Irresistible Black Forest Cookies Recipe: Sweet Cherry Bliss

Nestled in the heart of germany’s culinary traditions, these black forest cookies blend rich chocolate with a playful cherry twist.

Sweet memories of alpine bakeries inspired this delightful treat.

Chocolate lovers will find themselves captivated by the deep cocoa notes dancing alongside tart cherries.

Each bite promises a delectable journey through classic german dessert flavors.

Kirsch-soaked cherries add a sophisticated adult touch to these irresistible morsels.

Crumbly chocolate cookies provide the perfect canvas for this decadent combination.

Whip up a batch and watch how quickly they disappear from your cookie plate.

Why Black Forest Cookies Taste Like Bakery Magic

• Indulge Chocolate Lovers: These Black Forest Cookies pack a decadent chocolate punch with rich cocoa powder and chocolate chips, satisfying every chocolate craving in one delightful bite.
• Celebrate Festive Flavors: Maraschino cherries add a burst of sweet-tart brightness that transforms classic chocolate cookies into a playful dessert reminiscent of the famous Black Forest cake.
• Quick Kitchen Magic: Prep and bake these cookies in under 30 minutes, making them perfect for spontaneous baking sessions or when you need a fast sweet treat that looks and tastes impressive.
• Customize with Ease: Flexible recipe allows for simple variations like adding extra cherries, swapping chocolate chips, or adjusting sugar dusting to match personal taste preferences.

Black Forest Cookie Ingredient List To Gather

• Butter: Provides rich, creamy flavor and helps create a soft cookie texture.
• Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Offer sweetness and contribute to the cookie's golden color and soft texture.
• Eggs: Act as a binding agent and add moisture to the cookie dough.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile of the cookies.

• All-Purpose Flour: Forms the structural base of the cookies.
• Cocoa Powder: Delivers deep chocolate flavor and dark color.
• Baking Soda: Helps the cookies rise and spread during baking.
• Salt: Balances and intensifies the sweet flavors.

• Chocolate Chips, Maraschino Cherries: Add classic Black Forest flavor and texture contrast.
• Powdered Sugar: Provides a sweet finishing touch and decorative appearance.

Steps To Bake The Softest Black Forest Cookies

Step 1: Prepare Baking Station

Grab your baking sheets and line them with parchment paper.

Set your oven to warm up at 350F (175C).

Step 2: Whip Butter and Sugars

Grab a large mixing bowl and cream together butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy.

Use an electric mixer to make this process smooth and quick.

Step 3: Incorporate Wet Ingredients

Gently add eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition.

Stir in vanilla extract to enhance the cookie’s rich flavor profile.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Cocoa powder
• Baking soda
• Salt

Whisk these ingredients until they’re evenly distributed.

Step 5: Create Cookie Dough

Slowly fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture.

Mix until just combined.

• Chocolate chips
• Chopped maraschino cherries

Be careful not to overmix the dough.

Step 6: Form Cookies

Using a tablespoon, drop rounded portions of dough onto prepared baking sheets.

Space cookies about 2 inches apart to allow room for spreading.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Slide trays into the preheated oven.

Bake for 10-12 minutes until cookies are set but still soft.

Remove and let them rest on baking sheets for 5 minutes.

Step 8: Final Touch

Transfer cookies to a wire rack.

Once completely cooled, dust with powdered sugar for a delightful finishing touch.

Black Forest Cookie Tips For Rich Chocolate Flavor

• Choose bright, plump maraschino cherries and pat them completely dry to prevent excess moisture from making cookies soggy.
• Use high-quality dark cocoa powder for deeper, richer chocolate flavor that complements the sweet cherries.
• Chill dough for 30 minutes before baking to prevent excessive spreading and create thicker, chewier cookies.
• Lightly coat chopped cherries in flour before folding into dough to help them distribute evenly throughout cookies.
• Add a small pinch of almond extract alongside vanilla to elevate the classic Black Forest dessert profile.

Flavor Options For Black Forest Cookie Fans

• Low-Sugar Delight: Replace granulated and brown sugar with stevia or monk fruit sweetener, reducing overall sugar content while maintaining cookie's rich flavor.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free blend, ensuring those with wheat sensitivities can enjoy these decadent cookies.
• Vegan Black Forest Version: Use coconut oil instead of butter, replace eggs with flax eggs, and select dairy-free chocolate chips for plant-based cookie lovers.
• Nutty Cherry Chocolate Variation: Add chopped almonds or walnuts to the batter for extra crunch and protein, complementing the cherry and chocolate profile.

Serving Black Forest Cookies With Cherries On Top

• Chocolate Cherry Paradise: Serve these decadent cookies on a beautiful dessert platter, letting their rich dark color and cherry specks shine.
• Dessert Companion Delight: Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to enhance the Black Forest cake-like experience.
• Coffee Shop Charm: Enjoy alongside a steaming cappuccino or rich espresso to complement the deep chocolate and sweet cherry flavors.
• Gifting Gourmet Touch: Package in clear cellophane bags tied with a ribbon for a stunning homemade gift that looks professionally crafted.

Best Ways To Store Black Forest Cookies Soft

• Store cookies in an airtight container lined with parchment paper, keeping them fresh for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
• Place cookies in a freezer-safe container with wax paper between layers, preserving quality for 2-3 months. Wrap each cookie individually for best results.
• Keep cookies in a sealed container at room temperature, consuming within 3 days to maintain optimal texture and flavor.
• Warm cookies gently in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300F for 3-4 minutes to restore softness and enhance taste.

FAQs

• What gives these Black Forest Cookies their unique flavor?

The combination of rich cocoa powder, chocolate chips, and maraschino cherries creates the classic Black Forest cake-inspired taste, delivering a perfect balance of chocolate and fruity sweetness.

• Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries?

Maraschino cherries work best for this recipe because they’re sweeter and have less moisture. Fresh cherries might make the cookies too wet and alter the texture of the dough.

• How do I ensure my cookies come out soft and chewy?

Make sure not to overbake the cookies. Take them out when the edges are set but the centers still look slightly soft. They’ll continue to set as they cool on the baking sheet.

Black Forest Cookies Recipe

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4.8 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 32 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

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Description

Black Forest Cookies bring German chocolate and cherry magic to your dessert table, creating a delightful twist on the classic cake. Sweet chocolate dough, tart cherries, and rich cream blend into an irresistible treat you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 cup chopped maraschino cherries (drained)

Sweeteners:

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup brown sugar (packed)
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for dusting)

Additional Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

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Instructions

1. Prepare the baking station by heating the oven to 350F (175C) and lining baking sheets with parchment paper for optimal cookie performance.
2. In a spacious mixing bowl, cream together butter and both sugar varieties until the mixture transforms into a smooth, fluffy consistency.
3. Incorporate eggs individually, ensuring thorough blending after each addition, then introduce vanilla extract to enhance the flavor profile.
4. Sift together cocoa powder, flour, baking soda, and salt in a separate bowl, creating a uniform dry ingredient mixture.
5. Gradually integrate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until a cohesive dough forms. Gently fold in chocolate chips and chopped maraschino cherries, distributing them evenly throughout the dough.
6. Utilize a tablespoon to portion out rounded dollops of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, maintaining approximately 2 inches of spacing between each cookie.
7. Transfer the baking sheets to the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, watching for set edges and a slightly soft center. Allow cookies to rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to firm up.
8. Once completely cooled, delicately dust the cookies with powdered sugar, creating a final touch of sweetness and visual appeal.

Notes

• Ensure butter is at room temperature for smooth, even creaming and better cookie texture.
• Pat maraschino cherries dry with paper towels to prevent excess moisture from making cookies soggy.
• For gluten-free option, swap all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend to maintain cookie structure.
• Chill dough for 30 minutes before baking to prevent excessive spreading and create thicker, chewier cookies.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: German

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 173
• Sugar: 13 g
• Sodium: 64 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 18 mg