Irresistible Black Forest Cookies Recipe for Sweet Tooths

Rich chocolate and cherry combine in this delightful black forest cookies recipe that brings European bakery charm right to your kitchen.

Decadent layers of flavor meld together like a sweet symphony.

Cocoa-infused dough creates a deep, luxurious base for each bite.

Sweet cherries provide unexpected bursts of brightness against the dark chocolate backdrop.

Soft, chewy textures make these cookies irresistible for anyone who loves classic dessert combinations.

Chocolate lovers will adore how each cookie captures the essence of the traditional black forest cake.

These treats promise to become your new favorite afternoon indulgence, bake a batch and surprise yourself.

Why Black Forest Cookies Are So Popular

• Discover Delightful Decadence: Indulge in a rich, chocolatey experience that combines the classic Black Forest cake flavors into an irresistible cookie form.
• Whip Up with Ease: Perfect for bakers of all skill levels, this recipe requires simple ingredients and straightforward mixing techniques that anyone can master.
• Crowd-Pleasing Treat: These cookies are guaranteed to impress at potlucks, family gatherings, or as a special dessert that brings smiles to everyone's faces.
• Customize Your Creation: Experiment with extra chocolate chips or adjust cherry amounts to make the recipe uniquely yours, adding a personal touch to every batch.

Black Forest Cookies Ingredient List

• All-Purpose Flour: Fine base for tender cookie texture.
• Cocoa Powder: Provides deep chocolate flavor.
• Baking Soda: Helps cookies rise and spread.
• Salt: Enhances overall taste.

• Butter: Creamy base for rich cookie.
• Brown Sugar: Adds moisture and caramel notes.
• Egg: Binds ingredients together.
• Vanilla Extract: Provides warm background flavor.

• Maraschino Cherries, Chocolate Chips: Sweet bursts of flavor and texture for classic Black Forest style.

Cookie Guide for Black Forest Cookies

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Crank the oven to 350°F. Cover a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Cream Butter And Sugar

Grab a mixing bowl and blend butter with brown sugar using an electric mixer. Work it until smooth and creamy. Add egg and vanilla, then mix again until everything combines beautifully.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

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

Slowly incorporate dry ingredients into wet mixture using a spatula. The dough will feel thick and rich.

Step 4: Prepare Cherry Chocolate Mix

Drain maraschino cherries and chop them finely. Pat cherries dry to remove extra liquid. Gently fold chopped cherries and chocolate chips into the dough.

Step 5: Shape Cookie Dough

Use a cookie scoop to create uniform portions on the baking sheet. Press extra chopped cherries and chocolate chips on top of each cookie for a gorgeous appearance.

Step 6: Bake And Cool

Slide the tray into the oven. Bake for 13-15 minutes until edges look set. Let cookies rest on the baking sheet for 15 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack.

Cookie Tips That Make Black Forest Flavor Pop

• Drain Cherries Thoroughly: Pat maraschino cherries completely dry to prevent excess moisture from making cookies soggy and ensuring crisp texture.
• Chocolate Chip Distribution: Fold chocolate chips and chopped cherries gently into dough, then press extra pieces on top for visual appeal and intense flavor bursts.
• Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure butter and egg are at room temperature for smoother mixing and better cookie consistency.
• Chill Dough Option: Refrigerate cookie dough for 30 minutes before baking to prevent excessive spreading and create thicker, chewier cookies.
• Storage Hack: Store cooled cookies in an airtight container with a slice of bread to maintain softness and prevent them from becoming dry.

How To Store Black Forest Cookies For Later

• Store cooled cookies in an airtight container lined with parchment paper between layers. Keeps fresh for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
• Place cookies in a freezer-safe container with wax paper separating each layer. Freeze for 2-3 months. Thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving.
• Warm individual cookies for 10-15 seconds on medium power. Check to prevent overcooking and maintain soft texture.
• If cookies become slightly hard, place a piece of bread in the container overnight to help regain moisture and softness.

Treats to Go with Black Forest Cookies

• Decadent Dessert Wine Pairing: Sip a rich, sweet port wine that complements the chocolate and cherry flavors, enhancing the cookie's deep, indulgent profile.
• Creamy Companion Beverage: Match with a cold glass of milk or a smooth cherry liqueur to balance the intense chocolate and add a luxurious touch.
• Flavor-Boosting Garnish: Top cookies with a dollop of whipped cream or sprinkle with shaved dark chocolate to elevate the taste experience and add visual appeal.
• Contrasting Coffee Match: Serve alongside a bold espresso or cappuccino, whose robust coffee notes will beautifully cut through the sweetness of the cookies.

Black Forest Cookie Styles

• Gluten-Free Black Forest Cookies: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free baking mix to create a celiac-friendly version without compromising taste.
• Vegan Cherry Chocolate Cookies: Swap butter with coconut oil, use flax egg instead of chicken egg, and select dairy-free dark chocolate chips for a plant-based alternative.
• Low-Sugar Black Forest Cookies: Substitute brown sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, reduce chocolate chips, and use unsweetened cocoa powder to lower overall sugar content.
• Keto-Friendly Chocolate Cherry Cookies: Use almond flour, replace sugar with erythritol, incorporate sugar-free chocolate chips, and minimize maraschino cherries to maintain low-carb profile.

FAQs

• Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries?

Fresh cherries are too watery and might make the cookie dough soggy. Maraschino cherries work best because they’re drained and have less moisture, ensuring your cookies maintain the right texture.

• How do I prevent the cherries from bleeding color into the cookie dough?

Pat the maraschino cherries thoroughly with paper towels to remove excess liquid. Chopping them finely and gently folding into the dough helps distribute the color and prevent excessive bleeding.

• What type of chocolate chips work best for this recipe?

Semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips complement the sweet cherries perfectly. They provide a rich chocolate flavor that balances the sweetness of the maraschino cherries.

• Can I make the cookie dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the cookie dough in advance. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Let the dough come to room temperature before scooping and baking.

Black Forest Cookies Recipe

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4.6 from 25 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

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Description

Indulgent Black Forest Cookies blend rich chocolate and luscious cherries in a delightful German-inspired treat. Sweet meets tart in each perfectly balanced bite, delivering a mouthwatering experience that connects chocolate and cherry lovers with classic dessert magic.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup drained & finely chopped maraschino cherries

Wet Ingredients:

• 12 tablespoons (1.5 sticks) unsalted butter (softened)
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Leavening and Seasoning:

• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and prepare a baking sheet with a silicone mat or parchment paper for optimal non-stick baking.
2. Cream together butter and brown sugar using an electric mixer until smooth and fluffy, creating a rich base for the cookies.
3. Incorporate egg and vanilla extract into the butter mixture, blending until the ingredients are thoroughly combined and uniform.
4. Sift together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt in a separate bowl to ensure even distribution of dry ingredients.
5. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently with a spatula until a thick, consistent dough forms.
6. Meticulously drain maraschino cherries, then finely chop and pat them dry to prevent excess moisture in the cookie dough.
7. Delicately fold chopped cherries and chocolate chips into the dough, distributing them evenly throughout the mixture.
8. Using a cookie scoop, portion the dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving adequate space between each cookie.
9. Enhance the visual appeal by pressing additional chopped cherries and chocolate chips onto the top of each cookie.
10. Bake for 13-15 minutes, watching carefully to achieve a perfectly crisp exterior while maintaining a soft interior.
11. Allow cookies to cool directly on the baking sheet for approximately 15 minutes to set their structure before transferring to a cooling rack.

Notes

• Drain cherries thoroughly to prevent excess moisture from making cookies soggy, ensuring a perfect texture and crisp edges.
• Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking to intensify flavors and prevent excessive spreading during cooking.
• Use high-quality dark chocolate chips for a richer, more complex chocolate taste that complements the sweet cherries.
• For a gluten-free version, swap wheat flour with almond or coconut flour, maintaining the cookie’s delightful chocolate-cherry essence.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: German

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 120 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg