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 (½ cup for ganache, ½ cup for drizzle); ¼ cup heavy whipping cream; 1 Tablespoon shortening or coconut oil; 10 ounce jar Maraschino Cherries without stems

If you’re craving a truly decadent treat, these Chocolate Cherry Cookies with Ganache Recipe are about to become your new favorite. They’re soft, fudgy, and topped with the most luscious cherry-infused chocolate ganache—perfect for cozy afternoons or celebrations.

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

I always get a little burst of joy making these cookies because they strike the perfect balance between chocolatey richness and bright cherry flavor. Plus, the ganache topping takes them to a professional level without fuss.

Rich and Moist: The cocoa-infused cookie base stays soft and chewy, never dry or crumbly.
Cherry Twist: A splash of maraschino cherry juice adds a subtle, unique fruitiness that pairs so well with chocolate.
Luscious Ganache: Smooth cherry-flavored ganache fills the cookies’ centers, making each bite feel indulgent.
Easy to Make: Despite the gourmet feel, the recipe is straightforward and perfect for both beginners and seasoned bakers.

Ingredients & Why They Work

This recipe calls for classic baking staples alongside a few special touches like maraschino cherry juice and cherries to create that standout cherry-chocolate flavor. When you shop, look for good-quality unsweetened cocoa and fresh maraschino cherries without stems—they make a noticeable difference in taste and texture.

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 structure for tender yet sturdy cookies.
Unsweetened cocoa powder: Provides deep chocolate flavor without added sugar.
Baking soda, salt, and baking powder: Work together to give the cookies the perfect rise and texture.
Unsalted butter: Adds richness and tenderness—make sure it’s softened for easy creaming.
Light brown sugar: Gives moisture and a hint of caramel that complements the cocoa.
Granulated sugar: Balances sweetness and helps with cookie spread.
Large eggs: Bind ingredients while adding structure—room temperature eggs beat in better.
Maraschino Cherry juice: Adds that subtle cherry fragrance and flavor punch.
Vanilla extract: Enhances overall flavor depth and rounds out the sweetness.
Semi-sweet chocolate chips: Divided between the ganache and drizzle for gooey, melty chocolate goodness.
Heavy whipping cream: Creates a silky smooth ganache when combined with chocolate chips.
Shortening or coconut oil: Keeps the chocolate drizzle glossy and smooth rather than stiff.
Maraschino cherries without stems: The star garnish inside the ganache that ensures each bite delivers cherry bliss.

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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 parts about this Chocolate Cherry Cookies with Ganache Recipe is how wonderfully adaptable it is. Feel free to tweak the ingredients or toppings to suit your taste or dietary preferences - the base dough and rich ganache make a perfect canvas for creativity!

Dairy-Free Delight: Swap the butter with a plant-based alternative and use coconut cream instead of heavy cream. I tried this once and was amazed by how creamy and decadent the ganache still turned out!
Cherry Variations: Instead of Maraschino cherries, try fresh cherries when in season or dried cherries for a chewier texture. Each gives a slightly different burst of cherry flavor that pairs beautifully with cocoa.
Nutty Addition: For a bit of crunch, sprinkle chopped toasted pecans or walnuts on top of the ganache before adding the chocolate drizzle. It adds a lovely texture and nutty contrast to the sweet and chocolatey base.
Festive Flavors: Add a pinch of cinnamon or a splash of almond extract to the dough for a warm, holiday-inspired twist that complements the cherry and chocolate notes perfectly.

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 and Preheat

Start by lining your baking sheet with parchment paper—this little step ensures your cookies won’t stick and makes cleanup a breeze. Then, preheat your oven to 350°F. While it heats up, gather all your ingredients so you have everything within arm’s reach. This keeps the process smooth and enjoyable!

Step 2: Mix Your Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together 3 ¼ cups of all-purpose flour, ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder, 1 teaspoon baking soda, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon baking powder. This dry mix forms the chocolatey foundation of your cookies and distributing the leavening evenly helps with texture.

Step 3: Cream 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. Keep going for about 3-4 minutes until the mixture looks smooth, fluffy, and pale. This step is key for soft, tender cookies with that melt-in-your-mouth feel.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Cherry Flavors

Beat in 2 large room temperature eggs, one at a time, blending well after each addition. Then pour in 2 tablespoons of Maraschino cherry juice and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. These ingredients bring that unmistakable cherry zing and deepen the cookie’s flavor profile beautifully.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet, dividing it into three additions. Mix thoroughly after each, but don’t overbeat—just blend until you can't see any flour. Your dough should feel soft but hold its shape well.

Step 6: Scoop, Shape, and Indent

Use a cookie scoop to portion out dough balls about the size of a golf ball. Roll them gently with your hands until smooth, then place them on your parchment-lined baking sheet about 2-3 inches apart. Use your thumb to press a slight indentation in the center of each dough ball; this little nest will cradle your luscious ganache later on!

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Bake your cookies for 10 minutes at 350°F. You’re looking for cookies that have spread a bit and are just firm to the touch but still soft inside. Remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes on the sheet before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling is crucial so the ganache doesn’t melt when added.

Step 8: Prepare the Chocolate Ganache

Place 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. Pour the cream over the chips and let sit for 1 minute. Stir vigorously until the mixture is smooth and glossy—this silky ganache will make your cookies irresistible.

Step 9: Fill Cookies with Ganache and Cherries

Spoon about ½ teaspoon of ganache into the indentation of each cooled cookie, spreading it gently but evenly. Then, press one Maraschino cherry into the ganache. The combination of the rich ganache and sweet, juicy cherry centers makes each bite truly decadent.

Step 10: Melt and Drizzle Chocolate

Combine the remaining ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips with 1 tablespoon shortening or coconut oil in a small dish. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring well after each, until fully melted and smooth. Transfer to a small sealable bag, snip a tiny corner, and drizzle the chocolate over each cookie. Let the drizzle set before serving or storing.

Step 11: Serve, Store, and Enjoy!

Allow your cookies to cool completely and the chocolate to set before placing them in an airtight container. Store cookies in a single layer at room temperature for up to 3 days to keep them fresh and soft. Then, sit back and savor your beautiful Chocolate Cherry Cookies with Ganache, and don’t forget to share your feedback — it really helps us keep sharing great recipes with you!

Top Tip

Mastering the perfect Chocolate Cherry Cookies with Ganache Recipe is all about the little details that bring out the best texture and flavor. These tips will help you bake with confidence and get the most delicious results every time.

Room Temperature Ingredients: Let your butter and eggs come to room temperature before mixing; it helps the dough come together smoothly and creates that soft, tender crumb.
Indentation Is Key: Use your thumb to make a slight dip in each dough ball before baking — this keeps the ganache nestled perfectly and prevents it from sliding off.
Even Cookie Sizes: Use a cookie scoop for uniform cookies. This ensures they bake evenly and look beautiful on the tray.
Don’t Overbake: Remove the cookies when they’re just firm to the touch. They’ll finish baking on the cooling rack, staying soft inside rather than drying out.

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

Elevate your Chocolate Cherry Cookies by adding a sprinkle of finely chopped toasted pecans or a dusting of powdered sugar for a festive touch. If you’re feeling adventurous, a tiny dollop of whipped cream or a few flakes of sea salt over the chocolate drizzle can add a wonderful contrast.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair beautifully with a cup of rich coffee, a creamy latte, or even a glass of cold milk for a classic combo. For a holiday spread, serve alongside sugar cookies or spiced nuts to keep those festive vibes going strong.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your Chocolate Cherry Cookies in a single layer inside an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to 3 days — perfect for enjoying throughout the week or sharing with friends.

Freezing

If you want to save these treats for later, freeze the baked and fully cooled cookies in a single layer on a lined baking sheet. Once frozen solid, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. They can stay frozen for up to 2 months. Just thaw at room temperature before serving.

Reheating

To enjoy the cookies warm, gently reheat them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a low-temp oven (around 300°F) for 5 minutes. This helps soften the ganache and brings out the rich chocolate-cherry flavors beautifully.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use fresh cherries instead of Maraschino Cherries?

Fresh cherries are delicious, but Maraschino Cherries add that signature sweet, syrupy flavor and bright color perfect for this recipe. If you do use fresh, consider adding a bit of cherry juice to maintain the moistness and flavor intensity.

What if I don’t have shortening or coconut oil for the drizzle?

You can melt the chocolate chips alone, but adding shortening or coconut oil gives the drizzle a smoother texture and glossy finish. If you skip it, the drizzle may harden with a slightly dull finish, but it will still taste great.

Can I make these cookies dairy-free?

Absolutely! Substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative and use coconut cream instead of heavy whipping cream for your ganache. This recipe adapts well to those changes while keeping its rich flavor.

Why do the cookies need an indentation before baking?

The indentation creates a perfect little well to hold the ganache and cherry once the cookies bake and spread slightly. Without it, the filling could slide off, and the cookies might flatten too much.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making and savoring these Chocolate Cherry Cookies with Ganache Recipe as much as I do. They bring a little festive sparkle to any day — rich, comforting chocolate paired with bright cherries creates a truly special treat. Don’t forget to share your baking stories and feedback. Happy baking, and may your kitchen be filled with sweet joy!