Name: Chocolate Cherry Cookies with Ganache Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 ¼ cup 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

If you're craving a cookie that brings together the richness of chocolate with a burst of bright cherry flavor, you’re in for a treat! This Chocolate Cherry Cookies with Ganache Recipe balances cocoa, Maraschino cherries, and silky ganache just perfectly — it’s like a little dessert celebration on your kitchen counter.

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

Honestly, these cookies are a personal favorite of mine — I love how the tartness of the cherries cuts through the deep chocolate and the luscious ganache is the ultimate indulgence. They’re perfect for sharing or keeping all to yourself (no judgment!).

Decadent Flavor Combo: The blend of cocoa and Maraschino cherries creates a uniquely irresistible taste experience.
Moist and Soft Texture: These cookies stay wonderfully tender thanks to the cherry juice and the ganache topping.
Show-Stopping Presentation: The smooth ganache filling and delicate chocolate drizzle make these cookies look as good as they taste.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Great for holiday gifting, parties, or a special homemade treat anytime.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Before you dive into baking, gather these ingredients. Quality matters here—choose fresh cherries and good unsweetened cocoa powder to really make those flavors sing.

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 just the right chew.
Unsweetened cocoa powder: This delivers the rich chocolate flavor without any added sugar.
Baking soda and baking powder: A combo that ensures the cookies rise properly and stay tender.
Salt: Enhances the chocolate’s depth and balances the sweetness.
Unsalted butter: Softened to room temp for creamy texture and to control saltiness.
Light brown and granulated sugar: Brown sugar adds moisture and a hint of caramel, while granulated sugar helps with crisp edges.
Large eggs: Bind everything together and add richness.
Maraschino Cherry juice: A subtle, fruity moisture booster that infuses the dough with cherry flavor.
Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and rounds out the flavors beautifully.
Semi-sweet chocolate chips: Divided usage for both the ganache and the finishing drizzle—double the chocolate delight!
Heavy whipping cream: Creates the silky ganache that makes these cookies truly special.
Shortening or coconut oil: Used to smooth the chocolate drizzle for that perfect shine and texture.
Maraschino cherries without stems: The star garnish that provides juicy bursts and charm on every bite.

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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

One of the best things about this Chocolate Cherry Cookies with Ganache Recipe is how easy it is to tweak and personalize to your liking. Whether you want to accommodate dietary needs or infuse some seasonal flair, these cookies adapt beautifully!

Dairy-Free Delight: Swap out the butter for a vegan margarine and use coconut cream in place of heavy cream for the ganache. I’ve made this version several times, and the cookies come out just as moist and rich—perfect for those avoiding dairy without sacrificing flavor.
Extra Cherry Love: For a fruity twist, try chopping some Maraschino cherries and folding them into the dough along with the whole ones on top. It amps up the cherry presence and adds delightful bursts of tartness.
Festive Touch: Around the holidays, I like adding a pinch of cinnamon or even a hint of chili powder to the dry ingredients. It adds a warm, cozy depth to the chocolate and pairs beautifully with the cherries.
Size Matters: Don’t hesitate to make these cookies smaller or bigger depending on your needs. Just adjust baking time accordingly—smaller cookies will need less time, bigger ones a bit more.

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: Get Prepared & Preheat

Start by lining a baking sheet with parchment paper—trust me, it makes cleanup a breeze and keeps your cookies from sticking. Then, set your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit so it’s nice and hot when it’s time to bake. Having everything ready upfront is a game changer!

Step 2: Whisk Together the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together 3 ¼ cups all-purpose flour, ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder, 1 teaspoon baking soda, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon baking powder. This ensures every cookie has a consistent chocolatey base with just the right rising and texture.

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. Whip it for about 3 to 4 minutes until the mixture is light, fluffy, and smells sweetly inviting—this step helps make the cookies tender and moist.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Cherry Juice

Beat in 2 large room-temperature eggs, 2 tablespoons Maraschino cherry juice, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract on medium speed until everything’s fully combined. The cherry juice adds a subtle tangy sweetness that balances perfectly with the rich cocoa.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Add the dry ingredients gradually to the wet mixture in thirds, stirring well after each addition. This slow incorporation prevents lumps and ensures a smooth, uniform cookie dough. The dough will be thick but easy to scoop.

Step 6: Scoop, Shape, and Indent

Use a cookie scoop to portion out golf ball-sized dough balls. Roll each one between your hands until smooth, then place them 2 to 3 inches apart on your prepared baking sheet. Gently press your thumb in the center of each ball, creating a shallow well that will hold the luscious ganache.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Bake the cookies for 10 minutes. They should spread slightly and feel just firm to the touch—avoid overbaking to keep that dreamily soft texture. Let them cool on the sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This pause makes them easier to handle for the next steps.

Step 8: Whip Up the Chocolate Ganache

Put ½ cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips in a small bowl. Heat ¼ cup heavy whipping cream in the microwave for about 20 seconds until hot, then pour it over the chocolate. After waiting a minute, stir vigorously until the ganache is silky smooth. This glossy topping is what takes these cookies over the top!

Step 9: Fill the Cookies and Add Cherries

Spoon about ½ teaspoon of the ganache into each cookie’s indentation, spreading it evenly. Then, gently press one Maraschino cherry into the ganache. The cherry sinks just a bit, locking in that sweet and tart flavor combination.

Step 10: Drizzle with Melted Chocolate

Combine the remaining ½ cup chocolate chips with 1 tablespoon shortening or coconut oil in a small dish. Heat for 30 seconds, stir, then heat again for 15 seconds until the mixture is shiny and smooth. Transfer to a plastic bag, snip a tiny corner, and drizzle the chocolate back and forth over the cookies. Let the drizzle set completely before you serve or store them.

Top Tip

Making Chocolate Cherry Cookies with Ganache Recipe is such a joy, and a few key tips can help you nail them perfectly every time. These pointers come from my own kitchen adventures and ensure you get that perfect balance of moist, chocolaty goodness with a luscious cherry surprise!

Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Allow your butter and eggs to come to room temperature before mixing. It creates a smoother dough and better texture in the finished cookies.
Don’t Skip the Indentation: Pressing a thumbprint in each dough ball before baking creates the perfect little well for the ganache and cherries — trust me, it’s worth the extra step.
Control Cherry Moisture: If you find your Maraschino cherries too juicy, gently pat them dry with a paper towel. This avoids soggy cookies and keeps your dough balanced.
Cool Cookies Completely: Before adding the ganache and drizzle, let your cookies cool fully on a wire rack to prevent melting or spreading of the chocolate toppings.

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 an elegant presentation, sprinkle a few finely chopped toasted almonds or crushed pistachios over the ganache before adding the cherry. A light dusting of powdered sugar can also add a snowy, festive touch. Fresh mint leaves placed on the side of the serving plate provide a lovely color contrast and a hint of freshness.

Side Dishes

Serve these cookies alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a luscious dessert plate. A warm cup of coffee, espresso, or even a glass of cold milk pairs beautifully, balancing the richness of the chocolate and the sweetness of the cherries. For an adult twist, a splash of cherry liqueur or a rich red wine complements the flavors wonderfully.

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 delicious for up to 3 days. Be sure to keep them out of direct sunlight or heat to preserve the glossy ganache and drizzle.

Freezing

If you want to enjoy these treats later, freeze the unbaked cookie dough balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Once frozen solid, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time. You can also freeze baked cookies layered between parchment paper in an airtight container for up to 1 month. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Reheating

To bring back that just-baked warmth, pop a cookie in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. This softens the ganache and intensifies the flavors without losing the chewy texture you love.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I substitute fresh cherries for Maraschino cherries in this recipe?

Fresh cherries have a different moisture level and tartness. Since this recipe relies on Maraschino cherries and their juice for flavor and moisture, using fresh cherries might alter the texture and sweetness. If substituting, you may need to adjust the sugar content and consider drying the cherries well.

How do I make this recipe dairy-free?

Simply swap the unsalted butter with a vegan margarine or dairy-free butter alternative. For the ganache, replace the heavy whipping cream with coconut cream. This keeps the texture rich and smooth without dairy.

Can I prepare the ganache ahead of time?

Yes! The ganache can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Reheat gently in the microwave before spreading on the cookies to return it to a pourable consistency.

Why do my cookies spread too much when baking?

Over-softened butter or too warm dough can cause excessive spreading. Make sure the butter is just softened, not melted, and chill the dough for 15-20 minutes before scooping if your kitchen is warm. Also, spacing cookies 2-3 inches apart helps prevent them merging during baking.

Final Thoughts

These Chocolate Cherry Cookies with Ganache Recipe have quickly become a favorite in my baking rotation – they’re the perfect little chocolate escape with every bite. The balance of rich cocoa, sweet and tangy cherries, and silky ganache is just divine. I hope you enjoy making (and devouring!) them as much as I do. Happy baking and feel free to share your own twists—I love hearing from fellow cookie lovers!