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There’s something utterly magical about the first bite into a warm cookie that oozes with velvety chocolate ganache—especially when it’s infused with the tangy sweetness of cherries. I discovered this delight while searching for the perfect treat to surprise my loved ones on Valentine’s Day. The rich chocolate and vibrant cherry flavors create an indulgent experience that’s hard to resist.

These Chocolate Cherry Ganache Thumbprint Cookies are not only easy to make, but they also come together quickly, ensuring you won’t be spending all day in the kitchen. With their fudgy texture and glossy ganache centers, these cookies transform any casual gathering into a special occasion. Whether you’re entertaining friends or indulging in a cozy night at home, these cookies are your secret weapon to elevate any dessert spread. Grab your apron, and let’s dive into this deliciously sweet adventure!

Why are Chocolate Cherry Cookies so irresistible?

Indulgent Flavors: The pairing of rich chocolate and sweet cherries creates a unique taste experience that’s simply heavenly.
Quick to Prepare: With a straightforward process, you can whip up these cookies in no time, allowing you to spend more time enjoying your loved ones’ company.
Chewy Perfection: Their chewy texture combined with a silky ganache center ensures every bite is a joy.
Versatile Treat: Perfect for Valentine’s Day or any gathering, these cookies are guaranteed to impress at parties or as a thoughtful gift.
Make Ahead: You can freeze the unbaked dough, ensuring you always have a delicious surprise ready when cravings strike!

Chocolate Cherry Cookies Ingredients

• Get ready to create your new favorite treat!

For the Cookie Dough

All-purpose flour – Provides structure to the cookies; substitute with a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version.
Dutch-process cocoa powder – Adds deep, dark chocolate flavor; regular cocoa powder works in a pinch but will alter the taste slightly.
Baking powder – Acts as a leavening agent, helping cookies rise; no direct substitutes unless using self-rising flour.
Sea salt – Enhances the flavor of the chocolate and balances sweetness; use regular table salt if needed.
Unsalted butter – Contributes richness and moisture; for a dairy-free option, coconut oil makes a great substitute.
Light brown sugar – Adds sweetness and moisture; dark brown sugar deepens the flavor profile.
Granulated sugar – Balances sweetness and texture; consider reducing slightly if you prefer less sweetness.
Egg yolks – Provide moisture and enrich the dough; for a vegan version, egg replacer can work well.
Vanilla extract – Adds depth of flavor; almond extract can provide a unique twist if desired.

For the Ganache

Chocolate (chopped) – The star ingredient for the ganache, ideally using Endangered Species Chocolate with cherry; any high-quality dark chocolate can be a suitable alternative.
Heavy cream – Creates the ganache’s creamy texture; coconut cream or a non-dairy alternative can be substituted as well.
Cherry preserves – Offers sweetness and imparts cherry flavor; feel free to experiment with other fruit preserves for a delightful twist.

These Chocolate Cherry Cookies will become a beloved recipe that shines at any gathering or celebration!

How to Make Chocolate Cherry Cookies

Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, Dutch-process cocoa powder, baking powder, and sea salt until well combined. This forms the foundation for your delicious cookies.
Cream Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat the unsalted butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar together using a mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy, approximately 2-3 minutes. This will give your cookies a wonderful texture.
Combine: Add the egg yolks and vanilla extract to the creamed mixture, mixing until everything is incorporated. You’ll start to see the batter coming together beautifully!
Dough Formation: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies from becoming tough.
Shape Cookies: Scoop the dough using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, roll into balls, and create an indent in the center of each ball. Chill the shaped dough in the refrigerator for about 1 hour.
Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to get it nice and hot while the dough chills, ensuring a perfect bake.
Bake: Place the cookies on lined baking sheets and bake for 9-11 minutes. Once they come out of the oven, reshape the indents if necessary, and let them cool on racks.
Make Ganache: Heat the heavy cream until just simmering, then pour it over the chopped chocolate in a bowl. Let sit for a minute, then stir until the chocolate is fully melted and smooth. Mix in the cherry preserves for that irresistible cherry flavor.
Assemble: Fill the cooled cookies with the chocolate cherry ganache, and place them in the refrigerator to set for about 30 minutes.

Optional: Drizzle extra ganache on top for a show-stopping finish!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

Chocolate Cherry Cookies Variations

Feel free to tweak these cookies for personalized bites of bliss that will leave everyone wanting more!

Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for a deliciously inclusive treat.
Nuts Galore: Fold in chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch and nuttiness in your chewy cookies.
Fruitful Fun: Swap cherry preserves for raspberry or apricot preserves to explore different fruity flavors.
Dairy-Free Delight: Use coconut oil instead of butter to cater to lactose intolerant friends without compromising flavor.
Flavor Boost: Add a teaspoon of espresso powder to deepen the chocolate flavor—you’ll be amazed at how much it enhances the experience!
Heat It Up: Toss in a pinch of cayenne pepper for a surprising kick that beautifully contrasts the sweet chocolate and cherries.
Holiday Magic: During the festive season, sprinkle in some cinnamon or nutmeg to evoke cozy holiday vibes.
Decorative Charm: Top the ganache with colorful sprinkles or a maraschino cherry for an eye-catching finish that’s sure to impress!

Expert Tips for Chocolate Cherry Cookies

Chill the Dough: Always chill the dough for at least 1 hour. This helps keep the cookies from spreading too much during baking, maintaining their pretty shape.
Check Baking Time: Keep an eye on the cookies as they bake; removing them just when they begin to set, but are still soft, ensures a chewy texture.
Avoid Overmixing: Mix the dough gently once the dry ingredients are added. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies instead of the desired fudgy texture found in these Chocolate Cherry Cookies.
Perfect Indents: To perfect the indents in the cookies, you can use a circular cutter right after baking. This keeps the shape nice and clean for filling.
Flavor Variations: Don’t be afraid to play around! Try different fruit preserves or add chopped nuts to the dough for extra texture and flavor.

Make Ahead Options

These Chocolate Cherry Cookies are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance by mixing your ingredients and scooping them into balls, then chilling them in the refrigerator. Alternatively, you can freeze the unbaked cookie dough for up to 3 months—just make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in an airtight container to maintain quality. When you’re ready to bake, simply thaw the dough in the refrigerator overnight and reshape the indents before baking. For the ganache, you can also make it ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days; just reheat gently before filling your cooled cookies. Enjoy the convenience of having delightful treats ready to go whenever a craving strikes!

What to Serve with Chocolate Cherry Cookies?

Enjoy these delightful treats that are perfect for any occasion, and let’s create a memorable meal together!

Fresh Berries: A mix of strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries adds a playful burst of color and freshness to your dessert. Their tartness complements the sweetness of the cookies beautifully.
Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy texture and subtle flavor of vanilla ice cream creates a rich contrast to the fudginess of the cookies, making every bite an indulgent experience.
Coffee or Espresso: A warm cup of coffee or a shot of rich espresso can elevate the chocolate flavors while providing a lovely balance to the sweetness in the cookies.
Chocolate Sauce Drizzle: Enhance your cookies by drizzling melted chocolate on top. This extra layer of chocolate intensifies the flavor and adds visual appeal.
Milkshake: A cherry chocolate milkshake brings a fun and nostalgic twist, embodying the same flavor profile and providing a creamy accompaniment to the chewy cookies.
Whipped Cream: Light and airy whipped cream can be served alongside the cookies for a delightful touch, adding a silky texture that makes the dessert even more inviting.
Red Wine: A glass of fruity red wine, such as a Merlot or Pinot Noir, can bring out the cherry notes in the cookies, making it a perfect pairing for a romantic evening.

How to Store and Freeze Chocolate Cherry Cookies

Room Temperature: Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain their freshness and chewy texture.

Fridge: For longer storage, place the cookies in the refrigerator for up to a week, but be aware this may alter their texture slightly.

Freezer: Freeze unbaked cookie dough in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months; just scoop and bake directly from the freezer when cravings strike.

Reheating: If enjoying leftovers, warm the cookies in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds to refresh the ooey-gooey ganache center in your Chocolate Cherry Cookies.

Chocolate Cherry Cookies Recipe FAQs

How do I choose ripe cherries for this recipe?
Absolutely! When selecting cherries, look for those that are firm, plump, and shiny with no dark spots. The darker the cherry, the richer the flavor! If using cherry preserves, opt for a brand with real fruit content, ensuring you get that vibrant taste.

What is the best way to store Chocolate Cherry Cookies?
For room temperature storage, keep your baked cookies in an airtight container where they’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days. For longer freshness, you can place them in the refrigerator for up to a week, but keep in mind this may slightly change their chewy texture.

Can I freeze the cookie dough for later use?
Yes, you can! To freeze, scoop the unbaked cookie dough into balls, place them on a baking sheet to freeze for about 1-2 hours until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be stored for up to 3 months, and you can bake them directly from frozen—just add a few extra minutes to the baking time!

What should I do if my cookies spread too much during baking?
Very! If you find your Chocolate Cherry Cookies spreading too much, it’s often due to warm dough. Always ensure to chill the dough for at least 1 hour before baking. Additionally, double-check your butter is softened but not overly melted, as this can also cause excessive spreading.

Are there any allergy considerations for this recipe?
Definitely! For nut allergies, avoid using nuts or choose alternatives like sunflower seeds. If dairy is a concern, substitute unsalted butter with coconut oil or a dairy-free margarine. You can also replace egg yolks with a commercial egg replacer for a vegan-friendly version of these delightful cookies.

How long will the ganache last once made?
Ganache can usually be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week; just keep it in an airtight container. If you have leftovers, reheat gently in the microwave or over a double boiler to bring back that silky smooth texture before filling your cookies!