If you’re looking for a cookie that hits every sweet spot — rich chocolate, a cherry twist, and a melt‑in‑your‑mouth texture — these Chocolate Cherry Cookies are made just for you. Think fudgy chocolate thumbprint cookies, crowned with a silky chocolate‑cherry ganache. Perfect for gifting, for Valentine’s Day, or simply for satisfying a serious chocolate craving.
Why You’ll Fall in Love with These Cookies
- Deep chocolate flavor. The dough uses Dutch‑process cocoa powder, delivering a dark, luscious chocolate base that’s not overly bitter but deeply satisfying.
- Chewy, tender texture. Between the brown sugar, egg yolks, and chilling time, these cookies keep their shape, yet stay soft and fudgy.
- Cherry‑chocolate ganache center. The silky ganache, spiked with cherry preserves, makes each bite feel decadent—like a chocolate‑cherry truffle inside a cookie.
- Manageable prep. Though there is a needed chill time, the steps are straightforward, using simple ingredients. Trust the chill—it helps with flavor and shape.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Chocolate Cookies
- 1 ½ cups (188 g) all‑purpose flour, spooned & leveled
- ½ cup (40 g) Dutch‑process cocoa powder
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp sea salt
- ¾ cup (168 g) unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup (165 g) light brown sugar, packed
- ¼ cup (50 g) granulated white sugar
- 2 large egg yolks, at room temperature
- 1½ tsp vanilla extract
For the Chocolate‑Cherry Ganache
- 5 oz chopped dark chocolate (chocolate bar with cherries if you can get it)
- ¼ cup + 2 Tbsp (≈ 90 ml) heavy cream
- ¼ cup (≈ 85 g) cherry preserves
How to Make Chocolate Cherry Cookies
- Mix the dry ingredients. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, Dutch cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream butter and sugars. With an electric mixer, cream softened butter with brown sugar and white sugar on high speed until light and fluffy.
- Add yolks & vanilla. Mix in the egg yolks and vanilla on medium speed until blended and airy, about 1–2 minutes.
- Combine wet & dry. Slowly add the dry mixture to the butter mixture, mixing on low just until it comes together.
- Form and indent the dough. Scoop dough into 32 tablespoon‑sized balls. Then use a ¼‑tsp measuring spoon to press an indent into each ball. Chill the dough for 1 hour (this is key for shape and texture).
- Bake. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. Bake about 10 minutes—cookies should still be slightly soft in center. Immediately after removing from oven, press centers again if needed to restore indent, and use a round cutter lightly around edges if they spread. Let cool on sheet for ~5 minutes, then transfer to wire rack.
- Make the ganache. Heat heavy cream until nearly boiling, pour over chopped chocolate and let sit briefly, then stir until smooth. Fold in cherry preserves.
- Fill and set. Once cookies are cooled, spoon about 1 teaspoon of ganache into each indent. Chill for 10‑15 minutes to let the ganache set.
Timing & Yield
- Prep Time: ~30 minutes
- Cook Time: ~10 minutes
- Chill Time: ~1 hour + 10 minutes for setting
- Total Time: ~1 hour 40 minutes
- Makes: About 32 cookies
Pro Tips & FAQs
- Why chill the dough? It helps the cookies keep their shape during baking. Without chilling, they may spread too much.
- Storing: Store in an airtight container at room temp for up to 3 days. You can freeze baked cookies (or dough) if you want to make ahead.
- If your ganache seizes (doesn’t melt smoothly): Use a double boiler or very low heat to gently melt it, stirring constantly.
Variations & Serving Suggestions
- Try using different fruit preserves—raspberry, blueberry, or even apricot—for a fruit‑chocolate twist.
- Mix in chopped nuts (hazelnuts, almonds) for crunch.
- For festive occasions, decorate with freeze‑dried cherries or a dusting of powdered sugar.
- Serve slightly warmed with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a glass of milk.
Final Thoughts
These Chocolate Cherry Cookies combine the best of fudgy chocolate, sweet cherries, and that comforting homemade cookie feeling. Though they require a bit of chilling time, the payoff is worth it: indulgent, elegant cookies that impress without being overly complicated.