Black Forest Cookies: A Chocolate-Cherry Delight!

If you love the rich, indulgent flavors of chocolate and cherry, Black Forest Cookies are a must-try treat. Inspired by the classic Black Forest cake, these cookies combine soft, fudgy cocoa dough with pockets of semisweet chocolate and tart cherries. Perfect for holidays, gatherings, or a cozy dessert at home, these cookies deliver decadent flavor in every bite.

What Are Black Forest Cookies?

Black Forest Cookies are a delicious spin on the traditional German Black Forest cake. They feature a chocolate-based cookie dough infused with semisweet chocolate chips and dried or fresh cherries for that signature chocolate-cherry combination. These cookies are soft, chewy, and loaded with bold, complementary flavors.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple Ingredients: Uses pantry staples and can be customized with either dried or fresh cherries.
• Rich and Decadent: Perfectly fudgy and packed with chocolate flavor.
• Versatile: Great for any occasion—holiday cookie exchanges, tea parties, or as an everyday treat.
• Customizable: Easily adapt for dietary preferences, like making them gluten-free or vegan.

Ingredients

Wet Ingredients:

• 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
• ½ cup (100g) brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Dry Ingredients:

• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
• ⅔ cup (80g) cocoa powder
• 1 tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt

Add-ins:

• 1 cup (175g) semisweet chocolate chips
• ¾ cup (100g) dried cherries or fresh pitted cherries, chopped

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Dough

1. Preheat your oven: Set to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
2. Cream the butter and sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until light and fluffy.
3. Add the eggs and vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated. Mix in the vanilla extract.

Mixing the Dry Ingredients

4. Combine the dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
5. Incorporate the dry mixture: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.

Adding the Chocolate and Cherries

6. Fold in add-ins: Stir in the chocolate chips and cherries, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Shaping and Baking

7. Form the cookies: Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough and place them on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them 2 inches apart.
8. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set, but the centers remain soft.
9. Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair these cookies with a cold glass of milk or a hot cup of coffee for a classic treat.
• Serve with a dollop of whipped cream for a more indulgent dessert.
• Add a festive touch by drizzling melted white chocolate over the cookies.

Storing and Freezing

Storage Tips

• Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• For longer freshness, refrigerate the cookies for up to 10 days.

Freezing Instructions

• Unbaked dough: Scoop dough balls onto a baking sheet and freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Bake from frozen, adding 1-2 minutes to the baking time.
• Baked cookies: Freeze in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Recipe Variations

• Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour.
• Vegan: Substitute butter with vegan butter, eggs with flax eggs, and ensure chocolate chips are dairy-free.
• Extra Indulgence: Add white chocolate chips or drizzle dark chocolate over the cooled cookies.
• Nuts: Fold in ½ cup of chopped almonds or walnuts for added crunch.

FAQs

Can I use fresh cherries instead of dried cherries?
Yes! Fresh pitted cherries work well, but chop them finely and pat them dry to remove excess moisture.

Can I substitute the semisweet chocolate chips?
Absolutely. Milk or dark chocolate chips, or even chunks, are great substitutes.

Why are my cookies spreading too much?
Ensure the dough is chilled for 20-30 minutes before baking if it’s too soft or sticky.

Black Forest Cookies are an irresistible combination of chocolate and cherry, perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth. Whether you’re baking for the holidays, a party, or just because, these cookies are guaranteed to impress. Give this recipe a try, and let us know how they turned out!

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