Name: Chocolate Cherry Cookies with Ganache Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 ¼ cups all-purpose flour spooned and leveled; ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 teaspoon baking soda; ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon baking powder; 1 cup unsalted butter softened to room temperature; 1 cup light brown sugar packed; ½ cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs room temperature; 2 Tablespoons Maraschino Cherry juice; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips divided; ¼ cup heavy whipping cream; 1 Tablespoon shortening or coconut oil; 10 ounce jar Maraschino Cherries without stems

Trust me, once you try this Chocolate Cherry Cookies with Ganache Recipe, you’ll be hooked! These cookies bring together deep cocoa flavors, juicy maraschino cherries, and a silky chocolate ganache topping — the perfect crowd-pleaser for any occasion.

The image shows several round chocolate cookies with a soft texture, each having three layers: the base is a thick dark brown cookie, the middle layer is a glossy dark chocolate or chocolate ganache filling placed in the center, and the top layer is a bright red cherry placed in the middle of the filling. The cookies are decorated with thin lines of milk chocolate drizzled diagonally across the top. The cookies sit on a textured baking sheet with scattered dark chocolate chips around them. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Chocolate Cherry Cookies with Ganache Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Chocolate Cherry Cookies with Ganache Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Chocolate Cherry Cookies with Ganache Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

From the first bite, I knew these chocolate cherry cookies were special — rich, soft, with just the right balance of sweet cherries and chocolatey goodness. They’ve quickly become a favorite to whip up for friends and family!

Perfect Flavor Combination: The cocoa dough blends beautifully with maraschino cherries, making each bite delightfully juicy and chocolaty.
Decadent Ganache Center: A luscious chocolate ganache fills the indentation of every cookie, adding richness without overpowering.
Easy to Make: With straightforward steps and simple ingredients, you’ll have these treats ready in just 25 minutes.
Great for Sharing: This recipe yields 24 cookies — ideal for packing up and gifting or enjoying over the week.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Before we dive in, I want to share a few tips on picking out ingredients. Having quality items like real cocoa powder and fresh maraschino cherries makes all the difference in flavor here. And trust me, don’t skip the ganache — it’s the magic touch!

Flat lay of a small mound of all-purpose flour, a neat pile of unsweetened cocoa powder, a teaspoon of baking soda, a small pile of fine salt, a pinch of baking powder, a chunk of unsalted butter softened to room temperature, a heap of light brown sugar, a heap of granulated sugar, two large whole eggs with clean shells, a small white ceramic bowl filled with bright red maraschino cherries without stems, a small white ceramic bowl with deep red maraschino cherry juice, a small white ceramic bowl containing golden vanilla extract, a small white ceramic bowl holding semi-sweet chocolate chips, a small white ceramic bowl filled with heavy whipping cream, a small white ceramic bowl with a tablespoon of coconut oil, all ingredients arranged in perfect symmetry, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

All-purpose flour: The base that gives these cookies structure and that classic soft chewiness.
Unsweetened cocoa powder: Provides the rich chocolate flavor we all crave in every bite.
Baking soda and baking powder: Help the cookies rise just enough without spreading too thin.
Salt: Enhances the chocolate and balances sweetness perfectly.
Unsalted butter: Gives the dough richness and a tender crumb when creamed with sugar.
Light brown sugar and granulated sugar: Brown sugar adds moistness and depth, while granulated sugar ensures crisp edges.
Large eggs: Bind everything together and add that lovely chewy texture.
Maraschino cherry juice: A little splash infuses fruity flavor right into the dough.
Vanilla extract: Rounds out all the flavors with a hint of warmth.
Semi-sweet chocolate chips: Mixed into the dough and used for ganache and drizzle — double chocolate delight!
Heavy whipping cream: Key to making the ganache smooth and luscious.
Shortening or coconut oil: Helps melt and thin the chocolate drizzle so it coats perfectly.
Maraschino cherries: The star garnish, popping with sweetness and juiciness.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

These Chocolate Cherry Cookies with Ganache are wonderfully versatile, so don’t hesitate to tailor them to your taste or dietary needs. Whether you want to add a seasonal twist or make them dairy-free, there’s a way to make this recipe truly yours.

Vegan Variation: I swapped the butter for vegan margarine and used coconut cream instead of heavy whipping cream once, and the result was surprisingly rich and just as indulgent. The cookies held together beautifully and still had that luscious ganache finish.
Cherry Substitutes: If you’re out of maraschino cherry juice, mixing a teaspoon of cherry extract with a bit of water works like a charm. It keeps that vibrant cherry flavor without compromising the dough texture.
Seasonal Twists: Around the holidays, adding a pinch of cinnamon or even a splash of orange zest to the dough brings a warm depth that complements the chocolate and cherries beautifully.
Extra Crunch: For a delightful crunch, lightly toast some chopped pecans or walnuts and fold them into the dough. It’s a lovely way to add texture without overpowering the main flavors.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Chocolate Cherry Cookies with Ganache Recipe

The image shows a white plate with five round, dark brown cookies arranged closely together. Each cookie has a smooth, glossy dark chocolate center topped with a bright red cherry with a stem. On top of each cookie, thin lines of drizzled chocolate create a decorative pattern. Around the plate, there are several more bright red cherries scattered, and a white bowl filled with more cherries is visible in the background on the left. The surface under the plate has a white marbled texture with a soft beige cloth nearby and a few dark chocolate chips near the front edge. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Prep Your Workspace and Oven

Start by lining a baking sheet with parchment paper to keep your cookies from sticking — this step saves you so much time on cleanup later! Then, preheat your oven to exactly 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures an even bake and those perfectly soft centers we all love.

Step 2: Whisk Together the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk 3 ¼ cups of all-purpose flour, ¾ cup cocoa powder, 1 teaspoon baking soda, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon baking powder. This blending step is key to distributing the leavening agents and cocoa powder evenly for that deep chocolate flavor in every bite.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl, beat 1 cup softened unsalted butter with 1 cup packed light brown sugar and ½ cup granulated sugar on medium speed until smooth and fluffy—about 3 to 4 minutes. This creaming process introduces air for light and tender cookies, so don’t rush it!

Step 4: Add the Wet Ingredients

Beat in 2 large eggs one at a time, then mix in 2 tablespoons of Maraschino cherry juice and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until everything is fully combined. You’ll notice the dough becoming glossy and fragrant with that sweet cherry note that sets this cookie apart.

Step 5: Incorporate the Dry Ingredients Gradually

Add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients in thirds. After each addition, mix thoroughly but don’t overwork the dough — you want it smooth but still tender once baked.

Step 6: Shape Your Cookies

Using a cookie scoop, portion out golf ball-sized rounds of dough. Roll each into a smooth ball with your hands and place them 2 to 3 inches apart on your prepared baking sheet. Then, gently press your thumb into the center of each ball to create a little well — this is where the luscious ganache will nestle perfectly later on.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Bake at 350°F for 10 minutes. You’ll see the cookies spread just slightly and become gently firm to the touch but still soft inside. This exact timing is crucial for the best texture — too long and they lose that melt-in-your-mouth quality.

Step 8: Cool and Prepare the Ganache

Once out of the oven, let the cookies cool on the sheet for a few minutes so they firm up a bit, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Meanwhile, heat ¼ cup heavy whipping cream for about 20 seconds until hot, then pour it over ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips. Let it sit for a minute, then stir vigorously until silky smooth. This is your decadent ganache!

Step 9: Fill Cookies with Ganache and Cherries

Using a small spoon, dollop about ½ teaspoon of the ganache into each cookie’s indentation. Gently press one Maraschino cherry right into the ganache—this keeps the cherry snug in place and creates that stunning chocolate-cherry combo in every bite.

Step 10: Drizzle with Melted Chocolate

In a small dish, combine the remaining ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips with 1 tablespoon shortening or coconut oil. Heat for 30 seconds, stir, then heat another 15 seconds until perfectly smooth. Transfer to a small resealable plastic bag, snip a tiny corner off, and artistically drizzle the chocolate over each cookie. Let it set at room temperature before storing.

Step 11: Enjoy and Share

Now the best part—dig in and savor your homemade Chocolate Cherry Cookies with Ganache! Don’t forget to leave a rating and share your thoughts; it helps keep these tasty recipes coming your way.

Top Tip

These tips come straight from my kitchen to yours, ensuring your Chocolate Cherry Cookies with Ganache Recipe turn out perfectly every time. A little insight can go a long way in making baking joyful and successful!

Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Softened butter and room-temp eggs blend smoothly for that perfect, tender cookie texture.
Don't Skip the Indentation: Pressing a small well in each cookie before baking creates the ideal spot for the luscious ganache and cherry, preventing them from sliding off.
Even Scoops Mean Even Baking: Using a cookie scoop for golf ball-sized dough balls helps all cookies bake uniformly—no burnt edges or undercooked centers!
Let the Ganache Cool Slightly: Adding warm ganache can melt the dough. Waiting a minute or two lets it thicken slightly, keeping your cookies intact and neat.

How to Serve Chocolate Cherry Cookies with Ganache Recipe

The image shows two small round chocolate dough balls placed on light brown parchment paper on a baking tray with a slightly worn metallic look. A woman's hand is pressing down on one of the dough balls with the thumb, making a slight indentation in the soft, dark brown dough. The scene is simple with the parchment paper and tray filling most of the frame. The focus is on the texture of the dough and the gentle press from the woman's hand. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

For a little extra flair, try sprinkling finely chopped toasted almonds or a light dusting of powdered sugar over your cookies. You can also add a few fresh cherries on the side of your serving platter to echo that vibrant cherry note in the cookies.

Side Dishes

Serve alongside a tall glass of cold milk or a cup of rich espresso to complement the deep chocolate and cherry flavors. For a more decadent spread, pair these cookies with vanilla bean ice cream or a fresh berry compote for a delightful contrast.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your Chocolate Cherry Cookies with Ganache in a single layer inside an airtight container at room temperature. They'll stay fresh and chewy for up to 3 days—perfect for keeping that just-baked taste alive!

Freezing

While these cookies are best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze them before adding ganache. Arrange dough balls on a tray and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to a month. Bake from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the bake time. Add ganache after baking.

Reheating

If you want to warm your cookies, gently microwave for about 10 seconds or heat in a low oven (around 300°F) for 3-5 minutes. This softens the chocolate and brings out that freshly-baked feel without melting the ganache or drizzle.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries?

Fresh cherries have more moisture and less sweetness, which might affect the cookie texture and flavor. Maraschino cherries provide that iconic sweet burst and softer texture perfect for this recipe.

What can I substitute for heavy whipping cream in the ganache?

For a dairy-free alternative, coconut cream works wonderfully and adds a slight coconut flavor that pairs well with chocolate and cherry.

Why does the recipe call for both baking soda and baking powder?

Using both ensures proper leavening and a tender crumb while balancing the acidity from the chocolate and cherry juice, resulting in perfectly soft yet structured cookies.

How do I prevent the ganache from making the cookies soggy?

Make sure your cookies are completely cooled before adding the ganache, and allow the ganache to cool slightly so it's thick enough not to seep into the dough.

Final Thoughts

Baking these Chocolate Cherry Cookies with Ganache Recipe feels like creating little bites of happiness, wrapped in rich chocolate and vibrant cherry flavor. Whether for a special occasion or everyday indulgence, I hope you enjoy every gooey, decadent bite as much as I do. Don’t forget to share your experience and any tweaks you make—happy baking!