Buried Cherry Cookies
Buried Cherry Cookies feature rich cocoa dough with a surprise cherry center, perfect for chocolate lovers and those craving a sweet, fruity treat.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Beat butter until soft, about 30 seconds.
- Add sugar and beat until fluffy.
- Add egg and vanilla, and beat well.
- Combine flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture.
- Shape the dough into 1-inch balls.
- Place balls 2 inches apart on a cookie sheet.
- Press the center of each ball with your thumb.
- Insert a maraschino cherry into the center of each cookie.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using dark chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet. If you prefer a less sweet cookie, reduce the sugar by 1/4 cup. Ensure the cherries are well-drained to prevent excess moisture in the dough. If you don't have maraschino cherries, fresh pitted cherries can work as a substitute, but adjust baking time accordingly.
Serving Suggestions
These Buried Cherry Cookies are delightful on their own, but they pair beautifully with a glass of cold milk or a cup of hot coffee. Consider serving them alongside Sour Cream Coated Pecans for a textured snack platter. They also make a festive dessert for holiday gatherings, providing a sweet contrast to savory dishes.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. To enjoy them warm, reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 5 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Buried Cherry Cookies contains roughly 873 calories, with 21g protein, 157g carbohydrates, and 18g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (64% of the Daily Value), iron (60% of the Daily Value), and protein (43% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1571mg per serving (68% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of cherry?
Yes, you can use fresh pitted cherries as a substitute for maraschino cherries. Just be mindful that fresh cherries may not have the same sweetness and moisture, so adjust the baking time if necessary to ensure they bake through.
How can I make these cookies gluten-free?
To make Buried Cherry Cookies gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure the cocoa powder is also gluten-free. The texture may vary slightly, but they will still be delicious!
What can I do if my dough is too sticky?
If your dough is too sticky to handle, try chilling it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. This will firm up the butter and make it easier to shape into balls. You can also add a bit more flour, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches a workable consistency.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).