If you love the irresistible combo of rich chocolate and sweet cherries, these Chocolate Cherry Cookies will become your new favorite treat! Soft, fudgy cookies topped with a smooth chocolate drizzle and a maraschino cherry—pure bliss in every bite! 

For those of you who don't know me personally, I love Christmas! I love the ambiance, the traditions that I have with my kids and the weekends we spend in the kitchen baking Christmas Goodies to take to our friends and family who supported us throughout the year! This Chocolate Cherry Cookie recipe is a new tradition as it's one of my bonus daughters favorite recipes to make and eat!

more fun Christmas recipes to try

• Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cake Dip - if you're a fan of the Christmas Tree Cakes, you're going to love another easy dessert dip recipe!
• Homemade Butter Mints – an old fashioned candy recipe that’s pillowy soft and minty!
• Chocolate Covered Strawberry Christmas Trees - Grab the kiddos and let them create their very own!
• Hot Chocolate Cookies – a fun cookie recipe for the entire family to enjoy.
• M&M Christmas Cookies – a quick and easy cookie recipe perfect for cookie exchanges.
• Grinch Oreo Balls - Oreo truffles, but with added fun of bright green melted candy melts and a candy red heart!
• Festive Christmas Poke Cake Recipe - a quick and easy cake recipe that is fun to make!
• Chocolate Peppermint Fudge Recipe - just a few simple ingredients and a few hours in the refrigerator to firm up is all you need for this easy fudge recipe!

Can I use a different type of cocoa powder?

Yes! You can use Dutch-processed cocoa powder instead of regular unsweetened cocoa powder, though it will slightly change the flavor profile (it tends to be smoother and less acidic).

Can I substitute margarine for butter?

Yes, margarine can be substituted for butter, but the texture and flavor may differ slightly. Butter tends to give cookies a richer taste and better texture.

Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries?

Maraschino cherries are ideal because they have a sweet, preserved flavor that pairs well with the cookies. Fresh cherries won’t give the same texture or moisture, and you’ll need to remove the pits and chop them finely. Using fresh cherries may also affect the cookie dough’s consistency, so you may need to adjust the dry ingredients.

Do I need to use sweetened condensed milk for the drizzle?

Sweetened condensed milk is essential for the creamy, smooth drizzle, but you can try substituting it with heavy cream for a different consistency, although it will be less sweet.

Can I use dark chocolate chips instead of semisweet?

Yes, dark chocolate chips will give a more intense chocolate flavor. If you like your cookies a bit less sweet, this is a great swap!

---

About Cookie Texture and Baking:

Why do my cookies not spread when baking?

Chocolate cherry cookies don’t spread much because of the cocoa powder and dense dough. Pressing them flat before baking helps them bake evenly. If you prefer a thinner cookie, you can slightly flatten the dough balls more before baking.

How can I make my cookies chewier or softer?

To make your cookies chewier, you can increase the butter or add an extra egg yolk, which helps create a softer, more moist texture. Be sure not to overbake, as this can lead to dry cookies.

What should I do if my dough feels too dry?

If your dough is too dry, you can add a teaspoon of milk at a time until the dough reaches a better consistency. You might also want to double-check your measurements, especially with flour, as too much can result in a crumbly dough.

How do I know when the cookies are done baking?

The cookies are done when the centers are set, but they may still look a little soft. They’ll firm up as they cool. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out mostly clean but with a few moist crumbs.

---

About the Drizzle and Topping:

Can I skip the chocolate drizzle?

While the drizzle adds extra flavor and makes the cookies look beautiful, you can skip it if you prefer a simpler cookie. However, the drizzle enhances the cherry and chocolate combination, so it’s worth considering!

Can I use a different type of topping besides maraschino cherries?

You can top the cookies with chocolate-covered cherries, dried cherries, or even fresh raspberries if you want a fresh fruit twist. Just note that fresh fruit might affect the cookie’s texture.

---

Storage and Serving:

How should I store these cookies?

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5-7 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze the cookies for up to 3 months. Let the drizzle set completely before storing to avoid smudging.

 

Can I freeze the cookie dough?

Yes, you can freeze the cookie dough! Roll the dough into balls and freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a sealed bag or container. When you're ready to bake, just bake them straight from the freezer—no need to thaw!

---

Customizing the Recipe:

Can I add nuts or other mix-ins to the dough?

Absolutely! Chopped walnuts, almonds, chopped cherries or even dark chocolate chunks would pair well with the chocolate and cherry flavors. Just be sure to fold them in gently so the dough doesn’t get overmixed.

How can I make these cookies more festive?

For a festive touch, you can add red and green sprinkles, drizzle with white chocolate instead of regular chocolate, or use heart-shaped maraschino cherries for holidays like Valentine’s Day!

Ingredients:

• For the Cookies:

  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1/2 cup butter or margarine, softened
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 48 undrained maraschino cherries (reserve 4 teaspoons cherry juice)
  • 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips

• For the Chocolate Drizzle:

  • 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk

---

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour and cocoa powder. Set aside for later.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter on medium speed until smooth. Add in the sugar, baking soda, baking powder, and salt, and continue to beat until everything is well mixed and fluffy.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture, scraping down the sides of the bowl to make sure it’s all combined. Gradually beat in the flour and cocoa mixture until fully incorporated.

Step 4: Shape the Cookies
Shape the dough into 1-inch balls and arrange them about 2 inches apart on an ungreased baking sheet. Press each dough ball flat with the palm of your hand or a spatula (these cookies won’t spread much while baking).

Step 5: Bake
Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes, or until the centers are set. Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 6: Prepare the Chocolate Drizzle
In a small saucepan, combine the chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk. Heat over low heat, stirring constantly until the chocolate is fully melted and smooth. Stir in the reserved 4 teaspoons of cherry juice to enhance the cherry flavor. If the drizzle is too thick, you can thin it out with a bit more cherry juice.

Step 7: Frost the Cookies
Once the cookies have cooled, spoon about 1 teaspoon of the chocolate drizzle over the center of each cookie, spreading it out to cover the top.

For the finishing touch, place a maraschino cherry on top of each cookie.

Step 8: Enjoy!
Let the cookies cool completely, allowing the chocolate drizzle to set. Then, dive into these decadent treats and savor the chocolate-cherry goodness! 😋🍒

---

Storage Tips:
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh. These cookies stay soft and delicious for several days!

---

Perfect for:

• Holiday cookie exchanges 🎄
• A sweet treat for your afternoon coffee ☕
• A special gift for the chocolate lovers in your life 🎁

Enjoy the blissful blend of chocolate and cherries in every bite! 🍫🍒