Chocolate Cherry Cookies

These Chocolate Cherry Cookies are the ultimate treat for chocolate lovers! They feature fudgy chocolate thumbprint cookies filled with a rich chocolate cherry ganache, making them perfect for any gathering or celebration. With their delightful flavor and stunning appearance, these cookies are sure to impress friends and family alike. Whether it’s a holiday, birthday, or just a cozy night in, you’ll find these cookies are a must-have for your dessert table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor Combination: The mix of rich chocolate and sweet cherry creates an irresistible taste that will leave you wanting more.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re baking for a party, holiday, or just because, these cookies fit every event beautifully.
• Easy to Make: With simple instructions and accessible ingredients, even novice bakers can whip up these treats without hassle.
• Great For Sharing: Yielding 32 cookies, they’re ideal for sharing with friends or bringing to gatherings.
• Customizable Filling: Feel free to swap out the cherry preserves for other fruit flavors to suit your taste!

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking these delicious Chocolate Cherry Cookies, make sure you have the right tools ready. Having the proper equipment will streamline your process and ensure perfect results.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Whisk

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowl: Essential for combining ingredients smoothly without any mess.
• Baking sheet: Provides an even surface for baking your cookies to perfection.
• Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easy.

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Ingredients

To create these delectable Chocolate Cherry Cookies, gather the following ingredients:

For the Cookies

• 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
• 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). This ensures that your cookies bake evenly.

Step 2: Prepare Your Baking Sheet

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will help prevent the cookies from sticking while baking.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

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

Set this mixture aside as you prepare the wet ingredients.

Step 4: Cream Butter and Sugars

In another mixing bowl:
1. Beat the softened butter until creamy.
2. Gradually add light brown sugar and granulated white sugar until well combined.

Step 5: Add Egg Yolks and Vanilla

Mix in:
1. Egg yolks one at a time until fully incorporated.
2. Vanilla extract until blended smoothly into the batter.

Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gradually add your dry mixture to the wet ingredients while stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

Step 7: Shape Cookies

Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon:
1. Scoop dough onto the prepared baking sheet.
2. Use your thumb to create an indentation in each cookie.

Step 8: Bake Cookies

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

Step 9: Prepare Ganache Filling

While cookies cool:
1. Heat heavy cream in a small saucepan until steaming but not boiling.
2. Pour cream over chopped chocolate in a bowl; let sit for a few minutes before stirring until smooth.

Step 10: Fill Cookies

Once cookies have cooled:
1. Spoon cherry preserves into each indentation.
2. Top with warm chocolate ganache generously filling each cookie’s center.

Let set before serving! Enjoy your delightful batch of Chocolate Cherry Cookies!

How to Serve Chocolate Cherry Cookies

These delightful chocolate cherry cookies are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re celebrating a special event or just indulging in a sweet treat, here are some serving suggestions that will enhance your experience.

With a Glass of Milk

• Enjoy these cookies with a cold glass of milk for the classic pairing that complements the rich chocolate flavor.

As Dessert for a Party

• Arrange the cookies on a decorative platter at your next gathering. Their beautiful appearance will impress your guests and make them the highlight of your dessert table.

Alongside Fresh Cherries

• Serve your chocolate cherry cookies with fresh cherries. The burst of fresh fruit adds a refreshing contrast to the fudgy texture of the cookies.

With Vanilla Ice Cream

• Top each cookie with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream. The warm cookie and cold ice cream combination is simply irresistible.

How to Perfect Chocolate Cherry Cookies

To ensure your chocolate cherry cookies turn out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Allow butter and egg yolks to come to room temperature before mixing. This helps create a smoother batter and better texture.

• Measure Flour Accurately: Spoon and level the flour rather than packing it into the measuring cup. This prevents dry cookies and ensures the right balance of ingredients.

• Chill the Dough: For best results, chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This helps maintain their shape and enhances flavor.

• Watch Baking Time: Keep an eye on your cookies while they bake. Remove them from the oven when they are set but still soft in the center for that perfect fudgy texture.

Best Side Dishes for Chocolate Cherry Cookies

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

1. Fresh Fruit Salad
   A mix of seasonal fruits provides a refreshing counterpoint to the richness of the cookies.

2. Whipped Coconut Cream
   Light and fluffy coconut cream adds a tropical flair that pairs well with chocolate flavors.

3. Chocolate Fondue
   For an indulgent touch, serve these cookies alongside warm chocolate fondue for dipping.

4. Cheese Platter
   A selection of mild cheeses balances sweetness and offers different textures alongside your cookies.

5. Mint Tea
   A soothing cup of mint tea complements the richness of chocolate while offering a refreshing finish.

6. Coffee or Espresso
   The bold flavors of coffee enhance the taste experience, making every bite even more enjoyable.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making chocolate cherry cookies can be a delightful experience, but there are common pitfalls that can hinder your baking success.

• Boldly skip the chilling time: Not chilling the dough can lead to cookies that spread too much. Allow the dough to chill for at least 30 minutes.
• Boldly overlook ingredient temperature: Using cold eggs or butter can affect texture. Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for best results.
• Boldly ignore measuring techniques: Incorrect measurements can ruin your cookie dough. Always spoon and level flour and cocoa powder for accuracy.
• Boldly rush the baking time: Overbaking will yield dry cookies. Keep an eye on them; they should be soft in the center when you remove them from the oven.
• Boldly forget about cooling: Not letting cookies cool on a wire rack can make them soggy. This step allows air circulation and maintains their structure.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store chocolate cherry cookies in an airtight container.
• They will stay fresh for up to one week in the refrigerator.

Freezing Chocolate Cherry Cookies

• Place cookies in a freezer-safe container or bag.
• They can be frozen for up to three months, ensuring they maintain their flavor and texture.

Reheating Chocolate Cherry Cookies

• Boldly use the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and warm cookies for about 5-7 minutes.
• Boldly opt for the microwave: Heat individual cookies for about 10-15 seconds for a quick warm-up.
• Boldly try the stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat, placing a lid on top to gently reheat cookies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making chocolate cherry cookies that can help clarify any doubts.

What are Chocolate Cherry Cookies?

Chocolate cherry cookies are fudgy thumbprint cookies filled with rich chocolate cherry ganache, combining delightful flavors in every bite.

How do I make my Chocolate Cherry Cookies chewy?

For chewier chocolate cherry cookies, ensure not to overbake them and allow them to cool slightly on the baking sheet before transferring them.

Can I substitute ingredients in Chocolate Cherry Cookies?

Absolutely! You can try using other fruit preserves or different types of chocolate to customize your cookie flavor.

How long do Chocolate Cherry Cookies last?

When stored properly, these cookies last about one week in the refrigerator or three months in the freezer.

Final Thoughts

These chocolate cherry cookies are not just delicious but also versatile. You can easily adapt them with different fillings or toppings! Give this recipe a try for your next gathering or special occasion; it’s bound to impress!