Chocolate Cherry Cookies are a delightful treat, perfect for anyone who loves the combination of rich chocolate and sweet cherries. These cookies feature a soft chocolate base with a maraschino cherry nestled in the center, adding a burst of color and flavor. Finished with a chocolate cherry drizzle, they’re festive, delicious, and sure to stand out on any dessert table.
Ideal for holiday gatherings, special occasions, or just to satisfy a sweet craving, these cookies are easy to make and look impressive. The addition of cherry juice in both the dough and drizzle gives these cookies a unique, fruity twist that pairs wonderfully with the chocolate.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
• Beautiful Presentation: The cherry on top and chocolate drizzle make these cookies visually appealing.
• Chocolate-Cherry Flavor Combo: Rich chocolate with a hint of cherry is a classic, irresistible combination.
• Perfect for Special Occasions: A unique and festive treat ideal for holidays or parties.
Ingredients:
For the Cookies:
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup sugar
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ⅔ cup cocoa powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 teaspoons cherry juice (from the maraschino cherry jar)
• 30-36 maraschino cherries, drained
For the Chocolate Drizzle:
• ¼ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 2 tablespoons sweetened condensed milk
• 1 tablespoon cherry juice (from the maraschino cherry jar)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Make the Dough:
• In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, sugar, and brown sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy.
• Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients:
• In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, salt, baking powder, and baking soda.
4. Mix the Dough:
• Gradually add the dry mixture to the butter mixture, about ½ cup at a time, mixing just until combined.
• Add the vanilla extract and 2 teaspoons of cherry juice, mixing until incorporated.
• Refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes to firm up.
5. Shape and Assemble:
• Butter your hands to prevent sticking, then roll the dough into 1-inch balls. Place each ball on the prepared baking sheet.
• Use your thumb to make a small indentation in the center of each cookie, and place a maraschino cherry in the hole.
6. Bake:
• Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10 minutes, or until set. Remove from the oven and allow them to cool on a wire rack.
7. Prepare the Chocolate Drizzle:
• In a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk over low heat, stirring until smooth.
• Once melted, add 1 tablespoon of cherry juice and stir to combine.
8. Drizzle and Serve:
• Drizzle the chocolate mixture over the cooled cookies. Allow the drizzle to set before serving.
Tips:
• Cherry Juice Boost: Add an extra teaspoon of cherry juice to the drizzle for a stronger cherry flavor.
• Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
• Perfect Drizzle: Use a spoon or small piping bag to drizzle the chocolate for a neat presentation.
Storage Options:
• Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• Refrigerator: Keep in the fridge for up to a week for a firmer texture.
Enjoy these Chocolate Cherry Cookies as a delightful treat for special occasions or whenever you crave a chocolate-cherry dessert. They’re sure to be a hit!
