Name: Chocolate Cherry Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 11 min
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Cuisine: American
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

Jump to Recipe· 3.8 from 76 reviews

There is something incredibly satisfying about the rich, fudgy bites of chocolate combined with the sweet-tart burst of cherries, which is exactly what makes this Chocolate Cherry Cookies Recipe an absolute standout in my baking repertoire. These cookies capture a harmonious blend of deep cocoa flavors and luscious cherry preserves swirled into a silky ganache that makes every bite feel like a little celebration. Whether you’re baking for yourself, friends, or family gatherings, this recipe will quickly become your go-to treat thanks to its perfect texture and indulgent taste.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Chocolate Cherry Cookies Recipe - Recipe Image

The magic of this recipe lies in its simply essential ingredients, each playing a vital role that contributes to the rich flavor, tender crumb, and beautiful balance between chocolate and cherry. Using quality butter, cocoa, and chocolate alongside fresh cherry preserves allows these cookies to shine.

All-purpose flour (1 1/2 cups): Provides the perfect structure to keep cookies soft yet sturdy enough to hold the ganache center.
Dutch-process cocoa powder (1/2 cup): Adds deep, rich chocolate flavor and a velvety dark color.
Baking powder (1/2 tsp): Helps give a slight lift to create tender, soft cookies.
Sea salt (1/2 tsp): Enhances the chocolate’s richness and balances sweetness beautifully.
Unsalted butter (3/4 cup): Softened for creaming, it brings richness and a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Light brown sugar (3/4 cup): Adds moisture and a subtle molasses note.
Granulated white sugar (1/4 cup): Contributes to structure and slight crisp edges.
Egg yolks (2): Give richness and a smooth texture to the dough.
Vanilla extract (1 1/2 tsp): Boosts all the flavors with warmth and depth.
Chopped chocolate (5 oz): Essential for the decadent ganache filling.
Heavy cream (1/4 cup + 2 tbsp): Creates the luscious, silky ganache.
Cherry preserves (1/4 cup): Brings that divine tart-sweetness making these cookies pop with flavor.

How to Make Chocolate Cherry Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Dry Ingredients

Start by whisking together the all-purpose flour, Dutch-process cocoa powder, baking powder, and sea salt in a medium bowl. This ensures even distribution so every cookie bakes evenly with the perfect chocolate intensity.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with the brown sugar and granulated sugar using an electric mixer at high speed until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is key to creating the tender crumb and delicious chewiness we’re aiming for.

Step 3: Add Egg Yolks and Vanilla

Mix in the egg yolks and vanilla extract on medium speed until fully incorporated and airy, which enriches the dough and infuses it with that wonderful aromatic flavor.

Step 4: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients

Reduce the mixer speed to low and gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix just until everything comes together—overmixing can make the cookies tough, so keep it gentle.

Step 5: Shape and Chill the Dough

Using a tablespoon-sized scoop, divide the dough into 32 even portions. Roll each into a ball, then press a 1/4 teaspoon to create a small indent in the center of every cookie. Chilling the dough for an hour helps set the shape and intensifies flavors.

Step 6: Bake the Cookies

Preheat your oven to 350°F (about 175°C). Place 8 cookies per parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 9 to 11 minutes—ten minutes tends to be spot-on. Right after baking, gently re-press the center indent with a 1/4 teaspoon and use a biscuit cutter to refine the edges, ensuring each cookie is perfectly round.

Step 7: Make the Chocolate Cherry Ganache

Place the chopped chocolate in a bowl. Gently heat heavy cream until it’s nearly boiling, then pour it over the chocolate. Let it sit for a minute before stirring until smooth and shiny. Stir in the cherry preserves for a gorgeous, fruity twist.

Step 8: Assemble the Cookies

Once the cookies have cooled, spoon about one teaspoon of the chocolate cherry ganache into each center. Pop them into the fridge for 10 to 15 minutes so the ganache sets beautifully, creating each bite’s luscious centerpiece.

How to Serve Chocolate Cherry Cookies Recipe

The image shows several dark brown chocolate cookies with a shiny, smooth chocolate center that looks soft and creamy. These cookies are round and have a slightly cracked texture on the edges of the chocolate part. Each cookie is topped with small bright red sprinkles, adding a pop of color. There are also dark red cherries with long stems placed among the cookies, adding a fresh look. One cookie has a piece broken off, revealing the rich, smooth chocolate inside. The cookies and cherries rest on a wooden surface with a warm tone. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To elevate these cookies, try topping each ganache-filled center with a few fresh or dried cherries or a tiny sprinkle of flaky sea salt. These additions add a stunning visual contrast and enhance the flavor dimensions.

Side Dishes

Chocolate Cherry Cookies pair fantastically with a tall glass of cold milk or a cup of rich coffee. For an extra special touch, serve alongside vanilla ice cream or a dollop of lightly whipped cream to create an indulgent dessert spread.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange the cookies on a decorative platter with some fresh cherry sprigs, or place them in festive cupcake liners for gift-giving. Another fun idea is stacking them with a paper doily between layers, turning your cookies into an elegant party treat everyone will adore.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature, preferably in a single layer to avoid smushing the ganache. They’ll stay delicious for up to three days.

Freezing

You can freeze the cookie dough balls after shaping and chilling them. Place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring to a bag or container. When ready, bake straight from frozen with a minute or two extra baking time.

Reheating

To gently warm your cookies and refresh their soft texture, microwave them for about 10-15 seconds. Avoid overheating so you don’t melt the ganache too much, but a little warmth will unleash all those lovely chocolate and cherry aromas again.

FAQs

Can I use fresh cherries instead of cherry preserves in the ganache?

Fresh cherries are wonderful but tend to add more moisture which can affect the ganache texture. Cherry preserves provide that thick, concentrated flavor and smooth consistency that works best for this recipe.

Is it okay to use regular cocoa powder instead of Dutch-process?

Regular cocoa powder has a brighter acidity and can alter the taste and color slightly. Dutch-process cocoa offers a mellower, more chocolatey richness, perfect for these cookies, but you can substitute if needed—just expect a small flavor difference.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

You can experiment with gluten-free all-purpose flour blends, but results may vary in texture. Be sure to choose a blend that includes xanthan gum or another binder to maintain the cookie’s structure and softness.

How long does the ganache stay fresh on the cookies?

The ganache is best enjoyed within three days if stored properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator. After that, the texture and flavor may start to degrade.

Can I double the recipe for larger batches?

Absolutely! This recipe scales well. Just be sure to keep an eye on baking times since cookies might need a minute or two more depending on your oven and the size of your batches on the baking sheets.

Final Thoughts

There is nothing quite like the comforting richness of chocolate paired with the vibrant hint of cherry, and this Chocolate Cherry Cookies Recipe captures that magic perfectly. Whether you’re sharing these with friends or indulging a sweet craving, these cookies promise pure joy in every bite. I truly can’t wait for you to try them and make these your new favorite treat!