Chocolate-Covered Cherry Cookies with a Fudge Center

Making these Chocolate-Covered Cherry Cookies is a true delight, and with a few of my tried-and-true tips, you’ll be baking them like a seasoned pro in no time!

• Perfecting Your Dough: When you’re mixing the cookie dough, avoid overmixing! This helps keep your cookies wonderfully tender and prevents them from becoming tough. Just mix until everything is combined.
• My Secret Trick: I always chill my cookie dough for at least 30 minutes before shaping. It makes the dough much easier to handle, especially when encasing those juicy cherry fillings, and helps the cookies hold their shape beautifully in the oven.
• Glaze Consistency: When making the chocolate glaze, warm your heavy cream gently and stir until the chocolate is fully melted and smooth. If it’s too thick, a tiny splash more cream can help; too thin, and a bit more chopped chocolate will thicken it right up.
• The Cherry On Top: Don’t skip gently patting the maraschino cherries dry before adding them to the filling! This prevents excess moisture from seeping into your cookies and ensures the filling stays perfectly fudgy.

Fun Variations for Chocolate-Covered Cherry Cookies

One of the greatest joys of home baking is making a recipe truly your own! These Chocolate-Covered Cherry Cookies are wonderfully versatile, and I love experimenting with little twists. Here are some ideas to spark your creativity:

Flavor Twists

Instead of almond extract in the cherry filling, try a touch of kirsch for an even more intense cherry flavor, or a dash of orange zest for a bright, citrusy note that complements the chocolate beautifully. My sister always asks me to swirl in a tiny bit of raspberry jam with the cherry filling for an extra fruity kick!

Chocolate Swaps

While dark chocolate is my go-to for the glaze, feel free to experiment with milk chocolate for a sweeter profile or even white chocolate for a lovely contrast. A friend loves when I drizzle a little white chocolate over the dark chocolate glaze for a striking marbled effect.

Nutty Additions

For a delightful crunch, finely chop some toasted almonds or pecans and fold them into the cookie dough. This adds a wonderful texture and a hint of nutty warmth that pairs beautifully with the chocolate and cherry.

Chocolate-Covered Cherry Cookies

These decadent Chocolate-Covered Cherry Cookies feature a rich, fudgy chocolate cookie base, a sweet and tangy maraschino cherry filling, and a glossy dark chocolate glaze, perfectly capturing the classic candy in a delightful bite-sized treat.

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Prep Time 45 minutes mins

Cook Time 12 minutes mins

Total Time 57 minutes mins

Servings: 24 cookies

Course: Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: American

Calories: 200

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Cookies

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder Dutch-processed recommended
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter room temperature
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs room temperature
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Cherry Filling

• 1 jar maraschino cherries 10 oz, drained and finely chopped
• 2 tbsp granulated sugar
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 1/4 cup maraschino cherry juice reserved from jar
• 1/2 tsp almond extract optional

For the Chocolate Glaze

• 6 oz dark chocolate finely chopped or chocolate chips
• 2 tbsp heavy cream
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Equipment

• Stand mixer or large mixing bowl with electric mixer
• Medium saucepan
• Small saucepan (for double boiler) or microwave-safe bowl
• Whisk
• Rubber Spatula
• Baking sheets
• Parchment Paper
• Small cookie scoop (1.5-2 tablespoons)
• Cooling Rack

Method

 

Prepare the Cherry Filling

1. In a small saucepan, combine the drained and finely chopped maraschino cherries, 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, cornstarch, and reserved cherry juice. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and comes to a simmer, about 3-5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in almond extract if using. Let cool completely.

Make the Cookie Dough

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
2. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment (or a large bowl with an electric mixer), cream together the softened butter and 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined and no streaks of flour remain. Do not overmix. Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up, making it easier to handle.

Assemble and Bake the Cookies

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Scoop out dough using a small cookie scoop (about 1.5-2 tablespoons). Roll each portion into a smooth ball. Using your thumb or the back of a spoon, create a deep indentation in the center of each cookie dough ball.
3. Fill each indentation with approximately 1 teaspoon of the cooled cherry filling. Gently reshape the dough around the filling to enclose it, sealing it completely. If desired, you can leave a little filling exposed for a visual cue.
4. Place the filled cookie balls about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centers are still slightly soft. Do not overbake.
5. Let cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Prepare the Chocolate Glaze and Finish

1. While the cookies cool, prepare the glaze. In a heatproof bowl set over a small saucepan of simmering water (a double boiler), combine the chopped dark chocolate, heavy cream, and butter. Alternatively, microwave in short 30-second bursts, stirring in between, until melted and smooth.
2. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract until smooth and glossy.
3. Once the cookies are completely cool, dip the tops of each cookie into the chocolate glaze, or drizzle the glaze over the tops using a spoon. Place glazed cookies back on the wire rack (or a sheet of parchment paper) to allow the glaze to set. This may take 30-60 minutes at room temperature, or you can speed it up by refrigerating for 15-20 minutes.

Notes

For an extra touch, garnish with a whole maraschino cherry or a sprinkle of chopped nuts before the glaze sets. Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. The cookie dough can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 3 days before baking.

What to Serve With Chocolate-Covered Cherry Cookies

These Chocolate-Covered Cherry Cookies are truly a treat on their own, but pairing them with the right accompaniment can elevate the experience even further. I love serving them warm, straight from the oven, allowing that fudge center to be extra gooey!

• Classic Comfort: A scoop of good quality vanilla bean ice cream is a match made in heaven. The cool creaminess provides a beautiful contrast to the warm, rich cookie.
• Warm Beverages: For a cozy evening, a steaming cup of coffee or a rich hot cocoa makes a wonderful companion. My mom always pairs them with hot cocoa in winter; it feels so comforting!
• Fresh Fruit: A small bowl of fresh mixed berries, like raspberries or blackberries, adds a lovely tartness that cuts through the richness of the chocolate and cherry.
• A Drizzle of Delight: For an extra touch of indulgence, a light drizzle of caramel sauce or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt over the glazed cookies before serving can be absolutely divine.

How to Store Chocolate-Covered Cherry Cookies

Keeping your delicious Chocolate-Covered Cherry Cookies fresh is key to enjoying their wonderful flavor for days! Proper storage ensures that delightful fudge center and rich glaze stay perfect.

Refrigerator Storage

Once cooled completely, store your cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5-7 days. The cold helps keep the chocolate firm and the cherry filling fresh. I like to place a piece of parchment paper between layers to prevent them from sticking!

Freezing for Later

These cookies freeze beautifully! Arrange cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet to flash freeze for about an hour, then transfer them to an airtight freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll keep for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or gently warm for that freshly baked taste.

Nutritional Benefits

While we often think of cookies as a delightful indulgence, these Chocolate-Covered Cherry Cookies do offer a little something extra. The cocoa powder provides antioxidants, and those lovely maraschino cherries bring a touch of fruit to the mix. It’s a sweet treat that I believe embodies my philosophy: a little bit of mindful indulgence can be both satisfying and nourishing for the soul!

FAQs

Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries?

While you can use fresh cherries, you’ll need to pit and cook them down with a bit of sugar and cornstarch to create a similar filling consistency. The flavor of Chocolate-Covered Cherry Cookies will be slightly different, but still delicious!

Why did my cookies spread too much?

Cookies often spread if your butter was too warm, if there wasn’t enough flour, or if your oven temperature was too low. Chilling your dough for at least 30 minutes before baking can also help prevent spreading of your Chocolate-Covered Cherry Cookies.

How do I get the perfect chocolate glaze?

Ensure your chocolate and cream are good quality. Melt the chocolate gently with warm (not boiling) cream, stirring until smooth. If it’s too thick, add a tiny bit more warm cream; if too thin, a touch more chocolate will help achieve the ideal consistency for your Chocolate-Covered Cherry Cookies.

Can I make the cookie dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 2-3 days in advance and store it tightly wrapped in the refrigerator. This can be a great time-saver when preparing to bake your Chocolate-Covered Cherry Cookies.

Conclusion

Baking these Chocolate-Covered Cherry Cookies with a Fudge Center is more than just following a recipe; it’s about creating moments of warmth and joy in your kitchen. From the rich chocolate to the sweet surprise of the cherry filling, every bite is a reminder that the best desserts are made with love and shared with those we cherish. I truly hope you’ll embrace the magic of these cookies and let them inspire you to create your own sweet memories. Happy baking, my dear friends!