Name: Chewy Black Forest Cookies with Cherries & Chocolate Delight
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour (spoon and leveled); 1/2 cups unsweetened cocoa powder (Dutch-process recommended); 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt (to balance sweetness); 1 cup unsalted butter (melted and cooled); 3/4 cups brown sugar (can substitute with light or dark); 3/4 cups granulated white sugar; 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract; 2 large eggs (room temperature); 1 cups white chocolate chips (reserve some for topping); 1 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips (reserve a few for sprinkling); 1 cups fresh cherries (pitted and quartered)

With a burst of summer sweetness in every bite, my Chewy Black Forest Cookies blend rich chocolate with fresh cherries and a hint of white chocolate. These cookies are a fantastic way to celebrate cherry season, offering comforting flavors that will transport you straight to a cozy café without ever leaving your kitchen. What I adore about this no-mixer, no-chill recipe is how it caters to both the inexperienced baker and the seasoned pro, delivering deliciousness with minimal fuss. Plus, their chewy texture and generous chocolate chunks make them an irresistible treat for sharing or keeping all to yourself. Are you ready to dive into baking bliss and create some of the best cookies you’ve ever tasted? Let’s get started!

Why are Black Forest Cookies the best?

Irresistible Blend: The combination of rich chocolate, sweet cherries, and creamy white chocolate creates a flavor harmony that’s hard to beat.

Effortless Baking: With no mixer and no chilling required, these cookies come together quickly, making them perfect for spontaneous cravings or unexpected guests.

Chewy Delight: Each bite is a textural delight; soft and chewy centers contrast beautifully with crisp edges, ensuring a satisfying treat.

Customize to Your Taste: Feel free to substitute fresh cherries with maraschino or play with the types of chocolate chips for a customizable experience that reflects your preferences.

Crowd-Pleasing Treat: These cookies are sure to impress friends and family alike, making them a great choice for gatherings, picnics, or simply enjoying at home while sipping coffee.

Don’t forget to check out our Blackberry Avocado Arugula for a refreshing twist alongside these delicious cookies!

Black Forest Cookies Ingredients

For the Cookie Dough

All-Purpose Flour – Provides structure to the cookies; spoon and level to avoid compacting.
Unsweetened Cocoa Powder – Adds a rich chocolate flavor; Dutch-process is best for a deeper taste.
Baking Powder & Baking Soda – These leavening agents ensure your cookies rise nicely.
Salt – Balances sweetness for a more rounded flavor.
Unsalted Butter – Melted for chewiness; let it cool to room temperature before using.
Brown Sugar – Contributes moisture and flavor richness; can substitute with light or dark brown sugar if necessary.
Granulated White Sugar – Sweetens the cookies and aids in creating a slight crunch.
Pure Vanilla Extract – Enhances the overall flavor of the cookies wonderfully.
Large Eggs – Bind the ingredients together and add moisture; use room temperature for optimal mixing.
White Chocolate Chips – Provide sweet bursts that contrast with the dark chocolate; save some for topping.
Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips – Bring additional chocolate richness; reserve a few to sprinkle on top.
Fresh Cherries – Key to the Black Forest theme; ensure they are pitted and quartered for easy mixing.

Indulge in this delightful recipe for Black Forest Cookies, where every bite promises joy with every chew!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Black Forest Cookies

Step 1: Prep the Butter
Begin by melting unsalted butter in the microwave in a microwave-safe bowl. Allow it to cool at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes until it’s slightly warm but not hot, ensuring it blends smoothly into the cookie dough later.

Step 2: Prepare the Cherries
While the butter cools, wash the fresh cherries thoroughly. Pit and quarter them carefully, ensuring they are bite-sized for mixing into the Black Forest Cookies. Set the prepped cherries aside in a bowl, ready for incorporation in the dough.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This will create a dry mixture that ensures even distribution of the leavening agents and cocoa, setting the foundation for your chewy Black Forest Cookies.

Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter with brown sugar, granulated white sugar, pure vanilla extract, and room temperature large eggs. Using a rubber spatula, mix until this wet combination is smooth and creamy, creating a rich base for your cookie dough.

Step 5: Incorporate Dry Mixtures
Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, folding together with the spatula until just combined. Be careful not to over-mix; you want a thick dough that will hold together well, embodying the delightful essence of Black Forest Cookies.

Step 6: Add Mix-Ins
Gently fold in the white chocolate chips, semi-sweet chocolate chips, and the quartered cherries into the dough. Ensure that the mix-ins are evenly distributed throughout the batter for an enjoyable bite of chocolatey goodness and bursts of fresh cherry flavor in every cookie.

Step 7: Scoop the Dough
Using a large (3oz) cookie scoop, drop balls of dough onto lined cookie sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Aim to fit six cookies per sheet to allow room for spreading as they bake. This helps achieve that sought-after cookie look and texture.

Step 8: Bake the Cookies
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the cookie sheets in the oven and bake for 13-15 minutes, or until the edges are set, but the centers appear soft. This will ensure they remain chewy and delicious. Optionally, add additional chocolate chips on top while the cookies are still warm for extra flair.

Step 9: Cool
Once baked, remove the cookie sheets from the oven and let the Black Forest Cookies cool on the sheets for about 10 minutes. This resting time allows them to firm up slightly before transferring them to a cooling rack, resulting in the perfect chewy texture.

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 and storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This not only saves time but also allows the flavors to meld beautifully. For optimal results, it’s essential to bring the dough back to room temperature before baking to ensure even cooking. Additionally, you can pit and quarter the fresh cherries ahead of time, keeping them refrigerated for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to bake, simply scoop the chilled dough onto baking sheets and follow the usual baking instructions for cookies that are just as delightful as if they were made fresh!

Expert Tips for Black Forest Cookies

Measure Wisely: Properly measuring flour is essential to avoid dry cookies. Use a kitchen scale or spoon and level the flour gently to keep it light.
Room Temperature Ingredients: Allow your butter and eggs to sit at room temperature before mixing for better incorporation, resulting in uniform flavor and texture.
Scooping Matters: If you use a smaller cookie scoop, remember to adjust the baking time to 8-11 minutes to achieve the perfect chewy consistency.
Chill for Less Chew: For a less chewy texture, you can refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes or bake smaller, scant scoops of the dough.
Cherries Prep: Make sure to pit and quarter fresh cherries to easily mix them into the cookie dough, enhancing the deliciousness of these Black Forest Cookies.

Storage Tips for Black Forest Cookies

Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain their chewy texture and rich flavor.

Fridge: For extended freshness, you can keep them in the fridge for up to 7 days. Just make sure to let them come back to room temperature before enjoying.

Freezer: Freeze the cookies in an airtight container for up to 30 days. For best results, place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.

Reheating: To bring back that fresh-baked goodness, simply thaw at room temperature for 1-2 hours, or microwave for a few seconds until warm. Enjoy your delightful Black Forest Cookies!

Black Forest Cookies Variations & Substitutions

Feel free to explore these delightful twists and substitutions to make your Black Forest Cookies uniquely yours!

Cherry Swap: Replace fresh cherries with maraschino or candied cherries for a sweeter, more retro cookie experience. A pop of color on your cookies never hurts!
Chocolate Variation: Try using dark chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet for an intense chocolate flavor. You’ll discover a new depth to your cookies that chocolate lovers will adore.
Nutty Twist: Add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch and an extra layer of flavor. The contrast between soft cookies and crunchy nuts is simply irresistible.
Dairy-Free Delight: Use coconut oil or dairy-free butter in place of unsalted butter. This swap creates a deliciously chewy cookie while accommodating any dairy-free friends!
Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to create a cookie everyone can enjoy. Just ensure your baking powder is gluten-free, and you’re set!
Spicy Kick: Adding a pinch of cinnamon or a spice blend to your dry ingredients can elevate your cookies to new flavor heights. A warm spice can complement the chocolate beautifully.
Extra Chewy: For a more indulgent, chewy result, try incorporating a tablespoon of cornstarch into your flour mixture. This small change can significantly enhance the texture.
More Fruity Fun: Mix in other fruits like blueberries or raspberries alongside cherries for a mixed berry twist that’s bursting with flavor. Every bite will keep you guessing in the best way!

These variations and substitutions give you the freedom to make your Black Forest Cookies truly your own. For a refreshing side, consider pairing them with a light salad, such as our delightful Blackberry Avocado Arugula for a balanced treat!

What to Serve with Chewy Black Forest Cookies?

Elevate your indulgence with delightful pairings that harmonize beautifully with the rich chocolate and cherry flavors of these cookies.

Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream contrasts the warm cookies perfectly, adding a delightful temperature difference with every bite. Picture your warm cookie nestled in a pool of velvety ice cream – a match made in heaven!
Fresh Mint Tea: The refreshing notes of mint tea cleanse the palate after each cookie, enhancing the rich chocolate experience. It’s a soothing finish that keeps your taste buds dancing.
Chocolate Milkshake: Indulge in a luscious, thick chocolate milkshake that echoes the cookies’ chocolatey goodness while providing a fun and nostalgic twist for all ages.
Cherry Compote: A dollop of cherry compote intensifies the fruitiness found in the cookies. Its tartness beautifully balances the sweetness, creating a delightful flavor explosion.
Nutty Granola: A sprinkle of crunchy nutty granola adds an unexpected texture that complements the chewiness of the cookies. It’s a great way to mix things up while enjoying your favorite treat.
Red Wine: A glass of light red wine, like Pinot Noir, pairs elegantly, echoing the cherry tones and elevating the dessert experience. Sipping this while nibbling a cookie creates a cozy moment to savor.
Dark Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle some melted dark chocolate over the cookies for an extra layer of indulgence. It deepens the chocolate flavor and makes each cookie even more irresistible.
Coffee: Pair with a steaming cup of coffee for a classic combo that balances sweetness with a hint of bitterness, providing a comforting way to enjoy your cookies.

With these delicious pairings, you’ll create a dreamy dessert experience that highlights the charm of your Chewy Black Forest Cookies!

Black Forest Cookies Recipe FAQs

How do I choose ripe cherries for my Black Forest Cookies?
Absolutely! Look for fresh cherries that are plump, firm, and have a glossy surface. They should be deep red or black, without dark spots all over, which indicate overripeness. If you can find them at your local farmer’s market, that’s often the best option for flavor and freshness!

How should I store my Black Forest Cookies?
Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to keep them chewy and delicious. Alternatively, for longer storage, you can place them in the fridge for up to 7 days; just let them reach room temperature before enjoying.

Can I freeze my Black Forest Cookies, and what’s the best way to do it?
Yes, indeed! To freeze your Black Forest Cookies, allow them to cool completely, then layer them in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. They can stay fresh for up to 30 days. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw them at room temperature for 1-2 hours, or pop them in the microwave for a few seconds until warm.

What if my cookie dough seems dry?
Very! A dry dough can happen if the flour is over-measured. To remedy this, try adding a tablespoon of milk to the dough and mix gently until incorporated. This should bring the dough back to the desired consistency. Also, remember to spoon and level your flour when measuring to prevent this issue in the first place.

Are there any dietary considerations I should take into account?
Absolutely! For those with allergies, this recipe contains gluten (from flour), dairy (from butter), and eggs. If you’re baking for someone with an allergy, you can substitute the flour with a gluten-free blend, use non-dairy butter or coconut oil, and swap eggs for a flaxseed meal or a chia egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 2.5 tablespoons water). Always consult with your guests to ensure their dietary needs are met.