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Chocolate Cherry Cookies Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 96 reviews

These decadent Chocolate Cherry Cookies combine rich cocoa-flavored cookies with a luscious chocolate cherry ganache center. Soft, fudgy, and studded with vibrant cherry preserves, these cookies make a perfect gourmet treat for any chocolate lover.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chocolate Cookies

  • 1 1/2 cups (188 g) all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
  • 1/2 cup (40 g) Dutch-process cocoa powder
  • 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp sea salt
  • 3/4 cup (168 g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 3/4 cup (165 g) light brown sugar, packed
  • 1/4 cup (50 g) granulated white sugar
  • 2 egg yolks, at room temperature
  • 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

For the Chocolate Cherry Ganache

  • 5 oz chocolate, chopped (preferably dark chocolate with cherries such as Endangered Species Chocolate Vibrant Cherries + Dark Chocolate)
  • 1/4 cup + 2 tbsp (90 ml) heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup (85 g) cherry preserves

Instructions

  1. Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, Dutch-process cocoa powder, sea salt, and baking powder thoroughly. Set this dry mixture aside for later use.
  2. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer on high speed to cream the softened unsalted butter, light brown sugar, and granulated white sugar together until the mixture is smooth and fluffy, which typically takes a few minutes.
  3. Add Egg Yolks and Vanilla: Lower the mixer speed to medium and incorporate the two egg yolks and vanilla extract into the creamed butter and sugar mixture. Beat until light and fluffy, about 1 to 2 minutes, which helps achieve a tender texture.
  4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients while mixing on low speed. Mix just until all ingredients are combined to avoid overworking the dough and toughening the cookies.
  5. Shape and Chill Dough: Using a tablespoon-sized cookie scoop, scoop the dough into 32 equal portions and roll each portion into a ball. Using a 1/4 tsp, press gently into each ball to make an indent in the center. Place the dough balls on a tray and chill in the refrigerator for 1 hour to firm up.
  6. Preheat Oven: Fifteen minutes before baking, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line large baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  7. Arrange Cookies for Baking: Arrange 8 cookie dough balls per parchment-lined baking sheet, making sure to space them evenly to allow for gentle spreading during baking.
  8. Bake Cookies: Bake cookies in the preheated oven for 9 to 11 minutes; 10 minutes is optimal for a soft, fudgy texture. Immediately after removing from the oven, lightly press the centers again with a 1/4 tsp to re-indent if needed. Optionally, use a circular cookie cutter to gently shape the edges for a perfect circle.
  9. Cool Cookies: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes to set, then transfer them to wire racks to cool completely, preventing sogginess.
  10. Make Ganache: Place chopped chocolate in a medium bowl. Heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan just until it is about to boil, then pour it over the chocolate. Let sit for a minute, then stir gently until the chocolate and cream form a smooth ganache.
  11. Add Cherry Preserves to Ganache: Stir the cherry preserves into the warm ganache until evenly incorporated, blending chocolate richness with fruity brightness.
  12. Assemble Cookies: Spoon about 1 teaspoon of the chocolate cherry ganache into the indent of each cookie. Fill more if the cookies allow for it.
  13. Chill Assembled Cookies: Place the filled cookies in the refrigerator for 10 to 15 minutes to allow the ganache to set firmly.
  14. Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days to maintain freshness and texture.

Notes

  • Chilling the dough is essential to prevent cookies from spreading too much and to retain the indented shape for filling.
  • Using high-quality dark chocolate with cherries enhances the flavor and texture of the ganache significantly.
  • Pressing the cookies right after baking helps maintain a uniform shape and keeps the centers ready for filling.
  • Make sure egg yolks are at room temperature to help the dough mix smoothly and trap air for a lighter texture.
  • If you don’t have a cookie scoop, you can use a tablespoon to portion the dough evenly.
  • Storing cookies in an airtight container at room temperature is suitable if consumed within three days; otherwise, refrigerate to preserve the ganache.

Keywords: chocolate cherry cookies, chocolate cookies, cherry ganache cookies, homemade chocolate cookies, dessert cookies, chocolate cherry dessert

Find it online: https://kochenmitviktoria.com/chocolate-cherry-cookies-recipe/