Ultimate Allergy-Friendly Cherry Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies: A Vegan & Gluten-Free Delight
Imagine a symphony of flavors and textures in every bite: incredibly soft, rich chocolate cookies cradling a luscious pool of vibrant cherry pie filling, all crowned with a delicate drizzle of extra chocolate. Why not indulge a little? These exquisite vegan and gluten-free Cherry Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies are so irresistibly delicious, you’ll find it nearly impossible to stop at just one – or even five!
For anyone navigating the complexities of food allergies or specific dietary preferences, finding a truly satisfying dessert can often feel like a quest. But worry no more! This recipe is a testament to the fact that allergy-friendly baking doesn’t mean compromising on taste, texture, or visual appeal. Designed to be free from gluten, dairy, eggs, soy, peanuts, and tree nuts, these cookies are a fantastic “Top 8 Allergen Free” treat that everyone can enjoy.
The Inspiration Behind These Irresistible Cookies
My husband has an enduring adoration for anything that combines the classic pairing of cherry and chocolate. For months, a can of safe, allergy-friendly cherry pie filling sat patiently in my pantry, waiting for its moment to shine. While I have a phenomenal cherry chocolate cake recipe that always receives rave reviews, the thought of embarking on a full-fledged cake project often feels daunting amidst a busy schedule. Sometimes, you just need a simpler, quicker path to chocolatey bliss.
That’s when inspiration struck: why not transform that beloved cherry chocolate combination into delightful, bite-sized cookies? Adapting my trusted Chocolate Crinkle Cookie recipe proved to be a stroke of genius. The dough, known for its perfect shapability, was ideal for creating the signature “thumbprint” indentations, ready to be filled with that wonderfully oozing cherry goodness. This adaptation not only saves time but also offers the convenience of individual portions, making them perfect for sharing, gifting, or simply enjoying whenever a craving strikes.
Making Every Cookie Special: Tips for Perfection
While the recipe itself is straightforward, a few key considerations will ensure your Cherry Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies turn out perfectly every time.
Prioritizing Allergy Safety: Check Your Ingredients!
When baking for allergies, vigilance is paramount. Always, always make sure your cherry pie filling is certified gluten-free. Not all brands are, and a quick check of the label can save you from an allergic reaction. This meticulous label-reading extends to all ingredients, especially if you’re catering to multiple allergens. Our goal at Allergy Awesomeness is to make delicious food safe for everyone, and that starts with careful ingredient selection.
The Golden Rule of Baking: Don’t Overcook!
This cannot be stressed enough: the timing for these cookies is absolutely critical. These are designed to be the softest, most tender chocolate cookies you’ll ever bite into. However, the difference of merely a minute or two in the oven can transform them from wonderfully soft bites of bliss into dry, hard cookies. I vividly recall making these while my oldest was at preschool and my toddler was happily occupied with his dad – those moments of uninterrupted focus are a baker’s dream for a reason! It allows you to watch your oven closely and pull them out at precisely the right moment.
So, set a timer, but more importantly, trust your senses. Keep a watchful eye on the cookies; as soon as you start to smell that intoxicating chocolate aroma filling your kitchen, it’s time to check them. The edges should be just barely set, and the centers might still look slightly soft. They will continue to set as they cool on the baking sheet. A minute of careful attention at this stage will guarantee melt-in-your-mouth perfection.
The Art of the Chocolate Drizzle
The optional chocolate drizzle isn’t just for aesthetics; it adds another layer of decadent chocolate flavor that perfectly complements the cherry. If you don’t have dairy-free chocolate chips on hand for the drizzle, the cookies will still be absolutely delightful. But, let’s be honest, a good drizzle truly elevates their “perdy” factor! I sometimes wish I had “drizzling lessons” myself to make them look bakery-perfect every time, but even an imperfect drizzle adds a charming, homemade touch. Don’t stress too much about perfection; the taste is what truly matters.
To achieve a smooth, pourable drizzle, microwave your dairy-free chocolate chips with a tiny bit of vanilla rice milk (as specified in the recipe) in short bursts, stirring well between each. The key is to melt the chocolate gently, ensuring it remains fluid enough to drizzle but not too hot. You can use a spoon, a fork, or even a small piping bag (or a ziploc bag with a corner snipped off) for controlled lines.
More Than Just a Dessert: Comfort in Every Bite
I’ll be honest, some weeks are tougher than others. Recently, I’ve had a particularly challenging time with some personal issues, and in those moments, chocolate has always been my ultimate balm. There’s something profoundly comforting about the process of baking, the rich scent of cocoa filling the air, and the anticipation of that first warm, fresh-out-of-the-oven bite. Homemade chocolate treats, especially when they’re warm and gooey, have an incredible power to cheer up just about anyone, offering a sweet escape from daily stresses.
These Cherry Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies are more than just a recipe; they are a small act of self-care, a moment of joy, and a way to bring warmth and happiness into your home. The combination of deep chocolate and tart cherry is incredibly satisfying, and knowing they are safe for so many dietary needs makes them even more special. I sincerely hope this recipe brings you as much chocolaty relief and happiness as it does for me.
Cherry Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies (GF, DF, Egg, Soy, Peanut, Tree nut Free, Top 8 Free, Vegan)
18 cookies
15 minutes
10 minutes
25 minutes
Soft chocolate cookies with a pool of cherry pie filling awaiting you in the middle with extra chocolate drizzled on top because…why not? These vegan, gluten free cookies are hard to stop at just five…I mean, one.
Ingredients
- COOKIES:
- 1 and ¼ cups basic gluten-free flour mix (I use Cybele Pascal’s recipe
- ⅔ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ teaspoon xanthan gum (omit if your flour mix already includes this)
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon cream of tartar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ⅓ cup coconut oil
- ⅓ cup vanilla rice milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- FILLING:
- One safe can of cherry pie filling (be sure to read labels!)
- DRIZZLE:
- 1/4 cup of dairy-free chocolate chips
- 1 teaspoon vanilla rice milk
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325. Grease a baking sheet.
- In a stand mixer with the paddle attachment, combine the flour mix, cocoa, xanthan, baking soda, cream of tartar, sugar and salt. Mix thoroughly, being sure to work out any lumps of cocoa powder.
- Then, slowly add the oil, rice milk, and vanilla, mixing on medium speed until blended.
- Scrape down the sides of the bowl as necessary. The dough should be a bit like play-doh consistency.
- Scoop out the dough using a greased cookie scooper, or well greased hands.
- Once the dough is formed into balls and placed on the greased cookie sheet, take your thumb and press a well into the center of each cookie. Fill the mound to the top with the cherry pie filling–you will have some cherry pie filling leftover, this will not use all of it.
- Baker at the center of the oven for 6-8 minutes. Do not overcook, as they will dry easily. If you start to smell them, run for the oven!
- Bake at the center of the oven for 6-8 minutes. Do not overcook, as they will dry easily. If you start to smell them, run for the oven!
- Allow the cookies to cool on the cookie sheet for one minute. Remove them to a cooling rack. They will seem a bit fragile, so handle with care. They will finish setting up as they cool.
- While they are cooling, put the chocolate chips and rice milk in a microwave safe bowl and microwave for 30 seconds. Remove from the microwave and stir until it’s a uniform consistency. Drizzle over the cooled cookies.
This delightful cookie creation draws inspiration from Julie’s Eats and Treats, and is skillfully adapted from my own beloved Chocolate Crinkle Cookies. It’s a fusion of great ideas, perfected for allergy-friendly enjoyment.
Don’t Miss Out! Pin This Recipe for Later!
These Cherry Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies are destined to become a staple in your allergy-friendly baking repertoire. Whether you’re planning a bake sale, a holiday treat, or simply need a comforting dessert for a tough week, this recipe delivers on all fronts. Make sure to save it so you can revisit this wonderful creation whenever the craving for soft, chocolatey, cherry-filled goodness strikes. Happy baking!
