Name: Chewy Black Forest Cookies: A Chocolate Cherry Delight
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 2 cups All-purpose flour (Spoon and level for accuracy.); ¾ cup Unsweetened cocoa powder (Dutch process cocoa enhances richness.); 1 tsp Baking powder (Check freshness for best results.); 1 tsp Baking soda (Check freshness for best results.); ½ tsp Salt (Enhances flavor.); ½ cup Unsalted butter (melted and cooled) (Cool to avoid cooking the eggs.); 1 cup Brown sugar (Contributes moisture and sweetness.); ½ cup White granulated sugar; 2 tsp Pure vanilla extract; 2 large Eggs (At room temperature.); ½ cup White chocolate chips (Add extra on top for indulgence.); ½ cup Semisweet chocolate chips; 1 cup Fresh cherries (washed, pitted, and cut into quarters) (Use when in season for best taste.)

As I took my first bite, a wave of nostalgia washed over me—the sweet memories of a family gathering filled with the rich aroma of cherry-filled delights. These Chewy Black Forest Cookies are my delicious twist on that classic German treat, packing an irresistible combination of chocolate, fresh cherries, and creamy chocolate chips. What’s even better? This no-mixer, no-chill recipe means you can whip them up in no time, perfect for satisfying any chocolate lover’s cravings. Plus, the chewy texture and crisp edges offer a comforting bite that’s hard to resist. Are you ready to bring a taste of the Black Forest into your kitchen? Let’s dive in and create these delightful cookies together!

Why Are These Cookies So Irresistible?

Chewy Delight: The combination of luscious chocolate and tart cherries creates a heavenly treat that you’ll want to savor.

No Mixer Needed: Enjoy the simplicity of a no-mixer recipe, making it perfect for spontaneous baking days.

Quick to Prepare: With no chilling time, you can whip these up in less than 30 minutes—great for when cravings hit!

Versatile Enjoyment: Pair them with a glass of milk or your favorite coffee for a cozy afternoon break.

Seasonal Freshness: Using fresh cherries when in season maximizes flavor, giving you that authentic touch reminiscent of Black Forest cake!

If you love cookies as much as I do, be sure to check out my Chewy Gluten Cookies for a delightful twist on classic flavors.

Black Forest Cookies Ingredients

For the Cookie Dough
• All-purpose flour – Provides structure to the cookies; make sure to spoon and level for accuracy.
• Unsweetened cocoa powder – Adds intense chocolate flavor; using Dutch process cocoa enhances richness.
• Baking powder & Baking soda – These leavening agents help the cookies rise; always check freshness for best results.
• Salt – Enhances flavor and balances the sweetness for a better taste.
• Unsalted butter (melted and cooled) – Adds moisture and richness; ensure it cools to avoid cooking the eggs.
• Brown sugar – Contributes to moisture and a caramel-like sweetness, making the cookies delightfully chewy.
• White granulated sugar – Sweetens the dough and promotes a crisp texture.
• Pure vanilla extract – Introduces a depth of flavor that’s essential for dessert.
• Large eggs – Binds everything together; ensure they are at room temperature for a smooth mix.

For the Mix-ins
• White chocolate chips & Semisweet chocolate chips – Provide bursts of sweet chocolate flavor; add extra on top for even more indulgence.
• Fresh cherries (washed, pitted, and cut into quarters) – Adds a juicy tartness, echoing traditional Black Forest cake; always use when in season for the best taste.

These Black Forest Cookies are sure to become your new favorite treat!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Black Forest Cookies

Step 1: Melt the Butter
Start by melting unsalted butter in the microwave, then let it cool to room temperature while you prepare the rest of the ingredients. Gather fresh cherries, wash them, pit them, and cut them into quarters, ensuring you have everything ready for your chewy Black Forest Cookies.

Step 2: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two cookie sheets with parchment paper. This will ensure that your cookies bake evenly and don’t stick to the sheets, making cleanup a breeze after baking your delicious treats.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mix until fully combined and set this dry mixture aside as you move on to blending the wet ingredients for your Black Forest Cookies.

Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, mix the cooled melted butter, brown sugar, white granulated sugar, pure vanilla extract, and large eggs using a rubber spatula. Stir until the mixture is smooth and creamy, which will form the base for your chewy cookie batter.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until fully combined. The dough will start to come together beautifully. Then, gently fold in the semisweet chocolate chips and the freshly cut cherries, ensuring an even distribution throughout the batter.

Step 6: Portion the Dough
Using a large cookie scoop, portion out the dough onto the prepared cookie sheets, placing about six dough balls on each sheet. Make sure they’re spaced apart to allow for spreading during baking, creating those scrumptious chewy Black Forest Cookies.

Step 7: Bake the Cookies
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 13-15 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centers look slightly underbaked. This will give your Black Forest Cookies that chewy texture while maintaining a delightful moist center.

Step 8: Cool and Serve
Once baked, allow the cookies to cool on the sheet for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This final step ensures they set perfectly and adds to the wonderful texture of your homemade Black Forest Cookies.

What to Serve with Chewy Black Forest Cookies

Pair your cookies with delightful sides to elevate your sweet treat experience, making every bite even more special.

Creamy Vanilla Ice Cream: The cool creaminess perfectly balances the chewy texture and rich chocolate flavors of the cookies.
Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of bright, seasonal fruits adds a refreshing tartness, enhancing the sweet cherry notes in the cookies.
Espresso or Coffee: A bold cup of coffee complements the richness of the cookies, creating a perfect afternoon pairing.
Chocolate Drizzle: A simple drizzle of melted chocolate over your cookies takes the chocolate experience to the next level!
Whipped Cream: Light and fluffy, whipped cream can be dolloped on top or served alongside for a decadent treat.
Cherry Compote: Adding a spoonful of cherry compote offers a burst of fruity sweetness that echoes the flavors in the cookies.
Milk or Almond Milk: A classic pairing, serving your cookies with a glass of cold milk provides a comforting and nostalgic experience.
Cheese Plate: A small selection of soft cheeses brings complexity to the sweetness, balancing the flavors beautifully.

Make Ahead Options

These Chewy Black Forest Cookies are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance by mixing all your ingredients and storing the dough in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This helps maintain the freshness and prevents the cookies from losing their delightful chewy texture. Alternatively, you can scoop the dough balls onto the cookie sheets and freeze them for up to 3 months; just bake them straight from the freezer, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time. When you’re ready to indulge, simply bake the cookies and enjoy the same rich flavors of chocolate and cherries as if you made them fresh!

Black Forest Cookies Variations

Customize your Black Forest Cookies and delight your taste buds with these fun, creative twists!

No Cherries: Swap fresh cherries for dried cherries for a chewy texture and intense sweetness.
Gourmet Chocolate: Use a mix of dark chocolate and milk chocolate chips for a more complex flavor profile. Rich and creamy notes will elevate each bite!
Nutty Add-In: Add chopped walnuts or pecans for a crunchy surprise that contrasts beautifully with the chewy cookie texture. They’ll give your cookies a delightful nutty crunch.
Spicy Kick: Incorporate a pinch of cayenne pepper or cinnamon for an unexpected warm spice that dances with the sweetness of chocolate and cherries. It’s a bold twist that adds depth.
Dairy-Free: Replace butter with coconut oil and use dairy-free chocolate chips to make these cookies vegan-friendly without losing flavor or texture.
Boozy Flavor: Add a splash of cherry liqueur or vanilla extract to the dough for a fun adults-only twist. The rich flavor will remind you of the classic dessert!
Fruity Burst: Mix in a different seasonal fruit, like raspberries or blueberries, for a bright and fresh take on these cookies. The juiciness will complement the chocolate perfectly.
Caramel Drizzle: Drizzle melted caramel over the cooled cookies for an extra layer of sweetness that takes them over the top!

With these variations, your Black Forest Cookies will never be the same again! For even more delightful cookie options, don’t miss my Chewy Gluten Cookies and Brown Butter Cookies. Happy baking!

How to Store and Freeze Black Forest Cookies

Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain freshness and chewiness.

Freezer: For longer storage, freeze cookies in a single layer in a freezer-safe container for up to 30 days. Thaw for 1-2 hours before serving.

Reheating: If you want to enjoy warm cookies, reheat individual cookies in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. Enjoy the delightful chocolate flavor all over again!

Expert Tips for Perfect Black Forest Cookies

Accurate Measurement: Spoon and level your flour for precise measuring; compact flour can make your cookies dry and crumbly.
Fresh Ingredients: Always check baking powder and baking soda for freshness; stale leavening agents will result in flat cookies.
Cooling Butter: Let melted butter cool completely before adding eggs; hot butter can scramble the eggs and affect texture.
Even Chocolate Distribution: Fold in chocolate chips and cherries gently to ensure an even distribution without overmixing, which can toughen the cookies.
Right Baking Time: Keep an eye on baking time; every oven is different. Look for set edges and a slightly soft center for perfect chewiness.
Storage Tips: Store your Black Forest Cookies in an airtight container to maintain their chewiness and freshness for up to 5 days.

Black Forest Cookies Recipe FAQs

How do I select fresh cherries for this recipe?
Absolutely! When choosing cherries, look for those that are plump, shiny, and free from dark spots or blemishes. The stems should be green, indicating freshness. During cherry season, you’ll be rewarded with the juiciest and most flavorful cherries, which really make your Black Forest Cookies shine!

What’s the best way to store Black Forest Cookies?
I recommend storing your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. This keeps them chewy and delicious. For extended storage, freeze them in a single layer in a freezer-safe container for up to 30 days. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature for 1-2 hours before serving.

Can I freeze these cookies? How?
Yes, freezing your Black Forest Cookies is super easy! Place the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze them for about 1 hour until firm. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or a zip-top bag. They’ll stay fresh for up to 30 days. When it’s cookie time, just let them thaw at room temperature for 1-2 hours, and they’ll be as good as fresh!

What should I do if my cookie dough seems too dry?
Very! If your dough feels dry, it could be due to over-measuring the flour. I recommend adding a small amount of melted butter or a splash of milk (about 1-2 tablespoons) to the mixture and gently incorporating it until the dough reaches the desired consistency. The goal is for the dough to be soft and slightly sticky before you scoop it onto the baking sheets.