Name: Chocolate Cherry Cookies with Ganache Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 11 min
Total time: 26 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 anything like me and love combining rich, chocolaty flavors with a bright fruity twist, then this Chocolate Cherry Cookies with Ganache Recipe is going to become your new obsession. Imagine soft, chewy cocoa cookies bursting with Maraschino cherries, all topped with silky chocolate ganache and a pretty chocolate drizzle—pure bliss in every bite!

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, the moment I tried these chocolate cherry cookies, I was hooked. They hit all the right notes between fudgy, fruity, and fancy with that smooth ganache on top. They’re a fun treat to make for yourself or to impress friends without a ton of fuss.

Perfectly Balanced Flavors: The semi-sweet chocolate and Maraschino cherries create a decadent yet refreshing combo you don’t see every day.
Soft and Chewy Texture: These cookies have just the right amount of chew, thanks to careful mixing and the right baking time.
Elegant Finish: The glossy ganache filling plus the chocolate drizzle make these cookies look like they’re straight out of a bakery.
Simple Ingredients: Using common pantry staples with just a little cherry juice gives you that special twist without complicated components.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Before we dive in, here’s a quick rundown of the essentials you’ll need and why each one matters. Pro tip: buying good quality cocoa and semi-sweet chocolate chips makes a big difference in flavor.

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: Provides the sturdy base while keeping the cookies tender.
Unsweetened cocoa powder: Gives that deep chocolate flavor and beautiful dark color.
Baking soda, baking powder, and salt: Work together to help the cookies rise and balance sweetness.
Unsalted butter: Adds richness and a smooth, creamy texture.
Light brown sugar and granulated sugar: Brown sugar keeps them moist and chewy; granulated sugar adds just a bit of crispness.
Eggs: Bind everything together and contribute to that tender bite.
Maraschino cherry juice: Infuses a lovely fruity hint into the dough that pairs perfectly with chocolate.
Vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors to create a warm, inviting cookie.
Semi-sweet chocolate chips: For pockets of melty chocolate inside and for the luscious ganache and drizzle on top.
Heavy whipping cream: The secret to that silky smooth ganache texture.
Shortening or coconut oil: Keeps melted chocolate shiny and easy to drizzle.
Maraschino cherries (without stems): The perfect finishing touch that adds both flavor and a pop of color.

📝

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 easily you can tweak it to fit your tastes or dietary needs. Whether you want to amp up the cherry flavor or make a dairy-free version, there’s lots of room for personalization that still delivers that decadent chocolate-cherry combo you love.

Dairy-Free Delight: Swap out the unsalted butter for a vegan butter alternative and the heavy cream for coconut cream. I’ve tried this variation, and the cookies still come out super moist and delicious, with a subtle tropical twist from the coconut.
Cherry Boost: For a fruitier punch, add finely chopped Maraschino cherries directly to the dough or increase the Maraschino cherry juice to 3 tablespoons. I love this twist when making cookies for a party—it makes the cherry flavor really pop!
Chocolate Variety: Mix in chopped dark chocolate or milk chocolate chunks instead of just semi-sweet chips for a different texture and sweetness level. When I’ve done this, it adds delightful pockets of melty chocolate surprises throughout each cookie.
Seasonal Spice: Add a pinch of cinnamon or a tiny bit of cayenne pepper to the dry ingredients for a cozy, warming note that pairs beautifully with the cherry and chocolate flavors—perfect for chilly months!

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: Prep Your Baking Space

Start by lining your baking sheet with parchment paper. This will make clean-up a breeze and prevent your cookies from sticking. Set the sheet aside—you’ll appreciate having this done before the dough is ready to go!

Step 2: Preheat the Oven to 350°F

Getting your oven fully heated before baking is key to cookies that bake evenly. Set it to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and let it come up to temperature while you mix your ingredients.

Step 3: Whisk Together Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, combine 3 ¼ cups of all-purpose flour, ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder, 1 teaspoon baking soda, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon baking powder. Whisk these together well so the leavening agents and cocoa powder are evenly distributed. This step helps ensure uniform texture and rise in your cookies.

Step 4: Cream Butter and Sugars Until Fluffy

Into a large mixing bowl, add 1 cup softened unsalted butter, 1 cup packed light brown sugar, and ½ cup granulated sugar. Use a mixer on medium speed to beat them together for about 3-4 minutes. You’re looking for a smooth, fluffy texture—that means air has been incorporated, which will give your cookies lightness while still keeping them chewy.

Step 5: Blend in Eggs, Cherry Juice, and Vanilla

Add in 2 large room temperature eggs, 2 tablespoons Maraschino cherry juice, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Beat on medium speed until everything is fully combined and the batter looks glossy. The cherry juice adds a subtle fruitiness that laces beautifully through the deep chocolate flavor.

Step 6: Incorporate Dry Mix Into Wet Ingredients

Add the flour mixture to your wet ingredients in three parts. Mix well but don’t overwork the dough—just enough to combine everything into a smooth, cohesive dough. This helps keep your cookies tender and soft.

Step 7: Shape Your Cookie Dough

Use a cookie scoop to portion out golf ball-sized amounts of dough. Roll each into a smooth ball using your hands, then place them 2-3 inches apart on your prepared baking sheet. This spacing allows the cookies to spread gently without merging together.

Step 8: Make an Indentation for the Ganache

Press your thumb gently into the center of each cookie ball, creating a slight well. This will hold the luscious ganache perfectly after baking, so the topping doesn’t slide off.

Step 9: Bake to Perfection

Bake the cookies for 11 minutes at 350°F. You want them to spread just a little and feel slightly firm to the touch. Be careful not to overbake—these cookies are best soft and chewy!

Step 10: Cool Before Filling

Remove your cookies from the oven and let them cool on the sheet for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents the ganache from melting too much when you fill the centers.

Step 11: Make the Chocolate Ganache

Place ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips in a small bowl. Heat ¼ cup heavy whipping cream in the microwave for about 20 seconds until it’s hot but not boiling. Pour the cream over the chocolate chips and let it rest for 1 minute. Then stir vigorously until the ganache is smooth and shiny. This glossy ganache will fill each cookie's indentation with silky goodness.

Step 12: Fill Each Cookie and Top with a Cherry

Spoon about ½ teaspoon of ganache into the indentation on each cookie. Spread it evenly to fill the well. Gently press one Maraschino cherry (without stem) into the ganache center of each cookie. This adds a juicy cherry burst to every bite!

Step 13: Drizzle With Melted Chocolate for a Pretty Finish

In a small dish, combine the remaining ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips with 1 tablespoon shortening or coconut oil. Heat in 30-second intervals in the microwave, stirring between each, until the mixture is fully melted and silky smooth. Transfer the melted chocolate to a small zip-top baggie, seal, and cut a tiny corner tip to drizzle over each cookie. Let the drizzle set before storing your cookies in an airtight container.

Step 14: Store, Serve, and Enjoy!

Store these beauties in a single layer in an airtight container at room temperature, ideally within 3 days for the best freshness. These Chocolate Cherry Cookies with Ganache tastes divine with a glass of cold milk or a cozy cup of coffee. And don’t forget—please leave a rating and comment to share your results and help others discover this recipe!

Top Tip

Making the perfect Chocolate Cherry Cookies with Ganache Recipe is all about balancing rich chocolate flavors with that vibrant cherry pop. These tips will help you get soft, chewy cookies loaded with luscious ganache every time!

Room Temperature Ingredients: Using room temperature butter and eggs ensures everything blends smoothly, giving you a tender dough that bakes evenly.
Don’t Overbake: I learned that even a minute or two too long in the oven makes a big difference—cookies should be just firm to the touch but still soft inside.
Indentations for Ganache: Press your thumb gently but firmly to create a perfect little well that holds the ganache and cherry without spilling during baking.
Melt Chocolate Slowly: Melting chocolate in short bursts with stirring prevents it from burning and keeps your drizzle beautifully shiny.

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 extra festive touch, sprinkle a tiny pinch of coarse sea salt over the chocolate drizzle right after drizzling. You can also add a few edible gold flakes or a dusting of cocoa powder for elegance. Fresh mint leaves on the side offer a lovely color contrast when presenting these cookies.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair wonderfully with a glass of cold milk or your favorite coffee or espresso drink. For a special dessert plate, serve alongside fresh whipped cream or a scoop of cherry or vanilla ice cream. A bowl of mixed fresh berries also complements the fudgy richness and fruity cherry notes perfectly.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once your Chocolate Cherry Cookies with Ganache are completely cooled and the chocolate drizzle has set, store them in a single layer inside an airtight container at room temperature. They stay fresh and soft for up to 3 days — perfect for a short indulgence or sharing with friends.

Freezing

For longer storage, you can freeze the cookie dough balls before baking for up to 1 month. Simply thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed. Unfortunately, fully baked cookies with ganache and drizzle don’t freeze as well because the ganache texture can change.

Reheating

If you want to enjoy your cookies warm, pop one or two in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. This softens the ganache and chocolate drizzle to a melty, gooey delight — just be careful not to overheat or the chocolate can get grainy.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use fresh cherries instead of Maraschino cherries?

Fresh cherries can be used, but Maraschino cherries bring that signature sweet flavor and vibrant color which pairs perfectly with the chocolate ganache. If using fresh, remove pits and consider chopping finely to mix into the dough and topping the cookies after baking.

What if I don’t have shortening for the chocolate drizzle?

You can substitute shortening with coconut oil or even a small amount of butter. These fats help the chocolate set with a smooth shine and keep the drizzle from hardening too brittlely.

How do I get soft and chewy cookies instead of crunchy ones?

The key is not to overbake — aim for about 11 minutes at 350°F until cookies are just firm on the edges but still soft in the center. Also, using brown sugar and room temperature butter helps keep them moist and tender.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! Use a vegan butter alternative instead of unsalted butter and substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream to make the ganache. This way, you still get rich chocolate flavor with a dairy-free twist.

Final Thoughts

These Chocolate Cherry Cookies with Ganache Recipe have quickly become one of my favorite go-to treats for a reason—each bite delivers the perfect mix of gooey chocolate, cherry brightness, and rich ganache indulgence. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just because, I hope this recipe brings a smile and a sweet moment to your day. Happy baking and enjoy every luscious bite!