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A dark grey plate stacked with rich chocolate cherry thumbprint cookies featuring glossy ganache centers and red sprinkles, arranged on a wooden table next to fresh cherries and a steaming white cup of coffee.

Chocolate Cherry Thumbprint Cookies

Hilary PARKER
Get ready to fall in love with these easy, fudgy Chocolate Cherry Thumbprint Cookies! Featuring a soft, brownie-like base and a glossy, decadent dark chocolate cherry ganache filling, they are the perfect addition to your holiday baking list.
Prep Time 45 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 57 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American, Holiday
Servings 24 Cookies
Calories 145 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the Chocolate Cookies:

  • cups 188g all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
  • ½ cup 50g unsweetened Dutch process cocoa powder (for that deep, dark color)
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ cup 113g unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
  • ½ cup 100g light brown sugar, packed
  • ½ cup 100g granulated white sugar
  • 1 large egg at room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Chocolate Cherry Ganache:

  • 4 oz 113g dark chocolate bar, finely chopped
  • cup 80ml heavy cream
  • 3 tablespoons cherry preserves or jam

Optional:

  • Freeze-dried raspberries or red sprinkles for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, Dutch process cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder. Set aside.
  • Cream Butter & Sugars: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, brown sugar, and white sugar on high speed for 2-3 minutes until light and fluffy.
  • Add Wet Ingredients: Add the egg and vanilla extract. Beat on medium speed until smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides as needed.
  • Combine & Chill: With the mixer on low, gradually add the flour mixture until just combined (don't overmix!). Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and **refrigerate for at least 30 minutes**.
  • Shape & Indent: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Scoop 1-tablespoon dough balls and roll them smooth. Space them 2 inches apart. Use your thumb or a rounded teaspoon to press a deep indentation into the center of each ball.
  • Bake: Bake for 10-12 minutes. The edges should be set and tops slightly dry but soft. Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
  • Make Ganache: Place chopped chocolate in a heatproof bowl. Simmer the heavy cream (don't boil!) and pour it over the chocolate. Let sit for 1 minute, then whisk gently until smooth. Stir in the cherry preserves.
  • Fill & Serve: Spoon the ganache into the cooled cookie indentations. Top with sprinkles if desired. Let set for 15 minutes before serving.

Notes

Why Dutch Process? I highly recommend Dutch process cocoa powder because it reduces acidity and gives the cookies that classic "Oreo" dark color and mellower flavor.
Fixing Cracks: If the dough cracks when you press your thumb in, just roll the ball in your warm hands for a few seconds longer to soften the outside, or gently pinch the cracks back together.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze the unfilled cookies for up to a month.

Nutrition

Serving: 1CookieCalories: 145kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 2gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 20mgSodium: 60mgFiber: 1gSugar: 13g
Keyword Chocolate cherry cookies, Chocolate Cherry Thumbprint Cookies, Christmas thumbprint cookies, Easy chocolate cherry thumbprint cookies, Holiday thumbprint cookies
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!