Chocolate Cherry Thumbprint Cookies
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Chocolate Cherry Thumbprint Cookies are a fun twist on classic thumbprint cookies, made with a homemade chocolate cookie topped with a dark chocolate ganache and maraschino cherry.
The chocolate and cherry combination is delectable, eye-catching, and perfect for Valentine’s Day or the holidays and Christmas cookie exchanges.
Maraschino cherries not only add a stunning presentation, but the sweetness when you bite into the chocolate maraschino cherry cookies is over the top.
For more holiday cookies recipes try our thumbprint jam cookies, soft gingerbread cookies, and Christmas sprinkle sugar cookies.
Why Make These Cookies
- Elegant presentation value
- Homemade cookie that is easy to make
- A fun topping for these chocolate cherry cookies that make them stand out from the rest
- Great for parties, gatherings, and even holiday events like Christmas and Valentine’s Day
- Fun cookie swap recipe
Ingredients You Will Need
This section includes ingredient notes and substitution options. Get all measurements, ingredients, and instructions in the printable recipe card at the end of this post.
- Flour – Basic all purpose flour. Make sure to measure your flour properly by scooping and leveling.
- Milk – Any milk or milk replacement works.
- Salt
- Egg
- Butter – I recommend using real butter (not margarine). If you use slated butter omit the salt in the recipe.
- Granulated Sugar
- Vanilla
- Cocoa Powder – Classic or dark cocoa powder works great for this recipe.
- Heavy Whipping Cream – You will use this for making the chocolate ganache topping
- Chocolate Chips – I used dark chocolate, it gives the topping a rich flavor. But you can easily swap with semi-sweet if you want.
- Maraschino Cherries – Drain and take stems off if your cherries have them.
How to Make
Step 1: Preheat the oven and grease or prep your cookie sheets. Then in a bowl add your dry ingredients together and mix to incorporate as the recipe below directs.
Step 2: Cream your butter in sugar in a stand mixer, and then slowly mix in the egg, vanilla, and milk. Make sure it is fully blended.
Step 3: Next add in the dry ingredients, mixing to incorporate all the ingredients.
Step 4: Refrigerate the cookie dough as directed to allow it to chill. Then bake as directed.
Step 5: When you remove the cookies from the oven use a spoon to make a hollow area in the center of the cookies, then allow the chocolate cookies to cool.
Step 6: Mix up your ganache, and then pour a little in the center of the cookie, and top with a maraschino cherry.
Variations to Recipe
- Swap homemade cookie with a chocolate boxed cake mix cookie.
- Instead of maraschino cherry in the center, use a cherry pie filling to add a cherry in the center.
- Instead of chocolate ganache, use a hot fudge, chocolate syrup, or even a chocolate frosting.
- Swap out the chocolate cookie for a cherry flavored cookie, vanilla, etc.
Pro Tips
- Make sure to not overbake the cookies. You don’t want your cookies to be dry and crumbly.
- Ensure you drain the juice off the maraschino cherries, or they will make cookies soggy.
- When making the indent in the center of the cookies don’t press too hard, just enough to make a little area for the ganache to go.
Storage
You will want to store your cookies in an airtight container. Then I like to refrigerate my cookies due to the cherries. I find it will help keep the cookies fresher longer.
You can also freeze the cookies if you don’t want to eat them all right away. Just freeze for 2-3 months. Then thaw in the fridge overnight or on the counter for around 1 hour for a quick thaw if you want to eat just one or two.
More delicious homemade cookies recipes
- Hidden Hershey Kisses Cookies
- Peanut Butter Cup Cookies
- Rolo Stuffed Cookies
- Red Velvet Cake Mix Cookies
- Air Fryer Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Gingerbread Men Cookies
- Classic Sugar Cookies
Chocolate Cherry Thumbprint Cookies
Ingredients
- ½ cup butter softened
- ⅔ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg room temperature
- 2 Tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ⅓ cup unsweetened cocoa
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup dark chocolate chips
- ¼ cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 Tablespoon butter
- 24 to 30 stemless maraschino cherries drained and patted dry
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Beat the butter with a hand mixer or stand mixer at medium speed until fluffy. Slowly add the sugar, scraping the bowl down as needed. Add the egg, milk, and vanilla, blending until well mixed.
- Sift together the flour, cocoa, and salt. Add the flour mixture to the butter mixture and beat until combined.
- Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least one hour.
- Using a small (about 1 tablespoon) cookie scoop, scoop dough onto the cookie sheet, placing the dough about 1 inch apart.
- Bake for 10 to 13 minutes.
- When the cookies are done, remove them from the oven and gently press the back of a teaspoon into the center of each cookie. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet.
- Meanwhile, place the dark chocolate chips, cream, and butter in a microwaveable bowl. Heat in the microwave, stirring every 30 seconds until smooth.
- Spoon a small amount of the chocolate into the hole in each cookie and immediately place a cherry in the center. Allow the chocolate to set completely before serving.
Nutrition
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