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Chocolate Cherry Cookies
I remember the first time I made Chocolate Cherry Cookies. It was a rainy afternoon, and the world outside was gray. I wanted to create something warm and inviting, something that filled my home with sweet scents. As I mixed butter and sugar, I thought about my grandmother, who always baked on rainy days. She filled our kitchen with joy and love, teaching me that cookies could make any day brighter. Those special moments stay with me, and they inspire me to recreate that feeling with Chocolate Cherry Cookies. Each bite reminds me of a hug from my childhood—a little piece of happiness that can brighten anyone’s day.
Why Make This Recipe
You might wonder why you should make Chocolate Cherry Cookies. The truth is, these cookies offer a delightful mix of flavors that warms the heart. The rich chocolate combines wonderfully with the sweet-tart cherry preserves. This combination creates an experience that goes beyond just eating a cookie; it becomes a memory.
Additionally, what sets these cookies apart is their versatility. You can serve them for a cozy family snack, or share them with friends during a gathering. They pair beautifully with a cup of milk, coffee, or even tea. Plus, making them together with family brings joy and laughter to the kitchen. Not only do they taste amazing, but they also fill your home with warmth and love. So, enhance your baking skills with these delicious Chocolate Cherry Cookies, and let those positive vibes fill every corner of your home.
How to Make Chocolate Cherry Cookies
Ingredients
- 2 Egg yolks
- 1/4 cup Cherry preserves
- 1 1/2 cups All-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp Baking powder
- 3/4 cup Brown sugar, light packed
- 5 oz Chocolate
- 1/2 cup Cocoa powder, Dutch-process
- 1/2 tsp Sea salt
- 1 1/2 tsp Vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup White sugar, granulated
- 3/4 cup Butter, unsalted
- 3/8 cup Heavy cream
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). This first step ensures that your cookies bake evenly.
- In a mixing bowl, cream together the unsalted butter, brown sugar, and white sugar until light and fluffy. This process adds air to the mixture, making your cookies soft and tender.
- Add the egg yolks and vanilla extract to the mixture and mix until well combined. These ingredients enhance flavor and create richness in every bite.
- In another bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and sea salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients until combined. This careful mixing prevents clumps and distributes flavors evenly.
- Shape the dough into small balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure to leave some space between each ball as they will spread while baking.
- Make an indent in the center of each cookie using your thumb. This step is important because it creates a spot for the cherry ganache, which adds both flavor and visual appeal.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are firm. Keep an eye on them; you want the centers to remain soft for a delightful bite.
- While baking, prepare the chocolate cherry ganache by melting the chocolate and heavy cream together in a saucepan over low heat. Stir in the cherry preserves until smooth. This luxurious ganache will be the star of your cookies.
- Once the cookies are out of the oven, fill each thumbprint with the chocolate cherry ganache. Take your time with this; it’s the moment when the cookies transform into something extraordinary.
- Let cool and enjoy! Patience is key, but the wait is worth every bite of these wonderful cookies.
How to Serve Chocolate Cherry Cookies
When serving Chocolate Cherry Cookies, presentation adds to the experience. You can arrange the cookies on a beautiful platter or a cake stand to catch everyone’s eye. Serve them warm, just as they come out of the oven, or at room temperature for a delightful treat.
For special occasions, consider a dessert buffet where these cookies sit alongside other sweet delights. They pair well with fresh fruit or a scoop of vanilla ice cream, making for a harmonious dessert experience. Imagine the flavors dancing in your mouth with each bite!
You can also enjoy them with coffee or tea. The richness of the chocolate and the cherry contrast beautifully with a hot beverage. As a result, these Chocolate Cherry Cookies make a perfect addition to any cozy afternoon.
How to Store Chocolate Cherry Cookies
To keep your Chocolate Cherry Cookies fresh, proper storage is key. First, ensure the cookies have cooled completely. Then, place them in an airtight container. If you love these cookies and want to make a big batch, they can last up to a week at room temperature.
For longer storage, you can refrigerate them. In this case, place a layer of parchment paper between layers of cookies in the container. This method prevents them from sticking together. If you want to enjoy them later, you can freeze the cookies. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil, then place them in a resealable freezer bag. This way, they will remain fresh for up to three months. To enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature or warm them slightly in the oven. The texture will still be fantastic!
Tips to Make Chocolate Cherry Cookies
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Use room temperature ingredients. Having the butter and eggs at room temperature makes mixing easier and results in a lighter cookie. It’s a small step, but it makes a big difference in texture.
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Don’t overmix the dough. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies. Mix just until the dry ingredients are combined with the wet ones for a tender result.
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Chill the dough. If the dough feels too soft, chilling it for 30 minutes can help. This will make it easier to handle and shape into perfect balls.
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Monitor baking time. Every oven is different. Start checking your cookies a minute or two before the timer goes off. The edges should be firm, but the centers can stay a bit soft.
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Test the chocolate ganache. After melting the chocolate and cream, taste it before filling the cookies. Adjust the cherry preserves if you’d like it sweeter or more tart.
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Add nuts for crunch. If you like a bit of texture, mixing in some chopped nuts, like walnuts or pecans, can add a delightful crunch to the cookies.
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Experiment with spices. A dash of cinnamon or nutmeg can enhance the flavor. Just a pinch can bring warmth and depth to the chocolate cherry cookies.
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Store with bread. To keep your cookies soft, place a slice of bread in the container. The bread will help maintain moisture, keeping your cookies deliciously chewy.
Variation of Chocolate Cherry Cookies
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Nutty Chocolate Cherry Cookies. Add 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans to the dough. The nuts add a crunchy texture and a rich flavor that complements the chocolate and cherry beautifully.
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Mint Chocolate Cherry Cookies. For a refreshing twist, add a teaspoon of peppermint extract to the dough. This variation will give your cookies a cool flavor that balances well with the chocolate and cherry.
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Orange Chocolate Cherry Cookies. Mix in some orange zest to the dough for a fruity twist. The citrusy aroma pairs remarkably with the dark chocolate and cherry preserves.
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Coconut Chocolate Cherry Cookies. Add 1/2 cup of shredded coconut to the dough for a tropical twist. The coconut adds chewiness and a lovely flavor that brightens the overall taste.
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Gluten-Free Chocolate Cherry Cookies. Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure that your other ingredients are gluten-free as well, and you can still enjoy these delicious cookies!
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Chocolate Mint Ganache. Swap out the cherry preserves for mint chocolate chips in the ganache. This creates a rich, chocolatey treat that will appeal to mint lovers.
FAQs Of Chocolate Cherry Cookies
How long do Chocolate Cherry Cookies last?
Chocolate Cherry Cookies can last up to a week at room temperature if stored in an airtight container. For better freshness, they can last up to three months in the freezer.
Can I use other types of fruit preserves?
Absolutely! You can swap the cherry preserves with raspberry, strawberry, or even apricot preserves. Each choice will provide a unique flavor profile that complements the chocolate.
Can I freeze Chocolate Cherry Cookies?
Yes, you can freeze Chocolate Cherry Cookies. Wrap each cookie in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They will keep well for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw them at room temperature.
What can I serve with Chocolate Cherry Cookies?
These cookies pair beautifully with milk, coffee, or tea. You might enjoy them with vanilla ice cream or a scoop of whipped cream as well. They add a delightful touch to any dessert table.
How can I prevent cookies from flattening while baking?
Chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking can help prevent the cookies from flattening. It keeps the butter from melting too quickly, resulting in a thicker cookie.
Can I make these cookies dairy-free?
Yes, you can make these cookies dairy-free by using coconut oil instead of butter and almond or coconut milk in the ganache. Be sure to double-check that your chocolate is dairy-free as well.
Enjoy your baking journey with these Chocolate Cherry Cookies! Each step brings you closer to a sweet moment shared with loved ones.
Print
Chocolate Cherry Cookies
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delightful cookies combining rich chocolate and sweet-tart cherry preserves for a warm, inviting treat.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 Egg yolks
- 1/4 cup Cherry preserves
- 1 1/2 cups All-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp Baking powder
- 3/4 cup Brown sugar, light packed
- 5 oz Chocolate
- 1/2 cup Cocoa powder, Dutch-process
- 1/2 tsp Sea salt
- 1 1/2 tsp Vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup White sugar, granulated
- 3/4 cup Butter, unsalted
- 3/8 cup Heavy cream
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cream the unsalted butter, brown sugar, and white sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg yolks and vanilla extract; mix until combined.
- In another bowl, combine flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and sea salt; gradually add to wet mixture.
- Shape the dough into small balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Create an indent in the center of each cookie for the cherry ganache.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges are firm but centers remain soft.
- Melt the chocolate and heavy cream in a saucepan, stirring in cherry preserves until smooth.
- Fill each cookie’s indent with the chocolate cherry ganache.
- Let cool and enjoy.
Notes
Chill the dough if too soft for easier handling. Use room temperature ingredients for better texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: chocolate cookies, cherry cookies, baking, dessert, sweet treats
