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 love the combination of rich chocolate and bright, fruity cherries, you’re going to adore this Chocolate Cherry Cookies with Ganache Recipe. They’re tender, chocolaty, and topped with luscious maraschino cherries dipped in smooth ganache—serious yum!

The image shows several round chocolate cookies arranged closely on a white marbled surface. Each cookie has three layers: the bottom is a rich brown, soft-textured cookie, the middle is a smooth dark chocolate filling with a glossy finish, and the top is a whole bright red cherry, shiny and centered. Additionally, there are thin, wavy lines of lighter brown chocolate drizzled over the whole cookie surface. Around the cookies, a few scattered chocolate chips are placed randomly. 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 still remember the first time I made these cookies—the gooey ganache center paired with the pop of cherry blew me away. It’s one of those recipes that feels special but comes together so easily, you’ll want to make it again and again.

Decadently Chocolatey: The cocoa-infused dough packs serious chocolate flavor without being overpowering.
Cherry and Ganache Combo: Maraschino cherries nestled in silky ganache take these cookies to the next level.
Perfect Texture: Tender yet slightly firm, they hold their shape beautifully and stay soft.
Great for Any Occasion: These cookies make a stunning dessert for parties, gifts, or just treating yourself.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Gathering quality ingredients is key here—look for good cocoa powder and ripe maraschino cherries with juice (not syrupy). These ingredients come together in a way that balances richness and brightness in every bite.

Flat lay of a small pile of all-purpose flour in a simple white ceramic bowl, a small white ceramic bowl filled with unsweetened cocoa powder, a white ceramic bowl containing light brown sugar, another white ceramic bowl with granulated sugar, two whole uncracked large brown eggs, a small white ceramic bowl holding glossy maraschino cherries without stems, a small white ceramic bowl with dark semi-sweet chocolate chips, a small white ceramic bowl with heavy whipping cream, a small white ceramic bowl containing golden softened unsalted butter, and a small white ceramic bowl with rich red maraschino cherry juice, all arranged symmetrically and balanced 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 structure to our cookie dough.
Unsweetened cocoa powder: Adds deep chocolate flavor without extra sweetness.
Baking soda and baking powder: Help the cookies rise and get that perfect tender texture.
Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances the chocolate flavor.
Unsalted butter: Brings richness and helps create a soft, melt-in-your-mouth cookie.
Light brown sugar: Adds moisture and a subtle caramel note.
Granulated sugar: Gives just the right sweetness and crunch.
Eggs: Bind the ingredients and add tenderness—be sure they’re at room temperature for best results.
Maraschino cherry juice: Infuses a subtle cherry flavor right into the dough.
Vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors in the cookie with a warm, sweet aroma.
Semi-sweet chocolate chips: Used both in the dough’s ganache filling and the decorative drizzle.
Heavy whipping cream: Combined with chocolate to create the smooth, luscious ganache.
Shortening or coconut oil: Helps melt the chocolate chips smoothly for the drizzle topping.
Maraschino cherries without stems: The perfect fruity topper that complements the rich ganache.

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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 the Chocolate Cherry Cookies with Ganache Recipe is how easily you can make it your own. Whether you’re craving a little extra cherry zing or want to switch things up for dietary preferences, there’s a fun way to customize these indulgent cookies.

Variation: Add a Sprinkle of Sea Salt. I love finishing these cookies with a light sprinkle of flaky sea salt right after drizzling the chocolate ganache. It beautifully enhances the chocolate’s richness and balances the cherry’s sweetness.
Variation: Gluten-Free Delight. When I tried swapping the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend, the cookies held up beautifully and still tasted rich and tender. Perfect for sharing with gluten-sensitive friends!
Variation: Coconut Oil Swap. For the chocolate drizzle, using coconut oil instead of shortening gives a subtle tropical hint and a slightly glossy finish. Plus, it’s a great option if you prefer plant-based ingredients.
Seasonal Twist: Fresh Cherries. When maraschino cherries aren’t your favorite or out of season, fresh pitted cherries work wonderfully—just dip them in the cooled ganache and let them set.

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

A white plate holds a group of thick, round chocolate cookies arranged closely, each with a shiny, bright red cherry placed in the center on top of a smooth, dark chocolate filling. The cookies have a slightly cracked, rich brown texture with thin streams of milk chocolate drizzled in a wavy pattern over their tops. Around the plate, several more fresh cherries with stems rest on the white marbled background along with a few dark chocolate chips. A white bowl filled with extra red cherries is visible in the upper left corner, and a woman’s hand is gently touching one cookie on the plate. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Prep Like a Pro

First things first, line your baking sheet with parchment paper. This simple step makes cleanup effortless and keeps your cookies from sticking—plus, it ensures they bake evenly. Then, preheat your oven to 350°F, giving it enough time to reach that perfect baking temperature.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together your all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, salt, and baking powder. Take a moment here to get everything combined nicely—that cocoa will give your cookies their inviting chocolatey depth!

Step 3: Cream Butter & Sugars

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with the brown and granulated sugars on medium speed until the mixture looks fluffy and smooth—about 3 to 4 minutes. This creamy base is the secret to your cookie’s tender texture.

Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients

Next, beat in the eggs, the flavorful Maraschino cherry juice (this adds a subtle fruity note), and vanilla extract. Mix on medium speed until everything is fully incorporated and glossy.

Step 5: Combine Dry & Wet Mixtures

Add the dry ingredients to the wet in three batches, mixing thoroughly after each addition. This gradual folding prevents overworking the dough and keeps your cookies tender and chewy.

Step 6: Shape Your Cookies

Grab a cookie scoop to portion out dough balls roughly the size of golf balls. Roll them smooth with your hands and place them 2 to 3 inches apart on your parchment-lined baking sheet. Then, press your thumb gently into the center of each to create a little indentation—this is the perfect spot for the luscious ganache later!

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Bake your cookies at 350°F for 10 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when they’ve just spread slightly and feel firm yet still soft to the touch. Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes to finish setting before moving them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 8: Whip Up the Chocolate Ganache

Place ½ cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips in a small bowl. Heat the heavy cream in the microwave for about 20 seconds or until hot but not boiling. Pour the cream over the chocolate, let it sit for one minute, then stir vigorously until you get a smooth, silky ganache.

Step 9: Fill and Top Your Cookies

Spoon about ½ teaspoon of the ganache into each cookie’s indentation, spreading it evenly. Then, gently press one Maraschino cherry into the gooey center. This combo is pure magic—the perfect balance of chocolate and cherry.

Step 10: Drizzle That Chocolate

For the finishing touch, melt the remaining ½ cup chocolate chips with the tablespoon of shortening or coconut oil in short bursts in the microwave (30 seconds, then 15 seconds), stirring until silky smooth. Transfer the melted chocolate into a small Ziplock bag, snip a tiny corner, and drizzle it artistically over each cookie. Let this set before storing.

Step 11: Store & Enjoy

Once your chocolate drizzle has hardened, store the cookies in a single layer inside an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Then, sit back, share, and enjoy every decadent bite!

Top Tip

These tips can really elevate your Chocolate Cherry Cookies with Ganache Recipe experience and help you get the best results every time you bake them.

Use Room Temperature Ingredients: I always make sure my butter and eggs are at room temperature before mixing; it helps the dough come together smoothly and results in a tender, chewy texture.
Create a Well in the Dough: Pressing a gentle indentation in each cookie before baking ensures the ganache has a perfect little nest to settle into without spilling over.
Chocolate Ganache Consistency: Let the hot cream sit on the chocolate chips for at least a minute before stirring — that patience guarantees a silky, lump-free ganache.
Don’t Overbake: Pull your cookies out as soon as their edges feel set but centers are still soft; they’ll continue to firm up as they cool, keeping them wonderfully soft inside.

How to Serve Chocolate Cherry Cookies with Ganache Recipe

A close-up image shows a woman's hand pressing down on a small, round, dark brown dough ball on a light brown parchment paper, placed on a metal baking tray with worn edges. Another dough ball, similar in color and texture, sits above the first one on the parchment paper. The dough balls have a rough, slightly cracked surface and are not yet baked. The background features a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

To make your cookies look extra special, sprinkle a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt or finely chopped toasted almonds on the ganache before it sets. You can also dust the plate with cocoa powder or powdered sugar for an elegant presentation.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla or cherry ice cream, a cup of rich coffee, or a glass of cold milk. For a festive touch, serve alongside a fresh berry salad or a light whipped cream to balance the rich chocolate and cherry flavors.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once completely cooled and the chocolate drizzle has set, 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 through the week or sharing with friends.

Freezing

You can freeze the unbaked cookie dough balls by arranging them on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freezing until firm, then transferring to a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready, bake from frozen, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time. Alternatively, freeze fully baked cookies in an airtight container for up to 2 months; thaw at room temperature before enjoying.

Reheating

To bring back that just-baked warmth, gently warm your cookies in a 300-degree Fahrenheit oven for about 5 minutes or microwave on low power for 10–15 seconds. This softens the chocolate ganache and makes the cookies wonderfully comforting.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I substitute fresh cherries for Maraschino cherries?

Fresh cherries have a very different flavor and texture, and they’re not as sweet or juicy as Maraschino cherries. For the distinct sweet cherry flavor and glossy finish, stick with Maraschino cherries in this recipe.

Why is it important to use cherry juice in the dough?

The Maraschino cherry juice adds subtle fruity notes and acidity to the dough, enhancing the overall cherry flavor without making the dough too wet. It’s a small but flavorful addition that makes the cookies unique.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Just swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend of equal measure. The texture might be slightly different but equally delicious.

How do I know when the cookies are done baking?

Bake until the cookies have spread slightly and feel firm around the edges but still a bit soft in the center, about 10 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit. They’ll continue to set as they cool.

Final Thoughts

Baking these Chocolate Cherry Cookies with Ganache Recipe has always been a joyful experience for me — from the rich, tender dough to the indulgent chocolate and cherry finish, it’s a delightful treat that never fails to impress. I hope this recipe brings you as much comfort and deliciousness as it has to me. Don’t hesitate to experiment with the toppings and enjoy sharing these beauties with your loved ones!