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Chocolate Cherry Thumbprint Cookies: A Rich, Decadent Bite with a Fruity Twist

Chocolate Cherry Thumbprint Cookies: A Rich, Decadent Bite with a Fruity Twist
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Chocolate Cherry Thumbprint Cookies combine a tender, cocoa-rich chocolate base with a bright, sweet cherry filling, creating a perfectly balanced bite-sized treat. These cookies are easy to make with simple pantry ingredients and can be customized for various dietary preferences, making them an irresistible dessert for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

  • 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
  • ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • Pinch of salt

Wet Ingredients

  • ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • ¼ cup brown sugar
  • 1 large egg yolk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Filling

  • Cherry preserves or jam, about ½ cup
  • Optional: 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh cherries

Optional Additions & Toppings

  • Chopped walnuts or pecans (optional, for dough)
  • Melted dark chocolate for drizzling (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Dough: Cream together the softened unsalted butter with granulated and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg yolk and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, and a pinch of salt. Slowly fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture to form a smooth, chocolatey dough.
  2. Shape the Cookies: Roll the dough into small balls, about one tablespoon each, and place them spaced on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Using your thumb or the back of a teaspoon, gently press an indentation into the center of each ball to create the “thumbprint.” Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes if desired to prevent spreading.
  3. Add Cherry Filling: Fill each thumbprint indentation with a generous teaspoon of cherry preserves or jam. For extra texture, stir in finely chopped cherries into the jam before filling. Avoid overfilling to prevent bubbling over.
  4. Bake to Perfection: Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the cookie edges are set but centers remain soft. Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
  5. Optional Finishing Touches: Once cooled, drizzle melted dark chocolate over the cookies for an elegant appearance and richer flavor. Let the drizzle set before serving or storing.

Notes

  • Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before shaping to reduce spreading during baking.
  • Use high-quality cherry preserves with real fruit bits for best flavor and texture.
  • Do not overfill the thumbprints with jam to prevent spilling during baking.
  • Use an oven thermometer to ensure accurate baking temperatures.
  • Softened, room temperature butter blends better with sugar to produce a lighter dough.

Nutrition

Keywords: chocolate cherry cookies, thumbprint cookies, chocolate cookies, cherry jam cookies, gluten-free chocolate cookies, vegan-friendly cookies

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