Every holiday season brings its own collection of nostalgic flavors, but few treats capture the true magic of Christmas like the perfect combination of chocolate and cherries. These Chocolate Cherry Cordial Christmas Cookies take inspiration from the traditional chocolate cherry cordial truffles that fill festive dessert boxes in December. The result is a soft, rich, deeply chocolatey cookie filled with sweet cherry flavor that tastes just like a cozy Christmas memory brought to life.
These cookies are the kind that make people stop mid bite and say this tastes like Christmas. They are soft and fudgy in the center, lightly crisp at the edges, and bursting with chopped cherries that add sweetness, texture, and a beautiful pop of color. Every bite feels warm, comforting, and elegantly indulgent. Whether you are preparing a holiday cookie platter, hosting a Christmas party, gifting treats to friends and neighbors, or baking with family, these cookies are guaranteed to become one of your signature Christmas recipes.
This upgraded version elevates the classic cookie into something more luxurious, more polished, and more bakery worthy. With rich cocoa, soft maraschino cherries, and high quality chocolate mixed in, the flavor depth is incredibly satisfying. The dough stays extra tender thanks to the cherry juice and proper creaming technique. The blend of chocolate and cherry creates a dessert that feels familiar yet elevated, festive yet elegant, and festive without being overly sweet.
This article gives you not just a recipe but the full experience. You will learn what makes these cookies exceptional, how to perfect their texture, how to store and freeze them, and how to customize them for your holiday table. By the end, you will have a recipe that tastes professional, looks beautiful, and earns compliments every time you bake it.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
What Makes These Cookies Truly Exceptional
These cookies stand apart from other holiday cookies because they combine the richness of a classic chocolate cookie with the festive charm of cherry cordial flavor. The dough is infused with cherry juice which gives it moisture and subtle fruity notes. Chopped cherries add both flavor and visual appeal, while chocolate chips melt into the dough creating pockets of rich chocolate that mimic the creamy center of cherry cordial candies.
These cookies are soft for days. They do not dry out easily thanks to the moisture from the cherries. They also hold their shape well, making them perfect for packaging and gifting. The look of the cookie is beautiful too, with bits of red cherries peeking through the dark chocolate dough. On a holiday cookie tray, they add both elegance and vibrant color.
Most importantly, they deliver a flavor combination that feels nostalgic and luxurious at the same time. Chocolate and cherry is a pairing that many associate with celebrations, holidays, and comforting desserts. These cookies highlight that flavor pairing in the best possible way.
Ingredients for the Ultimate Holiday Cookie
This recipe uses classic ingredients along with holiday favorites to create the perfect cookie.
Dry Ingredients
Two cups of all purpose flour
Half a cup of unsweetened cocoa powder
One teaspoon of baking powder
A pinch of salt
Wet Ingredients
One cup of granulated sugar
One half cup of softened unsalted butter
One egg
One teaspoon of vanilla extract
One quarter cup of maraschino cherry juice
Mix Ins
One cup of chopped maraschino cherries
One cup of chocolate chips or chopped chocolate
Optional
A drizzle of melted chocolate for decoration
White chocolate drizzle for contrast
Extra chopped cherries for placing on top before baking
How to Make Chocolate Cherry Cordial Christmas Cookies
Step 1: Prepare the Cherries
Maraschino cherries contain extra moisture, so proper preparation is essential. Start by draining the cherries and patting them dry with paper towels. This prevents excess liquid from making the dough too soft. Once dry, chop them into small pieces. Larger pieces can make cookies spread unevenly, so small uniform pieces work best.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl cream together softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is pale and fluffy. This step incorporates air into the dough, which helps create a tender cookie texture. Proper creaming also ensures the dough holds moisture and stays soft even after baking.
Step 3: Add the Egg, Vanilla, and Cherry Juice
Add the egg and vanilla extract and mix until smooth. Then pour in the maraschino cherry juice. This is the secret ingredient that adds color, moisture, and flavor to the dough. The cherry juice enhances the overall richness of the chocolate and gives the dough a subtle holiday aroma.
Step 4: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl whisk the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt until fully combined. This step ensures even color distribution and removes any lumps from the cocoa powder.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Blend just until the dough forms. The dough should be soft, rich in color, and slightly thick. Avoid overmixing to maintain a tender texture.
Step 6: Fold In Cherries and Chocolate
Gently fold the chopped cherries and chocolate chips into the dough. The dough will become beautifully speckled with bits of red cherries and chocolate pieces. This step gives the cookies their signature look and flavor.
Step 7: Shape the Cookies
Scoop small portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place the dough on a lined baking sheet. For a bakery style finish, press a few extra chocolate chips or cherry pieces onto the top of each cookie.
Step 8: Bake
Bake the cookies at 350°F or 175°C for ten to twelve minutes. They should still look slightly soft at the center when you remove them from the oven. They will firm up as they cool, creating the perfect chewy texture.
Step 9: Cool and Decorate
Allow the cookies to cool for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. For a festive finish drizzle melted dark chocolate or white chocolate over the top. You can also add a small cherry piece to the center for a holiday touch.
Pro Tips for Perfect Holiday Cookies
Dry the cherries thoroughly before mixing into the dough.
Use high quality cocoa powder for deeper chocolate flavor.
Cream the butter and sugar long enough to create a soft cookie texture.
Bake just until the edges set for soft holiday cookies.
Add a touch of almond extract for a cherry bakery flavor.
Use chopped chocolate instead of chips for richer melted pockets.
Chill the dough for ten minutes if it feels too soft.
Why These Cookies Belong on Your Christmas Cookie Tray
These cookies bring together everything a holiday cookie should have. They are soft, rich, festive, and packed with classic Christmas flavors. Their texture is gooey and chewy in all the right ways. They hold their shape beautifully. They look impressive with their chocolate cherry combination. And they taste like a chocolate cherry cordial candy baked into the perfect holiday cookie.
They also bring something unique to a cookie tray. Many holiday cookies are buttery or spiced, such as sugar cookies, gingerbread cookies, or snickerdoodles. These chocolate cherry cookies add a bold flavor contrast that complements the rest of your holiday treats.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these cookies with hot chocolate, peppermint coffee, cappuccino, or tea.
Arrange them on a Christmas cookie board with peppermint bark, sugar cookies, and truffles.
Use them as the base for ice cream sandwiches with cherry or vanilla ice cream.
Add them to holiday gift boxes with festive ribbons and packaging.
These cookies also pair beautifully with fruit platters, mulled wine, or a winter dessert spread.
Storage and Freezing
These cookies store extremely well and stay soft for several days.
Room Temperature
Store in an airtight container for up to five days.
Refrigerator
Store for up to seven days for maximum freshness.
Freezing Dough
Freeze shaped dough balls for up to three months. Bake directly from frozen by adding two minutes to the bake time.
Freezing Cookies
Freeze completely cooled cookies in layers separated by parchment. Thaw at room temperature or warm lightly in the microwave.
Variations for Extra Creativity
Double Chocolate Cherry Cookies
Use extra chocolate chunks or add a spoonful of hot cocoa mix.
Chocolate Cherry Almond Cookies
Add almond extract or slivered almonds.
White Chocolate Cherry Cookies
Replace the chocolate chips with white chocolate for a sweeter twist.
Stuffed Cherry Cordial Cookies
Wrap cookie dough around a chocolate covered cherry before baking.
Chocolate Cherry Brownie Cookies
Add two tablespoons of melted chocolate to the dough for a fudgy brownie texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino
Fresh cherries do not give the same flavor or moisture. Maraschino cherries work best.
Can I make the dough ahead of time
Yes. Refrigerate the dough for up to forty eight hours.
Why are my cookies spreading too much
The dough may be too warm. Place it in the refrigerator for ten minutes.
Can I skip the chocolate drizzle
Yes. The cookies are delicious with or without it.
Can I make them gluten free
Use a cup for cup gluten free flour blend.
Why Everyone Loves This Cookie
People love these cookies because they feel nostalgic yet luxurious. They taste like cherry cordial candies turned into a warm, soft Christmas cookie. They are visually beautiful, full of flavor, and incredibly satisfying. Kids love them for the chocolate and cherries. Adults love them for the richness and holiday charm. They bring a joyful, comforting flavor that feels like Christmas tradition.
You will find these cookies become one of those recipes people ask for every year. They have that special something that transforms simple ingredients into a holiday experience.
Conclusion
These Chocolate Cherry Cordial Christmas Cookies are soft, rich, festive, and full of holiday flavor. The combination of chocolate and cherries creates a cookie that is decadent, bright, and perfect for Christmas celebrations. They are simple to make yet taste like a gourmet treat. With their fudgy texture and cherry cordial charm these cookies will quickly become a Christmas tradition in your home.
Whether you serve them at parties, package them as gifts, or bake them for holiday gatherings, these cookies bring warmth and joy to every bite.
