Chocolate Cherry Cookies Recipe
Introduction
These Chocolate Cherry Cookies combine rich cocoa flavor with the sweetness of fresh cherries and smooth dark chocolate. Perfectly soft with a luscious chocolate center, they make a delightful treat for any occasion.
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 oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Step 2: Whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt in a bowl; set aside.
- Step 3: In a separate bowl, cream the softened butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Step 4: Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in vanilla extract.
- Step 5: Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until a soft dough forms.
- Step 6: Scoop dough onto the prepared baking sheet and gently press the centers with your thumb to create a shallow well.
- Step 7: Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the edges are set but the centers remain soft.
- Step 8: While cookies bake, heat the heavy cream until warm, then pour over chopped dark chocolate and stir until smooth.
- Step 9: Fill each cookie center with the chocolate mixture and top with chopped cherries.
- Step 10: Allow cookies to cool completely before storing or serving to maintain the best texture.
Tips & Variations
- For a different twist, try using fresh raspberries instead of cherries or add a sprinkle of sea salt on top for contrast.
- Make sure the butter is softened but not melted for a perfect creamy texture in the dough.
- You can substitute heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk for a dairy-free option.
Storage
Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, keep them refrigerated for up to a week. Reheat gently in the microwave for a few seconds if you prefer a warm chocolate center before serving.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cherries instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen cherries can be used but make sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture in the cookies.
Is it possible to make these gluten-free?
Absolutely. Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend to maintain a similar texture and flavor.
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Chocolate Cherry Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 18 servings 1x
Description
Delightfully rich and tender Chocolate Cherry Cookies featuring a cocoa-infused dough filled with a luscious dark chocolate ganache center and topped with juicy chopped cherries. Perfect for a sweet treat that combines the deep flavors of chocolate with the tartness of fresh cherries.
Ingredients
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
Filling and Topping
- 4 oz dark chocolate, chopped
- 1/3 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chopped cherries
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: 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 medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Set this mixture aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, cream the softened unsalted butter with the granulated sugar and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, indicating that air has been incorporated for a tender texture.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time to the butter and sugar mixture, mixing well after each addition. Then stir in the vanilla extract for flavor.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms, being careful not to overmix.
- Form Cookies: Scoop portions of the dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly. Press the centers gently with your thumb to create an indentation for the filling.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes until the edges are set but the centers remain soft, ensuring a chewy texture.
- Prepare Chocolate Ganache: While the cookies bake, heat the heavy cream until warm but not boiling. Pour it over the chopped dark chocolate and stir until melted and smooth, creating a rich ganache.
- Fill and Top Cookies: Once baked, fill the indentation in each cookie with the prepared chocolate ganache, then top with chopped cherries for a burst of freshness and color.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cookies to cool completely on the baking sheet before transferring or serving to set the ganache and achieve the best texture.
Notes
- For best flavor, use fresh or frozen cherries that have been thawed and patted dry.
- You can substitute dark chocolate with semi-sweet chocolate if preferred.
- Ensure butter is softened to room temperature for easier creaming with sugars.
- To make ahead, prepare the dough and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for longer freshness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: chocolate cherry cookies, cocoa cookies, chocolate ganache cookies, cherry desserts, homemade cookies, baked chocolate cookies
