Name: Chewy Black Forest Cookies with Rich Chocolate and Cherries
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 72 min
Ingredients: 1.5 cups all-purpose flour (Can substitute with gluten-free blend.); 0.5 cups cocoa powder (Use Dutch-processed for deeper flavor.); 0.5 cups granulated sugar (Coconut sugar can be a healthier alternative.); 0.5 cups brown sugar (Dark brown sugar adds caramel notes.); 0.5 cups unsalted butter (Margarine can serve as a substitute.); 1 large egg (Flaxseed meal can be used as a vegan option.); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (Pure extract delivers the best results.); 1 cup cherries (Dried or fresh, adds tartness.); 1 cup chocolate chips (Use semi-sweet or dark chocolate.)

There’s something magical about the combination of chocolate and cherries that instantly transports me to cozy afternoons spent baking with family. Today, I’m excited to share my recipe for Black Forest Cookies, where the essence of the classic German dessert comes alive in cookie form. These delightful treats not only bring a satisfying chewiness to every bite but are also incredibly easy to whip up, making them perfect for bakers of all skill levels. Whether you’re looking to impress your loved ones at a gathering or simply indulge a sweet craving, these cookies are sure to be a hit. Plus, they make excellent gifts! Curious about how to achieve that irresistible chocolate-cherry harmony? Let’s dive into the baking magic!

Why Are Black Forest Cookies So Irresistible?

Chewy, Chocolatey Bliss: These Black Forest Cookies deliver a perfectly chewy texture complemented by rich chocolate flavors. Fruitful Delight: The tart cherries cut through the sweetness, creating a delightful contrast that keeps you reaching for more. Quick and Easy: With simple ingredients, these cookies are easy to prepare and perfect for bakers of all levels. Crowd-Pleasing Treat: Whether it’s a family gathering or a holiday party, they’ll steal the show, just like my delicious Chocolate Chip Cookies. Versatile Flavor: Feel free to experiment with variations; substitute with white chocolate chips for a sweeter twist!

Black Forest Cookies Ingredients

• Discover the key ingredients for deliciously chewy Black Forest Cookies.

For the Cookie Base

All-purpose flour – Provides structure for the cookie; feel free to substitute with a gluten-free blend for a gluten-free option.
Cocoa powder – Adds rich chocolate flavor; use Dutch-processed cocoa for a deeper taste.
Granulated sugar – Sweetens the cookies while contributing to their chewy texture; coconut sugar can be a healthier alternative.
Brown sugar – Enhances moisture and depth of flavor; dark brown sugar adds lovely caramel notes.
Unsalted butter – Provides richness and tenderness; margarine can serve as a good substitute.
Eggs – Binds everything together and adds moisture; flaxseed meal can be used as a vegan option.
Vanilla extract – Infuses delightful flavor; pure vanilla extract delivers the best results.

For the Mix-ins

Cherries (dried or fresh) – Adds tartness and complements the chocolate beautifully; dried cherries are convenient, while fresh cherries provide a delicious burst of flavor.
Chocolate chips – Enhances the chocolaty experience; use semi-sweet or dark chocolate for a rich taste.

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Black Forest Cookies

Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While your oven warms up, line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking. This will prepare a perfect baking surface for your delightful Black Forest Cookies, ensuring even cooking and easy removal once they’re baked.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 ½ cups of all-purpose flour, ½ cup of cocoa powder, and 1 teaspoon of baking soda. Mix these ingredients until they’re well combined and free of clumps. This step is crucial for ensuring your Black Forest Cookies have a harmonious chocolate flavor and perfect texture.

Step 3: Cream the Butters and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, cream together ½ cup of unsalted butter, ½ cup of granulated sugar, and ½ cup of brown sugar using a hand mixer or stand mixer. Beat the mixture until it becomes light and fluffy, approximately 2-3 minutes. This process introduces air into the batter, giving your cookies a tender and chewy consistency.

Step 4: Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla
Add in 1 large egg and 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract to the butter and sugar mixture. Mix on medium speed until these ingredients are fully incorporated and smooth, which should take about a minute. The addition of egg and vanilla adds moisture and a warm aroma that enhances the flavor profile of your Black Forest Cookies.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed. Blend until just combined, being careful not to overmix; a few flour streaks are perfectly fine. This creates the cookie dough while retaining the rich chocolatiness that defines your Black Forest Cookies.

Step 6: Fold in Cherries and Chocolate Chips
Gently fold in 1 cup of dried cherries and 1 cup of chocolate chips using a spatula. Ensure the cherries and chips are evenly distributed throughout the dough for a balanced flavor in every bite. This step creates a delightful mixture of flavors and textures in your Black Forest Cookies.

Step 7: Scoop the Cookie Dough
Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, drop heaping portions of cookie dough onto the lined baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. This allows room for the cookies to spread as they bake. The dough should be slightly mounded, which will result in the perfect chewy cookie shape after baking.

Step 8: Bake the Cookies
Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes. Keep an eye on them; the edges should appear set while the centers look slightly underbaked. This will ensure your Black Forest Cookies remain soft and chewy, reminiscent of the classic dessert.

Step 9: Cool Before Serving
Once baked, allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes. Afterward, gently transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step is crucial for achieving the perfect texture, so don’t skip it—your Black Forest Cookies will be worth the wait!

What to Serve with Decadent Black Forest Cookies?

Cozy evenings and sweet treats go hand in hand, especially when you have these delightful cookies to accompany your favorite dishes.

Vanilla Ice Cream: The creaminess of vanilla ice cream balances the rich chocolate and tart cherries, making each bite heavenly. A scoop on the side transforms cookies into a dessert dream.
Fresh Berries: A medley of fresh berries adds a burst of color and freshness, enhancing the fruity notes of the cookies. Strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries serve as a light, refreshing contrast to the rich flavors.
Coffee or Espresso: A rich cup of coffee or espresso complements the chocolatey notes perfectly. The bitterness cuts through the sweetness, creating a harmonious experience with every sip and bite.
Chocolate Milkshake: Indulge your inner child with a creamy chocolate milkshake. The cold, sweet treat makes for an exciting pairing that’ll delight both young and old.
Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream: This refreshing ice cream offers a cool minty flavor that contrasts beautifully with the rich chocolate and cherries. It’ll add a fun twist to your dessert experience.
Homemade Whipped Cream: Light, fluffy whipped cream can take the Black Forest Cookies to the next level, adding a touch of elegance while balancing the rich and chewy textures.
Roasted Nuts: A bowl of warm roasted nuts adds a crunchy texture and a nutty flavor that pairs wonderfully with the cookies. Consider almonds or hazelnuts for an extra touch of taste.
Chai Tea: Spiced chai tea enhances the sweetness and richness with warmth and aromatic spices, making for a comforting match on a chilly day.
Dark Chocolate Covered Cherries: For an extra indulgent and luxurious treat, dark chocolate-covered cherries deepen the flavors while echoing the cherry component of the cookies.
Fruit Tart: A light and fruity tart makes a refreshing and elegant dessert option, diverting from the richness of the cookies while still satisfying your sweet tooth.

Make Ahead Options

These decadent Black Forest Cookies are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to save time and enjoy delicious treats whenever you crave them! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 3 days in advance—simply follow the recipe instructions up to the point of scooping the dough. After mixing, cover the bowl tightly and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. This helps the flavors meld beautifully! When you’re ready to indulge, scoop the chilled dough onto prepared baking sheets and bake for 10-12 minutes. For a super fresh experience, avoid freezing the baked cookies; instead, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. You’ll have mouthwatering, chewy Black Forest Cookies just waiting to brighten your day!

Black Forest Cookies Variations

Feel free to get creative and customize these cookies to fit your tastes or dietary needs!

Dairy-Free: Substitute unsalted butter with coconut oil or a vegan butter alternative for a dairy-free treat.
Nuts Galore: Add chopped walnuts or pecans for an added crunch and nutty flavor that complements the chocolate beautifully. Consider mixing in some roasted nuts to elevate the texture altogether.
Liqueur-Infused: For a sophisticated twist, try adding liqueur-soaked cherries. Soak the cherries in Kirsch or another cherry liqueur overnight for a delightful adult-only treat.
White Chocolate Delight: Replace semi-sweet chocolate chips with white chocolate chips for a sweeter cookie experience that balances the tartness of the cherries.
Gluten-Free Bliss: Use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour to make these cookies suitable for those avoiding gluten, without sacrificing flavor!
Double Chocolate: Double the cocoa powder and add an extra half cup of chocolate chips for an ultra-indulgent chocolate experience. You can even include some chocolate chunks for more texture.
Spicy Kick: For a unique heat level, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the dough. The heat will create a beautiful contrast with the sweetness, just like in my favorite Chocolate Oat Cookies.

With these variations, there’s a new way to enjoy Black Forest Cookies every time you bake! Whether you go sweet or spicy, each combination has its own charm just waiting to be discovered.

How to Store and Freeze Black Forest Cookies

Room Temperature: Store cooled Black Forest Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week to retain their chewy texture.
Fridge: For longer freshness, you can keep the cookies in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks; however, this might slightly alter their texture.
Freezer: Freeze the cookies in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. To enjoy, thaw at room temperature or warm them in the oven for a few minutes.
Make-Ahead Dough: You can prepare the cookie dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to bake, scoop and bake directly from the fridge for the best results!

Helpful Tricks for Black Forest Cookies

Chill the Dough: Refrigerate the cookie dough for 30 minutes before baking to enhance the chewiness and prevent spreading.
Avoid Overbaking: Keep a close eye on the cookies as they bake; they should look slightly underbaked in the center for the perfect chewy texture.
Use Quality Chocolate: Opt for good-quality chocolate chips to elevate the rich flavor of your Black Forest Cookies.
Pat Dry Fresh Cherries: If using fresh cherries, pat them dry before adding to the dough to prevent excess moisture.
Experiment with Substitutes: Don’t hesitate to use alternative ingredients like gluten-free flour or coconut sugar to cater to dietary preferences while maintaining flavor.

Black Forest Cookies Recipe FAQs

What type of cherries should I use?
You can use either dried or fresh cherries for this recipe. Dried cherries are convenient and easy to incorporate, while fresh, pitted cherries offer a burst of juicy flavor. If you opt for fresh cherries, make sure to pat them dry to prevent excess moisture in your cookies.

How should I store Black Forest Cookies?
To keep your cookies deliciously chewy, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. If you want them to last longer, you can refrigerate them for up to 2 weeks. Just remember that refrigeration might affect their texture slightly.

Can I freeze Black Forest Cookies?
Absolutely! Freeze your Black Forest Cookies in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw at room temperature or warm them in a preheated oven for a few minutes to restore their delightful chewiness.

What if my cookie dough is too sticky?
If your dough seems too sticky, you can add a bit more flour, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency. Moreover, chilling the dough for about 30 minutes before baking can help firm it up and reduce stickiness.

Are there any dietary considerations for these cookies?
While this recipe doesn’t contain any specific dietary restrictions, you can easily adapt it. For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Additionally, if you’re looking for a vegan option, replace eggs with flaxseed meal mixed with water. Use 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water as a substitute for each egg.

Can I make the dough in advance?
Yes! You can prepare the cookie dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to bake, simply scoop the dough onto your baking sheets directly from the fridge, and bake as instructed for the best results. Enjoy the anticipation of fresh-baked cookies whenever the craving strikes!