Double Chocolate Cherry Cookies
Double the chocolate means double the fun, and when you add cherries into the mix, you get a delightful treat that’s perfect for any occasion! These cookies bring together the rich flavors of chocolate and the sweet-tartness of maraschino cherries, making them an irresistible addition to your dessert table. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering or just treating yourself, Double Chocolate Cherry Cookies are sure to impress.
What You’ll Need for Double Chocolate Cherry Cookies
To whip up these tasty cookies, here’s what you’ll need:
- 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup (100g) sugar
- 1/2 cup (100g) brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups (190g) all-purpose flour
- 2/3 cup (66g) cocoa powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons cherry juice from maraschino cherry jar
- 30-36 jarred maraschino cherries
- 1/4 cup (45g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons sweetened condensed milk
- 1 tablespoon cherry juice from maraschino cherry jar
Step-by-Step Double Chocolate Cherry Cookies Recipe
- Preheat your oven: Set your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) so it’s hot and ready for the cookies.
- Mix the butter and sugars: In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, sugar, and brown sugar using a mixer. Mix until it’s nice and fluffy.
- Add the eggs: Crack in the eggs one by one, making sure to mix well after each addition.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, salt, baking powder, and baking soda.
- Blend the mixtures: Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the butter mixture, blending after each addition until everything is just combined. Don’t forget to scrape down the sides of the bowl!
- Flavor it up: Add in the vanilla and the 2 teaspoons of cherry juice, mixing until just combined. Cover the dough and refrigerate it for 30 minutes.
- Shape the cookies: Butter your hands lightly and roll the dough into 1-inch balls. Place them on a parchment-lined cookie sheet. Use your thumb to make a little indentation in each cookie and gently place a maraschino cherry in the center.
- Bake: Pop the cookies in the oven and bake for about 10 minutes, or until they are set but still soft.
- Make the fudge topping: While the cookies cool, melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk over low heat. Once melted, stir in the 1 tablespoon of cherry juice for a delicious cherry chocolate drizzle.
- Drizzle and enjoy: Once the cookies have cooled down, drizzle the chocolate mixture over the top, and let them set.
How to Serve Double Chocolate Cherry Cookies
These cookies are a treat on their own but can also make a fantastic dessert display! You can serve them on a pretty platter, perhaps alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence. Consider pairing them with a glass of cold milk or a hot cup of coffee to balance out the sweetness. Have fun by decorating the platter with a few extra cherries for a pop of color!
Helpful Tricks for Double Chocolate Cherry Cookies
- Chill the dough: Remember to chill the dough! This makes it easier to handle and ensures your cookies hold their shape while baking.
- Add some nuts: For an extra crunch, consider adding some chopped walnuts or pecans to the dough. They pair wonderfully with the chocolate and cherry flavors!
- Variation on the toppings: Try adding crushed peanuts or crushed graham crackers on top for a delicious twist!
Double Chocolate Cherry Cookies FAQs
Q: Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries?
A: While fresh cherries can be used, they won’t have the same sweetness. If you prefer fresh, add a little sugar to the dough to balance the flavor.
Q: How long can I store these cookies?
A: Store your cookies in a single layer in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 6 days.
Q: Can I freeze the dough?
A: Absolutely! You can freeze the dough for up to 3 months. Just let it thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
These Double Chocolate Cherry Cookies are more than just a dessert; they are a sweet celebration of flavor. With their rich chocolate base and delightful cherry surprise, they are bound to be a new family favorite. So why wait? Grab your ingredients and start baking these delicious treats today!
Double Chocolate Cherry Cookies
Ingredients
For the cookie dough
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened Make sure it's at room temperature
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar Packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2/3 cup cocoa powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons cherry juice from maraschino cherry jar
- 30-36 jarred maraschino cherries For topping
For the topping
- 1/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons sweetened condensed milk
- 1 tablespoon cherry juice from maraschino cherry jar
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
- In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, sugar, and brown sugar using a mixer until fluffy.
- Crack in the eggs one by one, mixing well after each addition.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, salt, baking powder, and baking soda.
- Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the butter mixture, blending until just combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl!
- Add the vanilla and cherry juice, mixing until just combined. Cover the dough and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
Baking
- Lightly butter your hands and roll the dough into 1-inch balls. Place on a parchment-lined cookie sheet.
- Using your thumb, make an indentation in each cookie and gently place a maraschino cherry in the center.
- Bake for about 10 minutes, or until set but still soft.
Topping
- While the cookies cool, melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk over low heat. Stir in 1 tablespoon of cherry juice.
- Once cookies are cool, drizzle the chocolate mixture over the top and let them set.
