Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 24 maraschino cherries, drained and patted dry
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon vegetable shortening
Special equipment needed:
- Electric mixer
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Small cookie scoop
- Double boiler or microwave-safe bowl
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy.
3. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, salt, baking powder, and baking soda.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined.
6. Use a small cookie scoop to portion out the dough and roll each portion into a ball.
7. Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
8. Use your thumb to make an indentation in the center of each dough ball.
9. Place a maraschino cherry in each indentation, gently pressing it down.
10. Bake the cookies for 12-15 minutes, or until set.
11. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
For the chocolate coating:
1. In a double boiler or microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips and vegetable shortening together until smooth.
2. Dip each cookie halfway into the melted chocolate, allowing any excess to drip off.
3. Place the cookies back on the parchment-lined baking sheet and let the chocolate set at room temperature.
Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 12-15 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes
Temperature:
Oven temperature: 350°F (175°C)
Serving size:
This recipe makes 24 cookies.
Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 185
Total fat: 10g
Saturated fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 27mg
Sodium: 92mg
Total carbohydrate: 23g
Dietary fiber: 1g
Total sugars: 14g
Protein: 2g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Salted butter can be used instead of unsalted butter, but omit the salt in the recipe.
- Milk chocolate chips can be used instead of semisweet chocolate chips.
- Coconut oil can be used instead of vegetable shortening.
Variations:
- Use white chocolate chips instead of semisweet chocolate chips for a different flavor.
- Use almond extract instead of vanilla extract for a nutty flavor.
- Add chopped nuts or coconut to the cookie dough for extra texture.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to drain and pat dry the maraschino cherries before placing them on the cookie dough to prevent excess moisture.
- Use a small cookie scoop to ensure even portions of dough.
- Allow the cookies to cool completely before dipping them in the melted chocolate to prevent the chocolate from melting off.
Storage instructions:
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
These cookies are best served at room temperature and do not need to be reheated.
Presentation ideas:
Arrange the cookies on a platter and dust with powdered sugar for a festive touch.
Garnishes:
Top each cookie with a small dollop of whipped cream and a fresh cherry for an elegant presentation.
Pairings:
Serve these cookies with a glass of cold milk or a cup of hot cocoa.
Suggested side dishes:
These cookies are a sweet treat and do not require any side dishes.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the cookie dough is too dry, add a tablespoon of milk to moisten it.
- If the cookies spread too much during baking, chill the dough in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before baking.
Food safety advice:
Make sure to properly store the cookies in an airtight container to prevent spoilage.
Food history:
The combination of chocolate and cherries has been a popular flavor pairing for centuries, with the first recorded recipe for chocolate-covered cherries dating back to the 1700s.
Flavor profiles:
These cookies have a rich chocolate flavor with a sweet and tangy cherry center.
Serving suggestions:
Serve these cookies as a dessert or snack.
Related Categories
Cooking Method: N/A
Course Type: N/A
Dietary: N/A
Ingredient: N/A
Meal type: N/A
Occassion: N/A
Region: N/A
Taste: Sweet, Chocolatey, Nutty, Chewy, Tart