Chocolate Cherry Cookies: 12 Irresistible Sweet Delights

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Chocolate Cherry Cookies are a delightful combination of rich chocolate and sweet cherries, making them a perfect treat for any occasion. This recipe yields one dozen of these scrumptious cookies, all topped with a beautiful pink maraschino glaze. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or simply indulge your sweet tooth, these cookies are bound to satisfy. Their unique flavor profile makes them stand out, whether served during the holidays or as an everyday snack. Let’s dive into how to create this delectable dessert!

Why You’ll Love This Chocolate Cherry Cookies

There are countless reasons to adore these Chocolate Cherry Cookies. First, they capture a perfect blend of flavors with the sweetness of cherries complementing the richness of chocolate. Second, they are incredibly easy to make, requiring just 27 minutes from start to finish. Third, these cookies can be customized—consider making dark chocolate cherry cookies or adding nuts for extra crunch. Fourth, they remain soft and chewy, thanks to the cocoa powder and maraschino cherries. Fifth, the striking pink glaze adds a fun, festive touch, making them visually appealing. Lastly, they are perfect for gifting or sharing, making them a favorite for holidays or special occasions.

Ingredients for Chocolate Cherry Cookies

Gather these items:

7 tablespoons (98 grams) unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg yolk
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/4 teaspoon almond extract
3/4 cup flour
4 tablespoons cocoa powder
1/2 teaspoon instant espresso powder
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup chopped maraschino cherries (plus an extra 6 whole cherries)
1/4 cup chocolate chips
1/2 cup powdered sugar
2 teaspoons maraschino cherry juice from the jar

How to Make Chocolate Cherry Cookies Step-by-Step

Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F. Line a cookie sheet with a silicone mat to help reduce cookie spread.
Step 2: In a medium bowl, cream together the butter and sugar. Once light and fluffy, add the egg yolk, vanilla, and almond extract, mixing until combined.
Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, espresso powder, baking powder, and salt. Evenly sprinkle this over the wet ingredients and mix to combine.
Step 4: Place the chopped cherries and whole cherries on a paper towel to lightly dry them. Cut the 6 whole cherries in half to create 12 halves.
Step 5: Add the chopped cherries to the cookie dough and stir them in lightly (it’s okay if they break up a bit).
Step 6: Stir in 1/4 cup of the chocolate chips.
Step 7: Drop large scoops of dough (2 tablespoons each) onto the cookie sheet, spaced evenly. Press each dough ball down slightly with your palm. Place a cherry half on top of each cookie.
Step 8: Bake for 12-13 minutes, until the edges begin to set and the middles aren’t wet. Let cool on the sheet pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 9: Once cool, combine the powdered sugar with the maraschino juice from the jar. Drizzle this pink glaze over the cookies.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Chocolate Cherry Cookies

Keep these in mind:

Use a silicone mat or parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Ensure your butter is softened properly for easy mixing.
For a richer flavor, consider using dark chocolate chips.
Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking to enhance the texture.
Experiment with different cherries, like cherry-infused chocolate cookies for a unique twist.

Best Ways to Serve Chocolate Cherry Cookies

These cookies can be served in various delightful ways. Pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert. You might also consider presenting them on a festive platter for the holidays, making them a fantastic addition to any gathering. For an extra treat, serve them alongside a cup of hot cocoa or coffee, enhancing their rich flavors with warm beverages.

How to Store and Reheat Chocolate Cherry Cookies

To keep your Chocolate Cherry Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If you’d like to freeze them, wrap each cookie individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They can be enjoyed straight from the freezer or warmed up in the microwave for a few seconds to regain that fresh-baked taste.

Frequently Asked Questions About Chocolate Cherry Cookies

What’s the secret to perfect Chocolate Cherry Cookies?

For perfect chocolate cherry cookies, ensure all your ingredients are at room temperature, especially the butter. This will help create a soft, chewy texture. Also, do not overbake; the cookies should look slightly underdone when you take them out of the oven.

Can I make Chocolate Cherry Cookies ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to three days. Just scoop the dough onto the cookie sheet when you’re ready to bake, and it may take an extra minute or two in the oven.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Chocolate Cherry Cookies?

To avoid mistakes, measure your ingredients accurately, especially the flour and cocoa powder. Over-measuring can lead to dry cookies. Also, ensure your oven is calibrated correctly to avoid overbaking.

Variations of Chocolate Cherry Cookies You Can Try

There are plenty of ways to customize your chocolate cherry cookies. You can make gluten-free chocolate cherry cookies by substituting regular flour with a gluten-free blend. For a vegan twist, try using a flax egg instead of a regular egg yolk. You can also create chewy chocolate cherry cookies with oats by adding rolled oats for texture, or experiment with different types of chocolate chips, like dark chocolate or white chocolate.