Chocolate Cherry Cookies Recipe

Introduction

There’s something incredibly satisfying about the combination of chocolate and cherry, especially in a cookie. These Chocolate Cherry Cookies are a delightful indulgence that my family can’t resist. The fudgy thumbprint cookies, filled with a rich chocolate cherry ganache, have become a favorite in our home. Whether it’s for a special occasion or just a sweet treat after dinner, these cookies never fail to impress. The texture is soft and chewy, while the ganache adds an elegant touch that elevates them from simple cookies to gourmet delights. Every bite is a burst of chocolatey goodness with a hint of fruity cherry that brings smiles all around.

Ingredients

For the Chocolate Cookies:

• 1 1/2 cups (188 g) all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
• 1/2 cup (40 g) Dutch-process cocoa powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon 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 teaspoons vanilla extract

For the Chocolate Cherry Ganache:

• 5 oz chocolate, chopped (Endangered Species Chocolate Vibrant Cherries + Dark Chocolate recommended)
• 1/4 cup + 2 tablespoons (90 ml) heavy cream
• 1/4 cup (85 g) cherry preserves

Instructions

For the Chocolate Cookies:

1. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar using an electric mixer on high speed until the mixture is light and fluffy.
3. Add Egg Yolks and Vanilla: Add in the egg yolks and vanilla extract, mixing on medium speed until fully combined.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed just until combined.
5. Form the Cookies: Scoop the dough into 32 portions using a tablespoon-sized cookie scoop. Roll each portion into a ball and press down the center with a 1/4 teaspoon to create an indent. Chill the dough in the fridge for 1 hour.
6. Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
7. Bake the Cookies: Arrange 8 cookies per baking sheet and bake for 9-11 minutes (10 minutes is ideal). After removing the cookies from the oven, press the centers again with a 1/4 teaspoon if the indentations have risen. Optionally, use a circular cookie cutter to reshape any misshapen cookies.
8. Cool the Cookies: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

For the Chocolate Cherry Ganache:

1. Prepare the Ganache: Place the chopped chocolate in a medium bowl.
2. Heat the Cream: In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream just until it starts to boil. Pour the hot cream over the chopped chocolate and stir until smooth.
3. Add Cherry Preserves: Incorporate the cherry preserves into the ganache and mix well.

Assembling the Cookies:

1. Fill the Cookies: Once the cookies have cooled, fill the center of each cookie with about 1 teaspoon of the chocolate cherry ganache.
2. Chill to Set: Chill the filled cookies in the fridge for 10-15 minutes to allow the ganache to set.
3. Store: Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Nutrition Facts (per cookie)

• Servings: 32 cookies
• Calories: Approximately 120
• Total Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Cholesterol: 30mg
• Sodium: 50mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 12g
• Dietary Fiber: 1g
• Sugars: 6g
• Protein: 2g

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Chill Time: 1 hour
• Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes

How to Serve

• Place cookies on a decorative plate.
• Optionally garnish with crushed freeze-dried strawberries or maraschino cherries for an added touch.
• Pair with a glass of milk or a hot cup of coffee for a delightful dessert experience.

Additional Tips

1. Use Quality Chocolate: For the ganache, high-quality chocolate will enhance the flavor significantly.
2. Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter and egg yolks are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
3. Chill the Dough: Chilling the cookie dough helps prevent spreading, ensuring the thumbprint shape holds.
4. Test Oven Temperature: Oven temperatures can vary; check the cookies a minute or two early to avoid overbaking.
5. Make Ahead: You can prepare the cookie dough and ganache a day in advance for quicker assembly.

Recipe Variations

• Add Nuts: Incorporate chopped walnuts or pecans into the dough for added texture.
• Change the Filling: Substitute cherry preserves with raspberry or strawberry preserves for a different fruit flavor.
• Use Different Cocoa: Experiment with different types of cocoa powder, such as natural or dark cocoa, for varying intensities.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version.
• Minty Twist: Add a few drops of peppermint extract to the ganache for a refreshing mint chocolate flavor.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve these cookies at holiday gatherings or birthday parties.
• Pair with ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
• Pack them in lunch boxes for a sweet treat at school or work.

Freezing and Storage

• Freezing: Freeze unfilled cookies for up to 3 months. Thaw before filling with ganache.
• Storage: Keep filled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use other types of chocolate for the ganache?
   Yes, you can use any good-quality chocolate you prefer, but be mindful that the flavor may vary.
2. What if I don’t have cherry preserves?
   You can substitute with other fruit preserves like raspberry or apricot.
3. Can I make these cookies vegan?
   Yes, substitute butter with vegan butter and use egg replacer for the egg yolks.
4. How can I make the cookies more chocolatey?
   Add chocolate chips to the dough for extra chocolate flavor and texture.
5. What should I do if my ganache is too thick?
   If it’s too thick, gently warm it with a little more cream until it reaches your desired consistency.
6. How do I prevent the cookies from spreading?
   Make sure to chill the dough and keep the oven temperature consistent.
7. Can I double the recipe?
   Absolutely! Just ensure you have enough baking sheets and space in your fridge.
8. Do I need to chill the ganache before filling?
   It’s best to let the ganache cool slightly to thicken before filling the cookies.
9. Can I freeze the filled cookies?
   It’s best to freeze unfilled cookies. The ganache may change texture when frozen.
10. How long will the cookies last?
    The cookies will stay fresh for about 3 days at room temperature or longer if refrigerated.

Conclusion

These Chocolate Cherry Cookies are the perfect treat for any occasion, bringing together the rich flavors of chocolate and cherry in a fun and delicious way. Whether you’re baking for a special event or just looking to satisfy your sweet tooth, these cookies are sure to impress. With their fudgy texture and delightful ganache filling, each bite is a celebration of flavor that your friends and family will love. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to bake up some joy with these delightful cookies! Enjoy!

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