Chocolate Thumbprints with Cherries and Walnuts

Chocolate and cherries are a classic combination and these chocolate-cherry thumbprint cookies are drizzled with chocolate and sprinkled with walnuts.

• Preparation Time: 40 mins
• Cooking Time: 10 mins
• Total Time: 50 mins
• Calories: 118 Calories

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon milk
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 tablespoons shortening, divided
• 0.25 teaspoon salt
• 0.75 cup white sugar
• 0.5 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 0.25 teaspoon instant espresso powder
• 0.5 cup finely chopped toasted walnuts
• 1.25 cups semisweet chocolate chips, divided
• 0.75 cup cherry pie filling, including 36 cherries

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 2

Place 1/2 cup chocolate chips and 1 tablespoon shortening in the top of a double boiler over simmering water. Stir frequently, scraping down the sides with a rubber spatula to avoid scorching, until chocolate is melted, about 5 minutes. Set aside to cool.

Step 3

Combine sugar and butter in a large bowl and beat with an electric mixer on medium speed until fluffy. Beat in cooled chocolate mixture. Add egg, milk, and vanilla extract; beat until well combined. Add flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, espresso powder, and salt; beat on low speed until just combined and a dough forms.

Step 4

Shape dough into 3 dozen 1-inch balls and roll in chopped walnuts to coat. Place balls 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheet. Make an indentation in the center of each cookie using your thumb.

Step 5

Bake in the preheated oven until the edges are firm, 8 to 10 minutes. Transfer cookies to a wire rack and let cool, about 30 minutes.

Step 6

While cookies are cooling, place remaining 3/4 cup chocolate chips and 1 tablespoon shortening in the top of a double boiler over simmering water. Stir frequently, scraping down the sides with a rubber spatula to avoid scorching, until chocolate is melted, about 5 minutes. Cool slightly.

Step 7

Spoon a cherry with some of the sauce into the center of each cooled cookie and drizzle chocolate mixture over the tops. Let stand until chocolate is set.