Name: Chewy Black Forest Cookies Bursting with Chocolate and Cherries
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 1.5 cups all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled); 0.33 cups unsweetened cocoa powder (Dutch-processed recommended); 1 teaspoon baking powder; 0.5 teaspoon baking soda; 0.25 teaspoon salt; 0.5 cups unsalted butter (melted and cooled); 0.75 cups brown sugar (light or dark); 0.5 cups granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract; 2 large eggs (room temperature); 0.75 cups white chocolate chips (for topping); 0.75 cups semisweet chocolate chips; 1 cup fresh cherries (washed, pitted, and quartered)

“Summer cherries are in full swing, and the thought of creating something sweet and memorable with them makes my heart race. Enter my Chewy Black Forest Cookies, a delightful twist on the classic dessert. These no-mixer, no-chill cookies combine soft chocolate goodness with bursts of juicy cherries and so many chocolate chips that it feels like a party in every bite. What’s truly wonderful about this recipe is how quickly you can whip them together, making them a perfect treat for spontaneous gatherings or quiet evenings at home. These chewy delights are not just easy to prepare, but they also strike that perfect balance between sweet and tart, ensuring they’re loved by all. Ready to bake a little magic and impress your friends? Let’s dive into this cherry-infused adventure!”

Why Are These Cookies So Irresistible?

Chewy Perfection: These Black Forest cookies deliver an incredibly chewy texture that will have everyone coming back for more. No Mixer Needed: Whipping up this easy recipe requires no fancy equipment—just your hands and a bowl. Flavor Explosion: The combination of rich chocolate and juicy cherries creates a delightful balance of sweetness and tartness. Versatile Treat: Perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a summer BBQ or a cozy night in; they pair wonderfully with a glass of cold milk or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream. And if you want to explore more cookie recipes, check out our fantastic Cannoli Cookies Bring or Pistachio Shortbread Cookies!

Black Forest Cookie Ingredients

• Get ready to indulge in deliciousness!

For the Cookie Dough

All-purpose flour – To achieve that perfect chewy texture, make sure to spoon and level it.
Unsweetened cocoa powder – Adds a deep chocolate flavor; Dutch-processed is recommended for richness.
Baking powder & Baking soda – These leavening agents will ensure your cookies rise beautifully.
Salt – Enhances the flavor and balances the sweetness wonderfully.
Unsalted butter – Melted and cooled, it contributes to the cookies’ richness.
Brown sugar – Offers moisture and a deeper flavor; both light and dark varieties are great.
Granulated sugar – Sweetens the dough and helps achieve those crispy edges.
Pure vanilla extract – A must-have for providing that aromatic touch.
Large eggs – Binds the cookies together and adds moisture; room temperature is best.

For the Sweet Additions

White chocolate chips – These add a sweet creaminess and can be used decoratively on top.
Semisweet chocolate chips – Provides a rich chocolate kick that complements the other flavors.
Fresh cherries – They offer a tart, fruity punch; make sure to wash, pit, and quarter them before adding.

Dive into this adventure with these Black Forest cookies, bursting with chocolate and cherries!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Black Forest Cookies

Step 1: Prepare Ingredients
Start by melting ½ cup of unsalted butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Once melted, allow the butter to cool slightly. Meanwhile, wash, pit, and cut 1 cup of fresh cherries into quarters, setting them aside. This step is crucial to ensure your Black Forest cookies are balanced with the perfect tartness that complements the chocolate.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 ½ cups of all-purpose flour, ⅓ cup of unsweetened cocoa powder, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, ½ teaspoon of baking soda, and ¼ teaspoon of salt. Ensure the ingredients are well combined and airy to contribute to the perfect chewy texture of the cookies. This dry mixture will be folded into the wet ingredients in the next step.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled melted butter, ¾ cup of brown sugar, ½ cup of granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract, and 2 large room temperature eggs. Using a rubber spatula, whisk everything together until smooth and well integrated. The creamy consistency will provide the rich base for our delectable Black Forest cookies.

Step 4: Combine Mixtures
Gradually incorporate the dry mixture into the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Take care not to overmix, as this can affect the texture of your cookies. Once combined, fold in ¾ cup of semisweet chocolate chips, ¾ cup of white chocolate chips, and the quartered cherries. This blend promises a delightful explosion of flavor in each bite.

Step 5: Scoop and Bake
Using a 3oz cookie scoop, portion out the cookie dough onto a lined baking sheet, spacing out 6 cookies per sheet to allow for spreading. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the cookies for 13-15 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers remain soft. For an extra chocolatey touch, add a few more chocolate chips on top while they’re warm.

Step 6: Cool
Once baked, take the cookies out of the oven and let them sit on the baking sheet for about 10 minutes. This allows them to firm up while maintaining their chewy texture. Afterward, carefully transfer the cookies to a wire cooling rack to cool completely. This final step is essential for perfecting your irresistible Black Forest cookies!

Expert Tips for Perfect Black Forest Cookies

Measure Flour Correctly: Ensure you spoon and level your flour for accurate measurements to avoid dry cookies. A scale is a great tool, but this simple method will do!
Use Room Temperature Eggs: For proper emulsification, let your eggs sit at room temperature before using. This ensures a smooth batter that binds well for chewy cookies.
Don’t Overmix: Once you combine the wet and dry ingredients, stir gently until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, defeating their intended chewy texture.
Check Your Oven Temperature: Every oven is different; use an oven thermometer to ensure it’s baking at the right temperature. The right heat is key for perfect Black Forest cookies!
Add More Chocolate Chips: For an extra chocolatey indulgence, sprinkle a few chocolate chips on top just after baking while the cookies are still warm. It creates a melty and irresistible finish!

Storage Tips for Black Forest Cookies

Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. This keeps them soft and chewy, ready for snacking anytime!
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid. Then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 30 days.
Thawing: To enjoy frozen Black Forest cookies, simply thaw them at room temperature for 1-2 hours, or warm them in the microwave for a few seconds for that fresh-baked feel.
Reheating: If you prefer your cookies warm, pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5 minutes or microwave for a few seconds to restore their deliciously chewy texture.

What to Serve with Chewy Black Forest Cookies?

Indulging in these delightful cookies creates the perfect opportunity to build a memorable meal filled with sweet and savory pairings.

Cold Milk: Nothing beats the classic combination of chewy cookies and a refreshing glass of cold milk, enhancing the rich chocolate flavors.
Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream adds a creamy contrast and complements the sweet-tart cherries beautifully.
Chocolate-Covered Cherries: These add an elegant touch, echoing the cherry notes in your cookies while elevating the dessert experience.
Fresh Berries Salad: A soft mix of strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries adds a burst of freshness, balancing the cookie’s richness.
Coffee or Espresso: The bitterness of coffee contrasts wonderfully with the sweetness, making each bite feel like a warm hug.
Homemade Whipped Cream: Light and fluffy, whipped cream can be served alongside the cookies for an indulgent dipping experience.
Chocolate Milkshake: Bring in a nostalgic vibe with a thick chocolate milkshake that pairs perfectly with the chewy texture of the cookies.
Cheese Platter: For a unique twist, pair with a selection of rich cheeses. The saltiness can contrast delightfully with the sweetness of the cookies.

Explore these pairings to create a delightful spread that showcases the beauty of your Chewy Black Forest Cookies!

Make Ahead Options

These Chewy 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 up to the point of baking. Simply cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. For added convenience, you can also scoop the dough into balls and freeze them for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, place the frozen dough onto lined baking sheets and simply add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time for deliciously warm cookies. This way, you can enjoy homemade treats without any hassle, while keeping their delightful chewy texture just as delicious!

Black Forest Cookies Variations

Feel free to change things up and create your own unique twist on these delightful cookies!

Dairy-Free: Substitute coconut oil for butter and use dairy-free chocolate for a yummy, vegan treat.
Gluten-Free: Swap the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend for a gluten-free option that everyone can enjoy.
Nutty Delight: Add ½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for a crunchy texture that complements the chewy cookie.
Intensely Chocolatey: Opt for dark chocolate chips instead of semisweet to deepen the chocolate flavor, making every bite so rich and indulgent.
Cherries on Top: Replace fresh cherries with maraschino cherries for a fun twist that will make your cookies extra sweet and festive.
Add A Kick: Mix in a sprinkle of cayenne pepper or cinnamon for a surprising and lovely warmth that elevates the overall flavor profile.
Cookie Sandwiches: Scoop the dough and bake them a bit smaller, then sandwich your favorite cream cheese frosting or ice cream between two cookies for an indulgent dessert!
Decadent Drizzle: Once cooled, drizzle melted chocolate over the cookies for an extra layer of flavor and a stunning finish.

If you’re looking for more delightful cookie inspiration, don’t miss our fantastic Coffee Butter Cookies and Twisted Christmas Cookies! Each recipe brings a unique charm to your baking adventures.

Black Forest Cookies Recipe FAQs

What type of cherries should I use for these cookies?
Absolutely! Fresh cherries are ideal as they provide the perfect tartness to balance the rich chocolate. Make sure to wash, pit, and cut them into quarters before adding. If fresh ones are out of season, maraschino or candied cherries are great substitutes, but remember they will be sweeter.

How should I store the leftover cookies?
Very! You can keep these delectable Black Forest cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. This will help them remain soft and chewy. If you want to save them for later, you can freeze them!

Can I freeze these cookies, and if so, how?
Certainly! To freeze Black Forest cookies, lay them in a single layer on a baking sheet and pop them in the freezer until solid. This usually takes about an hour. Once hardened, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag, where they can be stored for up to 30 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them, thaw at room temperature for 1-2 hours before savoring.

What should I do if my cookie dough is too wet?
If you find your dough is a bit too sticky or wet, no worries! Start by adding a tablespoon of flour at a time, mixing well until the desired consistency is reached. Another option is to refrigerate the dough for about 30 minutes to firm it up slightly, making it easier to scoop.

Are these cookies safe for pets?
No, it’s crucial to keep these cookies away from pets. Chocolate can be toxic to dogs and other animals, so it’s best to enjoy them yourself and share them only with humans. Always check your recipes for pet-friendliness if you plan on making treats for your furry companions!

Can I use substitutes for the ingredients due to allergies?
Absolutely! If you have allergies, you can replace the all-purpose flour with an equal amount of a gluten-free flour blend. For dairy allergies, opt for dairy-free butter and chocolate chips. When in doubt, always choose alternatives that best match your dietary needs, and you can still enjoy these chewy and delectable Black Forest cookies!