Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 24 maraschino cherries with stems, drained and patted dry
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 1 tbsp vegetable shortening
Special equipment needed:
- Piping bag with small round tip
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add egg yolk and vanilla extract, and beat until well combined.
4. Gradually add dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined.
5. Fill the piping bag with the dough and pipe 2-inch-long strips onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch between each strip.
6. Press a cherry into the center of each strip, leaving the stem exposed.
7. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are firm and the cookies are set.
8. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips and vegetable shortening in 30-second intervals, stirring after each interval until smooth.
10. Dip each cookie into the melted chocolate, using a fork to coat it completely. Tap the fork against the side of the bowl to remove any excess chocolate.
11. Place the chocolate-covered cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet and refrigerate until the chocolate is set, about 15 minutes.
12. Serve and enjoy!
Time:
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Temperature:
Oven temperature: 350°F (180°C)
Serving size:
Makes 24 cookies
Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 125
Total fat: 7g
Saturated fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 20mg
Sodium: 25mg
Total carbohydrate: 16g
Dietary fiber: 1g
Total sugars: 10g
Protein: 2g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- You can use salted butter instead of unsalted butter, but omit the salt in the recipe.
- You can use dark chocolate chips instead of semisweet chocolate chips.
- You can use almond extract instead of vanilla extract for a different flavor.
Variations:
- Instead of maraschino cherries, you can use fresh cherries or other types of fruit.
- You can add chopped nuts or coconut to the dough for added texture.
- You can sprinkle sea salt or crushed candy canes on top of the chocolate for a different flavor.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to drain and pat dry the cherries before placing them on the dough to prevent the cookies from becoming too moist.
- Use a small round tip for the piping bag to ensure that the dough strips are thin and uniform.
- Refrigerate the cookies after dipping them in chocolate to prevent the chocolate from melting.
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 sprinkle powdered sugar on top for a festive touch.
Garnishes:
Sprinkle sea salt or crushed candy canes on top of the chocolate for a different flavor.
Pairings:
These cookies pair well with a glass of milk or hot cocoa.
Suggested side dishes:
These cookies can be served as a dessert on their own.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the dough is too sticky, refrigerate it for 10-15 minutes before piping it onto the baking sheet.
- If the chocolate is too thick, add a little more vegetable shortening to thin it out.
Food safety advice:
Make sure to properly store the cookies in an airtight container to prevent them from becoming stale or moldy.
Food history:
Chocolate-covered cherries have been a popular candy since the early 20th century. This recipe puts a twist on the classic candy by incorporating it into a cookie.
Flavor profiles:
These cookies have a rich chocolate flavor with a sweet and tangy cherry filling.
Serving suggestions:
Serve these cookies as a dessert or as a sweet treat with coffee or tea.
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Taste: Sweet, Chocolatey, Creamy, Tart, Chewy