Description
These Chocolate Cherry Thumbprint Cookies feature a rich cocoa cookie base coated in smooth chocolate and filled with sweet cherry pie filling. They’re an elegant holiday cookie that’s easy to make and perfect for cookie trays, gifting, or special occasions.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/4 cups (160g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup (40g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- For the Chocolate Coating:
- 8 oz (225g) semi-sweet or dark chocolate, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon coconut oil or vegetable shortening
- For the Cherry Filling:
- 1 cup cherry pie filling or about 20 maraschino cherries, drained
Instructions
- Cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
- Mix in the egg yolk and vanilla extract until fully combined.
- Whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until a soft dough forms. Chill for 15 minutes if needed.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them 2 inches apart. Press an indentation into the center of each cookie.
- Bake for 8–10 minutes until the edges are set. Cool for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
- Melt the chocolate with the coconut oil in 20-second microwave intervals, stirring until smooth.
- Dip each cooled cookie into the melted chocolate or spoon chocolate over the top. Let the coating set.
- Fill each thumbprint with cherry pie filling or one maraschino cherry.
Notes
- Chill the dough if it becomes too soft to shape.
- Re-press the thumbprint immediately after baking if the centers puff up.
- Tempered chocolate creates a firmer, shinier coating.
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days at room temperature or up to 1 week refrigerated.
- Raspberry or strawberry preserves can be substituted for the cherry filling.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Cookies
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: American