I don’t have to look at the calendar to know it’s November. While most of you may be busy decorating your homes for the holidays and buying and wrapping gifts, I can be found knee deep in flour, sugar and butter. Every year, sometimes beginning as early as October, I knock out dozens, sometimes hundreds of cookies in all shapes and sizes. Whether they’re small bites of bliss like these cherry-topped cookies, fruit filled or one of my all time favs, chocolate walnut biscotti, no cookie is safe from my clutches.
Speaking of chocolate, these decadent chocolate cherry cookies are one of Sarissa’s favorites, and for good reason. Made with cocoa, they offer up a rich, chocolate taste not often found in baking chocolate, and the addition of red cherries and a smooth, lightly sweetened frosting make these perfect to enjoy with an ice cold glass of milk by the fire.
Chocolate Cherry Cookies
Ingredients
- 1 10- ounce jar of maraschino cherries
- 1/2 cup butter softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla
- 1 1/2 cups all purpose flour
- 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate pieces you may substitute bittersweet
- 1/4 cup sweetened condensed milk
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350. Drain cherries, reserving juice.
- In a large mixing bowl beat butter for 30 seconds on medium to high speed. Add sugar, baking soda, baking powder and salt. Beat until combined, scraping side of bowl to make sure butter is well incorporated. Beat in egg, cocoa powder and vanilla until combined. Lower speed and add flour. Beat until mixer starts to slow down (dough is fairly thick) then use a wooden spoon to stir and combine well.
- Shape dough into 1 inch balls, placing them about 2 inches apart on an ungreased cookie sheet. Using the rounded side of a teaspoon measure (or your thumb), make an indentation in the center of each cookie and place your cherries on top.
- For frosting, in a small saucepan over low heat combine chocolate and sweetened condensed milk, stirring constantly until chocolate is melted (about 2 minutes). Stir in 4 teaspoons of the reserved cherry juice (or more if you prefer a thinner frosting). Spoon 1 teaspoon of the frosting over each cherry, covering completely.
- Bake in the preheated oven about 10 minutes or until edges are firm. Cool on cookie sheet for 1 minute then transfer to a wire rack to cool. Makes about 35-42 cookies.
Notes
If you think you'll remember, don't preheat your oven until you're just beginning to shape your cookies. I found that by the time I was finished adding the cherries and frosting, the timing was perfect.
I made two batches, one with red cherries and one with green, but I didn't use any of the green juice. I'm not sure that would impart a great flavor and since I had plenty of the red left over I just went with that.
In other news…
Winter has arrived! Last Friday we took a walk around the lake wearing just lightweight jackets, and just two days later on Sunday we woke up to this…
It’s lovely, but it’s also making me wish we were leaving sooner than planned for down south!
We went to brunch in Connecticut on Sunday, and while we were away our town DPW experienced a devastating fire that destroyed the entire building along with all the snow removal equipment. The loss amounts to over a million dollars, and for a small town of less than 650 people, that’s pretty significant. Hopefully insurance will cover most, if not all, of the loss. No word yet on the cause of the fire.
One of the things on my bucket list has been to learn how to play chess and this past week I started to do just that. Have you ever played? It’s REALLY hard, but I’m hooked! There’s a great website called chess.com where you can learn at your own pace. Very addicting!
Now about addictions…have you ever watched ‘Shameless’ on Netflix? OMG! That show is over the top crazy, but we love it! Neither one of us enjoy shows that are predictable, and this series is nothing if not unpredictable, and William H. Macy was born to play the role of Frank Gallagher!
Now it’s back to the kitchen for me (and I’m thinking next time around I’ll compile all the cookie recipes in one post).
Sharing At
Emily McGriff says
Oh my goodness Doreen, two of my favorite flavors, chocolate and cherries! Your cookies sounds and look delicious. Talking a walk after the snow covered everything, so beautiful. I would love to walk with you there and come back and have those cookies and milk. I have not watched any of the tv series but sounds interesting. I don’t play chess but our son loves it………
Enjoy your winter wonderland………
Marilyn @ Pink Paper Cottage says
HI Doreen.. those chocolate cherry frosted cookies look decadent! I used to make about six different kinds of cookies each Christmas (my mom usually made about 20 different kinds!)….. and I freeze them in tins (taking after my mom again). But now that my kids are away from home, it’s gone down to maybe one kind if I’m lucky! sometimes two. I LOVE Russian teacakes and Spritz with cherries on top. Those are my two all-time favorites. Don’t even know if I’ll make any this year.. am trying to shed a few lbs and may not be home at Christmas anyway. That snow is gorgeous, but I hope it stays there and doesn’t come to Oregon for awhile! xoxoxox
Deb @ Frugal Little Bungalow says
I’ll probably be back to copy this recipe down next time I want to bake ; I know that I can always trust your recipes 🙂
Rita C at Panoply says
Doreen, those cookies sound delicious! Love your recommendation on the ability to freeze also. That weather….ugg!! And so sorry for your little town’s catastrophe (but I had to google DPW, wasn’t familiar with that acronym but now know). Not sure how the fire started, but snow can be a terribly devastating condition, just like wind, rain, and other forces of nature. Last year when we had 23″, I was greatly concerned for our sunroom’s glass roof. Chess sounds like a great way to engage the mind and pass time, esp while still in the north! Have a great weekend.
Marsha says
Doreen, your cookies sound so yummy. Chocolate and cherries…what could be a better combination than this! I do the same….I lock myself into the kitchen for several days and bake tons of cookies, especially those cookies that were once baked by my mom. The tradition continues! And as the snow piles up outside my door, what better way to spend the time, right? I am sorry to hear about your town’s DPW loss in the fire. Some towns are already hard hit. I hope they will recover quickly. I am looking forward to more of your cookie recipes. I wish someone would do a blog hop on just cookies. I am already wanting to try new recipes. Happy Baking! xoxoxo
tammy j says
your cookie confession in this post made me think of my little mother.
she was the original Christmas elf.
she LOVED baking cookies and all kinds of bars and candy. and she also started early.
EVERYBODY would get one of her special assortment plates as a holiday gift.
friends and neighbors… the mailman… the newsboy… doctor’s office… the girls at the bank! LOLOL
talk about spreading the cheer! she was adorable and everybody loved her. Christmas was her favorite time.
that snow is so beautiful. and yet I know you’re not really a cold weather person!
but see… I would take the winter off from projects and just hole up in that gorgeous cabin and read and bake
and LOVE IT! but alas! I know florida and sunny climes are calling your name though. BAM! here she comes!
or should I say… there she goes!!! LOLOL!
your photography just grows more and more beautifully done! XOXO♥
i’m so sorry about the fire. I read your comment at Brenda’s and saw the losses in the fire also. so tragic.
maybe when you’re back… all will be well again in your village. ♥
Kris @ Junk Chic Cottage says
Hi Doreen,
Oh my you got some of the white stuff for sure!!! So pretty. We have not seen that in Illinois yet so I am thankful for that!!! I would be so happy if it snowed for Christmas and then nothing after that!!!! A midwest girl can dream!
Love these cookies. Chocolate covered cherries are my faves so these cookies sound like they would do the trick for me. I too have never met a cookie I did not like! Have a great rest of the weekend.
Hugs,
Kris
Cecilia says
Oo, cookies…snow. The first looks yummy and the second looks beautiful. I know I’d hate it if I lived north but it seldom snows here. Sorry to hear about the fire. Hope insurance will come through! When do y’all head south? Btw, I’ve made your biscotti and it’s the best!
Linda says
Hi Doreen,
Yes the weather turned on us a bit abruptly! We too were in short sleeves one day and winter jackets the next. Our snow did not stick and was never as deep as yours. I have to say it sure looks pretty though especially against the red berries!!! Your cherry chocolate cookies sound divine! I have to make 9 dozen cookies for a cookie swap. These might work nicely! Thanks for the recipe!
xo
Linda
Lyn says
The snow looks so beautiful and perfect for snuggling up in a warm blanket with a cup of coffee! So sorry to hear about that fire–very sad. I have admiration for you learning to play chess — I’ve never had the patience! Enjoy your holidays!!!
kelly says
those cookies look delicious! I’ve never heard of them before. I can’t believe how much snow you got! It is finally cold here but not that cold! It warms up during the day where you don’t even need a light jacket. Not long ago I was wearing shorts! Hope you had a nice Thanksgiving.
Jemma says
Good Morning Doreen,
What a gorgeous Winter Wonderland topped off with cookies (pinned) I love that you make copious amounts of cookies!
Do you know that about 3 years ago I attempted to teach myself chess? Just like you I have several items on bucket and this was one of them. I will try out this link, and see if it is better suited to my way of learning.
From what I remember, it is not an easy game to study…
Stay warm my friend!
xxx
Jemma
Mary-the boondocks blog says
Doreen I cannot picture you in the kitchen making hundreds of cookies. I usually picture you crafting or traveling. Oh well, I guess the new made over kitchen has really inspired you. My oven is broken and I’m using a mini oven right now, not exactly baking friendly. The winter scenery is breathtaking. Stay inside with the fire lit, if you have a fireplace. I love just relaxing in front of the fire. I’ll be sending the recipe to my girl who is the house baker. Have a great weekend.
Cecilia MyThriftStoreAddiction says
Doreen, these look scrumptious–pinned! What gorgeous photos of the snow! I’ll confess I’d rather admire it from Texas than be in it 😉 Hugs, Cecilia
Cindi says
Those cookies look so YUMMY!
I know a few people that love to do the all out baking of holiday cookies
and I love it because they always share.
It will come as no surprise to you that I just do the cut and bake variety.
I can’t believe you got so much snow!
So sorry to read about the huge loss your town suffered.
I do hope the insurance takes care of it quickly
and they are able to get to the snow!
Stay warm!
xoxoxoxo
Vashti Q says
Hello Doreen! This cookie recipe looks scrumptious! Thanks for sharing the recipe. The pictures of the snow are gorgeous but I’m shocked that so much has come down already. 😮 Than again what do I know? I live in south Florida where people are still walking around in T-shirts, shorts and flip-flops. Ha, ha!
I’m sorry to hear about the fire. I hope no one was hurt and that the insurance will step up and pay for everything.
I have yet to learn to play chess but I would like to. Maybe I’ll check out that link. 😉
Have a wonderful week! <3 xx
Kim says
Ok..so snow? No! Pretty, but I am not ready. You are a better woman than I to brave that weather so early in the season. The cookies…yum! Every holiday we would give my grandmother a box of chocolate covered cherries. They were her favorite. I think I would like your cookies better…and my daughter and her friend are addicted to Shameless. They try to explain some of the plot lines and it sounds completely crazy. Glad she’s over 18! Ha!!
Red Rose Alley says
Wow, I didn’t realize you were such a Baker. Those chocolate cherry cookies look amazing. And I’ll have you know that CHERRIES are my favorite fruit. Oh, look at the snow around your home, it’s beautiful!! I’ve always wanted to open up my front door to a blanket of snow. Good luck in learning to play Chess. I learned to play in junior high, and I got pretty good at the game, but it’s been many years, and have no idea how to play any more.
Have a good week, Doreen, and stay warm with all that snow. I really love seeing pictures of it, as we don’t see it much here, unless we go up to the mountains about an hour away.
~Sheri
Valerie says
You had me at chocolate and cherries. Yummy. It looks so simple.
I’m not going to lose weight this holiday season, lol.
Jane says
Thanks for the recipe…the way you described the flavor had me sold!
Totally can’t believe that snow. We had some in Michigan a week or so ago but not like yours!
You will love chess. I’ve played for a very long time as well as Al. We taught our kids. And…well, some of the kids give us a run for the money. One tip…be offensive, not defensive. Once you start to run it all goes downhill. And keep ’em guessing!
Jane
Melanie says
Those cookies look delicious! Do you do all that baking for Christmas get-togethers at your house or for gifts, or maybe both? Can’t believe all the snow you got! Nothing here in northern IL yet. I’d like just a little for Christmas, but we’ll see. We’ve had plenty of Christmas days with no snow, just cold.
So sorry to hear about the fire in your village. I hope nearby towns are helping with the snow removal!
Have not watched Shameless, but I know my adult son watched it and loved it.
I learned to play chess from my best friend when I was 8 years old. I haven’t played it in many, many years. My favorite board game is backgammon!
Carrie@northwoods scrapbook says
Oh my Doreen! These cookies look amaze balls!!! And they’ve got my son written all over them (chocolate and cherry anything is his fave!). I’m for sure copying this one down. 😉 And yes – heck with the calories!! 😛
So sorry to hear about that fire. Prayers for all involved it’s all resolved well and quickly.
I’m almost envious of your snow. Don’t get me wrong – it’s been really a treat to have mild temps. But it doesn’t feel very Christmasy around here without snow.
I have never learned chess. My Hubby and Aaron both know how to play, but I never took interest in it. I’m not great with strategy games. My Hubby is amazing at them, and maybe that’s why I don’t want to learn. Lol! I’m too competitive not to win! Ha!! 🙂
I haven’t seen Shameless but I’ve seen things about it and always thought it looked good! I love William H. Macy anyway. He’s great!
Blessings Doll. xoxo
Amy says
The cookie recipe was pinned immediately! My husband loves chocolate covered cherries, so I know he’ll like these! You got a LOT of snow! We’ve had a dusting here so far, but I’m thrilled we made it through November without any significant snowfall. Now hoping we get through December the same way! What a shame about the DPW 🙁
handmade by amalia says
These cookies just want to jump out of the plate and into my mouth.
Amalia
xo
Benita says
I am a chocoholic, so any cookie, candy, drink, etc. is not safe from my clutches during the holidays! These cookies look amazing and the recipe is in the realm of something I can do without burning down the house! 😉 Ahhhh, chess…I’ve given it a try a few times but just can’t seem to get interested in it. My father-in-law loves it and has about 100 chess sets. Gorgeous photos of all that snow…send some my way! Love and hugs!
Julie says
Hi Doreen, thanks for stopping by! I’m sorry I have not visited you sooner but I’ve just been so busy!!!
I love this cookie recipe and it looks perfect for the holidays. I love those snow scenes and yes the weather has been crazy lately. Looks like it will be a nice end of the week and weekend. Take care and enjoy.
Hugs, Julie xo
Karen@Beatrice Euphemie says
Oh, Doreen, I would not mind hanging out in your kitchen this time of year with all that cookie baking going on! I promise I won’t eat too many! These looks scrumptious and I love that they can be frozen, too. So sad about the fire – my goodness, losing snow removal equipment this time of year is not good news. The snow does look lovely, though. We might get some of that over the weekend. I still have a few nasturtiums blooming……Hope you had a lovely Thanksgiving. Sending hugs xo Karen
Cindy says
Boy how pretty to look at with t he trees and those red berries. Sorry to hear about the f ire, what a shame and hope insurance helps.
I am a cookie junkie. I am baking big time this weekend. I freeze mine especially baking this early but if I don’t do it now time is going to be a problem, too many things going on. Shortbread and Biscotti freeze beautifully. I have tons to bake and I LOVE every minute.
I still haven’t posted about our Harvest day. I will throw that in with my fist Christmas post.
Cindy
krishna says
wow!! so much snow!!!! here in California we are shivering in 2 degree.. I love the cookie recipe.. I”l do it with kid…
Please visit: http://from-a-girls-mind.blogspot.com
Magali@TheLittleWhiteHouse says
Those cookies look yummy, I like the chocolate-cherry combination.