Enjoy these delightful Chocolate Cherry Cookies that blend rich cocoa, sweet maraschino cherries, and a luscious chocolate drizzle. Perfect for any occasion but especially during the holidays, these yummy Christmas cookies are sure to impress!

I love cocoa-flavored cookies! They’re just so delicious. A year or so ago, I made these fabulous Hot Cocoa Cookies, and they were to die for! I had to control myself from eating the entire batch because they were so yummy.

I admit that chocolate cookies are my downfall! These cherry and chocolate cookies are as delicious. Cocoa powder gives the cookies that robust chocolate flavor, and the cherries that sweet pop of fruity flavor. As if that’s not enough, the chocolate drizzle on top makes it even more-ish and crave-worthy! I definitely recommend these chocolate cherry cookies be part of your holiday treats this year and certainly for your Christmas cookies exchange.

Are you craving a dessert that combines the richness of chocolate with the sweet flavor of cherries? Look no further than these irresistible Chocolate Cherry Cookies! This easy-to-follow recipe yields about 36 delectable cookies that will satisfy your sweet tooth and impress your friends and family.

Ingredients for this Chocolate Cherry Cookies

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup butter, softened
1 cup sugar
1 large egg
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 (12 oz) bottle maraschino cherries (reserve 4 teaspoons of the cherry juice)

For the Chocolate Drizzle

1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk, or adjust the amount to taste (you can use the entire can if you like)

How to make this Chocolate Cherry Cookies

In a medium bowl, combine the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set aside. In a large bowl, beat the butter on medium speed until softened.

Add the sugar. Beat until well mixed. Gradually beat in the flour mixture until fully incorporated. Add the egg and vanilla extract, scraping down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is well combined.

Shape the dough into 1-inch balls and place them about 2 inches apart on an ungreased baking sheet. Press each ball flat with the palm of your hand or a spatula, as these cookies don’t spread much while baking. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes, or until the centers are set.

Remove from the oven and allow to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Prepare the Chocolate Drizzle

In a small saucepan, combine the chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk. Cook over low heat, stirring until the chocolate is melted and smooth. Stir in the reserved 4 teaspoons of cherry juice to enhance the flavor. If the mixture is too thick, thin it with more cherry juice.

Frost the Cookies

Spoon about 1 teaspoon of the chocolate mixture over each cookie, spreading to cover the center. Top each cookie with a dried cherry for an extra touch of sweetness. Enjoy! Let the cookies cool completely, and then enjoy the delightful combination of chocolate and cherry flavors. Store any leftovers in an airtight container.

Why You would love this Chocolate Cherry Cookies recipe.

You will love this Cherry Chocolate Cookies recipe because it combines the rich, fudgy texture of chocolate with the sweet-tart burst of maraschino cherries, creating a delightful flavor contrast. The easy preparation and beautiful presentation make these cookies perfect for any occasion, from holiday gatherings to casual treats. Plus, the chocolate drizzle adds an extra touch of decadence that will impress your family and friends!

Whether you’re baking for a special occasion, bringing a dessert to a potluck, or simply treating yourself, these cookies are sure to be a hit. They’re easy enough for beginner bakers but impressive enough to wow even the most discerning cookie connoisseurs.

Tips for Perfect Chocolate Cherry Cookies

For the best texture, make sure your butter is softened but not melted.
Don’t overbake the cookies – they should be soft and slightly fudgy in the center.
If the chocolate drizzle is too thick, thin it with a bit more cherry juice.
For an extra chocolatey kick, try using dark chocolate chips in the drizzle.

Storage and Serving Suggestions

Store your Chocolate Cherry Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. Just be sure to thaw them at room temperature before serving. Add the cherries just when you are about to serve the cookies.

These cookies are delicious on their own, but they also pair wonderfully with a cold glass of milk, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a hot cup of coffee. For an extra special dessert, try sandwiching two cookies together with a dollop of cherry-flavored whipped cream in the middle.

FAQs About Chocolate Cherry Cookies

Can I use other cherries instead of maraschino cherries?
While maraschino cherries are traditional for this recipe, you can use other varieties of cherries. Use fresh or canned cherries as cookie topping but ensure they’re properly dried so they don’t make the chocolate drizzle wet or mushy.
How long do these cookies stay fresh?
When stored in an airtight container at room temperature, these cookies stay fresh for up to 5 days.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking.
Are these cookies freezer-friendly?
Absolutely! You can freeze these cookies for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving. Add the cherry topping when ready to serve.
Can I use Dutch-processed cocoa powder?
Yes, you can use Dutch-processed cocoa powder for a slightly different flavor profile.

Chocolate Cherry Cookies are the perfect treat for anyone who loves the combination of rich chocolate and sweet fruit flavors. With their soft, fudgy texture, decadent chocolate drizzle, and bright pop of cherry, these cookies are sure to become a new favorite in your baking repertoire. So why wait? Gather your ingredients and get ready to bake a batch of these irresistible treats today!