Description
Chocolate Covered Cherry Cookies are soft, rich, and delicious treats with a sweet surprise hidden inside every bite. Made with white cake mix, cream cheese, mini chocolate chips, and juicy maraschino cherries, these cookies are finished with a smooth chocolate topping. They are perfect for Christmas cookie trays, holiday parties, and homemade gifts!
Ingredients
- 1 box white cake mix
- 8 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ¾ cup mini chocolate chips
- 2 jars (10 ounces each) maraschino cherries
- ¼ cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the white cake mix, softened butter, egg, and cream cheese.
- Mix until a soft cookie dough forms.
- Drain the maraschino cherries thoroughly. Set aside 36 whole cherries for topping.
- Finely chop the remaining cherries and pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- Gently fold the chopped cherries and mini chocolate chips into the cookie dough.
- Cover the dough and refrigerate for 1 hour.
- Scoop the chilled dough into 36 evenly sized balls.
- Arrange 12 cookie dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each one.
- Bake for approximately 8–9 minutes, or until the cookies are set.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 2–3 minutes before carefully transferring them to parchment paper.
- Gently press one reserved whole maraschino cherry into the top of each warm cookie.
- Let the cookies cool completely.
- Place the semisweet chocolate chips and heavy whipping cream in a microwave-safe bowl.
- Microwave for 30 seconds and stir. Continue heating in 15–30-second intervals if necessary until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth.
- Spread or spoon the melted chocolate over the tops of the cookies.
- Allow the chocolate topping to set completely before storing or serving.
Notes
- Serving temperature: Serve at room temperature for soft cookies and a delicious chocolate topping.
- Holiday presentation: Arrange the cookies on a festive platter with other Christmas cookies and chocolate treats.
- Chocolate decoration: Add a drizzle of white chocolate or a few chocolate shavings for an elegant finish.
- Room temperature storage: Store in an airtight container in a cool place for up to 2 days, provided the room is not warm.
- Refrigerator storage: Because these cookies contain cream cheese and a cream-based chocolate topping, refrigerate them in an airtight container and consume within 4–5 days.
- Freezing: Freeze completely cooled cookies in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months for best quality. Separate layers with parchment paper.
- Thawing: Thaw frozen cookies in the refrigerator or at room temperature until ready to serve.
- Make-ahead tip: Prepare the dough a day ahead and keep it covered in the refrigerator. Let it soften slightly if necessary before scooping.
- Prevent soggy cookies: Drain and pat the chopped cherries very well before adding them to the dough.
- Chocolate topping: Allow the chocolate to set completely before stacking the cookies.