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These Chocolate Cherry Cookies are made using just a few ingredients & made from scratch. They’re a classic juicy Maraschino Cherry Cookie with real cocoa that are so good! The perfect holiday treat!
My husband said they are “the single best cookies he’s ever had in his life.” We finished the first batch in about a day and a half. They’re definitely going on the annual Christmas cookie list. On my holiday cookie tray too!
Welcome to the world of delicious chocolate cherry cookies! Baked with cherries, vanilla extract, and cocoa powder, these sweet treats will bring a delightful smile to your face. Whether you are looking for an afternoon pick-me-up snack or something special to share with friends, chocolate cherry cookies have something for everyone. Enjoy the classic combination of tart cherries and rich dark chocolate in every bite and experience pure bliss.
What are cherry cookies?
Cherry cookies are a sweet treat made with cherries and other ingredients like sugar, flour, butter, and eggs. They can be enjoyed as a snack or dessert, either freshly baked or purchased pre-made. The cherry flavor is typically enhanced with almond extract or vanilla extract for a slightly nutty taste. Top the cookies with icing for added sweetness and an extra burst of flavor!
Ingredients Needed
- All-purpose flour – This provides structure and a light, airy texture.
- Baking powder – Baking powder helps give the cookies a nice rise and fluffy texture.
- Baking soda – Baking soda helps neutralize the acidity of other ingredients, like cocoa powder and cherries, for a well-balanced flavor.
- Salt – Salt enhances flavor and brings out the sweetness of other ingredients.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder – Cocoa powder provides an intense chocolatey flavor that pairs perfectly with cherries.
- Unsalted butter- Butter adds richness and moisture to the cookie dough.
- White granulated sugar – Sugar ensures the cookies have a pleasantly sweet taste.
- Egg – Eggs add structure, stability, and leavening to the cookie dough.
- Pure vanilla extract – Vanilla extract adds an extra layer of sweetness and complexity to the cookie dough’s flavor profile.
- Maraschino cherries – Maraschino cherries provide juicy pops of sweetness against the chocolate-y background of the cookies’ flavor.
How to Store Cherry Chocolate Cookies
To store cherry chocolate cookies, place them in an airtight container and keep them in a cool, dry place. Be sure not to stack the cookies too closely together. This can cause them to stick to one another. If stored correctly, the cookies will stay fresh for up to 1 week. You can also freeze the cookies for longer periods of time. Place the frozen cookies in a freezer-safe resealable bag and use within 1 month.
Tips for Making Chocolate Cherry Cookies
- Make sure your cherries are blotted dry completely. If you skip this step, you will have a wet spot in the center of the cookie.
- Add the cherries before baking – an important tip!
- Because of the cherries, the cookies should be enjoyed within 3 days of being made. Store in the fridge or at room temperature.
- If your icing is too thick, you can add cherry juice to it.
Common Questions for Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Cookies
What do Cherry Chocolate Cookies taste like?
The cookies are softer, very chocolatey, and rich. The icing is smooth and thick. The addition of the juice in the frosting makes the entire cookie very aromatic. It’s delicious and addicting. The cherry flavor is subtle and not overpowering.
How do I freeze chocolate cherry cookies?
To freeze chocolate cherry cookies, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and put the baking sheet into the freezer. Once frozen solid, transfer the cookies to a resealable freezer bag and return them to the freezer. Be sure to use the frozen cookies within 1 month for the best quality.
What kind of cocoa should I use?
For the best-tasting chocolate cherry cookies, use high-quality cocoa. Look for cocoa labeled “Dutch-processed” or “special dark,” as these varieties have a more intense flavor and richer color. When selecting cocoa powder, make sure to check the expiration date; cocoa loses its flavor over time.
So, now that it’s December, there are going to be cookie trays and holidays desserts that are decadent, delicious holiday treats to celebrate the season on every ones mind! Its the season for over-indulging! I’m so ready to indulge in excessive baking around the holidays.
Christmas is a couple weeks away and I am making these incredible chocolate covered cherry cookies, and theare probably the best cookies I’ve made all year.
The only possible improvement that I think would make them even better? Soaking the cherries in alcohol for a few days first to give a slight boozy twist!
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Chocolate Cherry Cookies
Course Dessert
Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Cook Time 10 minutes mins
Total Time 25 minutes mins
Servings 16 Cookies
These Chocolate Cherry Cookies are made using just a few ingredients. They’re a classic tart cherry cookie with cocoa that are so good!
Ingredients
Cookies
- 1 ½ cups all purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ cup unsalted butter room temperature
- 1 cup white granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 jar maraschino cherries stems removed and blotted dry
Chocolate Cherry Frosting
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ½ cup sweetened condensed milk
- 2 teaspoons maraschino cherry juice
Instructions
Cookies
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and prepare a baking sheet by lining with parchment paper. Set aside.
In a medium sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Set aside.
In a large bowl, use an electric mixer on medium low speed to combine the butter and sugar. Mix until light and fluffy.
Add the egg and vanilla and continue mixing until fully incorporated.
Slowly add the flour mixture, along with the cocoa powder mixing on low just until combined.
Use a large cookie scoop to form balls, rolling in between palms to smooth.
Place evenly apart on the prepared cookie sheet and use a ½ teaspoon measuring spoon (or your thumb) to press an indent in the center of each cookie dough ball.
Place a cherry in the center of each cookie.
Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes or until cooked through. Cool completely.
Frosting
In a small bowl, combine the semi-sweet chocolate chips, condensed milk and cherry juice. Stir to combine.
Cook in the microwave in 15 second intervals until the chocolate is melted and smooth. Be sure to stir in between each round. Do not over cook.
Transfer the frosting into a piping bag and drizzle over the cooled cookies. Serve.
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