Okay, who can resist the combo of rich chocolate and sweet cherries? Not me, that’s for sure! These Black Forest Cookies are seriously the easiest way to get that amazing Black Forest flavor without, you know, baking a whole complicated cake. We’re talking soft, chewy, chocolatey goodness with bursts of cherry in every single bite. I’ve been baking these for years—they’re always a HUGE hit at potlucks. Seriously, prepare to share the recipe!
Gather Your Ingredients for Black Forest Cookies
Alright, let’s get our stuff together! You’ll need: 1 cup of all-purpose flour, ½ cup of unsweetened cocoa powder (the good stuff!), ½ tsp baking soda, and ¼ tsp salt. For the wet stuff, grab ½ cup (that’s 1 stick) of softened unsalted butter, ¾ cup granulated sugar, 1 large egg, and a teaspoon of vanilla extract. Oh, and don’t forget the stars: ½ cup of chopped maraschino cherries (make sure they’re drained!), and ¼ cup of mini chocolate chips. Got it all? Let’s bake!
How to Make Black Forest Cookies: Step-by-Step Instructions
Okay, here comes the fun part! Follow these steps, and you’ll have amazing Black Forest Cookies before you know it. Don’t worry; it’s easier than it looks!
Preparing the Dough for Your Black Forest Cookies
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Trust me, you don’t want to skip this! While that’s heating up, grab two bowls. In one, whisk together your flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. In the other, cream together your softened butter and sugar until it’s light and fluffy. This is where a mixer comes in handy, but you can totally do it by hand if you’re feeling ambitious! Beat in the egg and vanilla extract. Now, gradually add the dry stuff to the wet stuff, mixing until *just* combined. Don’t overmix! We want soft cookies, not hockey pucks!
Baking Your Delicious Black Forest Cookies
Now, gently fold in those chopped cherries and mini chocolate chips. Yum! Drop by rounded tablespoons onto ungreased baking sheets. Bake for 8-10 minutes. Keep an eye on them! You’ll know they’re ready when the edges are set. Let them cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. And that’s it! Time to enjoy your Black Forest Cookies!
Why You'll Love These Black Forest Cookies
Seriously, these cookies are the BEST. Here’s why you’re gonna be obsessed:
- Quick and easy to make – even on a weeknight!
- The perfect balance of rich chocolate and sweet cherry.
- They taste like you spent hours baking (but you didn’t!).
- Super flavorful – everyone will ask for the recipe.
- Impressive enough for guests, but simple enough for a snack!
Tips for Perfect Black Forest Cookies Every Time
Want to make sure your Black Forest Cookies are absolutely perfect? I got you! Here are a few little tricks I’ve learned over the years:
- Don’t overbake! Seriously, this is key. Overbaked cookies are dry cookies, and nobody wants that. 8-10 minutes is usually perfect, but keep an eye on ’em.
- Drain those cherries! Soggy cookies are a no-go. Make sure your chopped cherries are super well-drained and patted dry before folding them into the dough.
- Chill the dough (optional): If your dough seems too soft, pop it in the fridge for 30 minutes before baking. This helps prevent spreading.
- Use good quality cocoa: It really makes a difference in the flavor! Learn more about cocoa powder.
- Don’t skip the salt! It balances the sweetness perfectly.
Trust me, follow these tips, and you’ll be a Black Forest Cookie pro in no time!
Black Forest Cookies: Variations to Try
Okay, so you’ve mastered the basic Black Forest Cookie? Awesome! Now, let’s get a little wild, shall we? My favorite part is experimenting with different flavors. Why not try almond extract instead of vanilla? It gives a totally different, kinda fancy vibe. Or, swap out the mini chocolate chips for white chocolate chips – *wow*, that’s good! You could even throw in some chopped walnuts or pecans for a little crunch. Go crazy! Just have fun with it!
Storing Your Homemade Black Forest Cookies
Got leftovers? (If you do, you’re stronger than me!). Store your Black Forest Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh for about 3-4 days…if they last that long! Wanna keep ’em longer? You can totally freeze them! Just pop them in a freezer-safe bag or container, and they’ll be good for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to eat them, just let them thaw at room temperature. Easy peasy!
Black Forest Cookies: Nutritional Information
Alright, let’s talk numbers! Now, keep in mind this is just an estimate, okay? But roughly, one of these Black Forest Cookies will run you about 120 calories. You’re also looking at around 6g of fat, 1g of protein, and 15g of carbs, with about 10g of sugar. Hey, it’s a cookie! Enjoy it!
Black Forest Cookies: Frequently Asked Questions
Got questions about these amazing Black Forest Cookies? I’ve got answers! Here are a few of the most common things people ask me about this easy cookie recipe.
Can I use fresh cherries in Black Forest Cookies?
Okay, so fresh cherries *can* work, but honestly, I don’t usually recommend it. Maraschino cherries have that super sweet, almost candy-like flavor that really makes these Black Forest Cookies special. If you *do* use fresh cherries, make sure they’re pitted and chopped really small, and maybe add a little extra sugar to the dough.
How do I prevent my Black Forest Cookies from spreading too thin?
Ah, the dreaded cookie spread! There are a few things you can do. First, make sure your butter isn’t *too* soft. It should be softened, but not melted or greasy. Second, try chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking. This helps the cookies hold their shape. And finally, don’t over-grease your baking sheets!
Can I freeze Black Forest Cookie dough?
Absolutely! This is a great way to have homemade cookies ready whenever you want them. Just scoop the dough into balls, place them on a baking sheet, and freeze until solid. Then, transfer the frozen dough balls to a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready to bake, just pop them straight into the oven – you might need to add a minute or two to the baking time.
Rate This Black Forest Cookies Recipe
Loved these Black Forest Cookies? Leave a comment and rating below to let me know! Your feedback helps others find this yummy recipe. Happy baking!
Print
Irresistible Black Forest Cookies: Badly Good in Just 8 Minutes
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 8-10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: About 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious Black Forest Cookies combine rich chocolate with sweet cherries.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup chopped maraschino cherries, drained and patted dry
- 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in egg and vanilla extract.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in chopped cherries and chocolate chips.
- Drop by rounded tablespoons onto ungreased baking sheets.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until edges are set.
- Let cool on baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Ensure cherries are well-drained to prevent cookies from becoming soggy.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature.
- For a richer flavor, use dark chocolate chips.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
