Cherry Chocolate Cookies

Cherry Chocolate Cookies Recipe | Easy Homemade Cookies

Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 10 minutes | Servings: 18 cookies

Introduction

Cherry Chocolate Cookies are a delightful treat that combines the rich flavors of chocolate with the sweet and tangy taste of cherries. These cookies are perfect for any occasion, whether you are hosting a party or simply craving a sweet snack.

History

The origins of Cherry Chocolate Cookies are not entirely clear, but it is believed that they have been enjoyed for many years by those who appreciate the combination of chocolate and cherries in a delicious cookie form.

Ingredients

0.67 cup butter or margarine, softened
0.75 cup sugar
1 egg
1.5 tsp vanilla extract
1.67 cup all-purpose flour
0.33 cup Hershey's cocoa
0.25 tsp baking powder
0.25 tsp baking soda
0.13 tsp salt
18 maraschino cherries, well-drained and halved

Chocolate glaze

2 tbsp sugar
2 tbsp water
0.5 cup Hershey's semi-sweet chocolate chips

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C).
In a large bowl, beat together the butter, sugar, egg, and vanilla until fluffy.
In a separate bowl, stir together the flour, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Add this mixture to the butter mixture; the dough will be stiff.
Shape the dough into 1-inch balls and place them about 1 inch apart on an ungreased cookie sheet.
Press a cherry half into the center of each ball.
Bake for 8 to 10 minutes or until the cookies are almost set.
Remove the cookies from the cookie sheet and transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prepare the chocolate glaze.
Frost each cookie, leaving the top of the cherry showing.

Pecan chocolate cookies

Prepare the cookies as directed, omitting the cherries.
Bake and glaze the cookies as directed.
Top each cookie with a pecan half.

Chocolate glaze

In a small saucepan, combine the sugar and water.
Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture boils and the sugar is dissolved.
Remove the saucepan from heat and immediately add Hershey's semi-sweet chocolate chips. Stir until melted.
Allow the glaze to cool until it reaches a spreading consistency.

Variations

For a nutty twist, try adding chopped pecans to the cookie dough before baking.
You can also experiment with different types of chocolate chips, such as white chocolate or dark chocolate, for a unique flavor profile.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to drain the maraschino cherries well before halving them and placing them on the cookie dough.

- Be careful not to overbake the cookies, as they can become dry and lose their soft texture.

- Allow the chocolate glaze to cool slightly before frosting the cookies to ensure a smooth and even finish.

Serving Suggestions

Cherry Chocolate Cookies are best enjoyed with a glass of cold milk or a cup of hot tea.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making perfect Cherry Chocolate Cookies is to cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, and to not overmix the dough once the dry ingredients are added.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have margarine on hand, you can substitute it with an equal amount of butter. You can also use almond extract instead of vanilla for a different flavor profile.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the cookie dough in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. You can also freeze the baked cookies for up to 3 months.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the Cherry Chocolate Cookies on a decorative platter and garnish with additional maraschino cherries for a festive touch.

Pairing Recommendations

Cherry Chocolate Cookies pair well with a variety of beverages, such as coffee, hot chocolate, or a glass of red wine.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store the Cherry Chocolate Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. To reheat, place the cookies in a preheated oven at 350°F (177°C) for 5 minutes.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Cherry Chocolate Cookies contains approximately 150 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Cherry Chocolate Cookies contains approximately 20 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Cherry Chocolate Cookies contains approximately 8 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Cherry Chocolate Cookies contains approximately 2 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Cherry Chocolate Cookies are not a significant source of vitamins and minerals.

Alergens

Cherry Chocolate Cookies contain wheat, eggs, and dairy. They may also contain traces of nuts.

Summary

Cherry Chocolate Cookies are a delicious treat that is relatively low in calories but should be enjoyed in moderation due to their sugar and fat content.

Summary

Cherry Chocolate Cookies are a delicious and indulgent treat that is perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth. With a rich chocolate flavor and a burst of cherry in every bite, these cookies are sure to be a hit with family and friends. Enjoy them as a snack or dessert, and savor the delightful combination of flavors in every bite.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the sense of wonder I felt when I first saw this recipe for Cherry Chocolate Cookies. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Margaret, who was known for her delicious baked goods. As soon as I stepped into her kitchen, I was greeted by the intoxicating aroma of freshly baked cookies.

Margaret was bustling around the kitchen, her apron stained with flour and her cheeks flushed with excitement. She handed me a cookie, warm and gooey with melted chocolate and plump cherries. With the first bite, I was hooked. The combination of sweet cherries and rich chocolate was simply divine.

I begged Margaret for the recipe, but she just smiled mysteriously and told me that it was a family secret. However, she did offer to teach me how to make them, so I eagerly accepted her offer.

We spent the entire afternoon baking together, measuring out ingredients, mixing the dough, and shaping the cookies. Margaret shared with me the story behind the recipe – how it had been passed down through generations of her family, each baker adding their own twist to make it their own.

As we pulled the cookies out of the oven, the kitchen filled with the heavenly scent of chocolate and cherries. Margaret placed a warm cookie in my hand, and I savored every bite, knowing that I had just learned a recipe that would become a cherished part of my own culinary repertoire.

Over the years, I have made these Cherry Chocolate Cookies countless times, each batch bringing back memories of that magical day in Margaret's kitchen. I have shared the recipe with friends and family, and it has become a staple at holiday gatherings and special occasions.

I have tweaked the recipe over the years, adding a sprinkle of sea salt for a touch of savory contrast, or swapping out the cherries for dried cranberries for a festive twist. But no matter how I modify it, the essence of the original recipe – the love and tradition that went into creating it – always shines through.

Every time I bake these cookies, I am reminded of the power of food to bring people together, to create memories, and to nourish not just the body, but the soul. And I am grateful to Margaret for passing on this recipe to me, for allowing me to be a part of her family's culinary legacy.

So as I sit here, surrounded by the intoxicating aroma of freshly baked Cherry Chocolate Cookies, I am filled with gratitude for the simple joys of baking, for the enduring bonds of friendship, and for the gift of passing down recipes from one generation to the next. And I know that as long as I have this recipe in my heart, Margaret will always be with me, guiding my hands and filling my kitchen with love.