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Chocolate cherry blossom cookies combine rich, fudgy chocolate cookie dough with bright maraschino cherries to create irresistible treats that are as beautiful as they are delicious. These eye-catching cookies feature deep cocoa flavor studded with melty chocolate chips and crowned with vibrant red cherries.
I discovered this recipe when planning holiday cookie trays, searching for something different. The first time I brought these to an exchange, they disappeared immediately! The cherry sinking into the cookie creates a beautiful 'blossom' effect while infusing the chocolate with subtle fruity flavor.
Essential Ingredients
Cocoa powder: Creates rich chocolate base. Butter: Provides moisture and structure. Brown sugar: Adds depth and moisture. Chocolate chips: Melty pockets of goodness. Maraschino cherries: Vibrant visual and flavor contrast. Vanilla extract: Enhances all flavors. All-purpose flour: Creates perfect cookie structure.
The quality of cocoa powder makes an enormous difference - Dutch-processed creates deeper color while natural cocoa provides more intense chocolate flavor. Either works beautifully.
Baking Method
- Dough Preparation:
- Whisk dry ingredients. Cream butter and sugars until fluffy. Add egg and vanilla. Gradually mix in dry ingredients. Fold in chocolate chips.
- Shaping Technique:
- Roll dough into balls. Press well-drained, dried cherries into centers. Space 2 inches apart on parchment-lined sheets.
- Baking Process:
- Bake at 350°F for 10-12 minutes until edges set but centers still soft. Rotate pans halfway for even baking.
- Cooling:
- Cool on sheets 5 minutes, then transfer to racks to cool completely for best texture.
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My grandmother taught me to cream butter and sugar until truly fluffy - about 3-4 minutes - to create the perfect chewy texture. This step creates tiny air pockets that make all the difference.
Serving Suggestions
Display on white platters to showcase colors. Pair with milk, coffee, or port wine. Feature as centerpiece on cookie platters surrounded by simpler cookies.
Creative Variations
Add almond extract for marzipan notes. Include cinnamon and cayenne for spiced version. Use white chocolate chips with orange zest. Drizzle with melted white chocolate for elegance.
Storage Success
Store airtight at room temperature up to 1 week with parchment between layers. Freeze baked cookies up to 3 months. Dough balls freeze well - bake frozen adding 2-3 minutes.
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The magic lies in their perfect combination of visual appeal and balanced flavors. The bright cherry provides color contrast and sweet-tart flavor that cuts through rich chocolate, making them irresistible for any occasion.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use fresh cherries instead?
- Yes, but pat them very dry and chop finely to prevent excess moisture in dough.
- → How long do these cookies keep?
- Store in airtight container for up to 1 week, or freeze for 2 months.
- → Can I skip the chilling time?
- Not recommended - chilling prevents spreading and develops flavor.
- → What chocolate works best for drizzling?
- Semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips melt smoothly for drizzling.
- → Can I make these gluten-free?
- Yes, use 1:1 gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose.