Name: Chocolate Cherry Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ½ cup butter (salted, at room temperature); 1 cup sugar; 2 eggs; 3 teaspoons cherry juice (from maraschino cherries); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1½ cups all-purpose flour; ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder; ¼ teaspoon baking powder; ¼ teaspoon baking soda; ¼ teaspoon salt; 1 jar maraschino cherries (10 ounce jar), drained and stems removed; ½ cup sweetened condensed milk; 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips; 3 teaspoons cherry juice (reserved from maraschino cherries)

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If you have a sweet tooth that loves a perfect marriage of rich chocolate and tart cherry, then this Chocolate Cherry Cookies Recipe is about to become your new best friend in the kitchen. These cookies are delightfully soft, decadently chocolatey, and bursting with juicy cherries, all topped with a luscious cherry-infused chocolate frosting that makes every bite an irresistible treat. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or craving a decadent homemade delight, these cookies bring a lovely balance of flavors and textures that will have everyone asking for the recipe!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows many small round chocolate cookies placed closely together on a metal cooling rack. Each cookie has a rough textured brown base with a darker, shiny layer of melted chocolate spread unevenly on top. The cookies are arranged in neat rows and the rack sits on a white marbled surface. The cookies look soft with a slight cracked texture around the edges. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Simple ingredients come together beautifully in this recipe, each one playing an essential role in delivering the perfect balance of moisture, flavor, and texture that makes these cookies so unforgettable.

Butter (½ cup, salted, room temperature): Adds richness and helps create a tender crumb in the cookie dough.
Sugar (1 cup): Sweetens the dough and helps achieve that light, fluffy texture.
Eggs (2): Provide structure and moisture to keep the cookies soft.
Cherry juice (3 teaspoons): Infuses the dough with subtle, authentic cherry flavor.
Vanilla (1 teaspoon): Enhances the overall sweetness and depth of flavor.
Flour (1½ cups): The sturdy base that holds the cookie together.
Unsweetened cocoa powder (¾ cup): Gives the deep chocolate flavor without added sugar.
Baking powder (¼ teaspoon): Helps the cookies rise lightly for a soft texture.
Baking soda (¼ teaspoon): Works with the acid in the cherry juice for the perfect lift.
Salt (¼ teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and deepens all the flavors.
Maraschino cherries (1 jar, 10 ounces): The juicy, sweet star ingredient, providing color and that signature cherry pop.
Sweetened condensed milk (½ cup): Makes the frosting wonderfully creamy and rich.
Semisweet chocolate chips (1 cup): Melted into the frosting for that dreamy chocolate coat.
Additional cherry juice (3 teaspoons): Added to the frosting to continue the cherry goodness throughout.

How to Make Chocolate Cherry Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Cherries

Begin by draining your jar of maraschino cherries while carefully reserving the juice — every drop adds flavor magic! Remove the stems and, if needed, halve any cherries to fit perfectly on your cookies later.

Step 2: Make the Cookie Dough

Using a mixer, cream your softened butter until it’s smooth and soft—this will create the perfect base. Add the sugar and beat it for about 3 to 4 minutes until it’s light and fluffy, ensuring your cookies start with great texture. Then, stir in the eggs one at a time, followed by the 3 teaspoons of cherry juice and vanilla extract for that extra pop of flavor.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. These dry ingredients blend to create a perfectly balanced chocolatey and tender cookie foundation.

Step 4: Combine and Chill

Add the dry mixture slowly into the wet ingredients using your mixer on low until fully combined. Cover the dough and let it rest in the fridge for at least 30 minutes; this chilling helps the flavors meld and prevents spreading during baking.

Step 5: Make the Chocolate Cherry Frosting

When you’re ready to bake, gently heat the sweetened condensed milk and semisweet chocolate chips on medium-low in a saucepan. Stir continuously until the chocolate is melted and perfectly smooth. Remove from heat and blend in 3 teaspoons of the reserved cherry juice to keep that bright cherry flavor alive in your frosting.

Step 6: Form the Cookies

Using a small cookie scoop or your hands, form small balls of dough about 1 inch apart on an ungreased baking sheet. The dough will be a bit sticky, so rinsing your scoop in cold water occasionally helps manage that. Press a small indentation in each cookie, nestle half a cherry inside, and generously cover the cherry and indentation with the luscious chocolate frosting mixture.

Step 7: Bake and Cool

Bake your cookies in a preheated 350°F oven for 10 minutes. Once baked, allow them to cool for a minute or two on the baking sheet before transferring to a cooling rack. This pause lets the frosting set slightly—your Chocolate Cherry Cookies are now ready to enjoy!

How to Serve Chocolate Cherry Cookies Recipe

A group of round chocolate cookies arranged closely on white parchment paper, each cookie having a smooth, shiny chocolate layer spread on top showing a slightly uneven texture. In the center, one cookie is split in half, revealing a bright red cherry filling inside. Around the cookies are several whole glossy red cherries, adding a pop of color. The cookies have a soft but firm texture with visible cracks on the surface, sitting on a wooden tabletop partly visible at the edges. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Adding a sprinkle of finely chopped nuts or a light dusting of powdered sugar can elevate the look and add an exciting texture contrast to these already decadent treats. Fresh cherries or a drizzle of extra melted chocolate offer lovely finishing touches that wow guests.

Side Dishes

Serve these cookies alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, a cup of hot coffee, or even a glass of chilled milk for the ultimate comfort combo. The richness of the cookies pairs beautifully with creamy or refreshing beverages.

Creative Ways to Present

Try arranging the cookies on a plate with alternating fresh cherries or drizzle with white chocolate for a playful color contrast. For special occasions, wrap them individually in clear bags tied with a ribbon for charming homemade gifts that taste just as good as they look!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover Chocolate Cherry Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, and they will stay fresh and soft for up to 4 days. Storing them properly ensures the frosting and cherry centers remain delightfully moist.

Freezing

To freeze, place baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid before transferring to a freezer bag. They can be stored this way for up to 3 months, allowing you to enjoy this recipe anytime without losing flavor or texture.

Reheating

Warm frozen cookies gently in a microwave for about 15 seconds or in a low oven at 300°F for 5 to 7 minutes. This quick reheating revives the softness and brings the chocolate frosting back to melty perfection.

FAQs

Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries?

Fresh cherries can be a lovely substitute, especially when pitted and halved, but maraschino cherries provide a sweeter, more vibrant flavor and color that really shine in this particular recipe.

Why is cherry juice added to the dough and frosting?

The cherry juice introduces a subtle, natural cherry essence that enhances the overall flavor profile and highlights the cherries’ tartness in a way that feels fresh and harmonious with the chocolate.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend, but be sure it contains xanthan gum or another binder to achieve a similar texture.

Is it necessary to chill the dough before baking?

Chilling the dough is important because it firms up the mixture, making it easier to handle and helping the cookies maintain their shape during baking while deepening the flavors.

How do I prevent the frosting from melting too much during baking?

Since the frosting is added just before baking, the short baking time at 350°F helps it set nicely without melting away. Be sure to use the precise amount of frosting as directed for the best results.

Final Thoughts

This Chocolate Cherry Cookies Recipe is such a treasure to have in your baking repertoire. Every bite offers a medley of rich chocolate, sweet cherry, and creamy frosting that feels both nostalgic and delightfully new. Whether for sharing with friends or treating yourself, these cookies promise smiles and satisfied sweet cravings every time. Trust me, once you try making these, they’ll quickly become a favorite go-to cookie that you want to bake over and over again!