These Chocolate Cherry Thumbprint Cookies are the perfect blend of rich chocolate and sweet cherry flavors. The soft, fudgy cookies create a deep cocoa base, while the cherry-infused ganache adds a luxurious, fruity contrast. Each bite is an explosion of decadent flavor, making these cookies a show-stopping treat for any occasion.
Whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering, a romantic treat, or just a cozy weekend indulgence, these cookies are guaranteed to impress. Their elegant thumbprint design makes them look as stunning as they taste, and the silky ganache filling makes every bite feel like a little luxury. Grab a glass of milk or a cup of coffee and enjoy these irresistible cookies!
Full Recipe:
For the Chocolate Cookies:
- 1 ½ cups (188 g) all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
- ½ cup (40 g) Dutch-process cocoa powder
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp sea salt
- ¾ cup (168 g) unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup (165 g) light brown sugar, packed
- ¼ cup (50 g) granulated white sugar
- 2 egg yolks, at room temperature
- 1 ½ tsp vanilla extract
For the Chocolate Cherry Ganache:
- 5 oz dark chocolate, chopped
- ¼ cup + 2 tbsp (90 ml) heavy cream
- ¼ cup (85 g) cherry preserves
Directions:
- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar with an electric mixer on high speed.
- Add in the egg yolks and vanilla, then mix on medium speed until light and fluffy (about 1-2 minutes).
- Slowly mix in the dry ingredients until just combined.
- Scoop the dough into 32 portions using a tablespoon-sized scoop, roll into balls, and make an indent in the center with a ¼ teaspoon.
- Chill the cookie dough balls for one hour.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Bake the cookies for 9-11 minutes. Immediately after baking, lightly press down the centers again to reinforce the indent.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack.
- For the ganache, place the chopped chocolate in a bowl. Heat the heavy cream until just before boiling, then pour over the chocolate. Stir until smooth, then mix in the cherry preserves.
- Fill each cookie center with about 1 teaspoon of ganache. Chill for 10 minutes to set before serving.
Prep Time: 30 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Chill Time: 1 hour | Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
Kcal: 180 kcal | Servings: 32 cookies
Chocolate Cherry Thumbprint Cookies: A Decadent Treat for Any Occasion
Chocolate and cherries are a classic combination that never goes out of style. The deep, rich flavor of dark chocolate pairs beautifully with the fruity sweetness of cherries, creating a treat that feels both luxurious and comforting. Chocolate Cherry Thumbprint Cookies bring these flavors together in a delightful way, featuring a fudgy chocolate base filled with a silky chocolate cherry ganache. Whether you’re looking for a special dessert for Valentine’s Day, a holiday cookie tray, or just an indulgent everyday treat, these cookies are sure to impress.
Why These Chocolate Cherry Cookies Are Special
These cookies stand out from the crowd for a few key reasons. First, they have a deep chocolate flavor, thanks to the use of Dutch-process cocoa powder. This type of cocoa powder has a darker color and a smoother, less acidic taste than regular cocoa, giving the cookies a rich and luxurious flavor.
Second, the texture is absolutely divine. The cookie itself is soft and chewy, with just the right amount of crispness around the edges. The addition of brown sugar helps achieve this perfect balance, ensuring the cookies stay moist and tender.
Finally, the filling takes these cookies to the next level. The ganache is made with a combination of dark chocolate, cherry preserves, and heavy cream. This creates a smooth, velvety texture that melts in your mouth with every bite. The tartness of the cherries enhances the deep chocolate flavor, making these cookies truly unforgettable.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Chocolate Cherry Thumbprint Cookies are incredibly versatile. They make a stunning addition to a holiday dessert spread, particularly around Christmas and Valentine’s Day when chocolate and cherry flavors are especially popular. Their elegant thumbprint design makes them an eye-catching centerpiece on any cookie tray.
They’re also perfect for gifting. Whether you’re baking for a loved one, preparing treats for a bake sale, or making a homemade holiday gift, these cookies will leave a lasting impression. Simply package them in a decorative tin or a clear cellophane bag tied with a ribbon for a beautiful presentation.
Tips for Making the Best Chocolate Cherry Cookies
To ensure your cookies turn out perfect every time, follow these expert baking tips:
- Use high-quality cocoa powder. Since chocolate is the dominant flavor, using a premium Dutch-process cocoa powder will make a significant difference in taste and texture.
- Measure flour correctly. Too much flour can make the cookies dense and dry. Always spoon flour into the measuring cup and level it off with a knife, or better yet, use a kitchen scale for precision.
- Chill the dough. This is a crucial step for achieving the right texture. Chilling prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking and helps them maintain their signature thumbprint shape.
- Reinforce the indent after baking. The cookies may puff up slightly while baking, so pressing the center again immediately after they come out of the oven ensures there’s enough space for the ganache.
- Use a smooth cherry preserve. For the best ganache consistency, use a cherry preserve without large fruit chunks. This will help it blend seamlessly into the melted chocolate.
Pairing Suggestions
These cookies are incredibly indulgent on their own, but they also pair well with a variety of beverages and other desserts. Here are some ideas:
- Coffee or Espresso: The bitterness of coffee complements the sweetness of the cookies, enhancing the chocolate and cherry flavors.
- Red Wine: A glass of Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon pairs beautifully with the dark chocolate and fruity cherry notes.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve these cookies alongside a scoop of vanilla or cherry ice cream for an extra special dessert.
- Whipped Cream: A dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream can add a creamy contrast to the richness of the cookies.
How to Store and Freeze the Cookies
One of the best things about these cookies is that they store well, making them great for advance preparation.
- Room Temperature: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. The ganache will remain soft but set.
- Refrigeration: If you prefer a firmer ganache, store the cookies in the fridge for up to a week. Just let them come to room temperature before serving to bring back their full flavor.
- Freezing: These cookies freeze well, both before and after baking. If freezing the dough, shape the cookies, make the indentations, and freeze them on a baking sheet. Once solid, transfer them to a freezer bag. When ready to bake, simply let them thaw slightly before baking as directed. If freezing fully baked cookies, store them in an airtight container with layers of parchment paper between them.
Variations and Customizations
While these Chocolate Cherry Thumbprint Cookies are delicious as they are, there are plenty of ways to put your own spin on them.
- White Chocolate Version: Swap out the dark chocolate for white chocolate in the ganache for a sweeter, creamier filling.
- Nutty Twist: Add finely chopped almonds or hazelnuts to the cookie dough for a nutty crunch.
- Boozy Infusion: For an adult version, add a splash of cherry liqueur or amaretto to the ganache for a little extra flavor complexity.
- Double Chocolate: Stir in mini chocolate chips to the cookie dough for an extra dose of chocolate goodness.
- Cherry Garnish: Top each cookie with a whole maraschino cherry or a dusting of crushed freeze-dried cherries for a decorative touch.
Why You Should Try This Recipe
If you’re a chocolate lover, these cookies are a must-try. The combination of rich cocoa, sweet cherries, and velvety ganache creates an irresistible treat that feels both nostalgic and sophisticated.
They’re also incredibly easy to make. With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, even beginner bakers can achieve impressive results. The chilling and baking process requires a bit of patience, but the final product is well worth the wait.
Additionally, these cookies make a great project for families. Kids will love rolling the dough into balls and creating the thumbprint indents, while adults can handle the ganache filling. It’s a fun and rewarding way to spend time together in the kitchen.
Conclusion
Chocolate Cherry Thumbprint Cookies are a true delight, bringing together the indulgence of chocolate and the fruity brightness of cherries in a perfect bite-sized treat. Whether you’re making them for a holiday celebration, a special occasion, or just because you’re craving something sweet, these cookies will not disappoint.
Their rich flavor, chewy texture, and smooth ganache filling make them a standout dessert, while their elegant appearance makes them look as good as they taste. Plus, with the ability to customize and store them easily, they’re a fantastic recipe to have in your collection.