In this article, we will explore a delicious and easy-to-prepare recipe.
Decadent Chocolate Cherry Cookies: A Sweet Treat for Any Occasion
Indulge in the delightful combination of rich chocolate and tangy cherries with our Chocolate Cherry Cookies. These treats offer a sophisticated twist on traditional chocolate cookies, marrying the deep flavors of cocoa and espresso with the sweet, juicy burst of maraschino cherries. Perfect for a cozy afternoon snack or a fancy tea party, these cookies are sure to impress your friends and family with their unique flavor profile and elegant presentation.
The Perfect Blend of Flavors
The magic of these cookies lies in their harmonious blend of ingredients. The unsalted butter and sugar create a creamy base, while the addition of cocoa powder and instant espresso powder enhances the richness of the chocolate. The subtle hint of almond extract adds a nutty depth that complements the sweet maraschino cherries. A final drizzle of pink maraschino juice-infused icing not only adds a touch of sweetness but also makes these cookies visually appealing.
Ingredients and Instructions
Ingredients:
- 7 tablespoons (98 grams) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon instant espresso powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup chopped maraschino cherries (plus an extra 6 whole cherries)
- 1/4 cup chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons maraschino cherry juice from the jar
Instructions:
Preheat and Prepare: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a cookie sheet with a silicone mat to prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
Creaming the Butter and Sugar: In a medium-sized bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This process creates a smooth base for the cookies.
Incorporate Wet Ingredients: Add the egg yolk, vanilla extract, and almond extract to the creamed mixture. Mix until all the ingredients are thoroughly combined.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, instant espresso powder, baking powder, and salt. Gradually sprinkle this dry mixture over the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
Prepare the Cherries: Place the chopped cherries and whole cherries on a paper towel to lightly dry them. Cut the 6 whole cherries in half to create 12 halves.
Mix in Cherries and Chocolate Chips: Gently fold the chopped cherries into the cookie dough. It’s perfectly fine if they break up slightly. Then, stir in 1/4 cup of chocolate chips.
Shape and Bake: Drop large scoops of dough (approximately 2 tablespoons each) onto the prepared cookie sheet, ensuring they are evenly spaced. Press each dough ball down slightly with your palm, then place a cherry half on top of each cookie.
Bake to Perfection: Bake the cookies for 12-13 minutes, or until the edges start to set and the middles appear dry. Allow the cookies to cool on the sheet pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prepare the Icing: Once the cookies have cooled, mix the powdered sugar with the maraschino cherry juice to create a pink drizzle. Drizzle this over the cookies for a sweet finish.
Nutrition Information
Each serving of these delectable cookies contains approximately:
- Calories: 176 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Cholesterol: 34 mg
- Sodium: 120 mg
- Fiber: 1 g
- Sugar: 17 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.4 g
Quick and Easy
With a prep time of just 15 minutes and a bake time of 12 minutes, these cookies come together in under half an hour. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, you’ll find this recipe straightforward and rewarding.
Conclusion
These Chocolate Cherry Cookies are more than just a dessert; they’re an experience. The rich layers of flavor, combined with the chewy texture and the beautiful pink drizzle, make them a standout choice for any occasion. Give them a try, and watch as they quickly become a favorite in your household. Enjoy the delightful fusion of chocolate and cherry in every bite!
Chocolate Cherry Cookies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a cookie sheet with a silicone mat to help reduce cookie spread.
- In a medium bowl, cream together the butter and sugar. When light and fluffy, add the egg yolk, vanilla, and almond extract, and mix until thoroughly combined.
- In a small bowl, whisk together all the dry ingredients (flour, cocoa powder, espresso powder, baking powder, and salt). Evenly sprinkle over the wet ingredients, and mix to combine.
- Place the chopped cherries and whole cherries on a paper towel to lightly dry them. Cut the 6 whole cherries in half to make 12 halves.
- Add the chopped cherries to the cookie dough and lightly stir them in (it’s okay if they break up a bit).
- Stir in 1/4 cup of the chocolate chips.
- Drop large scoops of dough (2 tablespoons each) onto a cookie sheet, evenly spaced. Press each dough ball down slightly with your palm. Then, place a cherry half on top of each cookie.
- Bake for 12-13 minutes, until the edges of the cookie begin to set and the middles aren’t wet. Let cool on the sheet pan for 5 minutes before moving them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once the cookies are cool, combine the powdered sugar with the maraschino juice from the jar. Drizzle the pink glaze over the cookies.
Notes
