Chocolate Cherry Thumbprint Cookies

Delightful cookies featuring a rich chocolate flavor with a sweet cherry filling, perfect for various dietary needs.

Scale

1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
1 large egg yolk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 ¼ cups (160g) all-purpose flour
½ cup (40g) unsweetened cocoa powder
¼ teaspoon salt
8 oz (225g) semi-sweet or dark chocolate, finely chopped
1 teaspoon coconut oil or vegetable shortening
1 cup cherry pie filling (or about 20 maraschino cherries, drained and patted dry)

Make the cookie dough by creaming the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. Add in the egg yolk and vanilla, mixing until combined.
Whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt in a separate bowl, then gradually add to the wet ingredients to form a soft dough. Chill the dough for 15 minutes if too sticky.
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the baking sheet, making thumbprint indentations in each.
Bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes until the edges look set and the centers remain soft. Let cool on a wire rack.
Melting the chocolate and coconut oil in a microwave-safe bowl until smooth. Dip each cooled cookie into the melted chocolate.
Fill the thumbprint indentations with cherry pie filling or place a maraschino cherry in each.

For a healthier version, use a sugar substitute. Customize with different fruit fillings.

Keywords: chocolate cookies, cherry cookies, thumbprint cookies, healthier dessert, sweet treat, meal prep

Find it online: https://alexandrarecipes.com/chocolate-cherry-thumbprint-cookies-recipe/