Chocolate cookies with candied cherries

Chocolate and Candied Cherry Cookies: A Delight for the Soul

Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Baking Time: 14-16 minutes
Total Time: 36 minutes
Number of Servings: 35-40 cookies

Introduction

Welcome to the delicious world of cooking! Today, I will present to you an enticing recipe for chocolate and candied cherry cookies, perfect for moments when you want to indulge yourself or bring a smile to the faces of your loved ones. These cookies are the ideal combination of rich chocolate and the sweetness of candied cherries, offering an explosion of flavors with every bite.

A Bit of History

Cookies have a fascinating history, with roots that trace back to ancient times when people began experimenting with various ingredients to create sweet treats. Over the years, recipes have evolved, incorporating local ingredients and culinary traditions. Today, cookies are loved worldwide, and each region has its unique version.

Necessary Ingredients

To prepare these chocolate and candied cherry cookies, you will need the following ingredients:

- 100 g butter, at room temperature
- 100 g brown sugar
- 100 g powdered white sugar
- 1 packet of bourbon vanilla sugar (for a more aromatic flavor)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (adds a warm note)
- 1 egg (at room temperature)
- 200 ml liquid cream
- 400 g flour
- 1 packet of baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 200 g dark chocolate, chopped into small cubes (choose chocolate with 70% cocoa for an intense flavor)
- 130 g candied cherries, finely chopped (opt for quality cherries for an authentic taste)

Preparing the Cookies

1. Preheating the Oven: Start by preheating the oven to 200°C. This step is crucial to ensure even baking of the cookies.

2. Preparing the Butter and Sugar Mixture: In a large bowl, add the butter at room temperature, brown sugar, and powdered white sugar. Use an electric mixer to beat the mixture for about 2-3 minutes until it becomes creamy and airy. Add the vanilla sugar and cinnamon, mixing well.

3. Adding the Egg: Add the egg to the butter mixture and continue to beat until fully incorporated. The egg will help bind the ingredients and add moisture to the cookies.

4. Whipping the Cream: In another bowl, whip the liquid cream with a mixer until it becomes firm. This step will add a fluffy and airy texture to the cookies.

5. Combining the Ingredients: Start folding the whipped cream into the butter mixture, gently mixing with a spatula to avoid losing air from the cream.

6. Adding the Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, sift the flour, baking powder, and baking soda. Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet mixture, gently mixing until everything is well combined.

7. Adding the Chocolate and Cherries: Finally, add the chocolate cubes and candied cherries, carefully mixing to distribute them evenly in the dough.

8. Forming the Cookies: Using a spoon or spatula, form about 70 small balls of dough. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving enough space between them, as the cookies will expand during baking.

9. Baking: Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake the cookies for 14-16 minutes, or until the edges turn golden, and the center remains slightly pale and soft. Do not leave them too long, as we want to maintain their soft and fluffy texture.

10. Cooling and Serving: Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the tray for 5-10 minutes, then transfer them to a cooling rack. This step is essential to allow the cookies to set.

Serving Suggestions and Combinations

These chocolate and candied cherry cookies are perfect to be served warm, alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a cup of warm milk. You can also try pairing them with a cup of aromatic coffee or fruit tea.

Tips and Variations

- If you want to add a bit of texture, you can include chopped nuts (pecans or regular walnuts are excellent).
- Instead of candied cherries, you can use raisins or dried cranberries for a different version.
- For an even more intense flavor, you can add a teaspoon of almond extract to the butter mixture.

Nutritional Benefits

These cookies are not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. Dark chocolate contains antioxidants, and candied cherries are a good source of vitamins, especially vitamin C. However, consume in moderation, as the cookies can be high in calories, having about 90-100 calories per cookie.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use a different type of sugar?
- Yes, you can experiment with coconut sugar or honey, but the result will vary.

2. How can I keep the cookies fresh for longer?
- Store them in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them soft.

3. Can I freeze the cookies?
- Yes, you can freeze the unbaked cookies, and when you want to enjoy them, bake them directly from the freezer, adding a few minutes to the baking time.

These chocolate and candied cherry cookies are not just a simple recipe but also a true joy for the soul. Whether you prepare them for a gathering with friends or simply to treat yourself, they are sure to bring a smile to anyone's face! Enjoy!