Heat oven to 350°F. Place one oven rack in top third and second in bottom third.

Melt 10 oz semisweet chocolate in glass bowl placed over saucepan of simmering water. Remove from heat and allow to cool to room temperature.

In separate bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda and salt.

In bowl of electric mixer, beat butter and sugars until light and fluffy (~2-3 minutes). Scrape down sides of bowl. Add melted chocolate and beat until incorporated. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in vanilla. Add flour in stages, mixing until incorporated. Fold in chocolate chips and cherries.

Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper. Form dough into balls using 1/4 cup. Bake cookies for ~14-17 minutes, rotating baking sheets halfway through. (Cookies are done when just barely set in center.) Let cookies cool for a few minutes before transferring to wire rack.