These Chocolate Cherry Cookies are a delightful treat that combines rich chocolate flavors with the sweetness of cherries. Perfect for any occasion, these cookies shine at parties, holiday gatherings, or simply as a special dessert to enjoy at home. The fudgy texture and the luscious chocolate cherry ganache make them irresistible!
Why Youβll Love This Recipe
- Decadent Flavors: The combination of chocolate and cherry creates a rich and satisfying taste.
- Easy to Make: With simple steps, you can whip up a batch of these cookies without any fuss.
- Versatile Treat: Great for birthdays, holidays, or just a cozy night in.
- Impressive Presentation: The thumbprint style cookies filled with ganache look beautiful on any dessert table.
- Fudgy Texture: Each bite is soft and chewy, appealing to chocolate lovers everywhere.
Tools and Preparation
To make your baking experience smooth and enjoyable, having the right tools is essential.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Electric mixer (or whisk)
- Cookie scoop
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowls: A variety of sizes helps with separating ingredients easily.
- Baking sheet: Ensures even baking and easy removal of cookies.
- Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup effortless.
Ingredients
For the Chocolate Cherry Cookies
- 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
For the Ganache Filling
- 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
How to Make Chocolate Cherry Cookies
These are the best chocolate cherry cookies! Theyβre fudgy chocolate thumbprint cookies filled with chocolate cherry ganache.
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 350Β°F (175Β°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cookie removal.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, combine:
* All-purpose flour
* Dutch-process cocoa powder
* Baking powder
* Sea salt
Whisk together until well combined.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars
In another bowl, use an electric mixer to beat together:
* Unsalted butter
* Light brown sugar
* Granulated white sugar
Continue mixing until the mixture is fluffy and light in color.
Step 4: Add Egg Yolks and Vanilla
Add in:
* Egg yolks
* Vanilla extract
Mix until fully incorporated into the butter-sugar mixture.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet mixture. Stir until just combined; donβt overmix.
Step 6: Shape Your Cookies
Using a cookie scoop, drop dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Use your thumb or the back of a teaspoon to create an indent in each cookie for the filling.
Step 7: Bake
Bake for about 10 minutes. Allow cookies to cool on the sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
Step 8: Make Ganache Filling
While cooling, heat heavy cream in a small saucepan over low heat. Once warm, pour it over chopped chocolate in a bowl. Let it sit for a minute before stirring until smooth.
Step 9: Fill Cookies
Once cookies have cooled completely, fill each thumbprint with cherry preserves followed by the ganache filling. Let set before serving.
Enjoy your delicious homemade Chocolate Cherry Cookies!
How to Serve Chocolate Cherry Cookies
These are the best chocolate cherry cookies! Theyβre fudgy chocolate thumbprint cookies, filled with chocolate cherry ganache. Perfect for any occasion, these cookies will delight your friends and family.
With Whipped Cream
- Light and fluffy whipped cream adds a beautiful contrast to the rich chocolate cherry flavors.
Ice Cream Sandwich
- Place a scoop of vanilla or cherry ice cream between two cookies for an indulgent treat.
Drizzle of Chocolate
- A drizzle of melted chocolate on top elevates the presentation and adds extra chocolatey goodness.
Fresh Cherries
- Garnish your serving plate with fresh cherries for a fresh pop that complements the cookieβs flavors.
Coffee or Tea Pairing
- Serve with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or tea to balance the sweetness and enhance the flavors.
Festive Presentation
- Arrange cookies on a decorative platter or stack them in a glass jar for an eye-catching display at parties.
How to Perfect Chocolate Cherry Cookies
These are the best chocolate cherry cookies! Theyβre fudgy chocolate thumbprint cookies, filled with chocolate cherry ganache. Follow these tips to ensure your cookies turn out perfect every time.
Use Room Temperature Ingredients β Ensure butter and egg yolks are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
Measure Flour Correctly β Spoon flour into your measuring cup without packing it down to avoid dense cookies.
Chill Dough β Allowing dough to chill for at least 30 minutes can help prevent spreading during baking.
Donβt Overbake β Bake just until edges are set; they will continue cooking slightly as they cool on the baking sheet.
Experiment with Fillings β Feel free to try different types of preserves or flavored chocolates for unique variations.
Store Properly β Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain freshness.
Best Side Dishes for Chocolate Cherry Cookies
These are the best chocolate cherry cookies! Theyβre fudgy chocolate thumbprint cookies, filled with chocolate cherry ganache. Pair them with delightful sides that complement their flavor profile.
Vanilla Ice Cream
A classic pairing that balances the rich taste of the cookies perfectly.Cherry Sorbet
A refreshing sorbet that enhances the cherry flavor in the cookies while providing a cool contrast.Cheese Platter
A selection of mild cheeses like brie or mascarpone can provide a creamy texture that pairs well with the sweet cookies.Fruit Salad
A light fruit salad adds freshness and bright flavors that cut through the richness of the cookie.Chocolate Fondue
Serve alongside warm melted chocolate for dipping, creating an interactive dessert experience.Nut Mix
An assortment of nuts offers crunch and saltiness, which contrasts nicely with the sweet fudge-like cookie texture.Coffee Cake
The soft, crumbly texture of coffee cake pairs well with these decadent treats for a delightful brunch option.Chai Latte
A spiced chai latte brings warmth and aromatic flavors that complement the rich chocolate beautifully.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoiding common pitfalls can elevate your baking game. Here are some mistakes to watch out for when making Chocolate Cherry Cookies:
- Failing to Measure Accurately: Baking is a science! Use measuring cups and spoons to ensure your ingredients are precise for the best results.
- Overmixing the Dough: Mixing too much can lead to tough cookies. Blend just until combined for a soft and fudgy texture.
- Using Cold Ingredients: Ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature. This helps create a smoother dough that bakes evenly.
- Skipping the Chilling Step: Chilling the dough helps prevent spreading during baking. Give your cookies time in the fridge for firmer results.
- Not Preheating the Oven: Always preheat your oven before baking. This ensures cookies bake properly from the start, giving them the perfect rise.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
- Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
Freezing Chocolate Cherry Cookies
- Freeze cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to an airtight freezer bag.
- They can be stored for up to 3 months.
Reheating Chocolate Cherry Cookies
- Oven: Preheat to 350Β°F (175Β°C) and warm cookies for about 5-7 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat one cookie at a time for about 10-15 seconds for a warm treat.
- Stovetop: Place in a skillet over low heat, covering with a lid for about 3-5 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes these Chocolate Cherry Cookies special?
These Chocolate Cherry Cookies stand out due to their fudgy texture and delicious chocolate cherry ganache filling, making them perfect for any occasion.
Can I customize the filling of my Chocolate Cherry Cookies?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different fruit preserves or even nut butters to create unique flavors.
How do I know when my cookies are done baking?
The edges should look set while the centers remain soft. They will firm up as they cool.
Can I use other types of chocolate?
Yes! You can use milk chocolate or white chocolate if you prefer. Just keep in mind that it will alter the flavor profile slightly.
Final Thoughts
These Chocolate Cherry Cookies are not only delicious but also versatile. Perfect for sharing or enjoying alone, they can be customized with various fillings or toppings. Give this recipe a try and enjoy fudgy goodness thatβs sure to impress!

Chocolate Cherry Cookies
- Author: Adeline
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 32 cookies 1x
Description
Indulge in the delightful explosion of flavors with these Chocolate Cherry Cookies! Each cookie is a fudgy masterpiece, perfectly blending rich chocolate and sweet cherry, topped with a luscious ganache that takes them to the next level. These thumbprint cookies not only make for an impressive dessert at parties but are also simple enough for cozy nights at home. With their soft and chewy texture, they are bound to become a family favorite. Whether served alongside coffee or as part of a dessert platter, these treats are sure to impress anyone who takes a bite.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup Dutch-process cocoa powder
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup light brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated white sugar
- 2 egg yolks
- 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 5 oz chopped chocolate
- 1/4 cup + 2 tbsp heavy cream
- 1/4 cup cherry preserves
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350Β°F (175Β°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, beat the butter and sugars until fluffy; mix in egg yolks and vanilla.
- Gradually combine dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just mixed.
- Place dough on the baking sheet and create indents with your thumb.
- Bake for about 10 minutes; cool on wire rack.
- For the filling, heat cream and pour over chopped chocolate; stir until smooth.
- Once cooled, fill cookies with cherry preserves followed by ganache.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (28g)
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 55mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: Ensure ingredients like butter and eggs are at room temperature for better mixing. Chilling the dough for about 30 minutes can prevent spreading while baking. Feel free to experiment with different preserves or chocolates for unique flavors.








