Chocolate Covered Cherry Cookies

If there were ever a cookie that screams “fancy but secretly easy”, this is it. Picture this: a soft, fudgy chocolate cookie base, topped with a juicy maraschino cherry, all smothered in glossy, rich chocolate. It’s like a bite-sized Black Forest cake, only way easier to make and dangerously addictive.

These Chocolate Covered Cherry Cookies are the kind of treat that makes people’s eyes light up. They’ve got that bakery-worthy look, with shiny chocolate frosting cascading over the cherry in the center. But here’s the best part—they’re surprisingly simple to whip up. One bowl, a handful of pantry staples, and boom—you’ve got yourself a cookie that’s equal parts nostalgic and decadent.

Trust me, you’re going to love how these little gems taste and how they look sitting pretty on a dessert platter.

Recipe Origin

Chocolate and cherries are a classic pairing, often seen in European desserts like Black Forest cake. But this cookie version feels a bit like Americana at its best—practical, fun, and perfect for holidays, bake sales, or cozy nights in. It’s the kind of recipe that feels like it could have come straight from Grandma’s recipe box, yet looks right at home in a glossy food magazine.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

Mixing Bowls

For whisking dry ingredients and creaming butter with sugar.

Electric Mixer

Helps make your dough smooth and fluffy.

Baking Sheet

Lined with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Measuring Cups and Spoons

Because precision makes the magic happen in baking.

Small Saucepan

For melting chocolate chips with condensed milk into that silky topping.

Spoon or Small Spatula

To drizzle or spread chocolate topping over the cherries.

Print

Why You’ll Love Chocolate Covered Cherry Cookies

• Showstoppers: They look impressive with minimal effort—perfect for gifting or entertaining.
• Rich Flavor: Deep cocoa cookies balance beautifully with the sweet cherries and glossy chocolate topping.
• Kid-Friendly Fun: Little hands will love placing cherries into the cookie centers.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: They store beautifully and taste even better the next day.
• Unique but Familiar: A playful twist on classic chocolate cookies that always sparks compliments.

Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results

• Reserve Cherry Juice: Adding a splash to the topping deepens the cherry flavor.
• Drain Well: Make sure cherries are patted dry before placing on cookies to avoid sogginess.
• Don’t Overbake: The cookies should be soft and fudgy, not dry.
• Glossy Topping: Stir continuously when melting chocolate chips and condensed milk for a smooth finish.
• Presentation Hack: Garnish with a drizzle of white chocolate or a sprinkle of sea salt for bakery vibes.

Ingredients in Chocolate Covered Cherry Cookies

(Note: the full ingredient list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Cookie Base

All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure for these soft, chewy cookies.
Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: Gives a rich, fudgy depth. Dutch-processed cocoa makes them extra chocolatey.
Baking Powder & Baking Soda: Lightens the texture and ensures a nice rise.
Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances chocolate flavor.
Unsalted Butter: Softened butter creates a tender, melt-in-your-mouth cookie.
Sugar: Sweetens and adds a slight crispness to the edges.
Egg: Binds the dough and keeps it chewy.
Vanilla Extract: Adds warmth and depth.

Chocolate & Cherry Topping

Milk Chocolate Chips: Melt into a luscious topping that covers the cherry beautifully.
Sweetened Condensed Milk: Adds richness and a silky texture to the chocolate topping.
Maraschino Cherries: Juicy, vibrant red gems that make each cookie look stunning. Don’t forget to reserve a splash of the juice for extra flavor in the topping!

Instructions

Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add egg and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth.

Combine the Dough

Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet, mixing until a soft, fudgy dough forms.

Shape the Cookies

Scoop dough and roll into balls. Place on a prepared baking sheet, then gently press your thumb into the center of each to create a small indentation.

Add the Cherries

Drain cherries well and pat dry. Place one cherry into the center of each cookie.

Make the Topping

In a small saucepan, melt chocolate chips with sweetened condensed milk, stirring constantly until smooth. Add reserved cherry juice for a flavor boost.

Top the Cookies

Spoon chocolate mixture over each cherry, letting it cascade slightly down the sides of the cookie.

Bake to Perfection

Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until cookies are just set.

Cool and Enjoy

Let cookies cool completely before serving so the topping sets into a glossy, irresistible shell.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: About 24 cookies
Calories per serving: ~160
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

How to Serve Chocolate Covered Cherry Cookies

• On a Holiday Platter: Their festive red centers make them perfect for Christmas or Valentine’s Day.
• With Coffee or Espresso: The rich chocolate pairs beautifully with a bold, hot drink.
• As a Gift: Package in a clear box with a ribbon—they look straight from a bakery.
• For Dessert Tables: A guaranteed crowd-pleaser at potlucks or family gatherings.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

• Storage: Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• Refrigerate: If it’s warm out, store in the fridge to keep the topping firm.
• Freeze: Freeze baked cookies for up to 2 months; thaw overnight before serving.
• Make-Ahead: Dough can be made 1 day in advance and chilled until baking.

Variations to Try

• Dark Chocolate Version: Swap milk chocolate chips for dark chocolate for a more intense flavor.
• Nutty Twist: Sprinkle chopped almonds or pecans over the topping.
• Cherry Cordial Cookies: Add a splash of cherry liqueur to the topping for an adult twist.
• White Chocolate Drizzle: Add extra flair with a zigzag of melted white chocolate.

Additional Tips

• Pat cherries extra dry with paper towels to avoid moisture.
• Use a small cookie scoop for evenly sized cookies.
• Chill dough for 15 minutes if it’s sticky before shaping.
• Press cherries firmly into the cookie so they stay centered while baking.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use dark or semi-sweet chocolate instead of milk chocolate?
A1: Definitely! It will make the topping richer and less sweet.

Q2: Do I need to refrigerate these cookies?
A2: Not unless it’s very warm—room temperature storage is usually fine.

Q3: Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino?
A3: Fresh cherries won’t have the same syrupy sweetness or vibrant look, but you can try if pitted and halved.

Q4: Can I freeze the dough?
A4: Yes! Freeze cookie dough balls for up to 2 months, then bake straight from frozen.

Q5: How do I keep the topping glossy?
A5: Don’t overheat the chocolate; stir gently until smooth.

Q6: Can I double the recipe?
A6: Absolutely—this is a perfect recipe to make in big batches.

Q7: Can I make them smaller, bite-sized?
A7: Yes, just use mini cherries or cut larger ones in half.

Q8: Can I make them gluten-free?
A8: Substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

Q9: Can I add extra flavor to the dough?
A9: A teaspoon of espresso powder enhances the chocolate flavor beautifully.

Q10: Do they travel well?
A10: Yes—just let the topping set fully before packing. They’re sturdy enough for cookie boxes or platters.

Conclusion

These Chocolate Covered Cherry Cookies are as beautiful as they are delicious. With their fudgy cocoa base, juicy cherry centers, and silky chocolate topping, they’re a bite-sized indulgence that feels both nostalgic and elegant. Perfect for holidays, special occasions, or simply spoiling yourself on a weekday, they’re the kind of cookie everyone will ask you for the recipe to.

So go ahead—whip up a batch, pour yourself some coffee, and enjoy the magic of chocolate and cherries together in every single bite.

Watch how to bake chocolate-covered cherry cookies—the perfect sweet bite: