These easy Chocolate Covered Cherry Cookies are a delicious treat to add to your holiday cookie trays this year. Everyone will be delighted to find a cherry hidden beneath a layer of delicious chocolate! They are perfect for Christmas time or even Valentine's Day.
I love finding chocolate-covered cherries in boxes of assorted chocolates because I enjoy the flavor combo. A while back, at Christmas, those candies inspired me to make chocolate covered cherry cookies using cake mix.
Using a mix as the foundation for these cookies is a game-changer. Not only does it save time, but it also guarantees a soft texture. Plus, you can use any flavor of cake to make them. We love them so much that we make them all year long.
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Why You Will Love These Maraschino Cherry Cookies
If you are a fan of cherry cordials, you will absolutely love these simple cherry cookies. They are a great treat for any holiday cookie exchange or special dinner.
The chocolate chip cookies have a hidden maraschino cherry that is guaranteed to make you smile. Indulge yourself or impress guests with our unique twist on a classic.
- Quick and Easy. These thumbprint cookies are popular because they are simple. Cake mix makes them easy to prepare, even for new bakers.
- Sweet Flavor. The soft treats have a hidden cherry center topped with a rich layer of chocolate frosting. This flavor combo tastes amazing!
- Perfect for Any Occasion. These cookies are great any time of year, whether for a special celebration or a sweet pick-me-up.
Are you looking for more simple cake mix cookies for the holiday season? Try these Oreo peppermint crunch cookies or these cinnamon caramel cookies.
Key Ingredients
For this cherry cookie recipe, you only need basic pantry items as the main ingredients. However, if you're missing any, add them to your grocery list.
- Vanilla Cake Mix - You only use the dry cake mix powder, so do NOT follow the box directions.
- Unsalted Butter - Set it out beforehand so it can soften.
- Large Egg - One will add the moisture needed to make cookie dough.
- Vanilla Extract - Adds flavor. You can also use ½ teaspoon almond extract.
- Mini Chocolate Chips - The tiny chips work the best because these are small cookies.
- Maraschino Cherries - Jarred cherries are what we use in this recipe. Pat them dry with paper towels before placing them on each cooled cookie.
- Melted Chocolate - Microwave heavy cream and chocolate chips in a small bowl so it is smooth and creamy.
BruCrew Tip: Use a chocolate cake mix to make these chocolate cherry cookies.
How To Make Chocolate Covered Cherry Cookies
I always look forward to making this unique cookie because they are so easy to make. Plus, they look pretty and taste amazing! The sweet center brings so much happiness and joy to everyone who eats them.
- Make the cookie dough. Mix the dry cake mix, softened butter, egg, and cream cheese in a large bowl. Continue beating the mixture until it forms a soft dough, scraping the sides of the bowl as needed. Stir in diced cherries and mini chocolate chips gently.
- Chill the dough. Cover and chill the cookie dough in the refrigerator for at least one hour.
- Roll and bake. Roll the dough into 36 balls. Place 12 cookies on a baking sheet, then place them in the oven. Once they are finished, remove them and let the cookies cool on the hot pan for a few minutes.
- Decorate and serve. While the cookies are warm, press a cherry into the center of the cookies. Once cooled, spoon melted chocolate on top and let set before wrapping them up for a cookie swap.
Storage Recommendations
These chocolate chip cherry cookies can be covered with plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container at room temperature for 4-5 days. Place the cookies on a single layer of parchment paper so they do not stick together.
Tips and Tricks
- Give the dough time to chill so the cookies don't spread. I realize it makes the cookie process longer, but it does make a difference in how the cookies bake/spread.
- Divide the dough evenly. Use a small cookie scoop to portion out the dough.
- Do not overbake these cookies. They will look underdone when you take them out of the oven. Trust the recipe. The cookies will firm up as they cool on a wire rack.
- Cake mix cookies have the best texture after they have cooled completely.
- Pat the drained maraschino cherries dry with a paper towel before wrapping them in the cookie dough. This helps prevent excess juice from affecting the cookie texture.
Variations
- Use different cake mix flavors. For a rich chocolate cookie, use Devil's Food Cake mix. For a festive red cookie, try red velvet cake mix.
- Get creative with frosting. Feel free to experiment with different types of chocolate, such as dark or white chocolate. Or add a hint of almond extract or some of the reserved cherry juice to the ganache for an extra layer of flavor.
- Enjoy a boozy treat. Use bourbon-soaked cherries. These can be found online or in specialty stores.
FAQs
Absolutely! Any flavor cake mix will taste fantastic with this recipe.
Of course! The frosting is the cherry on top (pun intended), but the cookies taste delicious even without it.
Chilling the dough for 60 minutes before baking can help prevent excessive spreading.
Get ready to fall in love with this chocolate covered cherry cookies recipe! Share your baking adventures and tag me in your photos on Instagram – I can't wait to see your delicious creations. Happy baking!
More Easy Christmas Cookies
- Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies
- Molasses Crackle Cookies
- Christmas Kiss Cookies
- Red Velvet Peppermint Pattie Cookies
- Check out all my cookie recipes!
Do you love a recipe you tried from Inside BruCrew Life?
Please leave a 5-star ⭐️ rating and a review in the comments section below.
Recipe
Chocolate Covered Cherry Cookies
These easy soft Chocolate Chip Cherry Cookies are a delicious treat to add to your holiday cookie trays. The hidden cherry is a fun surprise to find.
Ingredients
- 1 white cake mix
- 8 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ¾ cup mini chocolate chips
- 2 - 10 ounce jars maraschino cherries
- ¼ cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a Silpat.
- Mix the cake mix, butter, egg, and cream cheese until soft dough forms.
- Drain the jars of cherries. Set aside 36 cherries. Dice the remaining cherries and pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- Gently stir the diced cherries and mini chocolate chips into the cookie dough, then place the bowl in the refrigerator for an hour.
- Scoop into 36 even dough balls. Place 12 at a time on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 9 minutes. Remove and let the cookies cool on the pan for 2-3 minutes before moving carefully to parchment paper on the counter.
- Press the remaining cherries into the tops of the cookies. Let cool completely.
- Place the chocolate chips and heavy whipping cream in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat for 30 seconds, then stir until melted. If necessary, heat again for another 15-30 seconds. Stir until melted and creamy.
- Cover the tops of the cookies with the melted chocolate. Let it set before storing it in a sealed container.
Notes
Tips and Tricks
- Give the dough time to chill so the cookies don't spread. I realize it makes the cookie process longer, but it does make a difference in how the cookies bake/spread.
- Divide the dough evenly. Use a small cookie scoop to portion out the dough.
- Do not overbake these cookies. They will look underdone when you take them out of the oven. Trust the recipe. The cookies will firm up as they cool.
- Cake mix cookies have the best texture after they have cooled completely.
- Pat the drained maraschino cherries dry with a paper towel before wrapping them in the cookie dough. This helps prevent excess juice from affecting the cookie texture.
Variations
- Use different cake mix flavors. For a rich chocolate cookie, use Devil's Food Cake mix. For a festive red cookie, try red velvet cake mix.
- Get creative with frosting. Feel free to experiment with different types of chocolate, such as dark or white chocolate. Or add a hint of almond extract or some of the maraschino cherry juice to the ganache for an extra layer of flavor.
- Enjoy a boozy treat. Use bourbon-soaked cherries. These can be found online or in specialty stores.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 36 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 115Total Fat: 7gSaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 17mgSodium: 21mgCarbohydrates: 13gFiber: 1gSugar: 12gProtein: 1g
Nutrition facts are an estimate and are not guaranteed to be accurate. If you need special diet advice, please see a registered dietician.
*This post was first published in November 2016. It was updated and then republished in November 2023.
Erin
I tried these cookies off Pinterest Christmas 2019, they were a hit and have been expected by family every Christmas ever since. Here I am Christmas 2022 still making them ❤️ thank you for this awesome recipe!
Susan
I made these and while they did not look like the picture my guests enjoyed them. I would not make them again. The dough was very sticky even after refrigerating it. I had some cookies with lots of chips or cherries and some with less. The cherries on top didn't stick until the chocolate was on top. Overall it was alot of work and some expensive ingredients for an okay cookie.
Jocelyn
I am so sorry to hear that you didn't enjoy the cookies that much. I usually will refrigerate the dough longer if it seems sticky, and I try to scoop carefully to get an even amount of cherries and chocolate chip. At least your guest enjoyed them!!!!
Nancy
Tried these today. Added almond extract and left off the chocolate icing. My family like them. These will be enjoying more for Christmas. Thank you.
Vicki C.
It's not Christmas yet, but I can't wait to make these. I think my Husband & in-laws would like these also. I definitely would make these for Christmas cookie exchange. Thank you for sharing your recipe.
Mel
Almond flavor, Cherry and Chocolate Chips!!??!! : ) Wow! That sounds like an amazing combo! Thanks for the tip!
Constance Merando
Made this for a cookie contest at work this Christmas and it was a WINNER! Everybody loved it. Doubled the batch so there would be plenty for all and there was not one left. Sprinkled a little powdered sugar on them to give them the look of fresh fallen snow. They were so pretty and oh so yummy!
Jocelyn
Yay! I am so excited to hear that! And I love the sprinkled "snow" idea on top!!! Merry Christmas!
april
I used my 1 tbsp cookie scooper and made 56 of these beauts! I topped each with 1/2 a cherry instead of a whole one.
amanda
Where is the recipe ive read all the comments still can not find it ive been.looking for 20 mins.
Jocelyn
If you are reading the comments, then you have scrolled way past the recipe. The printable recipe card is right under the 5th picture. I hope you enjoy the cookies!
Diane
I want to make these today and don't have a white cake mix? Can I use a Devils food mix?
Jocelyn
Yes, any flavor cake mix works for these cookies. I think a chocolate cookie with the cherries would be great!
Diane
Thank you!
lynn bartolotti
how big should the balls be? I only have whipping cream not heavy. Will that work?
Jocelyn
Whipping cream will work just fine. I think the dough balls should be about 2 Tablespoons roughly. I just scoop the dough out and make 24 balls, then adjust them to be the same size.
Sandy_of_WV
oops... didn't you mean "36" balls as mentioned with recipe?
Jocelyn
Oh, my...yes, I meant 36 dough balls. Sorry, it's been a busy two weeks around here!
Sandy_of_WV
🙂
understand the busy part
🙂
Kathy
Where is the recipe
Jocelyn
Scroll down below the pictures and there is a printable recipe card with the recipe on it. I hope you enjoy the pictures!
Ali
These look awesome! A great way to use up a bunch of cherries I bought 🙂
Diane
Well, I've been surfing the net for Christmas cookie recipes. I want to take the cookies with us when we travel home. I think I may have just found 'the one!' Thanks for the recipe. These cookies look awesome! 🙂
Kirstin
I live in Australia what would an equivalent be for the Pillsbury cake mix or is any white cake mix ok?
Jocelyn
You should be able to use any white cake mix that is available to you. I hope you enjoy the cookies!
Alisha Coby
Has anyone used a cherry chip cake mix for this?
Jocelyn
I just used a vanilla cake mix, but I think the cherry chip cake mix is a great idea!!!
Katherines Corner
oh my goodness, Let me get a glass of milk and I'll be right over ( wink)
Caroline
Where is the recipe!???
Jocelyn
Keep scrolling past the pictures. The printable recipe box is under the 5th picture.
Jeannie
How well would these freeze
Jocelyn
They didn't long enough in our house to find out. I think they would freeze fine. Although I would layer them with parchment paper so they do not stick together when they thaw out.
Jessica @ A Kitchen Addiction
Love the chocolate covered cherry on top! Great addition to the Christmas dessert table!
Nadine
Oh my goodness.. Those look so yummy.. I thought I was all done with my baking for the holidays. But I might have to get to the store & get 1 item. Already have everything else. I will be adding this recipe to my must make cookie list.. Thank you for a great recipe
Joanne
These cookies look so puffy and love the chocolate covered cherry on top! I thought I had most of my cooking baking finished, but am thinking of adding this recipe, too.
Jennifer
My husband loves those chocolate-covered cherries in a box. Me, not so much.
He would adore these cookies and get excited because I never bake cherry anything. Thanks for the recipe.