Chocolate Cherry Cookies with Ganache Recipe

Delight in the rich flavors of our Chocolate Cherry Cookies with Ganache Recipe. These cookies are a perfect blend of fudgy chocolate and tart cherry, making them an ideal treat for any gathering or special occasion. The soft texture paired with a luscious ganache center elevates them to a decadent dessert that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Decadent Flavor: The combination of chocolate and cherries offers a rich and satisfying taste.
• Easy to Make: With simple steps, you can whip up these cookies even if you’re a beginner in the kitchen.
• Versatile Treat: Perfect for parties, holidays, or just a cozy night in with family.
• Impressive Presentation: The glossy ganache topping makes these cookies look like they came from a bakery.
• Batch-Friendly: This recipe yields 32 cookies, great for sharing or saving for later.

Tools and Preparation

To make your baking experience smooth, gather these essential tools before you start.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer
• Cookie scoop
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper
• Wire rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Electric mixer: Ensures your butter and sugars are creamed to perfection for fluffy cookie dough.
• Cookie scoop: Helps portion out uniform dough balls, ensuring even baking and presentation.
• Parchment paper: Prevents cookies from sticking to the baking sheet, making cleanup easier.

Ingredients

Delight in these rich and fudgy Chocolate Cherry Cookies, featuring a deep cocoa base combined with a luscious chocolate cherry ganache center. Perfectly soft with a subtle tartness from cherry preserves, these cookies are a decadent treat for any occasion.

For the Cookies

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

For the Ganache

• 5 oz chocolate, chopped (Endangered Species Chocolate Vibrant Cherries + Dark Chocolate)
• 1/4 cup + 2 tbsp heavy cream
• 1/4 cup cherry preserves

How to Make Chocolate Cherry Cookies with Ganache Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Dry Ingredients

In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, Dutch-process cocoa powder, baking powder, and sea salt until fully combined. Set this mixture aside for later use.

Step 2: Cream the 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 until light and fluffy. This creates a smooth base for your cookie dough.

Step 3: Add Egg Yolks and Vanilla Extract

Mix in the egg yolks and vanilla extract on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 1-2 minutes. This ensures the flavors meld well.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix on low speed just until everything is incorporated to avoid overmixing.

Step 5: Portion the Dough

Using a tablespoon-sized cookie scoop, portion the dough into 32 equal balls. Press each ball lightly with a 1/4 teaspoon to create an indent. Place them in the refrigerator to chill for one hour.

Step 6: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) about 15 minutes before baking. Line baking sheets with parchment paper and arrange 8 cookies per sheet.

Step 7: Bake the Cookies

Bake the cookies for 9-11 minutes. Aim for around 10 minutes when centers are set but still soft.

Step 8: Redefine Indents

When cookies come out of the oven, gently press each center indent again with a 1/4 teaspoon. Use a circular cookie cutter around each cookie while it’s warm for perfect shapes.

Step 9: Cool Down

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for five minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 10: Make the Ganache

Place chopped chocolate into a medium bowl. Heat heavy cream in a small saucepan until it begins to boil; pour it over the chocolate. Stir until smooth.

Step 11: Add Cherry Preserves

Stir cherry preserves into melted chocolate ganache until evenly distributed.

Step 12: Fill Cookie Indents

Spoon about 1 teaspoon of ganache into each cookie’s center indent. Add more if space allows.

Step 13: Chill Cookies

Chill assembled cookies in the refrigerator for about 10-15 minutes to allow the ganache to set properly.

Step 14: Store Leftovers

Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container for up to three days to maintain freshness.

How to Serve Chocolate Cherry Cookies with Ganache Recipe

These Chocolate Cherry Cookies with Ganache are delicious on their own, but a few serving suggestions can elevate the experience. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a cozy night in, here are some delightful ways to serve these cookies.

With a Glass of Milk

• A classic pairing that complements the rich chocolate flavor, cold milk enhances the cookie’s fudgy texture.

As a Dessert Platter

• Arrange the cookies on a decorative platter alongside fresh fruit and nuts for an appealing dessert spread.

Warm with Ice Cream

• Serve the cookies warm with a scoop of vanilla or cherry ice cream for an indulgent treat that melts in your mouth.

Dusted with Powdered Sugar

• A light dusting of powdered sugar adds an elegant touch and balances the sweetness of the cherry ganache.

Paired with Coffee or Tea

• Enjoy these cookies with a cup of coffee or herbal tea to balance out the flavors and enhance your dessert experience.

How to Perfect Chocolate Cherry Cookies with Ganache Recipe

Achieving the perfect Chocolate Cherry Cookies requires attention to detail. Follow these tips to elevate your baking game.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter and egg yolks are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
• Don’t Overmix: Mix just until combined when adding dry ingredients to keep your cookies soft and tender.
• Chill Before Baking: Chilling the dough helps maintain shape and prevents excessive spreading during baking.
• Monitor Baking Time: Keep an eye on your cookies while they bake; removing them just as they set will ensure a chewy center.
• Experiment with Flavors: Consider adding almond extract or orange zest for extra depth in flavor.
• Store Properly: For freshness, store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days.

Best Side Dishes for Chocolate Cherry Cookies with Ganache Recipe

Pairing side dishes with these cookies can create a balanced meal or snack time experience. Here are some great options:

1. Fresh Berries
   Adds a refreshing tartness that complements the sweetness of the cookies beautifully.
2. Vanilla Yogurt
   A creamy side that pairs well with chocolate and balances the richness of the ganache.
3. Cheese Platter
   Include mild cheeses like brie or cream cheese, which create a delightful contrast against the sweet cookie flavors.
4. Nut Mix
   A selection of almonds, walnuts, and pecans provides a crunchy texture that contrasts nicely with soft cookies.
5. Chocolate Fondue
   For chocolate lovers, serving fondue alongside allows guests to dip fruits and even pieces of cookie for extra indulgence.
6. Coconut Macaroons
   These chewy treats add another layer of flavor while maintaining a sweet profile that harmonizes with chocolate cherry cookies.
7. Fruit Salad
   A light fruit salad can cleanse the palate between bites, making it an ideal complement.
8. Ice Cream Sundae Bar
   Set up toppings next to your cookies so everyone can create their own sundae masterpiece using cookie pieces as a base!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking can be tricky, and avoiding common mistakes is essential for perfect cookies. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

• Using cold ingredients: Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature. This helps create a better texture in your cookie dough.
• Overmixing the dough: Mix just until combined when adding dry ingredients. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies instead of soft ones.
• Skipping chilling time: Don’t skip refrigerating the dough before baking. Chilling helps the cookies maintain shape and enhances flavor.
• Not measuring flour correctly: Spoon and level your flour for accuracy. Too much flour can make cookies dry and crumbly.
• Ignoring baking times: Keep an eye on the cookies as they bake. Remove them when they are set but still soft to ensure a chewy texture.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store chocolate cherry cookies in an airtight container.
• They will stay fresh for up to three days in the fridge.

Freezing Chocolate Cherry Cookies with Ganache Recipe

• Place cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen solid.
• Transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag for storage, where they can last up to three months.

Reheating Chocolate Cherry Cookies with Ganache Recipe

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm cookies for about 5 minutes for a freshly baked taste.
• Microwave: Heat individual cookies on low power for 10-15 seconds; be cautious not to overheat.
• Stovetop: Cover a skillet with low heat and warm for a few minutes, flipping carefully.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about the Chocolate Cherry Cookies with Ganache Recipe.

Can I substitute other fruits in the ganache?

Yes! You can use different fruit preserves, like raspberry or strawberry, for varied flavors.

How do I know when my cookies are done?

The edges should be set while the centers remain slightly soft. They will firm up as they cool.

Can I make these cookies vegan?

You can substitute butter with plant-based alternatives and use flax eggs instead of regular egg yolks.

What can I serve with chocolate cherry cookies?

These delightful cookies pair well with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an indulgent dessert experience.

Final Thoughts

Chocolate Cherry Cookies with Ganache Recipe offer a delightful mix of rich chocolate and sweet tartness from cherries. Their fudgy texture makes them perfect for any occasion, whether as a treat after dinner or at a gathering with friends. You can also customize them by adding nuts or using different flavored preserves, making this recipe both versatile and appealing. Try these today, and enjoy every bite!