If you have a soft spot for cookies that masterfully blend rich chocolate and the bright burst of cherries, then this Chocolate Cherry Cookies Recipe will quickly become a favorite in your baking repertoire. Imagine biting into a perfectly tender cookie, with deep cocoa flavor swirling through every bite and a gooey cherry-infused ganache nestled right in the middle — it’s a delightful treat that feels both indulgent and comforting. This recipe brings together simple ingredients with thoughtful steps to create a luscious, decadent cookie that’s sure to impress family, friends, or simply satisfy your own sweet cravings.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A close-up top view of a white bowl filled with a thick, dark brown chocolate batter that has a glossy, smooth texture with some slight unevenness on the surface. The bowl is placed on a surface with a white marbled texture. In the upper left corner, there is a partial view of a white bowl filled with fresh dark red cherries, some with stems. The rich chocolate batter fills most of the bowl, showing swirled patterns made by stirring. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients are wonderfully straightforward but each plays a crucial role in building the cookies’ irresistible taste, texture, and appearance. From the rich cocoa powder to the sweet burst of cherry preserves, every element has been thoughtfully selected for perfection.

All-purpose flour: The base for structure, measured carefully to ensure a tender yet sturdy cookie.
Dutch-process cocoa powder: Adds deep, rich chocolate flavor and a beautiful dark color.
Baking powder: Provides a gentle lift for a soft, cakey texture.
Sea salt: Enhances the chocolate flavor while balancing sweetness.
Unsalted butter: Gives moisture and richness; softening it makes mixing easier.
Light brown sugar: Adds sweetness with a hint of molasses, contributing to chewy edges.
Granulated white sugar: Balances the browns for perfect caramelization.
Egg yolks: Help bind the dough and enrich the flavor.
Vanilla extract: Brings warmth and depth to the cookie base.
Chopped chocolate (preferably cherry-flavored dark chocolate): Melts beautifully into the ganache with vibrant cherry notes.
Heavy cream: Creates a smooth, luscious ganache texture.
Cherry preserves: Bursting with real cherry flavor that complements the chocolate ganache perfectly.

How to Make Chocolate Cherry Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients

Start by whisking together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and sea salt in a medium bowl. This ensures the leavening and chocolate are evenly distributed throughout the dough, setting a strong flavor foundation.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened butter with both brown and granulated sugars on high speed until light and fluffy. This step traps air, which gives the cookies their tender crumb and subtle crunch.

Step 3: Add Egg Yolks and Vanilla

Mix in the egg yolks and vanilla extract on medium speed until the mixture is pale and creamy. The yolks add richness, making the cookies decadent without heaviness.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Slowly add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture on low speed, careful not to overmix. This keeps the cookies tender while ensuring everything is beautifully incorporated.

Step 5: Shape and Chill the Dough

Using a tablespoon-sized scoop, portion the dough into 32 balls. Press each with a ¼ teaspoon to create a small indent for the ganache filling. Chill the dough in the fridge for one hour. This resting period firms up the dough, helping the cookies hold their shape during baking.

Step 6: Bake the Cookies

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and line baking sheets with parchment paper. Arrange the chilled cookie dough, eight per sheet, and bake for about 10 minutes. Once out of the oven, gently press the centers again with a ¼ teaspoon and use a cookie cutter to perfect their round shape while warm.

Step 7: Cool the Cookies

Allow the cookies to rest on the baking sheet for five minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling time prevents the cookies from breaking when you add your luscious ganache.

Step 8: Prepare the Chocolate Cherry Ganache

Place the chopped chocolate in a bowl. Heat the heavy cream until just before boiling and pour it over the chocolate. Stir until smooth and fully combined, then mix in the cherry preserves for a burst of fruity tang that perfectly complements the chocolate.

Step 9: Assemble the Cookies

Fill each cookie’s center with about one teaspoon of the chocolate cherry ganache — add more if your cookie can hold it! Refrigerate for 10-15 minutes until the ganache is set, creating a delightful gooey surprise when you take a bite.

How to Serve Chocolate Cherry Cookies Recipe

A close-up view of several dark chocolate cookies arranged on a wooden surface, each cookie has a smooth, glossy, dark chocolate filling in the center with a few small red crumbs sprinkled on top, showing a rough but soft texture for the outer cookies. Around the cookies, there are bright red cherries with shiny skins and stems, adding a fresh, juicy contrast to the rich dark colors of the cookies. The scene has a warm and inviting feeling with the mix of dark browns and deep reds filling the frame. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Sprinkle a few finely chopped dried cherries or a pinch of flaky sea salt atop the ganache for an extra burst of color and flavor. A light dusting of powdered sugar can also add a pretty contrast and festive touch.

Side Dishes

Pair these cookies with a glass of cold milk or a cup of hot coffee or tea — the bitterness of the drinks pairs perfectly with the sweetness and richness of the cookies, elevating the experience.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the cookies stacked with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side. They also make beautiful edible gifts, layered in a decorative tin or wrapped individually with a ribbon and a handwritten note to brighten someone’s day.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This keeps the chocolate cherry ganache moist and the cookie soft yet chewy.

Freezing

You can freeze the baked cookies without ganache for up to one month. Once frozen, thaw them completely before adding the ganache to maintain the best texture and flavor.

Reheating

Warm the cookies briefly in a microwave for about 10 seconds to soften the ganache before serving. This brings back the melty, irresistible gooeyness that makes them so special.

FAQs

Can I use regular cocoa powder instead of Dutch-process?

Yes, you can substitute regular cocoa powder, but Dutch-process cocoa provides a smoother chocolate flavor and deeper color. If you use regular cocoa, you might notice a slightly more acidic taste.

Is it necessary to chill the dough for an hour?

Chilling helps firm up the dough to prevent spreading during baking and enhances the flavor development. While you could skip it, the texture and shape will be better with this step.

Can I use frozen cherries instead of cherry preserves?

Frozen cherries won’t work as well because preserves bring sweetness and a jam-like consistency that blends into the ganache. You could cook down frozen cherries with sugar to make a quick preserve if needed.

How do I make sure the ganache sets properly?

Make sure the cookies are cooled completely before adding the ganache and chill them for 10-15 minutes after filling. This gives the ganache time to firm up correctly without running.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

To veganize, you would need to swap butter for a plant-based alternative, use flax or chia egg for the yolks, and find dairy-free cream and chocolate. The texture and flavor might change, but it’s possible with some experimentation.

Final Thoughts

This Chocolate Cherry Cookies Recipe is truly a celebration of flavors that come together in the most delightful way. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just treating yourself, these cookies offer a rich chocolate experience with playful cherry notes that make every bite memorable. Give them a try—you might find these decadent gems becoming one of your go-to sweet favorites!