Chocolate Cherry Cookies with Ganache Filling Recipe

If you adore the delightful combination of rich chocolate and vibrant cherries, then you will be absolutely thrilled by this Chocolate Cherry Cookies with Ganache Filling Recipe. These cookies feature a dark chocolate dough that is both tender and deeply flavorful, perfectly complemented by a luscious cherry ganache nestled right in the center. Every bite is a delectable mix of tender cookie, smooth ganache, and bursts of cherry sweetness that make these treats truly unforgettable. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just craving a sophisticated homemade dessert, this recipe brings that wow factor with comforting, decadent charm.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients in this recipe are wonderfully straightforward yet essential for creating the perfect balance of texture and flavor in your cookies. Each plays a key role, whether building the chocolate depth, adding moisture, or lending that irresistible cherry note that makes these treats pop.

• 188 g all-purpose flour: Provides structure and lightness to the cookie dough.
• 40 g Dutch-process cocoa powder: Adds a smooth, rich chocolate flavor without bitterness.
• 0.5 tsp baking powder: Helps the cookies rise just enough to keep them tender.
• 0.5 tsp sea salt: Enhances the chocolate and balances the sweetness beautifully.
• 168 g unsalted butter, softened: Gives the dough moisture and richness for a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• 165 g light brown sugar, packed: Adds caramel undertones and keeps cookies soft.
• 50 g granulated white sugar: Gives a slight crunch and balances sweetness.
• 2 egg yolks, at room temperature: Bind ingredients and contribute to a tender, chewy bite.
• 1.5 tsp vanilla extract: Infuses warmth and depth to the overall flavor.
• 140 g dark chocolate with cherry pieces, finely chopped: Forms the decadent base of the ganache with bursts of juicy cherry.
• 90 ml heavy cream: Creates the silky, luscious ganache texture.
• 85 g cherry preserves: Provides a fruity sweetness that complements the chocolate perfectly.

How to Make Chocolate Cherry Cookies with Ganache Filling Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Dry Ingredients

Start by whisking together the flour, Dutch-process cocoa powder, baking powder, and sea salt in a medium bowl. This ensures that your dry mixture is evenly blended and ready to be incorporated, which helps achieve a consistent chocolate flavor throughout the cookie dough.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

Using a large mixing bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter along with the light brown and granulated sugars on high speed until the mixture turns light and fluffy. This step is crucial because it incorporates air into your dough, giving your cookies a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Step 3: Mix in the Egg Yolks and Vanilla

Add the two room-temperature egg yolks and vanilla extract to the creamed mixture. Beat on medium speed until the mixture is smooth and pale in color. This develops flavor and helps bind the dough in the next step.

Step 4: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients

Reduce your mixer speed to low and gradually add the dry mixture into the wet ingredients. Mix just until combined to avoid overworking the dough, which could make the cookies tough. Your dough should be smooth, thick, and richly chocolatey.

Step 5: Shape the Cookies

Using a tablespoon-sized scoop, portion out 32 equal balls of dough. Roll each into a ball and then press an indentation in the center with a 1/4 teaspoon. This little hollow will hold the luscious ganache filling and make sure every bite is full of delicious goodness.

Step 6: Chill the Dough

Transfer your shaped dough balls onto a lined baking sheet and pop them into the fridge for 1 hour. Chilling firms up the dough, helping the cookies hold their shape during baking and intensifying the flavors.

Step 7: Bake the Cookies

About 15 minutes before baking, preheat your oven to 175°C (around 350°F) and prepare baking trays with parchment paper. Arrange 8 cookies per tray. Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until the cookies are set but remain soft to the touch. Right after you take them out, press the centers again to redefine the indentations.

Step 8: Perfect the Shape

While still warm, you can use a round biscuit cutter to neaten the edges of each cookie if you want a perfectly uniform look. Let the cookies cool on the trays for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack until completely cool. This ensures they don’t break when you fill them.

Step 9: Make the Chocolate Cherry Ganache

Place the finely chopped dark chocolate with cherry pieces in a heatproof bowl. Heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan just until it nearly boils. Pour the hot cream over the chopped chocolate and let it sit for a minute before stirring until silky and smooth.

Step 10: Add Cherry Preserves and Fill

Stir in the cherry preserves thoroughly until fully combined. Spoon approximately 1 teaspoon of this ganache into each cookie indent, or add a bit more if the shape allows. This luscious filling is what makes the Chocolate Cherry Cookies with Ganache Filling Recipe so irresistible.

Step 11: Chill and Set

Pop the filled cookies into the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes to let the ganache firm up. Store in an airtight container once cooled, and your cookies will stay fresh and delightful for up to three days.

How to Serve Chocolate Cherry Cookies with Ganache Filling Recipe

Garnishes

Give your Chocolate Cherry Cookies with Ganache Filling Recipe an elegant touch by adding a few whole dried cherries or fresh maraschino cherries on top of the ganache before chilling. A light dusting of powdered sugar or a tiny drizzle of melted white chocolate can also elevate their look and make them even more eye-catching for guests.

Side Dishes

These cookies are perfectly complemented by a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of lightly whipped cream for a dessert plate. For a cozy treat, serve alongside a cup of rich espresso or a glass of chilled cherry-infused sparkling water to balance the intense chocolate and cherry flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Try arranging these cookies on a tiered dessert stand at a party or package them neatly in decorative boxes tied with ribbon for thoughtful gifts. You might also sandwich two cookies together with extra ganache for a playful twist, turning them into elegant, handheld treats that wow with every bite.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your baked and filled Chocolate Cherry Cookies with Ganache Filling Recipe stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This prevents them from drying out while maintaining the delicate texture of both the cookie and ganache filling. If you prefer, store in a cool spot but avoid refrigeration if planning to eat soon, as it can firm the ganache too much.

Freezing

You can freeze the unfilled cookie dough balls by placing them on a baking sheet to harden and then transferring them to a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. When ready, bake as usual and then add the ganache filling fresh. For filled cookies, freeze in an airtight container for up to one month; thaw in the fridge before serving.

Reheating

To enjoy your cookies just-baked warm, reheat leftovers gently in a preheated oven at 150°C (300°F) for 5-7 minutes. This softens the dough slightly and refreshes the ganache’s creamy texture, offering that fresh-from-the-oven experience any time you like.

FAQs

Can I use different types of chocolate for the ganache?

Absolutely! While the recipe calls for dark chocolate with cherry pieces to intensify the cherry notes, you can substitute with semi-sweet or bittersweet chocolate. Just be sure to adjust the cherry preserves to maintain that fruity balance you love in the filling.

What if I don’t have cherry preserves? Can I use another fruit jam?

Yes, you can experiment with other fruit preserves like raspberry or strawberry to twist the flavor profile. Keep in mind that cherry preserves have a unique tartness that pairs exceptionally well with chocolate, so other jams might make the filling sweeter or less tangy.

How do I make sure my indents don’t disappear while baking?

Pressing the indent before baking and again immediately after the cookies come out of the oven is key. Also chilling the dough for at least an hour helps the cookies hold their shape during baking. Using a small spoon or measuring teaspoon for uniform indents can improve consistency.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

To make gluten-free versions, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend that you trust. Just make sure the blend contains xanthan gum or another binder to mimic the texture of regular flour. The rest of the ingredients and steps stay the same.

Is it okay to use whole eggs instead of egg yolks? What changes?

Using whole eggs instead of just yolks will alter the texture, resulting in a slightly less tender and more cake-like cookie. Yolks add fat which contributes to that soft, chewy texture typical in this recipe, so it’s best to stick with yolks for the authentic result.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a cookie that feels both special and utterly comforting, this Chocolate Cherry Cookies with Ganache Filling Recipe is a true winner. Each bite is a delightful dance of silky ganache, tender chocolate dough, and bright cherry flavor that’s sure to impress friends, family, or just yourself. I wholeheartedly encourage you to give this recipe a try — it’s a wonderful way to bring a little indulgence and warmth into your kitchen.

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