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Chocolate Cherry Cookies
These Chocolate Cherry Cookies are a delicious blend of rich chocolate and sweet cherries, perfect for any occasion. Quick and easy to make, they’re a family favorite everyone will love!
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Bake up a batch of these irresistible Chocolate Cherry Cookies for a perfect mix of rich chocolate and sweet cherries. With a soft, chewy texture and bursts of cherry flavor in every bite, these cookies are ideal for holiday treats or any occasion. You’ll love how easy it is to whip up this delightful dessert with simple ingredients and minimal effort. Enjoy them fresh from the oven for the best flavor and texture!
This recipe is easy to follow, with step-by-step photos and directions included below. You’ll also find pro tips and tricks to help you bake like a pro, plus answers to frequently asked questions for perfect cookies every time.
More Recipes ⭐ Banana Pudding Cookies | Blueberry Cheesecake Cookies | Cherry Wink Cookies
These delicious Chocolate Maraschino Cherry Cookies take just thirty minutes to make, making them perfect for busy days or last-minute baking. Bursting with the rich flavor of chocolate and the sweetness of cherries, they are a hit at parties, potlucks, or holiday gatherings. Their soft and chewy texture, along with the unique combination of flavors, sets them apart from other cookies. You’ll love how simple it is to bake these crowd-pleasers at home!
Ingredients
What you'll need to make this Chocolate Cherry Cookies recipe:
- 1 (17.25-ounce) bag of sugar cookie mix
- ⅓ cup of cocoa powder
- ¼ cup of unsalted butter, softened
- 4 ounces of cream cheese, softened
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup of heavy cream
- ½ cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 26 maraschino cherries, drained
Substitutions and Additions
Personalize your chocolate cookies with cherries recipe by swapping out ingredients and adding delicious extras! These simple changes can make your cookies uniquely yours. Here are some top substitutions and additions:
Add Coconut: Mix in shredded coconut for a tropical twist that pairs perfectly with the chocolate and cherry flavors.
Substitute Chocolate Chips: Use white chocolate or dark chocolate chips for a different twist in your Chocolate Cherry Cookies.
Substitute Dried Cherries: Swap dried cherries with cranberries or raisins for a fun flavor variation in your cookies.
Add Nuts: Stir in chopped almonds or pecans to add a delightful crunch to your Cherry Chocolate Cookies recipe.
How to Make Chocolate Cherry Cookies
Follow along with our pictures, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips and tricks listed below. Let’s get started baking these delicious cookies! You’ll love how easy and fun this recipe is to make at home.
FIRST STEP: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Pro Tip
Lining your baking sheets with parchment paper helps the maraschino cherry chocolate cookies bake evenly and prevents them from spreading too much. It also makes cleanup a breeze!
SECOND STEP: In a medium bowl, mix the sugar cookie mix and the cocoa with a fork until well combined.
THIRD STEP: Using an electric mixer, beat butter, cream cheese, and egg together in a large bowl.
It will take about two to three minutes until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
FOURTH STEP: Mix in the dry ingredients on low speed until a stiff dough forms.
You may need to use a sturdy spatula to mix in the last bits of dry ingredients if the dough is too stiff for your mixer.
FIFTH STEP: Scoop the cookie dough balls onto the baking sheet using a small cookie scoop. Bake for ten to twelve minutes.
Pro Tip
Oven temperatures vary and may need to be recalibrated periodically to ensure they are accurate. Make sure to check your cookies at the lower end of the recommended baking time.
SIXTH STEP: As soon as you remove the cookies from the oven, use the back of a teaspoon to make an indentation in the center of each cookie.
Set them aside to cool.
SEVENTH STEP: While the cookies are cooling, place the heavy cream in the microwave for 30 seconds until heated to boiling.
Add the chocolate chips and stir until melted and smooth.
Transfer the melted chocolate into a small sandwich bag and snip the corner to make a piping bag. Set aside.
EIGHTH STEP: When the cookies are cool, place a small amount of the melted chocolate in the well, then place a maraschino cherry inside each cavity.
Drizzle the remaining chocolate on each cookie. Let the chocolate set for five minutes, or until firm, before serving.
Pro Tip
If you are cooling your cookies on a wire rack, you can place the rack over a piece of parchment paper on your counter, and when you drizzle your ganache, the excess drips will fall on the parchment paper and make clean up much easier.
How To Serve Chocolate Cherry Cookies
Chocolate Cherry thumbprint cookies are perfect for any occasion, and they’re loved by both kids and adults! Here are some fun ways to serve them.
Holiday Parties: These cookies make a festive treat for Christmas or Valentine’s Day. The mix of chocolate and cherries adds a seasonal touch. Serve with hot chocolate or a holiday punch for a cozy pairing.
Family Gatherings: Kids and adults alike will love these sweet treats at birthday parties, picnics, or family reunions. Pair with ice cream or fresh fruit for an extra special dessert spread.
Gifting: Wrap these cookies in a cute tin or gift box for a thoughtful holiday or thank-you gift. They’re perfect alongside a homemade hot cocoa mix or a fresh batch of brownies for a sweet gift combo!
Why You'll Love This Chocolate Cherry Cookies Recipe
Cookies with cherry in the middle are a beloved favorite for many sweet reasons:
A Perfect Balance of Flavors: The rich, indulgent chocolate blends beautifully with the sweet and tangy cherries, creating an irresistible combination. Each bite offers a burst of flavor that will leave you craving more.
A Fun and Easy Recipe: These cookies are quick to make, with simple ingredients you probably already have. They’re perfect for busy days when you need a treat in a hurry.
Loved by All Ages: Both kids and adults adore these cookies, making them a hit at parties, family gatherings, or even just a weekend snack. They’re sure to bring smiles to everyone’s faces!
Double Chocolate Cherry Cookies are not just delicious; they’re a crowd-pleaser that brings joy to any occasion.
Recipe FAQ
Can I use fresh cherries in Chocolate Cherry Cookies?
Fresh cherries can add extra moisture to the dough, so dried cherries are recommended for the best texture.
Why are my Chocolate Cherry Cookies spreading too much?
If your cookies are spreading, try chilling the dough for thirty minutes before baking to keep them from flattening.
How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
The cookies are done when the edges are lightly golden and the centers look set but soft.
What makes these cookies soft and chewy?
The combination of brown sugar and butter helps create that perfectly soft and chewy texture everyone loves.
Serving FAQ
Can I serve Chocolate Cherry Cookies warm or at room temperature?
You can serve these cookies warm for a gooey texture, or at room temperature for a firmer bite.
How should I present Chocolate Cherry Cookies at a party?
Arrange them on a festive platter or cookie stand to make them easy to grab and enjoy.
Are these cookies good for gifting?
Yes! These cookies are perfect for gifting, and they stay fresh for a few days in a sealed container.
Can I serve this Chocolate Cherry Cookies recipe for special occasions?
These cookies are ideal for holidays, birthdays, or any celebration where you want to offer a sweet treat.
Storage FAQ
Follow the directions, tips, and tricks below for the best way to store, make ahead, and reheat your Chocolate Cherry Cookies. From keeping them fresh to enjoying them later, we’ve got you covered!
Can I prepare Chocolate Chocolate Cookies ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the cookie dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking.
What’s the best way to store leftover Chocolate Cherry Cookies?
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for up to five days.
Can I freeze Cookies with Cherry?
Yes, you can freeze the baked cookies in an airtight container for up to three months.
How do I thaw and reheat frozen Chocolate Cherry Cookies?
Thaw the cookies at room temperature, then reheat in a microwave for 10-15 seconds to enjoy them warm.
Chocolate Cherry Cookies
These Chocolate Cherry Cookies are a delicious blend of rich chocolate and sweet cherries, perfect for any occasion. Quick and easy to make, they’re a family favorite everyone will love!
Did you try this recipe?Let our readers know how it turned out by Leaving a Review!
Ingredients
- 17.25 ounces sugar cookie mix
- ⅓ cup cocoa powder
- ¼ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 4 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 26 maraschino cherries (drained)
DIRECTIONS
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- In a medium bowl, mix the sugar cookie mix and the cocoa with a fork until well combined.
- Using a hand mixer, beat the softened butter, cream cheese, and egg together in a large bowl. It will take about 2 to 3 minutes until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Mix in the dry ingredients on low speed until a stiff dough forms. You may need to use a sturdy spatula to mix in the last bits of dry ingredients if the dough is too stiff for your mixer.
- Scoop the cookie dough onto a baking sheet using a small cookie scoop. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes.
- As soon as you remove the cookies from the oven, use the back of a teaspoon to make an indentation in the center of each cookie. Set them aside to cool.
- While the cookies are cooling, place the heavy cream in the microwave for 30 seconds until heated to boiling. Add the chocolate chips and stir until melted and smooth. Transfer the melted chocolate into a small sandwich bag and snip the corner to make a piping bag. Set aside.
- When the cookies are cool, place a small amount of the melted chocolate in the well, then place a maraschino cherry inside each cavity. Drizzle the remaining chocolate on each cookie. Let the chocolate set for 5 minutes or until firm before serving.
Notes
- Lining your baking sheets with parchment paper helps the maraschino cherry chocolate cookies bake evenly and prevents them from spreading too much. It also makes cleanup a breeze!
- Oven temperatures vary and may need to be recalibrated periodically to ensure they are accurate. Make sure to check your cookies at the lower end of the recommended baking time.
- If you are cooling your cookies on a wire rack, you can place the rack over a piece of parchment paper on your counter, and when you drizzle your ganache, the excess drips will fall on the parchment paper and make clean up much easier.
Nutrition
Calories: 146kcal | Carbohydrates: 20g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 18mg | Sodium: 71mg | Potassium: 48mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 12g | Vitamin A: 160IU | Vitamin C: 0.01mg | Calcium: 13mg | Iron: 0.5mg
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