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While these fudgy cookies are not the traditional cookie for many, they’re definitely unique! The chocolate dough on the bottom and chocolate ganache on top trap the cherry in the center of the cookie, creating a gooey, super-flavorful bite. There’s nothing more Christmas than these cookies!
These are not your ordinary chocolate cookies.
The holidays give us so many opportunities to take plates (or a cake stand) of goodies to parties and family get-togethers. I never want you to fall into the rut of baking the same thing repeatedly. That’s why I’m here to help, giving you my favorite unique recipes that I simply love to bake. Besides, these desserts always seem to impress.
With the wild success of my pecan tassies recipe, I’m happy to present another Christmastime treat: my family’s favorite chocolate-covered cherry cookies! These cookies are not only delectable and mouthwatering but are usually so unique that everyone will ask you for the recipe.
This is such a unique cookie, which makes them one of my favorites. Don’t be afraid of the odd ingredient of a maraschino cherry. The flavors come together in a seasonally classic way that you’ll surely love!
I love to take these to cookie swaps and gatherings because no one else will make them, but everyone will want the recipe!
More Christmas cookies
Brown Butter Snickerdoodle Cookies
Chocolate-Covered Cherry Cookies
Candy Bar Cookies
Chocolate Waffle Cookies
Have I Convinced You to Make This Recipe?
I hope you make this recipe and put some food on your table. Leave a comment and share a star rating so you can let others know how much you love this recipe. This helps show others that this is a recipe they, too, can make, enjoy, and love!
Chocolate-Covered Cherry Cookies
Ingredients
- 8 tbsp (1 stick) unsalted butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup Dutch-process cocoa powder sifted
- ¼ tsp kosher salt
- ¼ tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp baking soda
- 1 10-oz jar Maraschino cherries
- ¾ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ¾ cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar. The mixture will be light and fluffy and well combined. Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until it is smooth.8 tbsp (1 stick) unsalted butter, 1 cup granulated sugar, 1 large egg, 1 tsp vanilla extract
- To the wet ingredients, slowly add the flour, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Beat until combined. The dough will be dry and almost crumbly.1 ½ cups all-purpose flour, ½ cup Dutch-process cocoa powder, ¼ tsp kosher salt, ¼ tsp baking powder, ¼ tsp baking soda
- Using a cookie scoop, make 1 tablespoon (size 00) balls out of the dough, roll them in sanding or white granulated sugar, and place them on a parchment-lined cookie sheet.
- Drain one 10-ounce jar of Maraschino cherries. Reserve the juice and set it aside for later. Pat cherries until very dry. If cherries are extra-large, cut them in half. Press a cherry into the center of each dough ball. Do not be afraid to press firmly.1 10-oz jar Maraschino cherries
- Place in the preheated 350°F oven and bake until the cookies are set, 10-12 minutes. Once the cookies are baked, remove them from the oven. Allow the cookies to cool for 5 minutes and then frost while warm.
- While the cookies are baking, heat the heavy cream until it begins to simmer. Once it is simmering, pour the cream over the chocolate chips. Allow the cream to melt the chocolate for 3 to 5 minutes. Once the chocolate is melting, slowly stir the mixture until it is smooth. Once the chocolate is smooth, add 1 tbsp of the reserved cherry juice. Note: As the chocolate cools, it will solidify. To soften, simply warm in the microwave for 10 seconds and stir.¾ cup heavy cream, ¾ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- Once the ganache has cooled slightly and thickened, spoon 1 to 2 teaspoons of frosting onto the top of each baked warm cookie, covering the cherry. Sprinkle with sugar or decoration, if desired.
Chewy cherry cookies
Do you have a cook book if you don’t please make one I would love to have it
Love watching you and your mom cooking together! My husband loves chocolate and chocolate covered cherries, so he should love these. I have everything, even the special cherries in your video so I’m making them today. I will let you know how they turn out and how we like them. Thanks for all your recipes and the step by step instructions.
Chocolate covered cherries have always been one of my favorites. These are amazing. So easy to make.
Mine went flat .?
Mine went a little flat too. Certainly more so than pictured, but not disturbingly so.
Kaleb,
Thank you for all your eady to follow recipes.
May you & your family have a happy & Holy Christmas
Love your posts! And recipes, and yard and garden ideas, and all the knowledge you impart!
Thank you so much and Merry Christmas to you & your family 🎄♥️🎄
I love watching you and your Mom cooking together. I watched your video this morning for the chocolate covered cherry cookies and I had everything to make them, even the cherries you used. My husband loves chocolate and chocolate covered cherries, so I thought he would like these cookies and he loved them. My kids and grandkids came by this evening and they all had one and liked them too. Thank you again for a delicious recipe.
My cookies came out flat and spread….I followed the recipe exactly….why??
Ridiculously delicious! They are a better version of thumbprint cookies that we have made for years. Our new favorites!!
Ps. Yes, Luxardo cherries like you made them with in the video are fantastic
Delicious !!
Made these today and they’re very easy and super decadent!
O.K., I sprang for the Luxardo cherries after watching you make these on YouTube. Will they keep on the counter for 3 days? I want to make them today for Christmas. I already gave them 5 stars, because, you know…they’re going to be fabulous ☺️
Did you get a reply to how long they’d keep on the counter? I’d like to make them 3 days in advance, too.
Thanks!
These cookies have been approved by my rather picky family to include in our future Christmas cookie offerings. While the Luxardo cherries are spendy, they are so worth it as they shine in this recipe and aren’t the holidays the time for a little indulgence? They are easy to make too. Absolutely delicious!
Oh my gosh – what a cookie! Over-the-top delicious! Please check your measurements on the ganache…it made a very thin glaze that ran all over the cookie and the parchment paper. To make a frosting like the one in the picture, you need a much thicker ganache. I ended up using about a cup of chocolate chips to 3/4 c. of cream, and the ganache still ran off the cookie, but it did set up at room temperature. I had lots of ganache left over. I can’t wait to have it on some ice cream. I can’t thank you enough for sharing this very special recipe. Please thank your mother, too.
The 1:1 ratio for ganache ingredients is accurate (I cross-checked). So I’m wondering if the TBSP of cherry juice was a factor. Also, it’s highly recommended to use finely chopped baking bars and not chocolate chips (unless you’re in a pinch). I’d like to try this recipe with those 2 tweaks to the ganache, and see what happens. Sounds yummy! And I can finally use my dragees. 😉
I made the chocolate covered cherry cookies today and they were so good!! I bought the same cherries that Kaleb had in his and they are unbelievably good!! I will be making these every year from now on.
Delicious! Made them with dark Morello sour cherries. Great sweet and tart contrast. However, is there an error in the ganache recipe? Proportions seem off. Mine was very runny, wouldn’t set up even in the fridge. Ended up adding more melted chocolate and mixing in lots of confectioners sugar to thicken. It also makes much more than needed for the cookies but I’ll use the leftover ganache for frosting since it’s so tasty! Your posts always inspire creativity. Thanks Kaleb!
Where can o purchase those cherries and is it sweetened cocoa
Kaleb, I made these cookies with Amarena cherries. Oh my gosh, are they delicious! They will now be part of my Christmas baking and any other special occasions.
I made these cookies today and OMG! So good. I tried to order the cherries but Amazon was sold out till after the holiday. They are delish with the cheep cherries, and I can not wait to make them with the good ones. I too had some difficulty with the ganache, but the key was just to wait until it thickens on its own. It took about an hour till i was happy with the consistency. Next time I’m gonna make the ganache first then bake the cookies. Thanks for the great recipe and for the tips and tricks.
Make these cookies! They are so decadent. I could not find Luxardo, but used Toschi candied sour Amarena cherries and the flavor was outstanding. Do yourself a favor and find a good cherry. It makes a difference. The cookie itself is wonderful and rich and the cherry and ganache just take it to the next level. Thank you, Kaleb!!
I’m new to your channel but whe. I saw this pop up on my YouTube list I knew I had to try it. The cookies are unbelievably good! I also loved seeing you and your mom in the kitcheb together.
I substituted coconut cream into my ganache and it worked perfectly. I also used Amarena cherries. Thank you both for sharing this wonderful recipe!
I made these today, 12/30. They are soooo good! My family loves chocolate covered cherries so these were a big family hit!! Thank you for sharing your wonderful recipes. I love watching your videos.
These cookies were chewy and so so good. Next year I’ll order the fancy cherries on line. But the store bought cherries still made these little delectable bites! I’ve added this recipe for the every year baking extravaganza!
thanks Kaleb and Mom.
Delicious!!!!!
Oops! I posted before with one star. These are definitely 5 star!! ❤ I found the ganache a bit runny. I just added more melted chocolate and it was perfect.
This recipe is lovely. Easy and decadent. They are perfect for a Valentine’s treat. ♥️
These are amazing. My hubby loves them, especially because they freeze well. Thank you for such a wonderful and delicious recipe! They are great anytime of the year!
These look amazing! What cherries are you using? Definatly not the typical marachino ones used for Shirley temples.
In the video they are deep red and syrup looks thicker. Your mom mentioned the cherries also! Thank you. Love all your recipes!
My top go-to cookie recipe (even outside of Christmas). Choosing the right cherries (dark) is key: I use Tillen Farms Bada Bing cherries and they are the best. The ganache is a little soft but not a biggie since the cookie is soft and chewy.
Need help for my failed tapioca pudding and where to buy the larger pearled tapioca. I have memories of having that from the NY deli’s
So delicious! An annual addition to our Christmas cookie baking.
Hello Kaleb,
thank you for sharing this delicious cookie recipe . I made the cookies this morning and they turned out exactly like the ones in the photo. I used regular grocery store bought marachino cherries and they were so tasty and unique. I usually treat myself to a box of chocolate covered cherries each Christmas but these cookies are so much better-not too sweet. These will be on my baking list each year. Thanks again.
I just made these with Amarena cherries and they are very very rich and delicious. I took the advice of other posters and only used a half cup of half-and-half and it worked perfectly. My cookies came out a bit dry, I wonder why??
These cookies are worth making. Get the Good cherries!! Delicious
Made these for a holiday cookie exchange party. They were a super hit! I won in three categories, but could only get one prize lol. Mine didn’t look quite as pretty because the ganache did not set up not sure why. I replaced the maraschino cherries with amarena cherries. Tasted delicious!
I have made this recipe twice now. The 2nd time I used gluten free flour and they were Amazing! Merry Christmas Kaleb and family!
I and family and friends love love love these cookies, our new favorite. I always make Christmas Candies and Cookies for family and friends and this year I added several new ones where I got the recipes from you.
I received a thank you note from a friend that said in part ” . . . thank you so much for the most amazing collection of Christmas candies and cookies we have ever seen or tasted. They were both beautiful and delicious . . . ”
Thank you so much for your wonderful recipes and videos,
Nancy
Omg! These cookies are beyond amazing. I wasn’t sure when I tried a cherry plain but with the cookie dough and the ganache, they rock!
Can I freeze these chocolate covered cherry cookies? I love this recipe! I would like to make them ahead if possible. Thank you!
I made this recipe last year for Christmas, 2023. I used Luxardo cherries. These cookies are so delicious. I was reminded of how yummy they are when I watched you and your Mom make them again, today. They taste better the longer they sit so I would advise making them well in advance.
Thank you for a keeper of a recipe!
I grew up on a farm too, with a Mom who made wonderful food. 🙂
I haven’t made them yet but they are now on my list, I usually buy Amarena cherries for baking (which have an amazing flavor) but I will look into the ones you.ve used as well. I was just wondering, what if you added a small bit of espresso powder to the dough? The coffee and chocolate combo may take it even more over the top. Can’t wait to try these, they look wonderful. Thank you for the recipe.
Will try but can these be frozen or refrigerated to extend freshness?
Caleb, I love how real you are from the garden to your kitchen & through your beautifully renovated familyhome! Your nostalgia speaks to me on so many levels! Your recipes are feel good food minus all the crazy ingredients my husband usually is scared of! I can make any of your dishes with ease not to mention how flavorful they are! Thank you for the sharing of your fabulous talents with us!
🎄🐈⬛🎄Merry Christmas, Kitty
Made the chocolate covered cherry cookies today and they are amazing. I splurged and used Luxardo cherries and it was so worth it. Highly recommend, and can’t wait to share with loved ones. 😊
Love these and making for a second year in a row. We live near a Cherry Orchard and made rum soaked cherries! We use them in this recipe! Delish!
Made these today. So good!! The recipe makes more ganache than needed and it stays kind of gooey, but they are delicious.
I’m in the process of making these…how do you store them? How long will they store in a cold environment?
I’m giving it 5 stars even though mine didn’t turn out right. I figure it was my fault. The chocolate cookie itself is perfect. I just couldn’t get the icing right. I can think of so many things you can do with that. Forgot to put a cherry in one so I put the ganache on and sprinkled crushed peppermint candy on it. That was good.
I made the chocolate covered cherry cookies a couple years ago and I made them again yesterday, they are amazingly delicious! I never messaged back on how my husband who loves chocolate and chocolate coved cherries, liked these cookies, I’m thrilled to say he absolutely loved them and having the Luxardo cherries makes them more delicious. Thanks for sharing a family favorite, that has become a favorite of ours.
What glorious little treats these are!! Absolutely delicious and exactly the right size. Thank you, Kaleb, for a new addition to our Christmas rotation. I’ll never leave these out. ❤️🎄
I am so glad I made these cookies they are absolutely delicious!! I did have to wait a bit longer than I expected for the ganache to thicken up enough to cover the cherry properly but it was certainly worth the wait. Think these are our new favorite. Keep up giving us these fantastic recipes. So glad I found you on Facebook.
Hi Kaleb and Mom,
I made these cookies for the Christmas tins. All went well but the Ganache was so runny! Clearly I need more help with Ganache. I put it in the fridge but couldn’t leave for long because then the cookies would cool down. They some what solidifies overnight. Looked like a volcano!
Taste was fine! ( I had checked and double checked the proportions.)
Hints on Ganache?
These are the best cookies I have ever made. So so good. These will be a favorite
For any occasion. Like a brownie topped with a cherry. Family loves them.
I just tried these for the first time and they are delicious. The comments were helpful to me so I thought I’d add my own to help out people trying it for the first time. I did use the expensive recommended cherries and I believe it was worth it. They have such great flavor. The recipe says to make the ganache while the cookies are in the oven and that doesn’t work. It needs to sit for a bit and thicken. I measured all my ingredients, made the ganache (I used a 4 oz semi-sweet baking bar and chopped it into small pieces which ended up being 3/4 cup), laid the cherries out on paper towels, then started on the dough. After the chocolate sat and cooled a bit, I stirred in the cherry juice. I was able to get all the cookies on one large baking sheet (I got 32). Once the cookies cooled down some, I dabbed some of the thickened ganache on top and waited a couple of minutes. It started running down the side of the cookie. I waited a few more minutes and did another one. This time, it stayed in place. I recommend doing this so they look nicer. If they are too warm, it will run. My cookies turned out beautiful and taste divine. I’d give the actual cookies five stars, but giving the recipe four as I think doing it as written, the chocolate would be too runny and wouldn’t stay on the cookies. Also, baking chocolate works so much better than chocolate chips for melting. One more note.. I saw someone mention using half and half and that theirs was runny. You definitely must use heavy cream.
these are soooo good as the rest of lyour recipes Kaleb Wonderful!!!!! and the pictures are wonderful thanks joel…..Hi KIP. Loving you!!! anyway this was my Christmas dinner we are so tired of the ham and turkey so we tried this and my family thought i turned into a chef. lol. Oh I served it with the tequila shrimp salad and the garlic cheese mashed potatoes….with chicken……thank you again much love to the family Mom etc…..michelle
sorry cookies werent the only thing we had…. we had the flank steak with chimichurri ….amongest tequila lime shrimp salad with southwest salad and your garlic mashed bacon potatoe casserole. all fantastic happy holidays
michele
WOW!!! As Kaleb told the story of his dad loving chocolate covered cherries I was reminded of my own grandfather loving them. He would have adored this cookie. I did make one major adjustment… due to my gluten intolerance I used a gluten free measure for measure flour. I used a # 50 scoop and got 27 cookies. I couldn’t find Luxardo cherries in my area so I used jarred cocktail cherries. They had a natural cherry flavor and syrup. I did add a bit of the syrup to the ganache as well as 1/2 tsp of almond extract. When the ganache cooled enough on the cookies I sprinkled it with gold sanding/decorating sugar. These cookies are delicious!! Thanks for stirring up a childhood memory of my grandfather and for giving me another cookie to add to the Christmas baking list