In this article, we will explore a delicious and easy-to-prepare recipe.
Irresistible Chocolate Cherry Thumbprint Cookies
If you’re on the hunt for a delightful treat that combines rich chocolate with the sweet tartness of cherries, look no further than these Chocolate Cherry Thumbprint Cookies. With a fudgy chocolate base, a luscious cherry center, and a drizzle of melted chocolate, these cookies are bound to become a favorite in your dessert repertoire. Perfect for holidays, special occasions, or simply indulging your sweet tooth, this recipe is both easy to follow and incredibly rewarding.
Ingredients for Chocolate Cherry Bliss
To create these delectable cookies, gather the following ingredients:
- 1 cup butter (room temperature)
- 2 cups white sugar
- 2 eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 cups flour
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- 21 ounces cherry pie filling
- 2 ounces Chocolate Almond Bark (or chocolate melting wafers)
Step-by-Step Directions
1. Prepare the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process usually takes about 3-4 minutes with an electric mixer on medium speed. Add the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract to enhance the flavor profile.
Next, gradually add the unsweetened cocoa powder, salt, baking soda, baking powder, and flour. Mix until you have a smooth and consistent dough.
2. Shape and Fill the Cookies
Roll the dough into 1 ½ inch balls. This size will yield cookies that are perfectly bite-sized and rich in flavor. Arrange the dough balls on a greased baking sheet or one lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Press your thumb into the center of each ball to create a well. This is where the magic happens — place two cherries from the cherry pie filling into each well, ensuring they are snug and secure.
3. Bake to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until they are set but still soft. The edges should be firm, but the center should remain slightly soft. Once baked, allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 2 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
4. Add a Chocolate Finish
Melt the Chocolate Almond Bark or chocolate melting wafers according to the package instructions. Drizzle the melted chocolate over the cooled cookies for an added layer of decadence. Allow the chocolate to set before serving or storing.
Nutritional Information
Each cookie serves as an individual portion, with the following nutritional breakdown:
- Calories: 216 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 37 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 23 mg
- Sodium: 105 mg
- Fiber: 2 g
- Sugar: 14 g
Quick and Easy Preparation
These cookies are not only a treat for the taste buds but also a breeze to prepare. With a total time of just 32 minutes from start to finish, you can whip up a batch anytime you’re in need of a sweet pick-me-up.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 32 minutes
Conclusion
Chocolate Cherry Thumbprint Cookies are a timeless classic that brings together the richness of chocolate and the fruity brightness of cherries. They’re perfect for sharing with loved ones, gifting during the holidays, or enjoying with a warm cup of tea or coffee. As the chocolate drizzle sets and the cookies are stored in an airtight container, their flavors meld together, making them even more irresistible the next day. So why wait? Get your ingredients ready and enjoy the delightful experience of baking — and savoring — these exquisite cookies.
Chocolate Cherry Thumbprint Cookies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large mixing bowl cream butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Mix in eggs, one at a time. Add vanilla and mix until combined. Add cocoa, salt, baking soda, baking powder and flour. Mix until combined.
- Roll dough into 1 ½ inch balls. Place on greased baking sheet or baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Press thumb into center of cookie to make a well. Place two cherries in each cookie.
- Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 10-12 minutes. Cool on baking sheet 2 minutes. Remove to wire rack to finish cooling.
- Melt chocolate almond bark according to package directions. Drizzle over cookies. Let the chocolate set and serve immediately or store in an air tight container.
