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Chocolate Cherry Cookies Recipe: Easy Homemade Ganache Topped Treats

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These chocolate cherry cookies feature a soft, fudgy chocolate base wrapped around juicy cherries, topped with a glossy homemade ganache and fresh cherry garnish. Quick to make and irresistibly delicious, they’re perfect for any occasion and sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour (120g), sifted
  • 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (30g)
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar (100g)
  • 1/4 cup light brown sugar, packed (50g)
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (113g)
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (or almond extract for a twist)
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 20–24 maraschino cherries, drained and patted dry (or fresh pitted cherries)
  • 2 tablespoons cherry preserves or cherry jam (optional)
  • 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (90g)
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream (60ml)
  • 2 teaspoons butter (10g)
  • Fresh cherries, halved and pitted (optional, for decoration)
  • Grated chocolate or chocolate curls (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Drain maraschino cherries and pat dry with paper towels.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking soda until evenly combined.
  3. In a large bowl, beat softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar with a hand or stand mixer until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
  4. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Add vanilla extract and beat until smooth.
  5. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture, mixing on low speed or with a spatula until just combined. Do not overmix.
  6. Scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough for each cookie. Flatten slightly, place a cherry (and a dab of preserves, if using) in the center, then wrap dough around the cherry, sealing completely. Roll gently into a ball and place on prepared baking sheet, spacing cookies about 2 inches apart.
  7. Bake for 11-13 minutes, until cookies are set but still soft in the center. Do not overbake.
  8. Allow cookies to cool on the sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
  9. While cookies cool, combine chocolate chips, heavy cream, and butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir gently until smooth and glossy. Alternatively, microwave in 20-second bursts, stirring between each.
  10. Spoon about 1 teaspoon of ganache onto each cooled cookie. Top with a fresh cherry half and a sprinkle of grated chocolate if desired.
  11. Let ganache set for 10-15 minutes before serving.

Notes

For gluten-free cookies, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. For dairy-free, substitute plant-based butter and coconut cream in the ganache. Chill dough if sticky, and ensure cherries are dry to prevent cookies from spreading. Use high-quality chocolate for best ganache texture. Store cookies in an airtight container with wax paper between layers. Freeze cookies without ganache and cherry topping for longer storage.

Nutrition

Keywords: chocolate cherry cookies, ganache cookies, easy cookie recipe, homemade cookies, cherry dessert, holiday cookies, fudgy cookies, kid-friendly cookies

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