cookies.

2. Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream melts beautifully over warm cookies, creating an indulgent dessert.

3. Chocolate Mousse: The lightness of mousse enhances the cookie’s fudgy texture while keeping it chocolatey.

4. Cheese Platter: A selection of mild cheeses can provide a savory contrast to sweet flavors, enhancing your overall tasting experience.

5. Nut Mix: A crunchy nut mix offers a satisfying crunch alongside soft chocolate cherry cookies, adding variety to each bite.

6. Herbal Tea: A calming herbal tea can cleanse the palate between bites, making each cookie taste as good as the first.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking can be tricky, especially with chocolate cherry cookies. Here are some common mistakes to keep in mind.

• Using cold ingredients: Cold butter and eggs can affect the dough’s consistency. Always use room temperature butter and eggs for better mixing.
• Not measuring flour correctly: Too much flour can make cookies dry. Spoon and level your flour instead of scooping directly from the bag.
• Skipping the chilling step: Chilling the dough helps prevent spreading during baking. Allow at least 30 minutes in the fridge for best results.
• Overbaking the cookies: Overbaking will lead to hard cookies. Watch them closely and remove when they are just set.
• Ignoring ingredient quality: Using high-quality chocolate and preserves enhances flavor. Invest in good ingredients for the best chocolate cherry cookies.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Use parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.

Freezing Chocolate Cherry Cookies

• Freeze baked cookies for up to 3 months.
• Wrap each cookie individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag.

Reheating Chocolate Cherry Cookies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat for about 5-7 minutes for optimal texture.
• Microwave: Heat one cookie on a plate for about 10-15 seconds; enjoy warm!
• Stovetop: Place a cookie in a skillet over low heat for a few minutes until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions regarding these delicious chocolate cherry cookies.

How do I make chocolate cherry cookies?

To make chocolate cherry cookies, follow the recipe instructions carefully, ensuring you combine all ingredients well and chill the dough before baking.

Can I substitute other fruits?

Absolutely! You can use raspberry or strawberry preserves if you prefer a different flavor profile while still enjoying a delightful treat.

What should I do if my dough is too sticky?

If your dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches a manageable consistency.

How do I know when my chocolate cherry cookies are done?

Cookies are done when they look set around the edges but still soft in the center. They will firm up as they cool down.

Final Thoughts

These chocolate cherry cookies are not only fudgy and rich but also versatile enough to cater to various tastes. Feel free to customize by adding nuts or using different fruit preserves. Give this recipe a try and enjoy the delightful blend of flavors!