Introduction to Black Forest Cookies
Hey there, fellow cookie lovers! If you’re like me, you know that nothing beats the sweet aroma of freshly baked cookies wafting through your home. Today, I want to share my treasured recipe for Black Forest Cookies. These delightful treats are a heavenly blend of rich chocolate, juicy cherries, and gooey chocolate chips. Perfect for busy moms like us, they come together in a snap! Whether you’re craving an afternoon pick-me-up or a sweet indulgence after dinner, these cookies will satisfy your sweet cravings and leave your family begging for more.
Why You’ll Love This Black Forest Cookies
These Black Forest Cookies are not just a treat; they’re a lifesaver in my kitchen! With minimal prep time and simple ingredients, they fit perfectly into a busy schedule. Plus, the combination of chocolate and cherries creates a taste explosion that will wow your family and friends. Trust me, you’ll love how quickly these cookies come together without sacrificing any flavor. They truly bring a little joy to every bite!
Ingredients for Black Forest Cookies
To whip up these scrumptious Black Forest Cookies, you’ll need a few key ingredients that are easy to find. Here’s what you’ll gather:
- ½ cup (57g) unsalted butter, softened: This gives the cookies a rich, buttery flavor.
- ¾ cup (161g) brown sugar: Adds moisture and that chewy texture we love.
- 1 large egg: Binds everything together beautifully.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: For a touch of warmth in flavor.
- 1 ⅓ cups (160g) all-purpose flour: The base that holds our cookies together.
- ¼ cup (21g) unsweetened cocoa powder: For that rich chocolate taste.
- ½ tsp baking soda: Helps the cookies rise just right.
- ¼ tsp salt: Enhances all the sweet flavors.
- ½ cup drained & finely chopped maraschino cherries: These sweet, tangy bits are the stars of the show!
- ¾ cup (129g) semi-sweet chocolate chips: Because you can never have too much chocolate.
Feel free to substitute with dark chocolate chips or even dried cherries if you prefer. Measurements are available below for printing convenience!
How to Make Black Forest Cookies
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
First things first, preheat your oven to 350º F. This step is crucial for baking Black Forest Cookies that rise perfectly. An accurately heated oven ensures even baking, which means deliciously soft centers and slightly crisp edges. Trust me, your cookies will thank you for this little extra effort!
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
Next, it’s time to cream the softened butter and brown sugar. In a mixing bowl, combine both ingredients using an electric mixer for about a minute until they’re well blended and fluffy. The creaming method is essential for achieving that light and airy texture in your cookies. This is where the magic begins, creating a buttery base that makes every bite delightful!
Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Now, let’s bring it all together. In a separate bowl, whisk your all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt until they’re nicely combined. Then, gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients. Gently mix with a spatula until a thick batter forms. Avoid overmixing; a little bit of lump is okay. This ensures your Black Forest Cookies stay tender and delicious!
Step 4: Add Cherry and Chocolate
Next, it’s time for the stars of our cookies! Drain and finely chop the maraschino cherries, patting them dry to absorb any excess liquid. Fold these cherry bits and chocolate chips into the batter until evenly distributed. This step not only adds sweetness but also a burst of flavor that’s simply irresistible. Your cookie dough is now transformed into a cherry-chocolate dream!
Step 5: Scoop and Shape the Dough
Using a cookie scoop, portion out the dough onto a silicone-lined baking sheet. Make sure to give them some space; they’ll spread a bit while baking. To make them extra special, press a few extra chocolate chips and cherry pieces on top of each dough ball. This little detail makes your Black Forest Cookies look mouthwatering right before they hit the oven!
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Now comes the exciting part—baking! Place your baking sheet in the preheated oven, allowing the cookies to bake for 13 to 15 minutes. Keep an eye on them as they’ll start to look set and just begin to crack. This is when they’re at their best; you’ll want to catch them before they over-bake. Should you smell that delicious aroma wafting through your kitchen, you know they’re close!
Step 7: Cool Before Enjoying
After baking, let your cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 15 minutes. This cooling time is vital; it allows the cookies to firm up a bit before transferring them to a wire rack. If you can’t wait, I totally get it! But trust me, letting them cool helps preserve that soft, chewy texture once you finally dive in!
Tips for Success
- Always use softened butter for easier creaming; it makes a world of difference!
- Pat the chopped cherries dry to prevent extra moisture in your dough.
- Don’t overmix your batter; mix until just combined for the best texture.
- Experiment with chocolate types—dark chocolate can add a delightful twist!
- Store your cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh longer.
Equipment Needed
- Mixing Bowl: A large bowl for combining ingredients; a sturdy glass or metal bowl works well.
- Electric Mixer: This helps cream butter and sugar easily; a whisk works, too, but it takes more effort!
- Cookie Scoop: For evenly sized cookies; a tablespoon can be a handy alternative.
- Baking Sheet: A silicone or parchment-lined sheet ensures easy removal of cookies.
- Cooling Rack: Helps cookies cool evenly; a plate will do in a pinch.
Variations
- Gluten-Free: Swap all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free baking mix to accommodate dietary needs.
- Dairy-Free: Use coconut oil or a dairy-free butter alternative to keep these cookies dairy-free.
- Nutty Twist: Add chopped walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch that complements the chocolate and cherries.
- Chocolate Overload: Use dark chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet for a richer flavor.
- Cherry Variations: Experiment with dried cherries or even chopped fresh cherries for a twist!
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla or cherry ice cream is a perfect match for these cookies.
- Enjoy with Coffee: A warm cup of coffee or tea enhances the sweet flavors beautifully.
- Presentation Ideas: Serve them on a pretty platter, garnished with extra cherries for a pop of color.
- Indulge with Whipped Cream: A dollop of whipped cream can elevate your dessert experience.
FAQs about Black Forest Cookies
Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries? Absolutely! If you prefer fresh cherries, just make sure to pit and chop them finely. You may need to adjust the amount slightly, as fresh cherries can be a bit less sweet.
How should I store my Black Forest Cookies? Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh for about a week. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them!
Can I make these cookies ahead of time? Yes! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. Just scoop and bake when you’re ready!
What if I don’t have cocoa powder? You can replace the cocoa powder with an equal amount of extra flour, but the chocolate flavor will be reduced. Consider using melted chocolate for a deeper flavor.
Are these cookies suitable for vegetarians? Yes! These Black Forest Cookies are vegetarian-friendly and perfect for anyone looking to indulge in a delicious treat.
Final Thoughts
There’s something magical about baking these Black Forest Cookies. From the moment I blend the rich cocoa with the sweet bursts of cherries, the kitchen transforms into a haven of warmth and tempting aromas. Each bite is a sweet reminder that life can be delightfully indulgent, even on the busiest of days. Whether it’s a cozy family night or a sweet surprise for friends, these cookies bring joy and smiles all around. So don your apron, embrace the mess, and unleash your creativity in the kitchen. You deserve this little piece of happiness, one delicious cookie at a time!
Print
Black Forest Cookies: Unleash Your Sweet Cravings Today!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious Black Forest Cookies that combine chocolate, cherries, and chocolate chips for a rich treat.
Ingredients
- ½ cup (57g) unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup (161g) brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 ⅓ cups (160g) all purpose flour
- ¼ cup (21g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup drained & finely chopped maraschino cherries, plus extra for garnish
- ¾ cup (129g) semi-sweet chocolate chips, plus extra for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350º F.
- In a mixing bowl, beat the butter and brown sugar with an electric mixer for 1 minute, or until combined. Add in the egg and vanilla extract, beat again.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing by hand with a spatula until the batter is thick.
- Drain and finely chop the maraschino cherries, pat them dry to absorb excess liquid. Add in the chopped cherries and chocolate chips, mixing until combined.
- Use a cookie scoop to drop dough balls onto a silicone-lined baking sheet. Press additional maraschino cherry pieces and chocolate chips into the dough balls.
- Bake for 13-15 minutes.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 15 minutes, then move them to a cooling rack.
Notes
- Ensure to pat the cherries dry to avoid excess liquid in the batter.
- Store cookies in an airtight container for freshness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
