Chocolate Cherry Cookies with Rich Ganache Recipe

If you’re anything like me, you’ll absolutely fall in love with this Chocolate Cherry Cookies with Rich Ganache Recipe. The combination of deep, fudgy chocolate cookies with the luscious, fruity cherry ganache on top creates an irresistible tangle of flavors that just feels like a hug for your taste buds. I first tried these at a friend’s holiday gathering, and ever since then, they’ve been my go-to when I want to impress family or treat myself to something special.

These cookies work wonderfully for a cozy afternoon tea, a decadent dessert for dinner parties, or even just a sweet little pick-me-up after a long day. The rich ganache, made from vibrant cherry dark chocolate and cherry preserves, adds a gorgeous layer of sophistication without any complicated steps. Trust me, once you make this Chocolate Cherry Cookies with Rich Ganache Recipe, it’ll become a favorite in your recipe rotation, too!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Chocolate Cherry Cookies with Rich Ganache Recipe plays an important role — from the cocoa powder bringing that deep chocolate flavor to the cherry preserves lending tart sweetness. When shopping, aim for good-quality cocoa and a flavorful cherry preserve for the best results.

• All-purpose flour: This gives the cookies structure without being too dense.
• Dutch-process cocoa powder: Provides smooth, rich chocolate flavor and a darker color.
• Baking powder: Just enough lift to keep cookies tender, not cakey.
• Sea salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the chocolate notes.
• Unsalted butter: Using softened butter makes creaming easier and improves texture.
• Light brown sugar: Adds moisture and subtle caramel flavors.
• Granulated white sugar: For crispness and balanced sweetness.
• Egg yolks: Keep the cookies tender and rich—don’t swap for whole eggs here.
• Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth to the cookie dough.
• Chocolate (for ganache): I love using a cherry dark chocolate bar for extra cherry flavor in the ganache itself.
• Heavy cream: Important for creating a silky, smooth ganache texture.
• Cherry preserves: I recommend one with visible chunks of cherry for that fresh burst in the ganache.

Variations

I love having fun with this Chocolate Cherry Cookies with Rich Ganache Recipe by swapping things up a bit. Don’t be afraid to make it your own, whether that’s changing up the chocolate or mixing in some nuts for extra crunch.

• Use white chocolate: I tried it once with a white chocolate ganache and it was surprisingly delightful—super creamy with a subtle sweetness that paired well with cherries.
• Make it vegan: Swap butter for coconut oil and use a dairy-free cream alternative for the ganache; the cookies come out just as chewy and satisfying.
• Add toasted almonds: I tossed in some chopped toasted almonds for my family once, and they absolutely went crazy for that added texture and nutty flavor.
• Cherry jam substitute: If you prefer less sweetness, try using fresh cherry compote instead of preserves for a more tart bite.

How to Make Chocolate Cherry Cookies with Rich Ganache Recipe

Step 1: Mix the dry ingredients with love

Start by whisking together the flour, Dutch-process cocoa powder, baking powder, and sea salt in a medium bowl. I always spoon and level the flour to avoid dense cookies — it makes a surprisingly big difference! Set this aside so it’s ready to be folded into your wet ingredients.

Step 2: Cream butter and sugars until dreamy

Using an electric mixer, beat the softened unsalted butter with the light brown sugar and granulated sugar until the mixture turns pale and fluffy. When I do this, I usually crank the mixer to high for about 3-4 minutes — it really helps create that perfect cookie texture you’ll love. This is one step you don’t want to rush!

Step 3: Add egg yolks and vanilla for richness

Mix in the egg yolks one at a time, then add the vanilla extract. Keep beating on medium speed for about 1-2 minutes until the dough is light and fluffy. This step gives the cookies a rich, tender crumb that’s just irresistible.

Step 4: Gently combine dry and wet ingredients

Slowly add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients. Switch your mixer to low speed and mix just until everything comes together — no overmixing here! Overworked dough leads to tough cookies, so be gentle to retain that tender texture.

Step 5: Shape and chill the dough

Scoop 32 tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Right after rolling, press each ball gently with a ¼ teaspoon to make a shallow indent — this is where the ganache will sit later. I like to chill the dough for one hour; this firms it up and helps the cookies hold their shape during baking.

Step 6: Bake cookies to chewy perfection

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) about 15 minutes before baking. Place 8 cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 9-11 minutes — I find 10 minutes hits the sweet spot every time. Right out of the oven, gently press the centers again with a ¼ teaspoon to revive the indents, then use a circular cookie cutter to reshape the cookies to their original size and smooth edges.

Step 7: Prepare the chocolate cherry ganache

Chop 5 oz of cherry dark chocolate and place it in a medium bowl. Heat ¼ cup plus 2 tablespoons of heavy cream until it’s just about to boil, then pour it over the chopped chocolate. Let it sit for a minute, then stir until silky smooth. Finally, stir in ¼ cup cherry preserves until everything is combined into a glossy ganache.

Step 8: Assemble and chill

Spoon about 1 teaspoon of the rich cherry ganache into the center of each cooled cookie, filling the indent. Feel free to be generous if your cookies can hold it! Chill the assembled cookies in the fridge for 10-15 minutes so the ganache sets perfectly. Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days.

How to Serve Chocolate Cherry Cookies with Rich Ganache Recipe

Garnishes

I like to garnish these cookies with a small fresh cherry on top or a light dusting of cocoa powder for a touch of elegance. Sometimes, a sprinkle of flaky sea salt over the ganache enhances the chocolate-cherry flavor beautifully without overpowering it.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair wonderfully with a cup of strong black coffee or a creamy latte, which cuts through the richness perfectly. For a chilled option, I love serving them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to round out dessert time.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I arrange the cookies on a tiered cake stand with edible flowers and fresh cherries around them — it instantly transforms a simple treat into something party-worthy. You can also package them in clear cellophane bags tied with a ribbon for delightful gift giving.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover Chocolate Cherry Cookies with Rich Ganache Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep the ganache firm and fresh. They stay delicious for up to three days, though honestly mine rarely last that long!

Freezing

You can freeze unfilled cookie dough balls for up to 3 months—just scoop, indent, and freeze on a baking sheet, then transfer to freezer bags. When you want to bake, thaw overnight in the fridge and proceed as usual. Assembled cookies with ganache don’t freeze well because of the preserves, so I recommend assembling after baking and thawing when needed.

Reheating

To enjoy leftovers, I bring cookies to room temperature first so the ganache softens nicely. If you want a warm treat, pop them in the microwave for 10 seconds or the oven at 300°F for 4-5 minutes—just don’t overheat or the ganache can become too runny.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Chocolate Cherry Cookies with Rich Ganache Recipe holds a special spot in my kitchen and heart. The moment you take that first bite, you’ll understand why it’s a game-changer — the texture, flavor, and that perfect hit of cherry sweetness all come together in such a charming way. I hope you enjoy making and sharing these as much as I do, because honestly, once you try them, you’ll want to make them again and again just like I have. Happy baking, friend!

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