Chocolate Cherry Cookies are such a treat, aren’t they? They combine the deep richness of chocolate with the tangy pop of cherries, creating a flavor explosion that’s hard to resist. These cookies not only satisfy your sweet tooth but also evoke memories of cozy evenings spent with friends and family. Imagine biting into a fudgy cookie, only to discover a surprise cherry filling waiting to be savored. It’s the perfect dessert for any occasion. Whether you’re baking for a special gathering or just treating yourself after a long day, these cookies have a way of lifting your spirits. Plus, they’re simple enough to whip up, even on a busy weeknight! Grab your mixing bowls, and let’s embark on a delicious journey to create the perfect batch of Chocolate Cherry Cookies.
Why This Recipe Works
This Chocolate Cherry Cookies recipe is special because it brilliantly balances the rich chocolate flavor with the tartness of cherries. This unique combination elevates your basic cookie to something remarkable. The fudgy texture is achieved through a carefully crafted dough that melts in your mouth. To take things even further, we incorporate a ganache that enhances the entire cookie experience, making each bite a delightful treat.
Why You’ll Love This Chocolate Cherry Cookies
There’s something comforting about a homemade cookie. These Chocolate Cherry Cookies are perfect whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just enjoying a cozy evening at home. They combine nostalgia with modern flavors, appealing to both young and old alike. Each bite offers a delicious surprise of cherry filling, creating a memorable flavor experience you’ll want to share. Trust me, once you try them, you’ll be hooked!
Ingredients
To make these delicious cookies, gather the following ingredients:
- 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 (Endangered Species Chocolate Vibrant Cherries + Dark Chocolate)
- 1/4 cup + 2 tbsp (90 ml) heavy cream
- 1/4 cup (85 g) cherry preserves
Mixing Cookie Dough
Whisk Dry Ingredients Together
Start by whisking together the all-purpose flour, Dutch-process cocoa powder, baking powder, and sea salt in a medium bowl. This step is crucial as it ensures an even mix of dry ingredients. You can set this mixture aside for later use.
Cream Together Butter and Sugars
Next, grab a large bowl and use an electric mixer to cream softened unsalted butter with the light brown sugar and granulated white sugar. Beat on high speed until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This will take about 2-3 minutes, and it’s key for a nice texture.
Incorporate Egg Yolks and Vanilla
Now it’s time to add the egg yolks and vanilla extract to the creamed mixture. Beat the mixture on medium speed until everything is fully integrated and looking fluffy, which should take around 1-2 minutes.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
With the wet ingredients ready, gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix on low speed just until combined. Be careful not to overmix, as a gentle touch will help keep the cookies tender.
Shape and Chill the Dough
Using a tablespoon-size cookie scoop, portion out the dough into about 32 balls. After rolling them, gently press each ball with a teaspoon to create a small indentation in the center. Now, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the dough for 1 hour. Chilling helps the cookies hold their shape while baking.
Baking the Cookies
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) about 15 minutes before you’re ready to bake. This will help ensure even baking.
Arrange Cookies for Baking
Prepare two large baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper. Place 8 cookie rounds on each sheet, giving them space to spread.
Bake and Shape the Cookies
Bake the cookies for 9-11 minutes—aim for about 10 minutes for that perfect bake. After removing them from the oven, gently press down on each cookie’s center again. You can also use a circular cutter to refine their shape while they’re still hot.
Cool the Cookies
Give the cookies a chance to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. After that, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. The cookies will finish setting as they cool.
Preparing Chocolate Cherry Ganache
Melt Chocolate with Cream
In a medium bowl, place the chopped chocolate. In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream until it just starts to boil. Pour the hot cream over the chocolate and stir until you achieve a smooth ganache—this will take just a minute or two.
Add Cherry Preserves
Next, mix in the cherry preserves to the ganache until everything is well combined. This step gives that lovely cherry flavor that pairs so well with the chocolate.
Assembling the Cookies
Fill Cookies with Ganache
Once the cookies are completely cooled, fill each indentation with about 1 teaspoon (or more) of the chocolate cherry ganache. Don’t be shy—this is where the magic happens!
Chill to Set
Lastly, place the filled cookies in the fridge for 10-15 minutes to allow the ganache to set. This makes them easier to handle later.
Serving Suggestions
You can enjoy these cookies fresh with a steaming cup of coffee or some herbal tea for a comforting treat. They also shine as a delightful dessert at gatherings or family dinners, sparking joy among your guests.
Tips for Success
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure to use room-temperature ingredients for a better emulsion. This really does make a difference in the final texture.
- Adjust Baking Time: Each oven is unique, so it can be helpful to adjust baking time based on how your oven bakes. This will ensure you achieve the perfect texture.
Variations
Feel free to get creative! You can substitute dark chocolate with milk chocolate for a sweeter taste. Additionally, experimenting with different fruit preserves like raspberry can add a unique twist that’s worth trying.
Storage Tips
Store any leftover Chocolate Cherry Cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 days to maintain their freshness. Trust me, you’ll want to keep them around!
Pairing Ideas
Pair these cookies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a cold glass of milk. The combination will satisfy your cravings and elevate the dessert experience!
FAQs
1. Can I use fresh cherries instead of preserves?
Yes, you can! Just ensure you pit and chop them well, but keep in mind that the cookies might be more moist.
2. How do I prevent cookies from spreading too much?
A great tip is to chill the dough before baking and measure the flour accurately. This helps keep the cookies intact.
3. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to keep the texture similar.
4. How can I adjust the sweetness of the cookies?
If you prefer a less sweet treat, reducing the granulated sugar slightly works well.
5. What other flavors can I add?
Consider adding a splash of almond extract or some orange zest for an extra layer of flavor.
Chocolate Cherry Cookies are a delightful treat that offer a perfect blend of rich chocolate and tart cherry flavors. Whether enjoyed during the holidays or as an everyday snack, they bring joy with each bite. Their fudgy texture, combined with a luscious cherry ganache, ensures that these cookies stand out. Make sure to share them with loved ones, or savor every last bite yourself!
Print
Chocolate Cherry Cookies
These Chocolate Cherry Cookies offer a delicious combination of rich chocolate and tangy cherries. With a fudgy texture and a delightful surprise filling, they’re ideal for any occasion.
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 32 cookies 1x
Ingredients
- 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 (Endangered Species Chocolate Vibrant Cherries + Dark Chocolate)
- 1/4 cup + 2 tbsp (90 ml) heavy cream
- 1/4 cup (85 g) cherry preserves
Instructions
- Whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and sea salt in a medium bowl.
- Cream butter with light brown and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add egg yolks and vanilla, mixing until fully integrated.
- Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until just combined.
- Portion the dough into balls, indent each, and refrigerate for 1 hour.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare baking sheets.
- Bake cookies for 9-11 minutes, then cool on sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
- Prepare ganache by melting chopped chocolate with heated cream, then mix in cherry preserves.
- Fill cookie indents with ganache and chill to set for 10-15 minutes.
Last Step:
Please leave a rating and comment letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business to thrive and continue providing free, high-quality recipes for you.Notes
Use room-temperature ingredients for better texture.
Adjust baking time based on your oven’s performance.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10
- Sodium: 80
- Fat: 7
- Saturated Fat: 4
- Unsaturated Fat: 3
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 20
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 2
- Cholesterol: 20
