Chocolate Cherry Cookies with Rich Ganache Filling

Chocolate Cherry Cookies with Rich Ganache Filling are the ultimate indulgence for chocolate lovers. These soft, decadent cookies combine deep cocoa flavor with bursts of sweet-tart cherry and a smooth, velvety chocolate ganache center. The result is a bakery-style treat that looks elegant but is surprisingly simple to prepare at home.

Whether you’re baking for holidays, Valentine’s Day, special occasions, or simply satisfying a chocolate craving, this cherry chocolate dessert recipe delivers rich flavor and stunning presentation in every bite.

Why You’ll Love These Chocolate Cherry Cookies

• Soft and fudgy texture
• Sweet-tart cherry balance
• Silky chocolate ganache center
• Perfect for holidays and gifting
• Freezer-friendly and make-ahead friendly

These homemade chocolate cherry cookies bring together two classic flavors that pair beautifully — chocolate and cherries.

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The Perfect Chocolate and Cherry Pairing

Chocolate and cherry have long been a beloved combination. The slight tartness of cherries enhances the richness of chocolate, creating balance rather than overwhelming sweetness. When paired with a smooth ganache filling, the contrast becomes even more luxurious.

This recipe transforms that classic flavor duo into rich chocolate thumbprint cookies filled with glossy ganache for a show-stopping dessert.

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Ingredients

For the Chocolate Cookie Dough

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¾ cup finely chopped fresh or frozen cherries (patted dry)
• ½ cup mini chocolate chips (optional)

For the Rich Chocolate Ganache Filling

• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven
   Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients
   In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Cream Butter and Sugars
   In a large mixing bowl, beat softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add Eggs and Vanilla
   Beat in eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla extract.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
   Gradually add dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing just until combined.
6. Fold in Cherries and Chocolate Chips
   Gently fold in chopped cherries and mini chocolate chips.
7. Shape and Indent
   Scoop dough into 1½-inch balls. Place on baking sheet and gently press your thumb into the center of each to create a well.
8. Bake
   Bake for 10–12 minutes until set around the edges but still soft in the center. If indent rises, gently press again while warm.
9. Prepare Ganache
   Heat heavy cream until just simmering. Pour over chocolate chips and let sit 2 minutes. Stir until smooth. Add vanilla.
10. Fill Cookies
    Spoon ganache into the center wells. Allow to set at room temperature or refrigerate for faster setting.

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Texture & Flavor Profile

• Fudgy: Rich cocoa-based cookie dough
• Silky: Smooth ganache center
• Bright: Cherry sweetness with subtle tartness
• Balanced: Not overly sweet thanks to cocoa depth

These chocolate ganache filled cookies are soft in the middle with slightly crisp edges.

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Tips for Perfect Chocolate Cherry Cookies

• Pat cherries dry to prevent excess moisture.
• Do not overbake — cookies continue setting as they cool.
• Use high-quality chocolate for best ganache texture.
• Let ganache cool slightly before filling to prevent overflow.

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Variations

1. Dried Cherry Version

Replace fresh cherries with chopped dried cherries for a chewier texture.

2. Dark Chocolate Upgrade

Use dark chocolate chips for a deeper flavor profile.

3. White Chocolate Drizzle

Add melted white chocolate drizzle on top for contrast.

4. Liqueur Enhancement

Add ½ teaspoon cherry liqueur to ganache for a more intense cherry flavor.

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Storage & Freezing

• Store in airtight container up to 4 days.
• Refrigerate if room temperature is warm.
• Freeze unfilled cookies up to 2 months.
• Freeze filled cookies individually layered with parchment paper.

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Serving Suggestions

• Serve with coffee or espresso
• Add to holiday cookie trays
• Gift in decorative boxes
• Pair with vanilla ice cream

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overmixing dough
• Overbaking cookies
• Filling with overly hot ganache
• Using watery cherries

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Nutritional Overview

These cookies are indulgent and best enjoyed in moderation. Each cookie offers a rich chocolate experience balanced by fruit notes.

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Final Thoughts

Chocolate Cherry Cookies with Rich Ganache Filling are a sophisticated yet approachable dessert that delivers impressive flavor and texture. With fudgy chocolate cookie bases and glossy ganache centers, they offer everything a chocolate lover could want.

Perfect for holidays, gatherings, or thoughtful homemade gifts, this cherry chocolate dessert recipe will quickly become a favorite in your baking collection.