These Chocolate Covered Cherry Cookies are a delightful treat that combines the richness of chocolate with the sweet, juicy surprise of a maraschino cherry at its center. The soft, fudgy cookie dough surrounds each cherry like a cozy blanket, and the melted chocolate drizzle on top adds the perfect finishing touch. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just to satisfy your sweet tooth, these cookies are sure to impress with their irresistible combination of flavors.
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 (10-ounce) jar maraschino cherries, drained (reserve juice)
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet about 2 inches apart. Press your thumb into the center of each ball to create an indentation.
- Place one maraschino cherry in the center of each cookie.
- In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the chocolate chips with the sweetened condensed milk, stirring until smooth. Add 1 tablespoon of the reserved cherry juice and stir to combine.
- Spoon about 1 teaspoon of the chocolate mixture over each cherry, covering it completely.
- Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are set.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Enjoy these decadent and festive cookies with a cold glass of milk!