The deep richness of Dutch-process cocoa and the luxurious touch of cherry preserves come together in these fudgy chocolate thumbprint cookies. Each cookie is filled with a smooth, fruity chocolate ganache that oozes elegance in every bite.
These cookies are perfect for romantic occasions like Valentine’s Day or just when you’re in the mood for a chocolatey treat with a twist. They are as beautiful as they are delicious, and their simple yet impressive presentation makes them ideal for gifting, dessert tables, or a cozy baking session.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
For the Cookies:
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1 ½ cups (188 g) all-purpose flour
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½ cup (40 g) Dutch-process cocoa powder
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½ tsp baking powder
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½ tsp sea salt
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¾ cup (168 g) unsalted butter, softened
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¾ cup (165 g) light brown sugar, packed
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¼ cup (50 g) granulated white sugar
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2 large egg yolks, room temperature
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1 ½ tsp vanilla extract
For the Chocolate Cherry Ganache:
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5 oz Endangered Species Vibrant Cherries + Dark Chocolate, chopped
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¼ cup + 2 tbsp (90 ml) heavy cream
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¼ cup (85 g) cherry preserves
Directions:
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In a bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
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In a large bowl, beat softened butter, brown sugar, and white sugar until creamy.
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Add egg yolks and vanilla; beat until fluffy, about 1-2 minutes.
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Add dry ingredients and mix just until combined.
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Scoop into 32 tablespoon-sized portions. Roll into balls, then use a ¼ tsp to press an indent into each.
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Chill the dough balls for 1 hour.
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
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Bake cookies for 9–11 minutes. Immediately after baking, press centers again gently with ¼ tsp and shape with a circular cutter if desired.
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Cool for 5 minutes on the tray, then transfer to wire racks.
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While cookies bake, heat heavy cream until near-boiling and pour over chopped chocolate. Stir to melt, then mix in cherry preserves.
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Fill cookie centers with 1 tsp ganache. Chill for 10-15 minutes to set.
Prep Time: 30 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Chill Time: 1 hour | Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
Kcal: 170 kcal (approx) | Servings: 32 cookies
Why These Cookies Are So Special
These are not just any cookies — they are soft, chewy chocolate thumbprints that cradle a luscious cherry-infused ganache. What sets them apart is the quality of ingredients and the thoughtful construction of textures and flavors. The base is a fudgy chocolate cookie, made even richer with Dutch-process cocoa. Unlike natural cocoa powder, Dutch-process is darker, less acidic, and smoother in taste — perfect for creating a deep chocolate flavor.
The ganache filling is another key highlight. Instead of a standard chocolate center, this one is infused with real cherry preserves and made with high-quality chocolate bars. The result is a glossy, smooth center that perfectly complements the slightly crisp edges and chewy center of the cookie itself.
Inspiration Behind the Recipe
This recipe was inspired by the classic thumbprint cookie, traditionally filled with jam or chocolate. But by combining both elements — chocolate and cherry — in the filling, the cookie transforms into something truly elevated. The inspiration also draws from nostalgic holiday cookie trays and romantic desserts, making this recipe ideal for special occasions. It evokes memories of chocolate-covered cherries or black forest cake but presents it in a convenient, handheld form.
The inclusion of cherry preserves isn’t just about flavor, either. It adds a silky, jam-like texture that contrasts beautifully with the richness of the ganache, while the dark chocolate ensures that the cookie never becomes overly sweet.
Texture is Everything
Great cookies are all about texture, and these chocolate cherry thumbprints deliver on every front. The outer layer of the cookie is slightly crisp from baking but gives way to a soft, dense, chewy center. This is the kind of cookie that feels satisfying and indulgent — like a brownie’s more refined cousin.
The ganache filling, when chilled, sets to a firm yet creamy consistency. It adds a luxurious bite that slowly melts on the tongue. Taken together, the textures offer contrast and complexity in every mouthful.
The Importance of Chilling the Dough
One of the most important steps in this recipe is chilling the dough before baking. Chilling ensures that the cookies retain their shape during baking, especially when it comes to the signature thumbprint indent in the center. It also allows the flavors in the dough to meld and deepen, resulting in a more developed chocolate flavor.
Many bakers skip this step in the name of convenience, but here it’s truly essential. The hour spent in the fridge makes the dough easier to handle, prevents over-spreading, and helps maintain a defined well for the ganache.
Shaping and Presentation Tips
A simple cookie cutter trick after baking gives these cookies a uniform, professional appearance. While still warm, a round biscuit or cookie cutter is gently used to “scoot” around the edge of each cookie, bringing it back to a neat circle. This technique, known as the “cookie scoot,” is especially popular among food bloggers and Instagram bakers because it creates that perfect, picture-ready shape.
Another tip for creating the perfect well in the center is to use a ¼ teaspoon measure instead of your thumb. It ensures each cookie has a uniform indent that’s deep enough to hold the ganache without risking breakage.
Using High-Quality Chocolate
The recipe calls for real chopped chocolate rather than chocolate chips, and this decision is intentional. Chocolate chips are designed to hold their shape during baking, which often means they don’t melt smoothly. A chopped chocolate bar — especially one with rich flavor notes like Endangered Species’ cherry-infused dark chocolate — will melt into a silky ganache when combined with hot cream.
This difference is especially important in a ganache. You want something that’s smooth, glossy, and rich. Using premium chocolate elevates the entire cookie and makes each bite feel gourmet.
The Role of Cherry Preserves
Cherry preserves add brightness and a hint of tartness to balance the cookie’s richness. While you could theoretically use cherry jam, preserves tend to have a thicker consistency and often contain real chunks of fruit, adding complexity to the texture. This gives the ganache more body and a slightly more rustic feel, which pairs beautifully with the refined nature of the chocolate cookie.
If you’re adventurous, you can even experiment with other fruit preserves. Raspberry or blackberry would also pair well, although cherry remains the standout choice for its natural harmony with dark chocolate.
Storage and Make-Ahead Options
These cookies store beautifully, making them ideal for gifting or make-ahead dessert trays. Once filled and chilled, they can be kept at room temperature in an airtight container for up to three days. For longer storage, you can freeze the baked cookies (before or after filling) for up to two weeks. Just be sure to place parchment paper between layers to avoid sticking.
Because the ganache sets firmly once chilled, you can even transport these cookies without worrying about the centers oozing or becoming messy. This makes them great for cookie swaps, potlucks, and festive gatherings.
Serving Suggestions
These cookies pair wonderfully with a cup of coffee, espresso, or even red wine. The combination of dark chocolate and cherry naturally complements drinks with bold, bitter, or fruity profiles. If you’re serving them for a holiday gathering or romantic evening, try dusting the tops with a touch of powdered sugar or garnishing the ganache with a dried cherry or chocolate curl.
They also make a stunning addition to a dessert platter. Consider pairing them with shortbread, macarons, and truffles for a diverse cookie board.
Kid-Friendly and Crowd-Pleasing
Despite their elegant appearance, these cookies are surprisingly kid-friendly. The chewy texture and sweet filling make them a hit at birthday parties, bake sales, or family gatherings. You can even get children involved in the baking process — forming the dough balls and making the thumbprint is fun for little hands.
If you want to make a version for kids, consider using milk chocolate in the ganache instead of dark chocolate, or even swirling in some marshmallow fluff for a s’mores-inspired twist.
Conclusion: A Cookie Worth Baking Again and Again
These chocolate cherry cookies are more than just a sweet treat — they’re a celebration of flavor, texture, and simplicity. They offer a gourmet experience with minimal fuss, and their stunning presentation makes them a showstopper every time. Whether you’re baking for a loved one, a special occasion, or just for yourself, these cookies never disappoint.
The harmony of deep chocolate and bright cherry is nostalgic and elegant all at once. Every step, from chilling the dough to filling the thumbprint, adds to the final product’s flavor and beauty. And that first bite — rich, chewy, melty — will have you coming back for more.
So go ahead and bake a batch (or two). These cookies aren’t just for holidays or special events — they’re for whenever you want to indulge in something extraordinary.