Name: Deliciously Fudgy Chocolate Cherry Cookies to Indulge In
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 11 min
Total time: 86 min
Ingredients: 1.75 cups All-Purpose Flour (Ensure it's spooned and leveled for accuracy.); 0.5 cups Dutch-Process Cocoa Powder (Use any quality dark cocoa if unavailable.); 1 teaspoon Baking Powder; 0.5 teaspoon Sea Salt; 0.5 cups Unsalted Butter (Make sure it’s softened for easy mixing.); 0.5 cups Light Brown Sugar (Can substitute with dark brown sugar for a stronger flavor.); 0.25 cups Granulated White Sugar; 2 units Egg Yolks (Ensure they are at room temperature for better incorporation.); 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract; 1 cups Chopped Chocolate (Use any high-quality dark chocolate or semi-sweet chocolate if desired.); 0.5 cups Heavy Cream; 0.25 cups Cherry Preserves (Can substitute with other fruit preserves if preferred.)

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As I rummaged through my pantry, the sight of a jar brimming with cherry preserves sparked a delightful idea: fudgy chocolate cherry cookies. These thumbprint beauties are not just a treat for the eyes; they bring together a rich, chocolatey base with a luscious ganache that bursts with fruity flavor. What’s even better? This recipe is a breeze to whip up in no time, making it perfect for both special occasions like Valentine’s Day and those everyday cravings when only something sweet will do. Plus, with their melt-in-your-mouth texture and chewy centers, they’ll quickly become a beloved favorite among family and friends. Curious about how to create these scrumptious delights? Let’s dive in!

Why Make Chocolate Cherry Cookies?

Indulgent Flavor: These cookies combine rich chocolate with vibrant cherry preserves, creating a delightful burst of flavor in every bite.

Easy to Prepare: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up a batch in no time—perfect for those last-minute gatherings or cozy evenings at home.

Melt-in-your-Mouth Texture: Enjoy the lovely contrast of fudgy chocolate and gooey ganache, ensuring that each cookie is as luxurious as it looks.

Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re celebrating Valentine’s Day or just need a sweet treat, these cookies will impress everyone.

Versatile Options: Feel free to experiment with Chocolate Peanut Butter or Raspberry Preserves for a twist that’s sure to delight!

Chocolate Cherry Cookie Ingredients

For the Cookie Base
• All-Purpose Flour – Provides structure and chewiness. Ensure it’s spooned and leveled for accuracy.
• Dutch-Process Cocoa Powder – Adds rich chocolate flavor and dark color. Use any quality dark cocoa if unavailable.
• Baking Powder – Helps cookies rise and creates a lighter texture.
• Sea Salt – Enhances sweetness and balances flavors.
• Unsalted Butter – Contributes richness and moisture. Make sure it’s softened for easy mixing.
• Light Brown Sugar – Adds moisture and a hint of caramel flavor. Can substitute with dark brown sugar for a stronger flavor.
• Granulated White Sugar – Promotes sweetness and texture.
• Egg Yolks – Provide richness and act as a binder. Ensure they are at room temperature for better incorporation.
• Vanilla Extract – Adds depth of flavor.

For the Ganache Filling
• Chopped Chocolate – Forms the base of the ganache, providing a luxurious texture. Use any high-quality dark chocolate or semi-sweet chocolate if desired.
• Heavy Cream – Creates a smooth ganache consistency.
• Cherry Preserves – Adds a fruity flavor that pairs perfectly with chocolate. Can substitute with other fruit preserves if preferred.

These delightful Chocolate Cherry Cookies are not just easy to prepare but also satisfy your sweet cravings with a burst of flavor and texture that everyone will love!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Chocolate Cherry Cookies

Step 1: Prep Dry Ingredients
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together 1 ¾ cups of all-purpose flour, ½ cup of Dutch-process cocoa powder, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and ½ teaspoon of sea salt until well combined. This mixture forms the foundation for your delicious Chocolate Cherry Cookies. Setting this aside allows the leavening agents to meld and prepare for the next steps.

Step 2: Cream Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream ½ cup of softened unsalted butter with ½ cup of light brown sugar and ¼ cup of granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy—about 3-4 minutes. Next, add 2 egg yolks and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, mixing until completely incorporated for a rich and smooth base.

Step 3: Combine Mixtures
Gradually add your dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix on low speed just until combined to avoid overworking the dough. You’ll know it’s ready when there are no visible flour streaks, and the dough is thick and fudgy. It’s important not to overmix here, to keep your Chocolate Cherry Cookies soft and chewy.

Step 4: Form Dough
Scoop the dough into 32 equal portions, rolling each into a ball with your hands. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, then use a ¼ teaspoon measuring spoon to create an indent in the center of each ball. Chill the cookie dough in the refrigerator for 1 hour to help maintain the shape during baking.

Step 5: Bake Cookies
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while the dough chills. Once heated, bake the chilled cookies on the parchment-lined sheets for 9-11 minutes, until they are set but still slightly soft in the center. If the indent has puffed up, gently press it down again with the measuring spoon once they come out of the oven.

Step 6: Make Ganache
In a small saucepan, heat ½ cup of heavy cream over medium heat until it just starts to boil. Remove from heat and pour it over 1 cup of chopped chocolate in a bowl. Stir gently until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth, creating a luxurious ganache. Mix in ¼ cup of cherry preserves for a fruity touch that complements your Chocolate Cherry Cookies.

Step 7: Assemble Cookies
After the cookies have cooled slightly, fill the indents with the chocolate cherry ganache. Allow them to set at room temperature for 10-15 minutes, letting the rich ganache firm up slightly before serving. Enjoy the heavenly combination of flavors in your freshly baked Chocolate Cherry Cookies!

Expert Tips for Chocolate Cherry Cookies

Chill Dough: Ensure to chill the dough for at least an hour. This helps maintain the shape of the cookies while baking, preventing them from spreading too much.
Correct Measurements: Measure your flour accurately by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling it off. Incorrect measurements can lead to dense Chocolate Cherry Cookies.
Indent Technique: Use a measuring spoon or a thumbprint to create your indents. If they puff up while baking, gently press again right after removing them from the oven for perfect filling space.
Ganache Magic: If your ganache is too thick, gently reheat it over a double boiler until smooth. Ensure you mix in the cherry preserves thoroughly for balanced flavors.
Storage Know-How: Store your baked cookies in an airtight container for up to three days to keep them fresh. Alternatively, freeze them for up to two weeks for later enjoyment!

What to Serve with Fudgy Chocolate Cherry Cookies?

Indulging in fudgy chocolate cherry cookies creates a delightful moment, and pairing them perfectly elevates your experience.

Tall Glass of Milk: The classic pairing! Milk’s creaminess balances the rich chocolate and cherry flavors, making every bite feel indulgent.
Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of sweet vanilla ice cream adds a creamy contrast, melting beautifully over warm cookies for a decadent dessert.
Fresh Berries: Juicy raspberries or strawberries offer a refreshing tartness that complements the sweetness of the cookies, while adding a pop of color and freshness.
Espresso or Coffee: Rich, dark coffee enhances the chocolate flavor and creates a sophisticated balance that is perfect for savoring during a cozy meal.
Chocolate Ganache Cupcakes: Elevate your dessert spread with cupcakes topped with luscious chocolate ganache—it’s a fun twist that chocolate lovers will adore.
Cherry Sauce Drizzle: A simple cherry sauce can enhance the fruity aspect of the cookies, offering an elegant finishing touch that guests will enjoy.
Chocolate Mint Tea: The herbal notes in mint tea wonderfully contrast with the rich chocolate, making for a soothing, after-dinner drink option.
Coconut Macaroons: These chewy cookies add a delightful texture and flavor contrast, enhancing the overall dessert experience with their sweetness.
Chocolate Stout Beer: For an adult pairing, a rich chocolate stout beer brings out the fudgy notes while giving a unique flavor dimension to the pairing.

Chocolate Cherry Cookies Variations!

Customize your cookie experience with delightful twists that surprise your palate and add extra joy to your baking adventure.

Fruit Preserves Swap: Try raspberry or apricot preserves instead of cherry for a vibrant flavor change that still pairs beautifully with chocolate. How about also mixing in some vanilla bean for an exciting layering of flavors?
Nutty Delight: Fold in chopped nuts such as walnuts or pecans into the cookie dough for a crunchy texture. It adds a charming contrast to the fudginess and enhances the overall taste profile, making each bite uniquely satisfying.
Gluten-Free Version: Replace all-purpose flour with almond flour for a gluten-free alternative. You might need extra egg or binding ingredients to keep the texture consistent, but it’s a wonderful spin for those avoiding gluten!
Decadent Decoration: Top off your ganache with a sprinkle of sea salt or crushed candy canes (during the holiday season) for added flair and festive cheer. The sprinkle of salt really enhances the chocolate’s richness!
Spicy Heat: Introduce a hint of cayenne or ground chili pepper to the cookie dough for a sweet and spicy combination that warms your palate. This unique twist is sure to wow your adventurous friends.
Chocolate Variations: Experiment with different chocolate types like white chocolate or milk chocolate as the ganache base. Each brings its sweetness, allowing personalized indulgence that caters to every taste.
Fruity Fusions: Add finely chopped fresh fruit, like strawberries or raspberries, into the dough for an extra burst of freshness. Just note that fresh fruit may alter the dough’s consistency, but the vibrant flavors are so worth it!
Cookie Sandwiches: Create cookie sandwiches by adding a layer of additional ganache between two cookies—a delightful treat for any chocolate lover. They make an impressive dessert for special gatherings!

Baking these Chocolate Cherry Cookies can be a joyous journey, and mixing in ideas from Chocolate Peanut Butter or Pink Hot Chocolate for a celebratory mood is always fun! Enjoy experimenting and making them your own!

Make Ahead Options

These Chocolate Cherry Cookies are perfect for meal prep, saving you time and effort on busy days! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance by rolling it into balls and chilling it in the refrigerator. This not only helps maintain the cookies’ shape during baking but also enhances the flavors. The ganache can also be made ahead of time; simply store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to bake, just scoop the dough onto a baking sheet, create the indents, and bake as directed. Finish by filling the cooled cookies with the chocolate cherry ganache, ensuring your treats are just as delicious and fresh!

How to Store and Freeze Chocolate Cherry Cookies

Room Temperature: Store your baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain their freshness.

Fridge: If you prefer a firmer texture, place the cookies in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, keeping them sealed to prevent drying out.

Freezer: For longer storage, freeze individually wrapped cookies or place them in a freezer bag for up to 2 weeks. Allow to thaw at room temperature before serving.

Reheating: To enjoy them warm again, reheat in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. These Chocolate Cherry Cookies are so delicious, you’ll want to savor every bite!

Chocolate Cherry Cookies Recipe FAQs

What type of cherries are best for cherry preserves?
Absolutely! When selecting cherry preserves, look for high-quality options that contain real fruit and minimal additives. Tart cherry preserves tend to work best in these cookies, offering a balanced contrast to the rich chocolate. If fresh cherries are in season, you could even make your own preserves for an extra special touch!

How should I store leftover cookies?
Very good question! To keep your Chocolate Cherry Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to enjoy them longer, refrigerate them for up to 5 days, just make sure they’re well-sealed to prevent drying out.

Can I freeze these cookies?
Indeed! To freeze your Chocolate Cherry Cookies, wrap each cookie individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag—this prevents freezer burn. They can be stored for up to 2 weeks. When you’re ready to eat them, simply thaw at room temperature until soft. For a warm treat, pop them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds.

What should I do if my cookies spread too much while baking?
Oh dear! If your cookies spread too much, it could be due to warm dough or incorrect measurements. Make sure your butter is softened, not melted, and chill the dough for at least an hour before baking. If they puff up, gently press them down post-baking for the perfect indent!

Are these cookies safe for pets or those with allergies?
Always a good consideration! Chocolate is toxic to dogs and should never be given to pets. If you’re worried about allergies, be mindful of the ingredients like dairy (in the butter and cream) and gluten (in the flour). You can substitute with gluten-free flour and dairy alternatives, tailoring the recipe to fit dietary needs.

How can I ensure my ganache turns out smooth?
Great question! To make a silky ganache, heat your heavy cream gently until it just starts to boil and pour it over the chocolate. Stir continuously until completely melted and smooth. If needed, you can use a double boiler to control the heat better, ensuring no lumps are left behind. Happy baking!