Chocolate Cherry Thumbprint Cookies are a fun twist on classic thumbprints, pairing chocolate cookies with a rich chocolate ganache and a sweet maraschino cherry.
Ingredients
½cupbuttersoftened
⅔cupgranulated sugar
1large eggroom temperature
2Tablespoonsmilk
1teaspoonvanilla extract
1cupall-purpose flour
⅓cupunsweetened cocoa
¼teaspoonsalt
¾cupdark chocolate chips
¼cupheavy whipping cream
1Tablespoonbutter
24 to 30stemless maraschino cherriesdrained 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.