Name: Decadent Black Forest Cookies: Soft, Chewy Chocolate Bliss
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened, can substitute with coconut oil); 3/4 cup brown sugar (adds moisture and chewiness); 1 large egg (binder for the dough); 1 tsp vanilla extract (or use almond extract); 1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour (can substitute with gluten-free flour); 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (for deep chocolate flavor); 1/2 tsp baking soda (leavening agent); 1/4 tsp salt (enhances flavor); 1/2 cup maraschino cherries (drained & finely chopped); 3/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (or dark chocolate chips for bolder taste); additional cherries and chocolate chips (for topping)

As I unwrapped a box of maraschino cherries, the sweet aroma wafted through the kitchen, sparking memories of summer picnics filled with laughter and treats. Today, I’m excited to share my take on the nostalgic favorite: Black Forest Cookies. These irresistible chocolate cherry cookies delight with their chewy texture and a joyous blend of cocoa and tart cherries, making them a perfect companion for your afternoon coffee or dessert after dinner. In just 20 minutes, you’ll whip up a batch that’s not only quick to prepare but also gluten-free friendly, ensuring everyone can enjoy the decadence. Ready to bake a cookie that brings a hint of childhood charm with every bite? Let’s dive into this delicious recipe together!

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Why are Black Forest Cookies a must-try?

Decadent Flavor: These cookies deliver a delightful blend of rich chocolate and tart cherries, creating a truly indulgent treat that will impress everyone.

Quick & Easy: With just 20 minutes from prep to oven, you can enjoy freshly baked cookies without the wait.

Chewy Perfection: Each bite is soft and chewy, reminiscent of brownies, making them the ultimate cookie experience.

Gluten-Free Option Available: Easily adaptable for gluten-sensitive friends by substituting with gluten-free flour, ensuring everyone can partake.

Unique Twist: Perfect for elevating your dessert game, they’re an excellent alternative to traditional cookies. Serve them warm with vanilla ice cream for an unforgettable dessert!

If you love cookies, you might also enjoy Fudgy Cookies Cream or Kitchen Sink Cookies as delightful additions to your baking repertoire!

Black Forest Cookies Ingredients

• Perfect for baking enthusiasts!

For the Cookie Dough

Unsalted Butter – 1/2 cup, softened; this creates a soft texture, but coconut oil can substitute for a dairy-free option.
Brown Sugar – 3/4 cup; it adds moisture and enhances the chewiness of our Black Forest Cookies.
Egg – 1 large; serves as a binder to keep everything together.
Vanilla Extract – 1 tsp; brings a lovely flavor to the cookies, or try almond extract for a different twist.
All-Purpose Flour – 1 1/3 cups; provides the structure, and can be swapped for gluten-free flour for a gluten-free treat.
Unsweetened Cocoa Powder – 1/4 cup; imparts a deep chocolate flavor that makes these cookies irresistible.
Baking Soda – 1/2 tsp; acts as a leavening agent for a light and fluffy texture.
Salt – 1/4 tsp; enhances all the flavors in the cookie.

For the Mix-Ins

Maraschino Cherries – 1/2 cup, drained & finely chopped; adds sweet and tart bursts of flavor. Ensure to drain thoroughly to keep the dough from becoming too wet.
Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips – 3/4 cup; provides rich chocolatey goodness, and dark chocolate chips can be used for a bolder taste.
Additional Cherries and Chocolate Chips – for topping; these will elevate the presentation and make them even more tempting!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Black Forest Cookies

Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350º F (175º C). This ensures that when your Black Forest Cookies dough is ready, the oven is hot enough to create the perfect chewy texture. Prepare a silicone or parchment-lined baking sheet, ready to greet the delicious scoops of cookie dough you’ll create shortly.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat together 1/2 cup of softened unsalted butter and 3/4 cup of brown sugar for about 1 minute until smooth and creamy. This step is vital for creating a rich, chewy base for your cookies. Next, add in 1 large egg and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated and fluffy.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate small bowl, whisk together 1 1/3 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder, 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. This dry mixture adds structure and deep chocolate flavor. Gradually incorporate these dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a spatula, mixing until a thick, sticky dough forms.

Step 4: Add Cherries and Chocolate Chips
Finely chop 1/2 cup of maraschino cherries, ensuring they are well-drained and patted dry to absorb excess moisture. Gently fold the chopped cherries and 3/4 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips into the dough until they are evenly distributed. This step enhances your Black Forest Cookies with delightful pockets of flavor.

Step 5: Scoop the Dough
Using a cookie scoop, drop heaping tablespoons of the dough onto your prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. For an appealing look, press a few extra chocolate chips and chopped cherries onto the tops of each dough mound. This will make your cookies visually stunning as they bake.

Step 6: Bake the Cookies
Carefully place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the Black Forest Cookies for 13-15 minutes. Keep an eye on them; they should be set around the edges yet still soft in the center, creating that iconic chewy texture. Once done, remove them from the oven and let the cookies sit on the baking sheet for about 15 minutes.

Step 7: Cool and Serve
After allowing your cookies to cool on the baking sheet, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This final cooling stage allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Once cooled, these decadent Black Forest Cookies are ready to be enjoyed—try them warm for an extra special treat!

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Black Forest Cookies: Variations & Substitutions

Feel free to get creative with your Black Forest Cookies and make them truly your own with these fun twists and swaps!

Dairy-Free: Substitute unsalted butter with coconut oil for a dairy-free version while maintaining that delightful softness.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free flour, like King Arthur’s Measure for Measure Flour, to keep these cookies delicious for everyone.
Dried Cherries: For a chewier texture, replace maraschino cherries with dried cherries; just remember they’ll be less juicy. The chewiness adds a delightful depth to each bite!
Almond Extract: Swap vanilla extract for almond extract to introduce a nutty hint that beautifully complements cocoa. It creates a wonderful aroma and flavor that will surprise your taste buds!
White Chocolate: Use white chocolate chips in place of or alongside semi-sweet chips for a creamy flavor boost. The contrast between chocolate and cherries is simply divine.
Spicy Kick: Add a dash of cayenne or chili powder to the dough for unexpected heat that enhances the overall flavor experience. It’s a bold maneuver, but the kick is so rewarding!
Nutty Texture: Fold in chopped walnuts or pecans for an added crunch and nuttiness. They bring a hearty texture that pairs wonderfully with the chocolate and cherries.
Cherry Juice: Enhance the cherry flavor by mixing in a tablespoon of cherry juice into the dough; it amps up the tartness and adds moisture. Each bite will burst with flavor!

And if you’re looking for other delightful cookie recipes, consider trying Fudgy Cookies Cream or German Chocolate Cookies for more sweet adventures in baking!

Storage Tips for Black Forest Cookies

Room Temperature: Keep your Black Forest Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week, ensuring they remain soft and chewy.
Fridge: If you need a bit more time, store them in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. Just let them come to room temperature before serving.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze your cookies in a sealed bag for up to 3 months. Thaw them overnight in the fridge or at room temperature before enjoying.
Reheating: To bring back the gooey texture, slightly warm them in the microwave for about 10 seconds, or bake at 300º F for 5 minutes.

Expert Tips for Black Forest Cookies

Drain Cherries: Ensure your maraschino cherries are well-drained and patted dry. Excess moisture can lead to soggy cookies.

Adjust Dough Consistency: If your dough feels too dry, add a tablespoon of cherry juice to improve moisture without compromising texture.

Bake One Tray at a Time: For even baking, place only one tray in the center of the oven at a time. This helps avoid uneven heat distribution.

Use Parchment Paper: Line your baking sheet with parchment or silicone mats to prevent sticking and aid in perfect cookie texture.

Watch the Baking Time: Keep an eye on your cookies while baking; they should be set at the edges but still soft in the center for that ideal chewy finish with every bite.

What to Serve with Black Forest Cookies

Indulging in these chocolate cherry cookies opens up a world of delicious pairings that enhance their rich flavors.

Vanilla Ice Cream: Creamy and cool, it complements the cookies’ warmth while balancing chocolate richness with a sweet touch.
Espresso: A shot of rich espresso contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the cookies, creating a delightful end to your meal.
Cherry Compote: Serve a dollop of cherry compote for a fresh burst that enhances the cherry flavor in each bite. The tartness beautifully offsets the sweetness of the cookie.
Chocolate Milk: A glass of this nostalgic drink complements the cookies’ chocolatey goodness, making for a delightful childhood-like treat.
Whipped Cream: A fluffy cloud on top adds a lightness and creaminess that pairs wonderfully with the chewy cookie texture.
Nutty Granola: Sprinkle some crunchy granola on top for added texture and an explosion of nutty flavor with every bite.
Mint Tea: Sipping on refreshing mint tea cleanses the palate, enhancing the cookie’s flavors without overpowering them.
Dark Chocolate Drizzle: A drizzle of melted dark chocolate elevates the indulgence, creating a dessert experience that feels extra special.

Make Ahead Options

These Black Forest Cookies are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance by mixing all the ingredients until combined, then storing it tightly covered in the refrigerator. For best results, be sure to bring the dough back to room temperature before scooping and baking to maintain that soft, chewy texture. Alternatively, you can also freeze the formed cookie dough balls for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, simply place the frozen dough on a baking sheet and add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time. With these tips, you’ll have delicious homemade cookies ready with minimal effort on busy weeknights!

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Black Forest Cookies Recipe FAQs

How do I choose the best maraschino cherries for this recipe?
Absolutely! Select maraschino cherries that are bright in color and free from any dark spots or blemishes. They should be firm and not overly soft or mushy, which ensures that they will hold their shape well in the cookie dough.

How should I store leftover Black Forest Cookies?
To maintain their chewy texture, store your Black Forest Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. If you want to keep them longer, they can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 weeks, but allow them to come back to room temperature before enjoying.

Can I freeze Black Forest Cookies?
Very! Freezing is simple and allows you to enjoy these cookies even later. Place completely cooled cookies in a sealed freezer bag or airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw them overnight in the fridge or at room temperature before savoring.

What should I do if my cookie dough seems too dry?
If your dough feels a bit crumbly or dry, don’t worry! Simply add a tablespoon of cherry juice to introduce some moisture back into the mix. This not only helps with consistency but also enhances the cherry flavor in your cookies.

Are these cookies safe for people with gluten sensitivities?
Absolutely! This Black Forest Cookies recipe can be easily tailored for gluten-sensitive individuals. Just substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, such as King Arthur’s Measure for Measure Flour. Always check the package to ensure it’s labeled gluten-free to avoid any cross-contamination.

Can I use other types of chocolate chips or fruits in this recipe?
The more the merrier! Feel free to experiment with different types of chocolate chips, such as dark or white chocolate, for a unique flavor twist. You could even substitute dried cherries for a chewier texture, just remember that you’ll lose some moisture in the process.