Chocolate Cherry Thumbprint Cookies Recipe
These Chocolate Cherry Thumbprint Cookies are rich, fudgy chocolate cookies with a delightful cherry center. Perfectly soft with a hint of cocoa and topped with sweet cherries, they make a delicious treat for any occasion.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups Flour
- 1/2 tsp Baking Soda
- 1/2 tsp Baking Powder
- 1/4 tsp Salt
- 1/2 cup Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup Butter
- 1/2 cup Sugar
- 1/2 cup Brown Sugar
- 1 Egg
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
For Filling
- 1 cup Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips
- 2 tbsp Butter
- 2 tbsp Lite Corn Syrup
- 3 tbsp Milk
- Approximately 3 cherries per cookie (amount not specified in original recipe but estimated based on instructions)
Instructions
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and unsweetened cocoa powder until fully blended.
- Cream Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, cream together the butter, sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla extract and mix until combined.
- Mix Dry into Wet: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, beating slowly until just combined into a dough.
- Form Cookies: Scoop a rounded tablespoon of cookie dough and roll it into a ball. Place each ball on a parchment-lined cookie sheet.
- Make Thumbprints: Press down on the center of each cookie dough ball with your thumb to create an indentation, then press again crossing over the first thumbprint to form an ‘X’ shape.
- Add Cherries: Spoon approximately 3 cherries into the center indentation of each cookie.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the cookies for 9-10 minutes until set but still soft.
- Prepare Chocolate Filling (Optional Step): In a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl, melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips with 2 tbsp butter, corn syrup, and milk over low heat or in short microwave bursts, stirring frequently until smooth. Let cool slightly before drizzling or filling if desired.
Notes
- Pressing the thumbprint twice to form an ‘X’ helps hold the cherry filling in place during baking.
- Use fresh or preserved cherries based on preference. Maraschino cherries are a popular option.
- Chocolate filling is optional; cookies can be delicious with just cherries.
- Use parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Keywords: chocolate cherry thumbprint cookies, chocolate cookies, cherry cookies, thumbprint cookies, holiday cookies, chocolate cherry dessert