Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Line cookie sheet (s) with parchment paper.
In a medium-sized bowl, mix together the cocoa powder, white sugar, brown sugar, cooled down butter and applesauce or egg and oil combo. Add in vanilla and mix together.
Make sure you measure the flour correctly, and add the flour, baking powder, and salt to the wet ingredients mixing with a wooden spoon until a soft dough forms. Fold in the chocolate chunks/chips, walnuts and cherries if desired. Dough will be thick.
Using a small or medium cookie scoop or 1 1/2 tablespoon - 2 tablespoons, place onto prepared baking sheets. Press them down however thick or thin you want cookies. Cookies do not spread much.
Bake for 8 - 10 minutes. The cookies will appear soft from the oven but will set up as they cool. 8 minutes for soft and fudgy - 10 minutes for soft and chewier. Don't overbake.
Allow to cool on the cookie sheet for 10 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool.