Chocolate Cherry Cookies with Ganache Filling Recipe

If you have a sweet tooth and love the rich combination of chocolate and fruit, you are going to fall head over heels for this Chocolate Cherry Cookies with Ganache Filling Recipe. These luscious cookies bring together a tender, cocoa-kissed base with a silky cherry-infused ganache center that simply steals the show. Every bite offers a delightful contrast of deep chocolate flavor and the fruity brightness of cherries, making these cookies perfect for any occasion, from casual afternoons to special celebrations. Whether you’re baking for friends, family, or simply yourself, this recipe promises a heavenly treat that’s impossible to resist.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to crafting perfect cookies, and this recipe uses simple yet impactful components. Each plays a clear role in building layers of flavor, texture, and that irresistible look.

• All-purpose flour (1 1/2 cups / 188 g): Provides structure to the cookie dough, making each cookie tender yet sturdy.
• Dutch-process cocoa powder (1/2 cup / 40 g): Offers a rich, smooth chocolate flavor with a beautiful dark color.
• Baking powder (1/2 tsp): Helps the cookies rise slightly for a soft, delicate crumb.
• Sea salt (1/2 tsp): Balances sweetness and enhances the chocolate’s depth.
• Unsalted butter (3/4 cup / 168 g), softened: Adds richness and helps create a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Light brown sugar (3/4 cup / 165 g), packed: Brings moisture and a subtle caramel note.
• Granulated white sugar (1/4 cup / 50 g): Contributes to crisp edges and sweetness.
• Egg yolks (2, room temperature): Add richness and help bind the dough.
• Vanilla extract (1 1/2 tsp): Enhances all the flavors with a warm, aromatic touch.
• Chopped chocolate (5 oz): The base for the decadent ganache filling; use good-quality, low-sugar varieties like Endangered Species Chocolate Vibrant Cherries + Dark Chocolate for best results.
• Heavy cream (1/4 cup + 2 tbsp / 90 ml): Creates a silky smooth ganache that’s luscious and creamy.
• Cherry preserves (1/4 cup / 85 g): Adds a burst of fruity sweetness and tang to the filling.

How to Make Chocolate Cherry Cookies with Ganache Filling Recipe

Step 1: Combine Dry Ingredients

Start by whisking together the all-purpose flour, Dutch-process cocoa powder, baking powder, and sea salt in a medium bowl. This ensures even distribution of rising agents and flavor components, giving your cookies a consistent texture and balanced taste.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars

Using an electric mixer on high speed, cream the softened unsalted butter with light brown sugar and granulated sugar until the mixture turns light and fluffy. This step is crucial for incorporating air into the dough, which will translate to a tender bite and slightly crisp edges once baked.

Step 3: Add Egg Yolks and Vanilla

Mix in the room temperature egg yolks and vanilla extract on medium speed until everything is fully combined. These ingredients add richness and that alluring vanilla aroma, elevating the cookie’s overall flavor.

Step 4: Incorporate Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed just until combined. Overmixing can toughen your dough, so be gentle to maintain tender, melt-in-your-mouth cookies.

Step 5: Shape the Cookie Dough

Portion the dough using a tablespoon-sized scoop, rolling each piece into a ball. Press a small indentation in the center of each ball with a 1/4 teaspoon measure—this will hold your luscious ganache later. Chill the dough in the fridge for one hour to firm up the shape and enhance flavor development.

Step 6: Prepare for Baking

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.

Step 7: Bake the Cookies

Arrange eight cookies per sheet and bake them for 9 to 11 minutes, aiming for about 10 minutes. When the cookies come out of the oven, gently press the centers again to reinforce the indentations, as they may rise during baking. If any cookies are misshapen, use a round cookie cutter to tidy them up while warm.

Step 8: Cool the Cookies

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step prevents breakage and helps the cookies set perfectly.

Step 9: Make the Chocolate Cherry Ganache

Place the chopped chocolate in a medium bowl. Heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan just until it starts to boil, then pour it over the chopped chocolate and stir until smooth and glossy. This creates a silky ganache that’s essential to the filling’s luscious texture.

Step 10: Add Cherry Preserves to Ganache

Stir in the cherry preserves gently until evenly combined. The preserves add a wonderful fruity brightness to the rich chocolate, perfectly complementing the cookie’s cocoa notes.

Step 11: Assemble the Cookies

Once the cookies have fully cooled, fill each indentation with about one teaspoon of the chocolate cherry ganache. This process turns simple cookies into an elegant, indulgent treat.

Step 12: Chill to Set

Pop the filled cookies into the fridge for 10 to 15 minutes to allow the ganache to firm up just enough, making them easier to handle and giving the perfect bite.

Step 13: Optional Garnishing and Storage

For a pretty finishing touch, sprinkle crushed freeze-dried strawberries or place a maraschino cherry on top of each cookie. Store any leftovers in an airtight container to maintain freshness.

How to Serve Chocolate Cherry Cookies with Ganache Filling Recipe

Garnishes

Garnishing these cookies is a fun way to personalize and elevate their appeal. Crushed freeze-dried strawberries add a pleasant tartness and crunchy texture, while maraschino cherries offer a glossy, sweet pop of color. These simple touches make your cookies look as delightful as they taste.

Side Dishes

Serve your Chocolate Cherry Cookies with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a glass of cold milk to balance the richness. For a more decadent treat, pair them with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The creamy side complements the chocolate and cherry flavors beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Consider arranging these cookies on a rustic wooden platter with sprigs of fresh mint or edible flowers for an eye-catching presentation. You can also stack them in petite towers tied with a festive ribbon for gifting or party favors that will wow your guests every time.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover cookies keep wonderfully in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This way, the ganache stays creamy but firm, and the cookies maintain their soft, tender texture. Make sure they’re not stacked too tightly to avoid smudging the ganache.

Freezing

If you want to stash some for later, freeze the baked and cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet first. Once frozen solid, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll keep well for up to three months. Defrost at room temperature before filling with ganache for the freshest texture.

Reheating

To enjoy the cookies warm, gently reheat them in a low oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes. Avoid the microwave, as this can melt and loosen the ganache too much, compromising the cookie structure and presentation.

FAQs

Can I use fresh cherries instead of cherry preserves in the ganache?

Fresh cherries have more moisture and won’t blend as smoothly into the ganache, potentially affecting its texture. Cherry preserves are preferred because they provide both flavor and the right consistency for a silky, stable filling.

What type of chocolate is best for the ganache filling?

Choose a high-quality dark chocolate with at least 60% cacao that has complementary flavor notes like cherries or berries. The Endangered Species Chocolate Vibrant Cherries + Dark Chocolate is a fantastic recommendation for its rich, fruity flavor that enhances this recipe.

Can I make these cookies vegan or dairy-free?

This recipe as written relies on butter, egg yolks, and heavy cream, which are difficult to substitute without affecting the texture and taste. However, experienced bakers might try vegan butter, egg replacements, and coconut cream, although results may vary.

How do I ensure the cookie indentations hold their shape during baking?

Creating a firm indentation before chilling the dough is key. If the indentations rise after baking, gently press them again while the cookies are still warm. Chilling the dough before baking also helps maintain the shape.

Can I double the recipe for a larger batch?

Absolutely! Doubling the ingredients works well. Just be sure to scoop and bake the cookies in batches to avoid overcrowding the baking sheets, which can cause uneven cooking.

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you give this Chocolate Cherry Cookies with Ganache Filling Recipe a try because it’s one of those delightful treats that bring a little magic to your day. With its rich chocolate base and luscious cherry ganache center, these cookies hit all the right notes for both flavor and texture. Whether you’re baking for special occasions or just because, they’re sure to become a treasured favorite. Happy baking and even happier eating!

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