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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 offer a rich, decadent bite that beautifully blends deep chocolate flavor with a vibrant, fruity cherry center. These tender, chewy cookies balance softness with a luscious burst of cherry jam, making them perfect for a cozy snack or festive dessert. Simple yet sophisticated, they delight all ages and can be customized to suit various dietary preferences.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend for GF option)
  • 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/3 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1 large egg yolk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Filling

  • Cherry jam, about 1/3 cup (or substitute with raspberry or blueberry jam)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Dough: Cream the unsalted butter with granulated and brown sugars until light and fluffy. Whisk in the egg yolk and vanilla extract until fully combined. In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently until a smooth, cohesive cookie dough forms. Refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
  2. Shape and Fill the Cookies: After chilling, scoop small portions of dough and roll them into uniform balls. Arrange them on a lined baking sheet, then press a shallow well into the center of each cookie using your thumb or the back of a small spoon. Fill each indentation generously but neatly with cherry jam, ensuring the filling stays contained within the dough edges.
  3. Bake to Perfection: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the cookies for 12 to 14 minutes until the edges are set and the bottoms turn lightly browned. Avoid overbaking to maintain soft, chewy centers. Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
  4. Enjoy and Store: Serve once fully cooled to let the jam set slightly for the best texture and flavor. Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or freeze for extended storage.

Notes

  • Chill the dough thoroughly to prevent cookies from spreading and to keep their shape defined.
  • Use room temperature ingredients for smoother dough and better incorporation.
  • Avoid overfilling the jam indentation to prevent sogginess or spillage during baking.
  • Choose high-quality, fresh-tasting cherry preserves for optimal flavor.
  • Perform a test bake with a single cookie to adjust baking time according to your oven.

Nutrition

Keywords: chocolate cherry cookies, thumbprint cookies, chocolate cookies, cherry jam cookies, gluten-free cookies, holiday cookies, easy homemade cookies

Find it online: https://dailydishez.com/chocolate-cherry-thumbprint-cookies-a-rich-decadent-bite-with-a-fruity-twist/