Chocolate Cherry Cookies

Chocolate Cherry Cookies are truly a dessert that brings joy with every bite. Imagine the rich aroma of cocoa mingling with the sweet scent of cherries filling your kitchen. It’s hard to resist! These cookies are fudgy, filled with chocolate goodness, and have an exciting burst of cherry flavor. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion, a cozy night in, or just because, this recipe is a perfect choice. The combination of delightful textures and vibrant flavors makes each cookie a treat that’s fun to share—or keep all to yourself! So roll up your sleeves, and let’s bake some Chocolate Cherry Cookies that will leave everyone asking for your secret recipe!

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Why This Recipe Works

When it comes to baking, the balance of flavors can make or break a cookie recipe, and this one shines. The combination of rich cocoa and sweet cherry preserves creates a perfect harmony that sings with every bite. A high-quality chocolate enhances the depth of taste, resulting in utterly fudgy, decadent cookies. Each ingredient has its role, weaving together to create an unforgettable experience. Plus, chilling the dough makes a huge difference. It ensures your cookies hold their shape in the oven, leading to a texture that’s just right.

Why You’ll Love This Chocolate Cherry Cookies

If you’re a chocolate lover, these cookies are simply irresistible. The fudgy texture, paired with a molten chocolate center, makes them suitable for any occasion. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday or enjoying a quiet evening, these cookies fit the bill perfectly. They’re incredibly easy to make, too. Sharing them will surely impress friends and family alike, turning ordinary moments into sweet memories.

Ingredients

• 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
• 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

Preparing the Chocolate Cookies

Mix the Dry Ingredients

Start by whisking together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and sea salt in a medium mixing bowl. This step is crucial because it evenly distributes the dry ingredients, ensuring consistent flavor throughout.

Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl, grab your electric mixer and cream the softened butter alongside the light brown sugar and granulated sugar. Whip it up on high speed until it’s well combined and fluffy. This should take about 2 minutes.

Incorporate Egg Yolks and Vanilla

Now it’s time to add the room-temperature egg yolks and vanilla extract to your butter-sugar mixture. Mix at medium speed until the batter becomes light and airy, which usually takes around 1-2 minutes. This will add richness to your cookies.

Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

With the mixer on low speed, gradually add your dry ingredients to the wet mixture. It’s crucial to mix just until combined, as over-mixing can lead to tough cookies. The dough will be thick and wonderful.

Shape the Cookie Dough

Using a tablespoon-sized cookie scoop, portion out the dough and roll each piece into balls. Then, create an indent in the center of each ball with a 1/4 teaspoon. After shaping, chill the dough for one hour. This step is essential for achieving the perfect cookie shape.

Preheat the Oven

About 15 minutes before you plan to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). It’s important to have a hot oven ready for that perfect cookie rise!

Bake the Cookies

Place 8 cookie balls on a lined baking sheet. Bake them for 9-11 minutes. For even better shape, lightly press down the centers right after pulling them from the oven and use a cookie cutter to reshape if needed.

Cool the Cookies

Once baked, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. After that, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This will help maintain their fudgy texture.

Making the Chocolate Cherry Ganache

Prepare the Ganache

Grab a medium bowl and add your chopped chocolate. Next, heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan just until it’s about to reach a boil. Pour the hot cream over your chocolate and stir until it becomes smooth and glossy.

Add Cherry Preserves

Fold in the cherry preserves into your ganache mixture, stirring until it’s well combined. This will add an irresistible fruity flavor that complements the chocolate beautifully.

Assembling the Cookies

Fill Cookies with Ganache

Now, it’s time to fill the cookies! Spoon about 1 teaspoon of the chocolate cherry ganache into the center of each cookie, adding more if it fits without overflowing.

Set the Ganache

To allow the ganache to set firmly, chill the filled cookies in the fridge for about 10-15 minutes. This will ensure every bite is rich and delicious.

Serving Suggestions

• Enjoy these cookies warm alongside a refreshing glass of cold milk or a piping hot cup of coffee.
• For a true indulgence, serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a dessert that feels extra special.

Tips for Success

• Make sure your butter is softened at room temperature for the best creamy result.
• Keep a close eye on your baking time; avoid over-baking to keep that fudgy texture. The cookies will continue to set as they cool.
• Using high-quality chocolate for your ganache makes a big difference in flavor—choose something you truly love!

Variations

Feel free to experiment with different flavored preserves. Trying raspberry or apricot can give a fun twist to your classic recipe. Also, consider adding chopped walnuts or pecans for an interesting crunch and nutty flavor.

Storage Tips

To store the leftover cookies, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, freeze the cookies in a single layer before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag. You can enjoy them for up to three months that way!

FAQs

Can I use regular cocoa powder instead of Dutch-process?
Yes, you can, but keep in mind that the flavor will be slightly different, and the color may not be as dark.

How long do these cookies take to prepare?
Including chilling time, you’re looking at about 2 hours from start to finish.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can refrigerate the dough for up to 24 hours before baking.

What should I do if my ganache is too thick?
If it feels too thick, gently warm it in the microwave for short intervals or stir in a splash more cream to loosen it up.

Are these cookies gluten-free?
To make them gluten-free, simply swap the all-purpose flour with a suitable gluten-free flour blend.

These Chocolate Cherry Cookies offer a delightful mix of chocolate and cherry flavors, creating a fudgy experience that everyone will love. Whether fresh out of the oven or shared with family and friends, they’re bound to impress. Enjoy every bite!

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