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
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
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
