Cherry Chocolate Cookies
Chewy cherry-filled cookies with rich chocolate and cocoa flavors, perfect for chocolate lovers and those who enjoy a sweet cherry surprise in every bite.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, stir together flour, cocoa, salt, baking powder, and baking soda. Set aside.
- In a mixer bowl, beat together margarine and sugar on low speed until fluffy.
- Add egg and vanilla; beat well.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the creamed mixture and beat until blended.
- Shape dough into 1-inch balls and place on an ungreased cookie sheet.
- Press down the center of each dough ball with your thumb.
- Drain the maraschino cherries, reserving the juice.
- Place a cherry in the center of each cookie.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer chocolate flavor, consider adding an extra tablespoon of cocoa powder. If you don't have margarine, unsalted butter works well as a substitute. Ensure the cherries are well-drained to avoid excess moisture in the dough. If you prefer a chewier texture, slightly underbake the cookies and let them cool on the sheet.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these Cherry Chocolate Cookies with a glass of cold milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert experience. They also pair beautifully with coffee or hot chocolate. For an elegant touch, sprinkle some powdered sugar on top before serving, or enjoy them alongside Father'S Favorite Fudge for a sweet platter.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. To reheat, place cookies in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes to restore their freshness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cherry Chocolate Cookies contains roughly 1072 calories, with 11g protein, 110g carbohydrates, and 68g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (31% of the Daily Value) and protein (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% 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 fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries?
Yes, you can use fresh cherries, but make sure to pit and chop them before adding to the cookies. Fresh cherries will give a different flavor and texture, but they may release more moisture, so consider reducing the sweetened condensed milk slightly.
What can I substitute for semi-sweet chocolate pieces?
If you don't have semi-sweet chocolate pieces, you can use dark chocolate or milk chocolate as alternatives. You can also use chocolate chips if that's what you have on hand. Just keep in mind that different types of chocolate will affect the overall sweetness of the cookies.
How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
The cookies are done when the edges look set and the centers appear slightly soft. They will continue to firm up as they cool. Avoid overbaking to ensure a chewy texture, which is especially important for these Cherry Chocolate Cookies.
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).