Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Combines the classic Black Forest flavors of chocolate and cherries.
- Soft, rich, and full of indulgent ingredients.
- Easy to prepare with simple steps and everyday ingredients.
- Perfect for gifting, parties, or an elevated everyday treat.
- Delicious warm or cooled, with a dusting of powdered sugar for a special touch.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Unsalted butter
- Granulated sugar
- Brown sugar
- Eggs
- Vanilla extract
- All-purpose flour
- Unsweetened cocoa powder
- Baking soda
- Salt
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips
- Maraschino cherries
- Powdered sugar
Directions
- Preheat Oven and Prep Baking Sheet
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. - Cream Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. - Add Wet Ingredients
Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated. - Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. - Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. - Add Cherries and Chocolate Chips
Gently fold in the chopped maraschino cherries and semi-sweet chocolate chips. - Form the Cookies
Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to drop dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. - Bake the Cookies
Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centers remain soft. - Cool and Dust
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Once completely cooled, dust with powdered sugar for a beautiful finish.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Approximately 24 cookies (depending on size).
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
Variations
- Dark Chocolate Chips: Substitute semi-sweet chocolate chips with dark chocolate for a richer flavor.
- Fresh Cherries: Use fresh cherries in place of maraschino cherries for a more natural sweetness.
- Nutty Add-Ins: Add chopped almonds or hazelnuts for a crunchy twist.
- Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour substitute to make these cookies gluten-free.
- White Chocolate Chips: Swap semi-sweet chocolate chips for white chocolate chips for a contrasting sweetness.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: Freeze the dough balls on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding 1-2 minutes to the baking time.
- Reheating: Warm cookies in a microwave for 10 seconds to enjoy a fresh-from-the-oven taste.
FAQs
1. Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries?
Yes, fresh cherries can be chopped and used as a substitute for a less sweet option.
2. Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Absolutely. Portion the dough and freeze it for up to 3 months. Bake straight from the freezer.
3. What can I use instead of cocoa powder?
You can use Dutch-processed cocoa powder for a richer, darker flavor.
4. Are these cookies suitable for gifting?
Yes, they make excellent gifts. Package them in festive boxes or bags.
5. Can I make them gluten-free?
Yes, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend.
6. What type of chocolate chips work best?
Semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips are ideal for balancing the sweetness of the cherries.
7. How can I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?
Ensure your butter is softened but not melted, and chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking.
8. Can I skip the powdered sugar dusting?
Yes, the powdered sugar is optional and mainly for presentation.
9. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, this recipe doubles well. Ensure you have enough baking sheets or bake in batches.
10. How do I ensure the cookies stay soft?
Do not overbake, and store them in an airtight container with a slice of bread to maintain moisture.
Conclusion
Black Forest Cookies with Cherries and Chocolate are a delightful fusion of flavors, perfect for any occasion. Their rich, indulgent taste and soft texture make them a crowd-pleaser. Easy to make and versatile, these cookies are a must-try for chocolate and cherry lovers alike.
Black Forest Cookies with Cherries and Chocolate
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Black Forest Cookies combine the luscious flavors of chocolate and cherries in a soft, indulgent cookie. Perfect for parties, gifting, or a cozy treat, these cookies are easy to prepare and irresistible for chocolate lovers.
Ingredients
- Unsalted butter
- Granulated sugar
- Brown sugar
- Eggs
- Vanilla extract
- All-purpose flour
- Unsweetened cocoa powder
- Baking soda
- Salt
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips
- Maraschino cherries (chopped)
- Powdered sugar (optional, for dusting)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: Beat butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy (2-3 minutes).
- Add Wet Ingredients: Mix in eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually combine dry mixture into the wet mixture until fully incorporated.
- Add Mix-Ins: Gently fold in chocolate chips and chopped cherries.
- Form Cookies: Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the baking sheet, spacing 2 inches apart.
- Bake: Bake for 10-12 minutes, until edges are set and centers are soft.
- Cool and Dust: Cool for 5 minutes on the baking sheet, transfer to a rack, and dust with powdered sugar when completely cool.
Notes
- Fresh Cherries: Substitute maraschino cherries with fresh cherries for a natural sweetness.
- Chilling Dough: Chill the dough for 30 minutes to reduce spreading during baking.
- Variations: Add nuts, use dark or white chocolate chips, or make gluten-free with a 1:1 flour substitute.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
