SPREAD LOVE

Black Forest Cookies

Name: Black Forest Cookies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: German
Ingredients: 2 1/4 cups All-purpose flour; 1/2 cup Unsweetened cocoa powder; 1/2 tsp Baking powder; 1/2 tsp Baking soda; 1 tsp Salt; 1 cup Unsalted butter, melted and cooled; 3/4 cup Brown sugar, packed; 3/4 cup White granulated sugar; 1 tsp Pure vanilla extract; 2 Large eggs, room temperature; 1 cup White chocolate chips; 1/2 cup Semisweet chocolate chips; 1 cup Fresh cherries, quartered; 8 ounces full-fat cream cheese, softened; 1/2 cup Unsalted butter, softened; 4 cups Powdered sugar, sifted; 1 tsp Pure vanilla extract; 1/2 tsp Almond extract (optional); 2-3 tbsp Cherry juice or milk; Red food coloring, optional; 1/4 cup Cherry preserves or jam; Chocolate shavings or curls, for garnish

Bite into a piece of heaven with these decadent Black Forest Cookies, where rich chocolate dough meets the sweet-tart explosion of cherries and creamy frosting. These delightful treats are not only a feast for the eyes but a celebration of flavors that transports you straight to the heart of the Black Forest region in Germany. If you love indulgent desserts, continue reading; these cookies will quickly become your new favorite.

Why Make This Recipe

They combine the fabulous flavors of chocolate, cherries, and cream cheese frosting into one unforgettable cookie.
These cookies are perfect for any occasion, from holiday gatherings to everyday snacks.

These Black Forest Cookies are more than just a dessert; they’re an experience that fills the kitchen with warmth and the air with sweet aromas.

Easy Method for Black Forest Cookies

Creating Black Forest Cookies at home is a straightforward pleasure that anyone can enjoy. With some simple steps, your kitchen will soon be transformed into a haven of rich cocoa, sweet cherries, and fluffy cream cheese frosting. Follow these steps carefully, and you’ll elevate your baking game to new heights.

Ingredients

Let’s gather our ingredients before diving into the fun part: baking.

2 1/4 cups All-purpose flour
1/2 cup Unsweetened cocoa powder (for best results, use Dutch process cocoa powder)
1/2 tsp Baking powder
1/2 tsp Baking soda
1 tsp Salt
1 cup Unsalted butter, melted and cooled
3/4 cup Brown sugar, packed light or dark
3/4 cup White granulated sugar
1 tsp Pure vanilla extract
2 Large eggs, room temperature
1 cup White chocolate chips
1/2 cup Semisweet chocolate chips
1 cup Fresh cherries, washed, pitted, and cut into quarters
8 ounces (226g) full-fat cream cheese, softened to room temperature
1/2 cup (1 stick or 113g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
4 cups (480g) powdered sugar, sifted
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
2-3 tablespoons cherry juice or milk
Red food coloring, optional
1/4 cup cherry preserves or jam
Chocolate shavings or curls, for garnish

Directions

Now, let’s get our hands dirty and create these mouthwatering cookies.

Prepare Oven and Dry Ingredients
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt for about 30 seconds to ensure even distribution.
Combine Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, using an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine the melted and cooled unsalted butter with the white granulated sugar and brown sugar. Beat on medium speed until well combined and smooth, about 2-3 minutes. Remember to scrape down the sides of the bowl frequently.
Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla
Add the large eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition until fully incorporated. Stir in the pure vanilla extract. Beat the mixture for another minute until thoroughly combined.
Gradually Add Dry to Wet Ingredients
Reduce your mixer speed to low. Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture (flour, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, salt) to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. It’s important not to overmix the dough; stop the mixer as soon as no streaks of dry flour remain.
Fold in the Black Forest Stars
Gently fold in the white chocolate chips, semi-sweet chocolate chips, and the fresh quartered cherries using a rubber spatula. Distribute them evenly throughout the dough to ensure every bite is packed with these wonderful additions.
Scoop and Bake
Using a 1.5-tablespoon cookie scoop, drop rounded scoops of dough onto your prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie. Bake one baking sheet at a time in your preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centers still look slightly soft. Cookies will continue to cook slightly after removal.
Cool the Cookies
Once baked, remove the baking sheet from the oven. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes to firm up. Then, carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Ensure the cookies are entirely cool before frosting.
Whip Up the Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting
While the cookies cool, prepare the frosting. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and softened unsalted butter with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy (2-3 minutes). Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, a cup at a time, mixing on low speed, then increasing to medium-high. Once all sugar is in, add the pure vanilla extract, optional almond extract, and 2-3 tablespoons of cherry juice or milk. Beat on high speed for another 2-3 minutes until light and fluffy. Add red food coloring if a pinker hue is desired.
The Cherry Swirl and Final Frosting Touches
Once your cream cheese frosting is perfectly whipped, gently spoon dollops of cherry preserves or jam onto the frosting. Using a knife or a skewer, carefully swirl the preserves through the frosting once or twice to create an attractive marbled effect without fully incorporating them.
Frost and Garnish Cookies
Once the cookies are completely cool, spread or pipe a generous dollop of the cherry cream cheese frosting onto each Black Forest Cookie. For the authentic finishing touch, sprinkle each frosted cookie with delicate chocolate shavings or curls. Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator; they taste even better the next day!

Storage Tips for Black Forest Cookies

To keep your Black Forest Cookies fresh and delicious, here are some effective storage tips:

Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3–4 days.
Refrigerate for optimal freshness up to 1 week.
Freeze for up to 2 months in a tightly sealed freezer bag or airtight container. Ensure they are fully cooled before freezing.

Best Ways to Serve Black Forest Cookies

These delightful Black Forest Cookies present many opportunities for serving. Here are a few ideas:

Standalone Treat: Perfect for enjoying with a cup of coffee or tea during your afternoon break.
Dessert Platters: Arrange the cookies on a decorative platter, garnished with chocolate curls and fresh cherries, and serve at parties or gatherings.
With Ice Cream: Serve warm cookies alongside a scoop of vanilla or cherry ice cream for an indulgent combination.
Gift: Place the cookies in a beautiful tin and present them as a thoughtful gift for birthdays or special occasions.

Tips to Make Black Forest Cookies

Ensure all ingredients, especially eggs and butter, are at room temperature for even mixing.
For extra cherry flavor, consider adding a spoonful of cherry preserves right into the dough.
Use high-quality chocolate chips; it makes a noticeable difference in flavor.

Key Tip: Don’t skip the cooling step! Frosting warm cookies can lead to a melted mess, so wait until they’re completely cool.

Variations or Substitutions

If you want to inject some creativity into your Black Forest Cookies, here are a couple of variations to consider:

Nutty Twist: Incorporate chopped walnuts or almonds into the cookie dough for a crunchy texture.
Chocolate-Enhanced: Substitute the white chocolate chips with dark chocolate chips for an even richer flavor.

FAQs

Q: Can I make the dough ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can prepare the cookie dough and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking.

Q: What if I can’t find fresh cherries?
A: You can use frozen cherries; just ensure they are fully thawed and drained before adding them to the dough.

Q: How can I make them more chocolatey?

Increase the cocoa powder by 1-2 tablespoons.
Try adding chocolate extract along with the vanilla for heightened chocolate flavor.

Nutritional Information

While these Black Forest Cookies are indulgent, here’s a ballpark figure for the nutritional breakdown per cookie (based on a yield of about 24 cookies):

Calories: 320
Total Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Carbohydrates: 43g
Sugars: 26g
Protein: 4g

Pro Tips for Baking Success

Ensure Accurate Measurements: Use a kitchen scale for precise ingredient measurements, particularly for flour.
Baking Sheet Preparation: Always use parchment paper or silicone mats; this prevents sticking and creates a perfect cookie texture.
Don’t Overmix: Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, so mix just until combined.

In conclusion, Black Forest Cookies are not just treats; they’re a delightful experience that celebrates the combination of chocolate, cherry, and cream. With this easy recipe and all the tips provided, you can create scrumptious cookies that will impress family and friends. So roll up your sleeves, preheat that oven, and let your taste buds embark on a delicious journey!