Dissolve yeast and 1tbsp sugar to 1 cup of wam water. Let stand 5 miutes or until water is cloudy and smells yeasty.

Sift remaining sugar, flour, cocoa and salt in a large bowl.

Add yeast and water to flour and mix well with a wooden spoon till it forms a smooth dough.

Fold in butter.

Transfer dough to a well-floured surface and knead 7 to 10minutes.

Pat dough into 10" square. Place cherries and chocolate chips in the center, fold in sides like an envelope. Press edges to seal.

Gently knead dough to evenly distribute chocolate and cherries throughout. Transfer to oiled bowl, cover and let rise 11/2 hours in warm place.

Punch dough down and place on a well-floured work surface.

Roll into thick log, then cut log into 16 equal rounds. Roll each round into a tight ball, and place on baking sheet coated with nonstick cooking spray.

Set baking sheet in warm place, and let balls rise 30 to 45 minutes.