When you want all the beloved flavors of Black Forest cake in a handheld treat, these Black Forest Cookies deliver rich chocolate cookies studded with tart cherries and topped with a chocolate ganache swirl that makes every bite feel like pure indulgence. The deep chocolate base provides the perfect canvas for sweet-tart cherries that burst with flavor, while the glossy ganache adds extra richness and that signature cake-inspired elegance. Each cookie delivers layers of texture and taste – from the slightly crispy edges to the soft, fudgy centers packed with cherry pieces and finished with smooth chocolate. Perfect for holiday baking, special occasions, or any time you want cookies that feel a little more grown-up and sophisticated, this recipe makes about 24 cookies and takes approximately 45 minutes from start to finish.
Cooking Time: 20 minutes prep, 25 minutes baking and cooling
Makes: About 24 cookies
What You’ll Need
For the cookies:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 3/4 cup dried cherries, chopped
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
For the ganache:
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- Fresh cherries for garnish (optional)
Preparing to Bake
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and ensures even baking.
Creating the Dry Mix
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Make sure the cocoa powder is well distributed with no lumps.
Creaming the Base
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with both sugars using an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. This incorporates air that helps create the right texture.
Adding Wet Ingredients
Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract until well combined. The almond extract is subtle but adds that classic Black Forest flavor note.
Combining Wet and Dry
Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, beating on low speed just until combined. Don’t overmix, which can make the cookies tough.
Folding in the Good Stuff
Using a spatula, gently fold in the chopped dried cherries and dark chocolate chips. The cherries should be evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Chopping the Cherries
If your dried cherries are whole, chop them into smaller pieces so they distribute better and don’t weigh down the cookies. Aim for roughly pea-sized pieces.
Scooping the Dough
Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
The Perfect Bake
Bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges are set but the centers still look slightly underdone. They’ll continue cooking as they cool.
Cooling on the Pan
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. This helps them set and prevents breakage.
Making the Ganache
While cookies cool, place the chocolate chips in a small bowl. Heat the heavy cream until just simmering, then pour over the chocolate. Let sit for 2 minutes.
Stirring to Perfection
Stir the ganache gently until smooth and glossy. If it’s too thick, add a teaspoon of cream. If too thin, let it cool slightly to thicken.
Drizzling with Style
Once cookies are completely cool, drizzle the ganache over them using a spoon or transfer the ganache to a zip-top bag with a corner cut off for more control.
Creating Patterns
Drizzle in zigzag patterns or circular swirls for visual appeal. The ganache should be thin enough to drizzle but thick enough to maintain its shape.
Optional Cherry Garnish
While the ganache is still wet, top each cookie with a small piece of fresh cherry or a whole dried cherry for that classic Black Forest look.
Setting Time
Let the cookies sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes until the ganache sets. For faster setting, refrigerate for 10 minutes.
Perfect Texture
These cookies should be slightly crispy on the edges with soft, fudgy centers. The ganache adds richness while the cherries provide bursts of tart sweetness.
Storage Guidelines
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or freeze for up to 3 months. Layer between parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Make-Ahead Benefits
The cookie dough can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Scoop and bake directly from frozen, adding 1-2 minutes to baking time.
Customization Options
Try using fresh pitted cherries when in season, or substitute cherry preserves mixed into the dough for extra moisture and intense cherry flavor.
Wine Pairing
These sophisticated cookies pair beautifully with coffee, hot chocolate, or even a glass of cherry liqueur for an adult treat.
Gift-Giving Ideas
Package these cookies in decorative tins or boxes for elegant homemade gifts. Include a note about the Black Forest inspiration.
Troubleshooting Tips
If cookies spread too much, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking. If too cakey, reduce baking time by 1-2 minutes.
Understanding the Flavors
The combination of chocolate, cherry, and subtle almond extract mimics the traditional Black Forest cake (Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte) that inspired these cookies.
Portion Control
Each cookie is rich and satisfying, so one or two is usually enough to satisfy sweet cravings without overwhelming.
These Black Forest Cookies prove that beloved cake flavors can successfully translate into portable treats. With their perfect balance of rich chocolate, tart cherries, and elegant ganache, they deliver sophisticated sweetness that transforms ordinary cookie time into something special, showing that sometimes the best innovations come from reimagining classics in new, delicious ways.
