Chocolate Cherry Thumbprint Cookies – Rich, Festive, and Decadent

Chocolate and cherries are a match made in dessert heaven. Combining these flavors with a buttery, tender cookie creates a holiday treat that is both elegant and indulgent. Chocolate Cherry Thumbprint Cookies are rich, fudgy, and filled with a luscious chocolate-cherry ganache that will make every bite irresistible.

Whether you’re baking for a holiday party, a special occasion, or simply to enjoy at home, these cookies are a showstopper. Their deep chocolate flavor, complemented by the fruity sweetness of cherries, offers a sophisticated twist on the classic thumbprint cookie. In this article, we’ll explore the ingredients, preparation steps, tips, variations, and FAQs so you can master these festive treats.

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Ingredients

Before starting, gather the following ingredients for the cookie dough and ganache filling:

Cookie Dough

• 188 g all-purpose flour – Provides structure and a delicate crumb.
• 40 g Dutch-process cocoa powder – Adds a deep, rich chocolate flavor.
• 1/2 tsp baking powder – Helps the cookies rise slightly and maintain a tender texture.
• 1/2 tsp sea salt – Balances sweetness and enhances chocolate flavor.
• 168 g unsalted butter, softened – The key to a rich, tender cookie.
• 165 g light brown sugar, packed – Adds sweetness and a hint of molasses.
• 50 g granulated white sugar – Enhances texture and sweetness.
• 2 egg yolks, room temperature – Adds richness and binds the dough.
• 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract – Adds aromatic depth.

Chocolate-Cherry Ganache Filling

• 140 g dark chocolate with dried cherries, chopped – Forms the base of the ganache.
• 90 ml heavy cream – Makes the ganache smooth and creamy.
• 85 g cherry preserves – Infuses the ganache with a sweet, fruity flavor.

Equipment Needed

• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer or hand whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Parchment-lined baking sheets
• Cookie scoop or tablespoon
• 1/4 teaspoon measure for pressing indents
• Wire rack for cooling
• Medium saucepan or microwave-safe bowl for ganache
• Spatula or spoon for mixing

Preparation Method

Follow these detailed steps to create perfectly fudgy chocolate cherry thumbprint cookies:

Step 1: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together:

• Flour
• Dutch-process cocoa powder
• Baking powder
• Sea salt

Whisking ensures an even distribution of cocoa, leavening, and salt throughout the dough.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together softened butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar at high speed until pale and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes.

Tip: Properly creamed butter and sugar result in a tender, slightly airy cookie texture.

Step 3: Add Egg Yolks and Vanilla

Add the egg yolks and vanilla extract to the creamed mixture. Beat on medium speed until smooth and light, about 1–2 minutes.

Step 4: Incorporate Dry Ingredients

Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture on low speed until a cookie dough forms. Avoid overmixing to maintain a tender texture.

Step 5: Shape the Cookies

• Portion the dough into 32 tablespoon-sized balls.
• Roll them smooth in your hands.
• Use a 1/4 teaspoon to press an indent in the center of each ball.

Place the shaped cookies on parchment-lined trays.

Tip: Chilling the dough for 60 minutes helps maintain the shape during baking.

Step 6: Preheat Oven

Fifteen minutes before baking, preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F).

Step 7: Bake

• Place 8 cookies per prepared baking sheet.
• Bake for 9–11 minutes, until the cookies are set but still fudgy.
• Remove from the oven and gently re-press the indents if they have puffed slightly.
• Use a round cookie cutter to tidy up the shape while hot if necessary.
• Cool on the sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 8: Prepare Chocolate-Cherry Ganache

• Place chopped dark chocolate in a medium bowl.
• Heat heavy cream until just before boiling and pour over the chocolate.
• Let sit briefly, then stir until smooth.
• Mix in cherry preserves until fully incorporated.

Tip: Stir gently to ensure a smooth, glossy ganache without air bubbles.

Step 9: Fill Cookies

• Once cookies have cooled completely, fill each center with about 1 teaspoon of chocolate-cherry ganache.
• Chill cookies in the refrigerator for 10–15 minutes to set the ganache.

Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Tips for Success

1. Use room temperature egg yolks – Helps create a smooth, uniform dough.
2. Softened, not melted butter – Ensures proper structure and prevents spreading.
3. Chill the dough – Maintains shape and prevents over-spreading.
4. Even indents – Helps the ganache sit neatly in the center.
5. Avoid overbaking – Cookies should remain slightly soft for a fudgy texture.

Variations

• Milk Chocolate Option: Swap dark chocolate for milk chocolate for a sweeter, creamier ganache.
• Nutty Twist: Add finely chopped toasted almonds or hazelnuts to the ganache for texture.
• Mini Cookies: Reduce dough portions to make bite-sized cookies; adjust baking time to 7–8 minutes.
• Gluten-Free Version: Use a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend.

Nutritional Information (per cookie)

• Calories: 150 kcal
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 100 mg
• Fat: 8 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 25 mg

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Yes! Store baked cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Ganache filling will stay firm.

2. Can I use fresh cherries instead of dried in chocolate?
Fresh cherries contain more moisture and may affect the ganache texture. If using fresh, finely chop and drain excess juice.

3. Can I freeze these cookies?
Yes, freeze the cookies without ganache in a single layer in an airtight container. Ganache can be piped on after thawing.

4. Can I make the ganache without cherry preserves?
Yes, the ganache will still be rich and chocolatey, but the cherry preserves add a festive, fruity note.

5. How do I prevent cookies from cracking during baking?
Ensure butter is softened but not melted, chill dough, and avoid overmixing.

Conclusion

Chocolate Cherry Thumbprint Cookies are a luxurious and festive holiday treat. Their fudgy chocolate base paired with the sweet, fruity ganache makes them perfect for gifting, entertaining, or indulging yourself.

With simple ingredients, step-by-step guidance, and tips for perfect texture and presentation, these cookies are approachable yet elegant. By mastering this recipe, you’ll add a show-stopping dessert to your holiday repertoire that delights both the eyes and the taste buds.

These cookies strike the perfect balance of chocolate richness, cherry sweetness, and buttery tenderness, ensuring they’ll become a holiday favorite for years to come.

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