Description
These black forest cookies perfectly combine the rich fudgy chocolate flavor with sweet and tart cherries, topped with a smooth creamy frosting. Inspired by the classic Black Forest cake, these soft and chewy cookies offer a decadent treat perfect for any occasion, easy enough for beginner bakers and customizable to suit your taste preferences.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 1 and 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Add-ins
- 3/4 cup cherries (maraschino, dried, fresh, or frozen and thawed)
- 3/4 cup chocolate chips (semi-sweet or dark chocolate)
Frosting
- Cream cheese frosting or buttercream frosting, quantity as needed for topping (approx. 1 cup)
Instructions
- Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt until evenly combined.
- Cream the Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter with granulated and brown sugars until fluffy and light in color, creating a creamy base for the cookie dough.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add vanilla extract, mixing well to incorporate moisture and richness.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet batter and fold gently until just combined to avoid tough cookies.
- Fold in Cherries and Chocolate Chips: Gently fold in cherries and chocolate chips, distributing them evenly throughout the dough.
- Shape and Bake: Scoop tablespoon-sized dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are set but centers remain soft.
- Cool and Frost: Allow cookies to cool completely on wire racks. Once cooled, spread a generous layer of cream cheese or buttercream frosting over the tops for a creamy finish.
Notes
- Use room temperature butter to achieve a smooth dough and consistent texture.
- Do not overbake; remove cookies when edges are set to keep them soft and chewy.
- For thicker cookies, chill the dough in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before baking.
- Use an ice cream scoop for even-sized cookies that bake uniformly.
- Choose high-quality unsweetened cocoa powder for the richest chocolate flavor.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute butter and cream cheese frosting with coconut oil and vegan frosting.
- Feel free to add nuts such as chopped walnuts or almonds for additional texture and flavor.
- Fresh or frozen cherries can replace maraschino cherries for a more natural tartness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 110mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg