Chocolate Covered Cherry Cookies

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy using an electric mixer.
3. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
4. In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined to form the cookie dough.
6. Scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough and flatten it slightly in your hand. Place one well-drained maraschino cherry in the center.
7. Carefully wrap the dough around the cherry, sealing it completely to form a ball. Place on the prepared baking sheet.
8. Repeat with the remaining dough and cherries, spacing cookies about 2 inches apart.
9. Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are set. Do not overbake; cookies will be soft.
10. Remove from oven and let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
11. Once cookies are completely cool, melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth. Alternatively, use a double boiler.
12. Drizzle the melted chocolate over the cooled cookies using a spoon or a piping bag with a small tip. Let the chocolate set before serving.

Tips

• Ensure your maraschino cherries are thoroughly drained and patted dry with a paper towel. Excess moisture can cause the cookies to spread or become soggy.
• Do not overmix the cookie dough after adding the flour. Overmixing can develop the gluten too much, resulting in tougher cookies.
• For easier handling, chill the cookie dough for 20-30 minutes before wrapping around the cherries. This makes the dough less sticky.
• If you don't have parchment paper, lightly grease your baking sheet to prevent sticking, though parchment paper makes cleanup much easier.
• Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days to maintain freshness.