Chocolate Cherry Thumbprint Cookies

If you’re looking for a cookie that combines rich chocolate flavor with a delightful cherry surprise, look no further! These Chocolate Cherry Thumbprint Cookies are not only visually appealing with their vibrant red cherry centers, but they also offer a deliciously indulgent taste that will have you coming back for seconds. Perfect for gatherings, holiday treats, or a cozy night in, these cookies are a must-try. Let’s dive into why this recipe has captured my heart and how you can make these delectable treats at home.

Why I Love This Recipe

There’s something magical about the combination of chocolate and cherry. The deep, rich cocoa pairs beautifully with the sweet and tart cherry filling, creating a flavor explosion in every bite. These Chocolate Cherry Thumbprint Cookies are soft, chewy, and have a wonderful texture that holds up perfectly to the luscious cherry filling. Plus, they’re simple to make, which means you can whip them up even on a busy day. Every time I bake these cookies, I’m reminded of how much joy a homemade treat can bring, both in the kitchen and to those who get to enjoy them.

The Essentials

To make Chocolate Cherry Thumbprint Cookies, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 1 cup butter, room temperature – This is the base of your cookie dough, creating a rich and buttery flavor.
• 2 cups white sugar – For the perfect sweetness and to help achieve that lovely chewy texture.
• 2 eggs – These will bind your ingredients together and add moisture.
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract – A hint of vanilla elevates the overall flavor of the cookies.
• 3 cups flour – The backbone of your cookie dough, providing structure.
• 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder – The star of the show, giving these cookies their rich chocolate flavor.
• 1 teaspoon salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances the chocolate taste.
• 1 teaspoon baking soda – Helps the cookies rise and become fluffy.
• 1 teaspoon baking powder – Works alongside baking soda to create a perfect texture.
• 21 ounces cherry pie filling – The sweet and tart center that makes these cookies so special.
• 2 ounces Chocolate Almond Bark or chocolate melting wafers – For drizzling on top, adding an extra layer of chocolatey goodness.

Recommended Tools

To make your baking experience smooth and enjoyable, consider having these tools handy:

• Mixing bowls – A set of different sizes for mixing ingredients.
• Electric mixer – Ideal for creaming the butter and sugar together.
• Baking sheets – A couple of them lined with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
• Cookie scoop – Helps in portioning out the dough evenly.
• Wooden spoon or spatula – For mixing in the flour and cocoa powder.
• Oven thermometer – Ensures your oven is at the right temperature for perfect baking.

Chocolate Cherry Thumbprint Cookies: How It’s Done

Now that you have your ingredients and tools ready, let’s get started on making these delightful cookies!

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is the perfect temperature for baking cookies to achieve that perfect balance between chewy and soft.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the room temperature butter and white sugar using an electric mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 3-4 minutes.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, add the vanilla extract and mix until combined.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, salt, baking soda, and baking powder. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix!

Step 5: Form the Cookies

Using a cookie scoop, portion out the dough and roll each portion into a ball. Place the balls on the prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart.

Step 6: Create Thumbprints

Using your thumb or the back of a measuring spoon, gently press down in the center of each ball to create an indentation for the cherry filling.

Step 7: Bake

Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set. They will look slightly underbaked in the center; that’s okay! They will continue to cook as they cool.

Step 8: Fill with Cherry Pie Filling

Once the cookies are out of the oven, allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Spoon a small amount of cherry pie filling into each thumbprint while the cookies are still warm.

Step 9: Drizzle with Chocolate

Melt the Chocolate Almond Bark or chocolate melting wafers according to the package instructions. Once melted, use a fork or piping bag to drizzle the chocolate over the cookies for a beautiful finishing touch.

Low-Carb/Keto Alternatives

If you’re looking for a low-carb or keto-friendly version of these cookies, consider the following substitutes:

• Butter – Use unsalted butter as it’s naturally low in carbs.
• Granulated erythritol or stevia – Replace white sugar with a low-carb sugar substitute.
• Almond flour – Substitute regular flour with almond flour for a keto-friendly option.
• Cocoa powder – Ensure you use unsweetened cocoa powder that fits low-carb diets.
• Sugar-free cherry pie filling – Look for a low-sugar option or make your own with fresh cherries.

Problems & Prevention

Baking can sometimes present challenges, but here are some common problems and how to prevent them:

• Cookies spreading too much: Ensure your butter is at the right temperature. If it’s too soft, your cookies may spread too much while baking.
• Crumbly cookies: This could be due to too much flour. Always spoon flour into your measuring cup and level it off for accuracy.
• Cherry filling overflowing: Don’t overfill the thumbprints! A small spoonful is enough to create a nice, gooey center without overflowing.
• Chocolate drizzle not setting: Make sure the chocolate isn’t too hot when you drizzle it over the cookies. Let it cool slightly for better results.

Storage & Reheat Guide

These Chocolate Cherry Thumbprint Cookies are best enjoyed fresh, but they can be stored for later enjoyment! Here’s how:

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Refrigerator: They can last up to 2 weeks when stored in the fridge, but the texture may change slightly.
• Freezer: Freeze the unbaked cookie dough balls for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, simply let them thaw and then bake as directed.
• Reheating: Warm in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds, or in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes.

Chocolate Cherry Thumbprint Cookies Q&A

Can I use fresh cherries instead of cherry pie filling?

Absolutely! You can make your own cherry filling using fresh or frozen cherries. Just cook them down with a little sugar and cornstarch until thickened, then use it in place of pie filling.

What can I substitute for eggs in this recipe?

If you need an egg substitute, try using flaxseed meal mixed with water (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 2.5 tablespoons water per egg). Alternatively, unsweetened applesauce or mashed bananas work well too.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, and ensure that all other ingredients are gluten-free.

How do I ensure my cookies stay soft and chewy?

Be careful not to overbake the cookies. They should look slightly underbaked in the center when you take them out of the oven. They will continue to set as they cool.

If you enjoy these Chocolate Cherry Thumbprint Cookies, here are a few more recipes to try:

Ready to Cook?

Now that you have all the information you need, it’s time to gather your ingredients and get baking! These Chocolate Cherry Thumbprint Cookies are sure to impress friends and family alike. Whether you’re indulging in them yourself or sharing them at a gathering, they are bound to be a hit.

There’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of pulling warm cookies out of the oven, and the delightful aroma that fills your kitchen will have everyone asking for the recipe. Enjoy the process, and happy baking!