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Black Forest Cookies Recipe

Featured in Irresistible Desserts.

Cream butter and sugar, mix in egg and vanilla, fold in flour, cocoa, cherries, and chocolate chips, and bake until set for rich, chewy cookies.
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Ranah
Updated on Tue, 11 Feb 2025 15:42:46 GMT
A close-up view of a chocolate chip cranberry cookie, showcasing its rich texture and vibrant cranberry pieces. Pin it
A close-up view of a chocolate chip cranberry cookie, showcasing its rich texture and vibrant cranberry pieces. | tastyblom.com

Transform simple ingredients into decadent black forest cookies that combine rich chocolate with sweet maraschino cherries. These soft, chewy cookies deliver the perfect balance of deep chocolate flavor and bright cherry sweetness in every bite. Ready in just 20 minutes with no dough chilling required, these cookies make an impressive addition to any dessert tray or holiday gathering.

During my quest to create the perfect chocolate-cherry cookie, this recipe emerged as the perfect balance of rich cocoa and sweet fruit. Now it's become our family's most requested holiday treat.

Essential Elements

  • Room temperature butter: Ensures proper creaming for ideal texture
  • Quality cocoa powder: Natural or Dutch-processed both work beautifully
  • Fresh maraschino cherries: Must be well-drained for best results
  • Premium chocolate chips: Semi-sweet provides perfect balance
  • Pure vanilla extract: Enhances both chocolate and cherry flavors

Creating Cookie Magic

Mix The Base
  • Beat softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 1-2 minutes, creating perfect cookie foundation.
Build Structure
  • Add egg and vanilla, beating until completely incorporated and smooth.
Combine Dry Team
  • Whisk flour, cocoa, baking soda, and salt thoroughly for even distribution.
Create The Dough
  • Gradually incorporate dry ingredients into wet mixture, mixing just until combined.
Add The Stars
  • Fold in chopped cherries and chocolate chips gently to maintain even distribution.
Shape With Style
  • Scoop uniform dough balls, pressing extra cherries and chips on top for visual appeal.
Perfect The Bake
  • Watch carefully for ideal doneness - edges should be set but centers still soft.

My grandmother's secret was adding extra cherries and chocolate chips on top just before baking - it makes them as beautiful as they are delicious.

Detailed image of a chocolate chip cranberry cookie, highlighting the melty chocolate and tart cranberries in the dough. Pin it
Detailed image of a chocolate chip cranberry cookie, highlighting the melty chocolate and tart cranberries in the dough. | tastyblom.com

Serving Suggestions

Transform these cookies into an elegant dessert experience by creating a black forest cookie platter. Arrange them alongside chocolate-dipped strawberries, dark chocolate truffles, and chocolate-covered cherries for a themed dessert board. Serve with hot chocolate topped with whipped cream and cherry garnish for winter gatherings, or pair with coffee or cold milk for casual snacking. Consider drizzling with white chocolate for special occasions or packaging in decorative boxes for gifting.

Creative Variations

Elevate these classic cookies by experimenting with different chocolate combinations. Try using a mix of dark and white chocolate chips, or add a touch of almond extract to enhance the cherry flavor. Consider incorporating chocolate-covered cherries instead of maraschino cherries for extra decadence. For special occasions, dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with cherry-flavored glaze. Add chopped nuts or coconut for additional texture and flavor complexity.

Storage Solutions

Maintain the perfect texture of your cookies by storing them in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers. They'll stay fresh at room temperature for up to five days. For longer storage, wrap well and freeze for up to three months. When ready to serve, thaw at room temperature for about an hour. For gifting, layer cookies in decorative tins with waxed paper between layers to prevent sticking.

Close-up of a Black Forest chocolate chip cranberry cookie, featuring chunks of chocolate and bright cranberry bits. Pin it
Close-up of a Black Forest chocolate chip cranberry cookie, featuring chunks of chocolate and bright cranberry bits. | tastyblom.com

Conclusion

These black forest cookies have become my signature contribution to holiday cookie exchanges. While the recipe is straightforward, attention to detail in measuring and mixing creates bakery-worthy treats that disappear quickly at any gathering. Remember, properly drained cherries and careful flour measurement are key to perfect results every time.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend like King Arthur Gluten-Free Measure for Measure Flour.
→ What can I use instead of maraschino cherries?
Try dried cherries or cranberries for a similar fruity twist.
→ How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
→ Can I freeze the dough?
Yes, scoop the dough onto a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding 1–2 minutes to the baking time.
→ Can I use dark chocolate chips?
Absolutely! Dark chocolate chips will add a richer, bittersweet flavor.

Chocolate-Cherry Cookie Delight

A chocolatey cookie loaded with maraschino cherries and chocolate chips, perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
14 Minutes
Total Time
24 Minutes


Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 12 Servings (12–14 cookies)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

→ Main Ingredients

01 ½ stick unsalted butter, softened (1/4 cup)
02 ¾ cup brown sugar
03 1 large egg
04 1 tsp vanilla extract
05 1 ⅓ cups all-purpose flour
06 ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
07 ½ tsp baking soda
08 ¼ tsp salt
09 ½ cup drained & finely chopped maraschino cherries, plus extra for garnish
10 ¾ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips, plus extra for garnish

Instructions

Step 01

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with a silicone baking mat or parchment paper.

Step 02

In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and brown sugar with an electric mixer for about 1 minute, or until combined.

Step 03

Add the egg and vanilla extract to the bowl. Beat again until fully incorporated.

Step 04

In a separate small bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing by hand with a spatula until a thick batter forms.

Step 05

Drain and finely chop the maraschino cherries, patting them dry to remove excess liquid. Fold the cherries and chocolate chips into the batter using a spatula.

Step 06

Use a cookie scoop to drop dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet. Press additional maraschino cherry pieces and chocolate chips onto the tops of the dough balls for decoration.

Step 07

Bake for 13–15 minutes, or until the cookies are set around the edges but still slightly soft in the center.

Step 08

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 15 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

  1. For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend like King Arthur Gluten-Free Measure for Measure Flour.
  2. Pat the chopped maraschino cherries dry to prevent excess moisture from affecting the cookie texture.
  3. Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

Tools You'll Need

  • Electric mixer
  • Silicone baking mat or parchment paper
  • Cookie scoop
  • Mixing bowls
  • Spatula

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy (butter).
  • Gluten-free if using gluten-free flour.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 229
  • Total Fat: 9 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 35 g
  • Protein: 3 g