Name: Black Forest Cookies: Chewy Chocolate Cherries Bliss
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 1.5 cups All-Purpose Flour (Spoon and level for accurate measurement.); 0.5 cups Unsweetened Cocoa Powder (Using Dutch process cocoa gives the best results.); 1 teaspoon Baking Powder; 0.5 teaspoon Baking Soda; 0.5 teaspoon Salt; 0.5 cups Unsalted Butter (Melt and let cool prior to use.); 0.75 cups Brown Sugar (Light or dark based on preference.); 0.5 cups White Granulated Sugar; 1 teaspoon Pure Vanilla Extract; 2 large Large Eggs (Room temperature for best mixing.); 0.75 cups White Chocolate Chips (Extra bits can be added on top.); 0.75 cups Semisweet Chocolate Chips; 2 cups Fresh Cherries (Pitted and cut into quarters.)

Standing in my cozy kitchen, the sweet aroma of melting chocolate and ripe cherries fills the air, instantly transporting me to the heart of the Black Forest region in Germany. Today, I’m excited to share my easy-to-make Black Forest Cookies, a delightful dessert that combines rich chocolate with the tartness of fresh cherries in the most enchanting way. What I love about this recipe is that it requires no mixer and you don’t need to chill the dough, making it a quick triumph for any baking enthusiast. Each cookie boasts a soft, chewy texture with a heavenly crisp edge, perfect for enjoying with a glass of milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Who could resist diving into these enchanting treats? Let’s get started!

Why Are These Cookies So Irresistible?

Decadent Flavor: The rich chocolate melds perfectly with the tart cherries, creating a taste sensation that transports your senses.

Super Easy Prep: No mixer required and no chilling time means you can whip these up in no time, perfect for unexpected guests!

Crowd-Pleasing Delight: Bake a batch for family gatherings or potlucks and watch them disappear—everyone will be begging for the recipe!

Versatile Options: Feel free to switch up the chocolate chips or use maraschino cherries for a fun twist if fresh fruit isn’t available.

Perfect Texture: Chewy and fudgy on the inside with a slight crisp on the edges, these cookies are like a little bite of dessert heaven!

Storage Friendly: Keep them fresh in an airtight container for up to 5 days or freeze for later indulgence, just like with my Chocolate Chip Cookies or Marshmallow Swirl Cookies.

Black Forest Cookies Ingredients

For the Cookies
• All-Purpose Flour – Provides structure to the cookies; ensure it’s spooned and leveled to avoid compaction.
• Unsweetened Cocoa Powder – Delivers rich chocolate flavor; using Dutch process cocoa gives the best results.
• Baking Powder – Helps the cookies achieve the perfect rise.
• Baking Soda – Contributes to leavening, ensuring a lovely lift in each cookie.
• Salt – Enhances the overall flavor and balances the sweetness of the chocolate.
• Unsalted Butter – Keeps the cookies tender and adds richness; melt it before use and allow it to cool.
• Brown Sugar – Adds moisture and a subtle caramel flavor; choose light or dark based on your preference.
• White Granulated Sugar – Sweetens the cookies and adds to their delightful texture.
• Pure Vanilla Extract – Enriches the flavor profile beautifully.
• Large Eggs – Binds all the ingredients together; make sure they are at room temperature for best mixing.
• White Chocolate Chips – Introduces creaminess and sweetness; extra bits can be added on top for indulgence.
• Semisweet Chocolate Chips – Enhances the chocolate richness, working perfectly with the other flavors.
• Fresh Cherries – The key ingredient for true Black Forest appeal; ensure they’re pitted and cut into quarters to distribute evenly in the dough.

These delightful Black Forest Cookies are not just treats; they are memories waiting to happen, so gather your ingredients and let’s bake something unforgettable!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Black Forest Cookies

Step 1: Prepare Ingredients
Start by melting your unsalted butter in a small pot over low heat, then let it cool for about 10-15 minutes. While the butter cools, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Don’t forget to pit and quarter your fresh cherries, ensuring they are ready for mixing into your Black Forest Cookies.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together 1 ½ cups of all-purpose flour, ½ cup of unsweetened cocoa powder, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, ½ teaspoon of baking soda, and ½ teaspoon of salt until well combined. This dry mixture will provide the perfect structure and chocolatey goodness for your cookies, so make sure there are no lumps.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled melted butter, ¾ cup of brown sugar, ½ cup of white granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract, and 2 large eggs. Mix these ingredients until they form a smooth, cohesive mixture, helping to achieve that rich flavor and chewy texture that makes your Black Forest Cookies irresistible.

Step 4: Incorporate Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until everything is just incorporated; avoid overmixing to keep your cookies tender. Once combined, fold in ¾ cup of semisweet chocolate chips, ¾ cup of white chocolate chips, and the quartered cherries. This combination will create delightful pockets of flavor in every bite.

Step 5: Scoop and Bake
Using a 3 oz cookie scoop, portion out the dough onto the prepared baking sheets, ensuring to space them about 2 inches apart (aim for 6 cookies per sheet). Bake in the preheated oven for 13-15 minutes, or until the edges appear set but the centers remain slightly soft. This is the secret to achieving that chewy texture!

Step 6: Cool and Serve
Remove the baking sheets from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the sheets for about 10 minutes. This resting time helps them firm up a bit. Afterward, carefully transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, enjoy your Black Forest Cookies, perfect for sharing or savoring as a special treat!

Expert Tips for Black Forest Cookies

Measure Carefully: Use the spoon-and-level method for flour to prevent compaction, ensuring your Black Forest Cookies have the perfect texture.
Room Temperature Eggs: Always use eggs at room temperature for better emulsification; this helps to create a smooth batter that binds ingredients effectively.
Don’t Overmix: Gently fold in the dry ingredients to maintain your cookies’ tender, chewy consistency—overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
Watch the Baking Time: Keep an eye on the cookies towards the end of baking; they should look set around the edges but slightly soft in the center for that ideal chewy bite.
Flavor Variations: Experiment with different chocolate chips or fruit; using dark chocolate or dried cherries can elevate your Black Forest Cookies to a new level.

Storage Tips for Black Forest Cookies

Room Temperature: Store your Black Forest Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. This keeps them chewy and delicious while maintaining their rich flavor.

Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored for up to 30 days without losing their delightful texture.

Thawing: To enjoy frozen cookies, simply remove them from the freezer and let them thaw at room temperature. You can also reheat them in a preheated oven at 350°F for a few minutes if you crave that freshly baked warmth.

Reheating: For an extra special touch, microwave for about 10-15 seconds after thawing to restore their softness. Enjoy!

Make Ahead Options

These Black Forest Cookies are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance; simply mix all the ingredients and store the dough in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep it fresh. On baking day, just scoop and bake directly from the fridge for extra-chewy cookies that taste just as delicious! If you prefer, you can also shape the scooped dough into balls and freeze them for up to 3 months—just place them on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, and transfer to a freezer bag. When you’re ready to enjoy, bake them straight from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time for perfect, warm Black Forest Cookies anytime.

Black Forest Cookies Customization Ideas

Dive into delicious possibilities by putting your own spin on these mouthwatering Black Forest Cookies!

Dairy-Free: Substitute unsalted butter with coconut oil and use dairy-free chocolate chips for a deliciously dairy-free treat.
Just imagine the subtle hint of coconut enhancing the cookie’s flavors while keeping it wonderfully chewy.
Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour instead of all-purpose flour to cater to gluten sensitivities.
This swap creates cookies that still maintain a chewy texture, allowing everyone to enjoy a bite of bliss!
Nutty Addition: Fold in ½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch and added depth.
Nuts bring an interesting texture and complement the chocolate and cherries beautifully, turning each bite into a flavorful journey.
Choco-Mint Surprise: Add ¼ teaspoon of peppermint extract to the wet ingredients for a refreshing mint chocolate twist.
This delightful combination transports your Black Forest Cookies from familiar to extraordinary, making them perfect for any festive occasion!
Cherry Variation: If fresh cherries are unavailable, swap them for maraschino cherries or dried tart cherries for a different take.
This twist lets you enjoy the Black Forest flavor no matter the season—sweet goodness year-round!
Extra Chocolate Boost: Use dark chocolate chips instead of semisweet for a richer flavor profile that chocolate lovers will adore.
The intensified chocolate flavor will leave your taste buds singing with joy after each delightful bite!
Zesty Citrus: Add the zest of an orange or lemon to the batter for a pop of freshness that lightens the rich chocolate flavor.
This touch of citrus creates a vibrant contrast, making your cookies an intriguing delight!

For even more yummy ideas, check out my Alabama White Blackened Chicken Sliders or spice things up with my Hot Honey Blackened Shrimp Caesar Salad. Enjoy collecting inspiration for your next baking adventure!

What to Serve with Black Forest Cookies

These scrumptiously chewy cookies will make your dessert table shine, but let’s amplify that sweetness with delightful pairings!

Glass of Milk: The classic pairing, a cold glass of milk balances the sweetness and enhances the chocolate flavors.
Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of smooth vanilla ice cream complements the rich chocolate and tart cherries, creating a perfect contrast.
Cherry Sauce: Drizzle some homemade cherry sauce over the cookies for an elegant touch that echoes the fruity flavors within each bite.
Chocolate Ganache: A drizzle of creamy chocolate ganache adds extra indulgence, making each cookie an irresistible treat.
Whipped Cream Topping: Light and airy whipped cream adds a playful texture, softening the richness of the cookies beautifully.
Coffee or Espresso: Enjoying these cookies with a warm cup of coffee or espresso enhances the chocolate experience, perfect for your afternoon pick-me-up.
Mint Tea: A refreshing cup of mint tea can cleanse the palate between bites, brightening the richness of the cookies while adding a lovely aroma.
Fresh Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad can complement the cookies’ sweetness, adding a burst of freshness and vibrant colors to your dessert spread.
Dark Chocolate Shavings: Sprinkling some dark chocolate shavings on top elevates the cookies with a sophisticated touch and adds a textural contrast.

Black Forest Cookies Recipe FAQs

What kind of cherries should I use for Black Forest Cookies?
Absolutely! For the best flavor, use fresh, ripe cherries that are pitted and quartered. This ensures an even distribution throughout your dough, providing those delightful fruity bursts in every chewy bite. If fresh cherries aren’t available, maraschino or candied cherries can also work as a fun twist!

How should I store my Black Forest Cookies?
To keep your Black Forest Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them for up to 30 days; just make sure they are in a freezer-safe bag or container to prevent freezer burn.

Can I freeze Black Forest Cookies?
Very! To freeze your cookies, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and put them in the freezer until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready to enjoy them, just thaw them at room temperature or reheat in a 350°F oven for a few minutes for that fresh-baked taste!

What should I do if my dough is too wet?
If your cookie dough feels too wet, don’t worry! You can simply refrigerate the dough for about 15 minutes to help it firm up, making it easier to scoop. Before baking, if the dough is still too sticky, you could add a tablespoon more of flour, but be cautious not to overdo it as you want to maintain that chewy texture.

Are these cookies suitable for pets or people with allergies?
While these Black Forest Cookies are delicious for humans, it’s best to keep them away from pets, especially dogs, as chocolate and certain additives can be harmful to them. As for allergies, ensure you check all ingredient labels, particularly for any potential allergens such as nuts or gluten in the flour. Adjusting the recipe to accommodate allergies, such as substituting gluten-free flour, can make them more inclusive!

Can I use a different type of chocolate in my cookies?
Of course! If you’re looking for a richer flavor, swapping the semisweet chocolate chips for dark chocolate chips is an excellent choice. You could even mix it up by adding milk chocolate for a sweeter cookie experience. The versatility of this recipe means the more the merrier, so feel free to get creative!