These Chocolate Cherry Cookies are a chocolate lover’s dream! With a rich, fudgy base and a decadent chocolate cherry ganache filling, every bite melts in your mouth. The deep cocoa flavor pairs beautifully with the tart sweetness of cherry preserves, creating a perfect balance of indulgence.
Ideal for holidays, Valentine’s Day, or anytime you need a chocolate fix, these cookies are easy to make and impossible to resist. With a simple thumbprint technique and a quick ganache, they’re as fun to bake as they are to eat! Try them today and fall in love with the perfect combination of chocolate and cherries.
Full Recipe:
For the Cookies:
- 1 ½ cups (188g) all-purpose flour
- ½ cup (40g) Dutch-process cocoa powder
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp sea salt
- ¾ cup (168g) unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup (165g) light brown sugar, packed
- ¼ cup (50g) granulated white sugar
- 2 egg yolks, at room temperature
- 1 ½ tsp vanilla extract
For the Chocolate Cherry Ganache:
- 5 oz dark chocolate, chopped
- ¼ cup + 2 tbsp (90ml) heavy cream
- ¼ cup (85g) cherry preserves
Directions:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, cream the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg yolks and vanilla extract, mixing until incorporated.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined.
- Scoop the dough into 32 equal portions, rolling each into a ball. Use a ¼ teaspoon to press an indent into each cookie. Chill for one hour.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Arrange 8 cookies per baking sheet and bake for 9-11 minutes.
- Immediately after baking, reinforce the indent in each cookie using a ¼ teaspoon. Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
- Prepare the ganache: Heat heavy cream until just about to boil, then pour over chopped chocolate. Stir until melted and smooth. Mix in cherry preserves.
- Fill each cookie indent with about 1 teaspoon of ganache. Chill cookies for 10 minutes to allow ganache to set.
Prep Time: 30 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Chill Time: 1 hour | Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
Kcal: 180 kcal per cookie | Servings: 32 cookies
The Ultimate Chocolate Cherry Cookies: A Decadent Delight
Chocolate and cherries are a timeless combination, and these Chocolate Cherry Cookies are proof that some flavor pairings are simply meant to be. With a rich, fudgy texture and a luscious chocolate cherry ganache filling, these cookies are a dream come true for anyone who loves indulgent treats. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion like Valentine’s Day, adding to a holiday cookie tray, or simply satisfying a chocolate craving, this recipe delivers on taste, texture, and elegance.
Why These Cookies Are Special
These chocolate thumbprint cookies stand out from the crowd for several reasons. First, the cookie dough itself is intensely chocolatey, thanks to the use of Dutch-process cocoa powder, which deepens the chocolate flavor while keeping the texture soft and chewy. Unlike traditional sugar cookies, which can be crisp, these cookies stay moist with a melt-in-your-mouth consistency.
The real star, however, is the chocolate cherry ganache filling. This silky-smooth ganache is made by melting high-quality dark chocolate with heavy cream and then incorporating cherry preserves for a fruity twist. The result is a rich, velvety center that perfectly balances the deep chocolate flavors of the cookie.
Perfect for Any Occasion
One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility. These cookies are perfect for festive gatherings, romantic desserts, or everyday treats. They make an excellent gift during the holiday season and look stunning on dessert platters. Since they’re both decadent and easy to make, they’re a fantastic choice for beginner bakers who want to impress.
In addition, these cookies are great for making ahead of time. The dough can be prepared and stored in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking, allowing you to plan ahead. You can also freeze baked cookies for a later date, ensuring you always have a homemade treat ready when cravings strike.
The Secret to a Perfectly Chewy Cookie
The texture of these cookies is what makes them truly irresistible. A perfectly chewy chocolate cookie starts with the right balance of ingredients and techniques. Here are a few secrets behind achieving the best results:
- Brown sugar over white sugar: Using a higher ratio of brown sugar adds moisture and chewiness to the cookie. White sugar, on the other hand, creates a crispier texture.
- Softened butter: Creaming softened butter with sugar ensures a light and tender crumb, while melted butter would make the cookies too dense.
- Egg yolks only: Instead of using whole eggs, this recipe calls for egg yolks, which contribute to the rich and fudgy texture without making the cookies too cakey.
- Chilling the dough: This is an essential step! Chilling prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking, helping them maintain their shape and texture.
The Role of Dutch-Process Cocoa Powder
Unlike natural cocoa powder, Dutch-process cocoa is treated with an alkalizing agent, which neutralizes its acidity and gives it a smoother, more intense chocolate flavor. This type of cocoa powder is ideal for baking when paired with baking powder, as it provides the perfect balance of bitterness and deep cocoa richness. It’s what makes these cookies so intensely chocolatey without being overpowering.
Chocolate Cherry Ganache: A Flavorful Twist
The ganache filling is what makes these cookies truly special. Ganache is a simple yet luxurious mixture of chocolate and heavy cream, often used for truffles, frostings, and fillings. The addition of cherry preserves takes it to the next level by introducing a slight tartness that enhances the depth of the chocolate flavor.
When choosing a dark chocolate for the ganache, opt for a bar with at least 70% cocoa content. This ensures that the ganache remains rich without being overly sweet. The cherry preserves not only add flavor but also provide a subtle texture contrast against the smooth chocolate.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
These cookies can be enjoyed on their own, but if you want to take them to the next level, here are some ways to elevate your dessert experience:
- With coffee or espresso: The bold flavors of coffee complement the rich chocolate and cherry notes in the cookies.
- With a glass of red wine: A smooth Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, or Pinot Noir pairs beautifully with the deep cocoa and fruit flavors.
- With vanilla ice cream: Serving these cookies slightly warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream creates an indulgent, contrast of flavors and temperatures.
- With whipped cream: A light whipped cream topping can make these cookies feel like a gourmet dessert.
Tips for Storing and Freezing
If you want to keep these cookies fresh and delicious, proper storage is key.
- Room Temperature: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Refrigerator: If you live in a warm climate, you can refrigerate them to prevent the ganache from melting.
- Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a sealed container for up to 2 weeks. Let them thaw at room temperature before serving.
Variations and Customization
While the classic chocolate cherry combination is hard to beat, there are plenty of ways to experiment with this recipe:
- Swap the cherry preserves for raspberry or strawberry preserves for a different fruity twist.
- Add a sprinkle of sea salt over the ganache for a sweet-and-salty contrast.
- Use white chocolate ganache instead of dark chocolate for a sweeter, creamier filling.
- Drizzle melted chocolate over the top for extra decadence.
- Make them gluten-free by swapping the all-purpose flour for a high-quality gluten-free flour blend.
Conclusion: A Must-Try Cookie Recipe
These Chocolate Cherry Cookies are a perfect blend of rich chocolate flavor, chewy texture, and a silky ganache filling that sets them apart from ordinary cookies. Whether you’re baking them for a special occasion or just treating yourself, they offer an indulgent experience in every bite.
The combination of Dutch-process cocoa, dark chocolate, and cherry preserves creates a cookie that is both sophisticated and comforting. With easy preparation and a flavor profile that appeals to chocolate lovers everywhere, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.
So go ahead, bake a batch, and enjoy the perfect balance of chocolate and cherries in every delicious bite!