Introduction

These Chocolate Cherry Cookies are a delightful treat combining rich cocoa and dark chocolate with the natural sweetness of fresh cherries. They offer a perfect balance of soft, chewy texture and a luscious chocolate center, ideal for any chocolate lover.

Chocolate Cherry Cookies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients

1 3/4 cups all purpose flour
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
4 oz dark chocolate, chopped
1/3 cup heavy cream
1 cup chopped cherries

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: In a bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt; set aside.
Step 3: In a separate large bowl, cream the softened butter with granulated and brown sugars until light and fluffy.
Step 4: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract.
Step 5: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.
Step 6: Scoop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet and gently press the centers with your thumb to create an indentation.
Step 7: Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers remain soft.
Step 8: While the cookies bake, heat the heavy cream until warm, then pour it over the chopped dark chocolate and stir until smooth.
Step 9: Once cookies are baked, fill the centers with the melted chocolate mixture and top each with chopped cherries.
Step 10: Allow the cookies to cool completely before serving or storing to ensure the best texture.

Tips & Variations

For a different flavor twist, try substituting dried cherries soaked in warm water for the fresh chopped cherries.
Use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate for a sweeter filling.
Adding a pinch of cinnamon to the dry ingredients can enhance the warmth and depth of flavor.

Storage

Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat gently in a microwave for a few seconds to soften the chocolate center.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cherries instead of fresh?

Yes, but be sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture, which could affect the cookie texture.

Is it necessary to fill the cookie centers while warm?

Filling the centers when the cookies are still warm helps the chocolate set smoothly, creating a gooey center that holds its shape as it cools.

Chocolate Cherry Cookies Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 51 reviews

Delightful Chocolate Cherry Cookies featuring a rich cocoa-flavored dough filled with a luscious dark chocolate ganache center and topped with fresh chopped cherries. Perfectly soft with set edges, these cookies combine the richness of chocolate with the tart sweetness of cherries for an irresistible treat.

Author: Elias
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 32 minutes
Yield: 18 cookies 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

1 3/4 cups all purpose flour
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Chocolate Ganache & Toppings

4 oz dark chocolate, chopped
1/3 cup heavy cream
1 cup chopped cherries

Instructions

Preheat and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Set this mixture aside for later use.
Cream Butter and Sugars: In a separate large mixing bowl, cream the softened unsalted butter with the granulated sugar and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which helps create a tender texture.
Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Then add the vanilla extract to incorporate flavor.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms, ensuring everything is combined but not overmixed.
Scoop and Shape Dough: Scoop portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them adequately, then gently press the centers with your thumb to create a small indentation for the filling.
Bake Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes until the edges are set but the centers remain soft, indicating perfect doneness.
Prepare Chocolate Ganache: While the cookies bake, heat the heavy cream until warm but not boiling. Pour the warm cream over the chopped dark chocolate and stir until the mixture is smooth and glossy.
Fill and Top Cookies: Once the cookies have cooled slightly, fill each indentation with the prepared chocolate ganache and top with chopped cherries for a fresh, sweet finish.
Cool Completely: Allow the cookies to cool completely before storing or serving to achieve the best texture and flavor balance.

Notes

Ensure the butter is softened to room temperature for easier creaming with sugars.
If fresh cherries are out of season, frozen cherries can be used but drained well to avoid excess moisture.
Use high-quality dark chocolate for the ganache to enhance flavor.
These cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
For a decorative touch, you can sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top of the chocolate ganache before adding cherries.

Keywords: chocolate cherry cookies, chocolate cookies, cherry cookies, chocolate ganache cookies, homemade cookies, baked desserts