Chocolate Cherry Cookies
Imagine a warm, chewy cookie, bursting with the delightful flavors of rich dark chocolate and sweet, tart cherries. These Chocolate Cherry Cookies are like a hug in dessert form, bringing a wave of nostalgia with every bite. Perfect for a cozy evening at home or as a crowd-pleasing treat for gatherings, these cookies have a magical ability to transport you back to joyful childhood moments. Easy to make and undeniably delicious, they’re the epitome of indulgence that makes your sweet tooth sing. Get ready to dive into a world of chocolatey goodness that is perfect for all ages!
Is there anything more satisfying than a warm cookie fresh out of the oven?
Just picture yourself indulging in a chewy Chocolate Cherry Cookie, where the sweet warmth of melted chocolate meets the bright pop of cherry flavors—a match made in dessert heaven! Whether it’s a rainy day spent indoors or a joyous celebration with family and friends, these cookies add a touch of sweetness to any moment. When was the last time you treated yourself to something scrumptious like this?
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Simple to Prepare: With uncomplicated steps and minimal kitchen equipment, these cookies are perfect for bakers of any level.
Kid-Friendly: Kids will adore helping in the kitchen, from rolling the dough to spooning the ganache into the cookies.
Crowd-Pleaser: These cookies are sure to impress and satisfy both chocolate lovers and cherry enthusiasts alike.
Minimal Ingredients: You don’t need a long list of special ingredients; these are pantry staples that come together beautifully.
Perfectly Indulgent: Each bite is a delightful balance of sweetness, creaminess, and tartness—an experience for your taste buds that you won’t soon forget.
Ingredients
188 g all-purpose flour: The foundation for the perfect chewy texture.
40 g Dutch-process cocoa powder: Adds depth and richness to the chocolate flavor.
0.5 tsp baking powder: Helps the cookies achieve that perfect lift.
0.5 tsp sea salt: Enhances the flavors beautifully, making each bite heavenly.
168 g unsalted butter: Ensures a rich, buttery flavor.
165 g light brown sugar: Adds a hint of caramel sweetness.
50 g granulated white sugar: Balances the flavors and contributes to chewiness.
2 egg yolks: Provides richness and moisture.
1.5 tsp vanilla extract: The aromatic essence that rounds out the flavors.
140 g dark chocolate with cherry pieces: The star of the show that brings chocolatey perfection and fruity bursts.
90 ml heavy cream: Creates the luxurious ganache.
85 g cherry preserves: Adds a sweet, fruity tartness that’s irresistible.
Timing
These Chocolate Cherry Cookies offer both fast indulgence and slow, luxurious enjoyment. With prep time taking roughly 20 minutes and baking time around 10 minutes, you can enjoy these delights in no time! However, if you choose to let the dough chill for an hour, it enriches the flavors and textures, offering a more profound experience for your taste buds. In just under a couple of hours, you’ll have a batch of cookies ready to share—or savor all by yourself!
Step-by-Step
Whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and sea salt in a medium bowl until well combined.
In a large mixing bowl, beat the unsalted butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar with an electric mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy, filling your kitchen with a delightful aroma.
Add the egg yolks and the vanilla extract, mixing until smooth and well incorporated.
Gradually blend in the dry ingredients until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
Scoop the dough into 32 equal portions, roll them into balls, and press an indent in the center—a cozy home for the luscious ganache.
Refrigerate the cookie dough for 1 hour, allowing the flavors to meld.
Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F) and line your baking trays with parchment paper to ensure easy cleanup.
Arrange the cookie dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, giving them plenty of space to spread out while baking.
Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until they’re set but still soft, and don’t forget to re-press the centers after baking for that perfect indentation.
For the ganache, heat the heavy cream on the stove or in the microwave and pour it over the chopped dark chocolate, stirring until smooth and silky.
Add the cherry preserves to the chocolate ganache and mix until well combined—a gorgeous, glossy topping ready for your cookies!
Spoon the cherry ganache into the indents of the cookies, filling them generously.
Refrigerate for 10-15 minutes to allow the ganache to firm up—a perfect moment to anticipate these scrumptious treats!
Store your irresistible Chocolate Cherry Cookies in an airtight container for up to three days—if they last that long!
Nutritional Information
These delectable Chocolate Cherry Cookies are about 120 calories each, offering a delightful indulgence without overwhelming your daily calorie intake. The perfect sweet treat can be enjoyed in moderation, making every bite even more special.
Healthier Alternatives
Want to enjoy these treats with a healthier twist? Consider swapping in low-sugar alternatives such as stevia or monk fruit sweetener for the sugars. For a dairy-free option, use coconut oil in place of butter and substitute almond or oat milk for the heavy cream in the ganache. It’s all about enjoying the delicious flavors while aligning with your dietary preferences!
Serving Suggestions
These Chocolate Cherry Cookies are fantastic on their own, but elevate them to the next level by serving them warm with a scoop of vanilla or cherry ice cream on the side. Perfect for holiday parties, baby showers, or cozy family gatherings, they make every occasion a little brighter and sweeter.
Common Mistakes
Overbaking: Keep a close eye on the cookies as they bake. They should be set but soft in the center, not hard and crunchy.
Texture Issues: Ensure your ingredients are at room temperature for proper mixing. This keeps the dough creamy and well-blended.
Messes: Use parchment paper to line your baking trays for an easy clean-up. It also prevents cookies from sticking!
Storing Tips
To keep your delicious Chocolate Cherry Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, consider freezing individual cookie portions, then reheating them in the oven for a couple of minutes when you’re ready to indulge again.
Tempted to Make These Cookies?
You’re just a few simple steps away from indulging in these Chocolate Cherry Cookies that are rich, gooey, and oh-so-satisfying. Why wait? Grab your ingredients and make these delightful treats today! Your taste buds will thank you for it!
FAQs
Can I use fresh cherries instead of preserves?
Yes, but be sure to chop them finely and ensure they are sweet enough to balance the flavors.What can I use in place of dark chocolate?
Milk chocolate can be used, but it will change the overall flavor profile to be sweeter.How do I know when the cookies are done?
They should look set but still soft in the middle. They will firm up as they cool.Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Yes! You can freeze the dough before or after baking. This makes it easy to bake fresh cookies whenever you desire.What should I do if my batter is too sticky?
If your dough feels too sticky, refrigerate it for an additional 15-30 minutes to firm up before baking.
Enjoy the irresistible goodness of Chocolate Cherry Cookies and the joy they bring to your kitchen!
