Decadent Chocolate Cherry Drops

Prepare to dazzle your taste buds and impress your guests with these truly divine Chocolate Covered Cherry Cookies! These aren’t just any ordinary cookies; they are an experience in every bite. Imagine a rich, fudgy brownie-like cookie dough, meticulously wrapped around a plump, sweet maraschino cherry, then baked to perfection. To elevate this masterpiece, each cookie is crowned with a luscious layer of chocolate ganache, creating a symphony of textures and flavors that is utterly irresistible. Perfect for holiday gatherings, special occasions, or simply to treat yourself, these cookies are guaranteed to become a cherished addition to your baking repertoire. You’ll want more than just one dozen – trust us!

Seeking more delightful cherry-inspired treats? Explore these fantastic recipes: Cherry Chip Cookies, a vibrant Cherry Cheesecake Poke Cake, a collection of 50 Delightful Cherry Desserts, and this effortless Easy Cherry Cheesecake Dessert!

Indulge in the Irresistible: Chocolate Covered Cherry Cookies

Who could possibly resist the harmonious and luxurious combination of rich chocolate and sweet, tart cherries? This pairing is a timeless classic, consistently ranking among the top dessert favorites for its exquisite balance of flavors. Our Chocolate Covered Cherry Cookies perfectly capture this beloved duo, offering a truly decadent experience.

Beyond their stunning appearance – with their deep, inviting chocolate hue and the vibrant red of the maraschino cherry peeking through each bite – these cookies deliver an unparalleled sensory delight. They boast a rich, fudgy texture that melts in your mouth, complemented by delightful bursts of juicy cherry that provide a wonderful contrast to the dense chocolate. This interplay of sweetness and slight tartness creates an addictive quality that will have everyone reaching for another cookie. Often affectionately called “Rudolph Cookies” due to their bright red center, these treats are visually stunning and incredibly fun to eat.

These soft, chewy cookies are an ideal addition to any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a festive holiday party, preparing a special Valentine’s Day surprise, or simply seeking a sophisticated afternoon snack, they are remarkably easy to prepare at home. Their elegance and delightful taste are sure to impress both friends and family, making them a memorable treat. As an avid chocolate lover, you’ll find these cookies absolutely irresistible. My own son, who adores chocolate covered cherries, devoured most of the batch – a testament to their undeniable appeal!

Essential Ingredients for Perfect Chocolate Covered Cherry Cookies

Embark on your next baking adventure with this truly unique cookie recipe! Gathering high-quality ingredients is the first step to creating these extraordinary chocolate cherry delights. Here’s what you’ll need to transform simple components into a festive, flavorful masterpiece.

For the Fudgy Chocolate Cherry Cookies:

• Granulated Sugar: Provides essential sweetness and helps achieve that delightful chewy texture.
• Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: The key to a deep, rich chocolate flavor and a beautiful dark hue. Choose a good quality cocoa for the best results.
• Salt: A pinch of salt enhances all the other flavors, particularly the chocolate, and balances the sweetness.
• Baking Soda & Baking Powder: These leavening agents work together to give the cookies a soft, slightly risen, and tender crumb.
• Unsalted Butter, Softened: Crucial for richness, flavor, and contributing to the melt-in-your-mouth texture. Ensure it’s truly softened for proper creaming.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, aromatic depth that complements both chocolate and cherry. For an exciting twist, consider using a portion of the maraschino cherry juice for an intensified cherry flavor!
• Egg: Acts as a binder, adding structure and moisture to the cookie dough.
• All-Purpose Flour: The structural foundation of our cookies. Measure it correctly for the ideal dough consistency.
• Whole Maraschino Cherries: The star of the show! These provide the sweet, juicy surprise center. Make sure to drain them extremely well to prevent excess moisture from affecting the cookie dough. Blotting them dry with paper towels is a critical step.

For the Velvety Chocolate Ganache Frosting:

• Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: The base for our smooth, glossy ganache. You can also use good quality chocolate chunks for an even richer finish. Dark chocolate chips work beautifully too if you prefer a less sweet frosting.
• Solid Shortening: Helps achieve a super smooth, shiny ganache that hardens nicely and has a perfect dipping consistency.

Step-by-Step Guide: Crafting Your Chocolate Covered Cherry Cookies

Follow these detailed instructions to create beautifully formed and exquisitely flavored Chocolate Covered Cherry Cookies. Precision and care will ensure your baking success!

1. Prepare Your Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the oven is at the correct temperature for even baking.
2. Dry the Cherries: This is a crucial step! Thoroughly drain the maraschino cherries in a sieve, then gently blot them dry with paper towels. Excess moisture from the cherries can make your cookies soggy or prevent them from holding their shape. Set them aside while you prepare the cookie dough.
3. Cream the Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the granulated sugar, unsweetened cocoa powder, salt, baking soda, baking powder, softened unsalted butter, and vanilla extract (or cherry juice). Using either a hand mixer or a stand mixer, beat these ingredients together until they are well-combined, light, and fluffy. This process incorporates air and creates a tender cookie base.
4. Incorporate Flour: Gradually add the all-purpose flour to the wet ingredients. Mix on low speed until the dry ingredients are just combined with the wet ingredients. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough cookies. The dough should be soft and pliable.
5. Form and Fill: Take portions of the dough, about 1-inch in size, and flatten each slightly in the palm of your hand. Place one drained and dried maraschino cherry in the center of each flattened dough round. Carefully shape the dough around the cherry, enclosing it completely to form a smooth ball. Alternatively, you can use a medium-sized cookie scoop: scoop a small amount of dough, place a cherry in the middle, top with a little more dough, and then gently drop onto parchment paper.
6. Bake to Perfection: Arrange the dough balls about 2 inches apart on an ungreased cookie sheet. Bake for 8-10 minutes. Watch them carefully to avoid over-baking, as cookies that are too done may become crumbly. The edges should be set, and the centers still slightly soft.
7. Cool Completely: Allow the baked cookies to cool on the cookie sheet for a few minutes to firm up slightly. Then, carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents them from becoming soggy and prepares them for frosting.
8. Prepare the Ganache: While the cookies are cooling, prepare your chocolate ganache. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the semi-sweet chocolate chips and solid shortening. Microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring thoroughly between each interval, until the chocolate is completely smooth and melted. Be careful not to overheat the chocolate.
9. Frost and Finish: Once the cookies are completely cool, dip the tops of each cookie into the warm chocolate ganache. You can fully dip them or simply drizzle the ganache over the tops for an elegant look. Allow the ganache to set and harden before serving or storing.

Creative Variations & Serving Suggestions

While these Chocolate Covered Cherry Cookies are perfect as is, don’t hesitate to get creative with these delicious variations:

• Thumbprint Style: For a different presentation, instead of fully enclosing the cherry, press a well into the center of each dough ball before baking, creating a thumbprint. Place a cherry into this indentation and bake. After baking and cooling, drizzle with chocolate ganache for a delightful visual and textural contrast.
• Dried Cherry Delight: If fresh or maraschino cherries aren’t available, or if you prefer a less sweet option, dried cherries can be used. Chop them finely and mix them directly into the cookie dough. While you won’t get the distinct “cherry in the middle” surprise, the chewy texture and concentrated flavor of dried cherries are equally delicious.
• White Chocolate Twist: Drizzle the finished chocolate-covered cookies with melted white chocolate for an elegant visual accent and an extra layer of sweetness. You could even use white chocolate chips in the dough for a different base flavor.
• Nutty Addition: For added crunch and flavor, finely chop some toasted pecans or walnuts and fold them into the cookie dough. The nuts pair wonderfully with both chocolate and cherry.
• A Hint of Almond: Almond extract complements cherry beautifully. Replace a portion of the vanilla extract with almond extract (start with ¼ to ½ teaspoon) for a subtle, sophisticated flavor profile.

These cookies are wonderful on their own, but they also pair beautifully with a cold glass of milk, a warm cup of coffee, or even a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for an indulgent dessert.

Storing Your Chocolate Covered Cherry Cookies

To maintain their freshness and irresistible texture, store your baked Chocolate Covered Cherry Cookies in an airtight container. They will keep beautifully at room temperature for up to three days. If you wish to extend their freshness, you can store them in the refrigerator for up to one week. Be sure they are completely cooled before storing to prevent condensation.

Freezing Chocolate Cherry Cookies for Later Enjoyment

These cookies are excellent candidates for freezing, allowing you to enjoy their deliciousness long after baking. To freeze, first place the completely cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet. Flash freeze them for a few hours or overnight until they are solid. Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight container or a heavy-duty freezer bag. This method prevents them from sticking together. Properly stored, they can remain frozen for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw them at room temperature for an hour or two.

Frequently Asked Questions About Chocolate Covered Cherry Cookies

Here are answers to some common questions you might have about making these delightful cookies:

Q: Why is it important to drain the maraschino cherries thoroughly?
A: Maraschino cherries are packed in syrup, which contains a lot of moisture. If not drained and blotted dry, this excess liquid can seep into your cookie dough, making the cookies soggy, causing them to spread too much, or even preventing them from baking properly.

Q: Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries?
A: While possible, it will significantly change the flavor and texture. Fresh cherries have a different moisture content and tartness. If you use fresh cherries, pit them and consider reducing the amount slightly, as their flavor is more intense. They also might release more liquid during baking.

Q: My ganache isn’t smooth. What went wrong?
A: The most common reason for lumpy ganache is overheating the chocolate. Always microwave in short intervals (20 seconds) and stir vigorously between each. The residual heat will continue to melt the chocolate. If it seizes, try adding a tiny bit more shortening or a teaspoon of hot water and stirring rapidly.

Q: How can I prevent my cookies from crumbling when over-baked?
A: Over-baking dries out cookies, making them brittle. Look for visual cues: the edges should be lightly golden and set, while the centers still look slightly soft. Remember that cookies continue to cook slightly from residual heat after they are removed from the oven. When in doubt, it’s better to under-bake slightly than to over-bake.

Q: Can I prepare the cookie dough ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can prepare the dough, form it around the cherries, and then refrigerate the cookie balls for up to 2-3 days before baking. This makes them perfect for holiday prep. Just ensure they are covered tightly.

Conclusion: A Sweet Ending to Your Culinary Journey

In conclusion, these Chocolate Covered Cherry Cookies offer a truly delicious and indulgent experience, masterfully combining the rich, intense flavors of chocolate with the sweet and tangy essence of cherries. This recipe is designed to be accessible, allowing you to create these impressive cookies from scratch using simple ingredients and straightforward, easy-to-follow instructions.

Whether you consider yourself a seasoned baking enthusiast or are just embarking on your culinary adventures in the kitchen, these cookies are sure to delight. They are perfect for impressing your taste buds and charming your loved ones, making them an ideal treat for festive occasions like Christmas or a romantic gesture for Valentine’s Day. With each delightful bite of these homemade Chocolate Covered Cherry Cookies, you might just find yourself wondering why you didn’t bake them sooner. Happy baking, and enjoy every moment of this sweet creation!

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