Chocolate Cherry Thumbprint Cookies
So yesterday, as I was balancing my day between work and the kids’ after-school activities, I remembered that sweet surprise from my own childhood - Chocolate Cherry Thumbprint Cookies. These little bites of joy have always been a family favorite, and I had a sudden urge to bake a fresh batch. These cookies combine a decadent chocolate base with sweet cherry filling that's both nostalgic and indulgent.
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On busy weeknights, these cookies make for the perfect sweet treat. They’re quick to assemble and a joy to share around the dinner table. If you love playing around with flavors while keeping things simple, this recipe is worth a try! And if you’re looking for more baking inspiration, check out my Gluten-Free Lemon Crinkle Cookies.
Why you’ll love this recipe
- Quick and easy to make: These cookies are ready in just about 24 minutes!
- Chocolate delight: The cocoa-rich dough paired with cherries is an instant hit.
- Kid-approved: Alex and Sarah give these cookies two thumbs up every time.
- No mess: They’re easy to make without creating a pile of dishes.
- Adaptable: Have fun experimenting with different fillings!
Ingredients
- 1 ½ C. Flour
- ½ tsp. Baking Soda
- ½ tsp. Baking Powder
- ¼ tsp. Salt
- ½ C. Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
- ½ C. Butter
- ½ C. Sugar
- ½ C. Brown Sugar
- 1 Egg
- 1 tsp. Vanilla
- 1 Can of Cherry Pie Filling
- 1 C. Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips
- 2 tbsp. Butter
- 2 tbsp. Lite Corn Syrup
- 3 tbsp. Milk
Step-by-step instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cocoa powder.
- In a separate large bowl, cream together butter, sugar, brown sugar, egg, and vanilla.
- Slowly beat in the flour mixture until combined.
- Scoop a rounded tablespoon of cookie dough and roll into a ball.
- Place the ball on a cookie sheet lined with wax paper.
- Press down on the center of the cookie dough ball using your thumb, then press down again crossing over the original thumbprint to create an x-shape.
- Spoon around 3 cherries onto the middle of each cookie.
- Bake at 350 degrees for around 9-10 minutes.
- For the Glaze: Add chocolate chips, 2 tbsp. of butter, and corn syrup to a small bowl. Microwave on 50% power, stirring frequently until melted.
- Once melted, stir in 3 tbsp. of milk until smooth, then drizzle glaze over the tops of cooled cookies.
- Allow glaze to cool completely before storing in an airtight container.
Recipe tips & variations
- Preventing spread: Chilling the dough for 15 minutes before baking can help maintain their shape.
- Cherry options: You can absolutely use homemade cherry filling if canned isn't your style.
- Whoops moments: If your cookies spread too much, try using less butter next time.
- Mix things up by trying raspberry filling or add a nutty finish by topping with chopped almonds.
Storage & reheating
Keep these cookies soft by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you love them warm, a quick 10-second zap in the microwave does wonders. These cookies aren't just tasty right out of the oven; the flavors meld and deepen over a few days.
FAQs
How do you keep thumbprint cookies from spreading while baking?
Chill the dough before baking, or ensure your oven is at the correct temperature before putting them in.
Can you use homemade cherry filling instead of canned cherry pie filling?
Definitely! Homemade cherry filling can add a unique touch to these cookies and works wonderfully.
How do you make the chocolate glaze for Chocolate Cherry Thumbprint Cookies?
Simply melt chocolate chips with butter and corn syrup, then stir in milk until smooth. Easy and delicious!
How should these thumbprint cookies be stored to keep them soft and fresh?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature. For extra freshness, place a slice of bread in the container to maintain moisture.
Recipes you may like
- Creamy Mango-Banana Smoothie for a Fresh Morning Boost
- Pineapple Green Smoothie
- Gluten-Free Lemon Crinkle Cookies
Time to enjoy these Chocolate Cherry Thumbprint Cookies with your loved ones! Give these a try and tell me how your family likes them. Until next time, happy baking! - Anna
Print
Chocolate Cherry Thumbprint Cookies
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Description
Delicious Chocolate Cherry Thumbprint Cookies that combine a decadent chocolate base with sweet cherry filling.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ C. Flour
- ½ tsp. Baking Soda
- ½ tsp. Baking Powder
- ¼ tsp. Salt
- ½ C. Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
- ½ C. Butter
- ½ C. Sugar
- ½ C. Brown Sugar
- 1 Egg
- 1 tsp. Vanilla
- 1 Can of Cherry Pie Filling
- 1 C. Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips
- 2 tbsp. Butter
- 2 tbsp. Lite Corn Syrup
- 3 tbsp. Milk
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cocoa powder.
- In a separate large bowl, cream together butter, sugar, brown sugar, egg, and vanilla.
- Slowly beat in the flour mixture until combined.
- Scoop a rounded tablespoon of cookie dough and roll into a ball.
- Place the ball on a cookie sheet lined with wax paper.
- Press down on the center of the cookie dough ball using your thumb, then press down again crossing over the original thumbprint to create an x-shape.
- Spoon around 3 cherries onto the middle of each cookie.
- Bake at 350 degrees for around 9-10 minutes.
- For the Glaze: Add chocolate chips, 2 tbsp. of butter, and corn syrup to a small bowl. Microwave on 50% power, stirring frequently until melted.
- Once melted, stir in 3 tbsp. of milk until smooth, then drizzle glaze over the tops of cooled cookies.
- Allow glaze to cool completely before storing in an airtight container.
Notes
- Preventing spread: Chilling the dough for 15 minutes before baking can help maintain their shape.
- Cherry options: You can absolutely use homemade cherry filling if canned isn't your style.
- Whoops moments: If your cookies spread too much, try using less butter next time.
- Mix things up by trying raspberry filling or add a nutty finish by topping with chopped almonds.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
