Decadent Black Forest Cherry Chocolate Cookies
Indulge in the rich flavors of our Decadent Black Forest Cherry Chocolate Cookies, crafted for those who love the harmonious marriage of tart cherries and luscious chocolate. Inspired by the famous Black Forest Gateau from Germany, these cookies bring a delightful twist to a classic dessert, featuring dried tart cherries soaked in sweet kirsch or cherry liqueur. Each bite is a perfect mix of moist chewiness and deep cocoa richness, making them irresistible for chocolate and cherry lovers alike. Perfect for any occasion, whether you're hosting a gathering or simply treating yourself, these cookies can be easily adapted to cater to your taste. You can increase the cherry content for a fruitier version, or amp up the chocolate with some cocoa powder. Enjoy them as is for a delightful treat, or customize them to your liking. These cookies are sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Dried tart cherries, coarsely chopped
1 2/3 cups (Coarsely chopped)
Kirsch or cherry-flavored liqueur
1/2 cup (For soaking cherries)
All-purpose flour
2 2/3 cups (Sifted)
Baking soda
1 teaspoon (N/A)
Salt
1 teaspoon (N/A)
Unsalted butter
1 cup (Room temperature (2 sticks))
Granulated sugar
3/4 cup (N/A)
Light brown sugar
3/4 cup (Packed)
Vanilla extract
1 teaspoon (N/A)
Almond extract
1/4 teaspoon (N/A)
Large eggs
2 (N/A)
Bittersweet chocolate chips
3 cups (15 oz) (N/A)
Instructions
1
Begin by soaking the coarsely chopped dried tart cherries in the kirsch (or cherry-flavored liqueur) by microwaving them on high for about a minute. Allow the mixture to sit for 15 minutes to plump the cherries and bring down the temperature.
2
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
3
In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer with a flat paddle attachment to beat the softened unsalted butter on medium-high speed until creamy, approximately 2 minutes.
4
Gradually add in the granulated sugar and light brown sugar, beating until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, which should take about 3 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as necessary.
5
Mix in the vanilla extract and almond extract, then beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring they are fully incorporated.
6
Reduce the mixer speed to low and incrementally add the dry flour mixture in three parts, scraping down the bowl frequently to ensure even mixing. Take care not to overmix; finish mixing by hand to maintain the cookie's desired texture.
7
Gently stir in the bittersweet chocolate chips, the cooled, plumped cherries, and up to 1 tablespoon of the remaining kirsch or liqueur (discard or enjoy the rest).
8
Cover the dough and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to enhance the flavors and improve texture.
9
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper or grease them lightly.
10
Scoop rounded tablespoons of chilled dough onto the prepared sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
11
Bake the cookies for approximately 12 minutes, or until the edges and tops are golden brown. For a chewier texture, adjust the baking time as needed according to your preference. Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes on the sheets before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Decadent Black Forest Cherry Chocolate Cookies?
These cookies are a rich dessert inspired by the German Black Forest Gateau, featuring tart cherries, deep cocoa flavor, and bittersweet chocolate chips.
What is the inspiration behind this recipe?
The recipe is inspired by the classic flavors of a Black Forest Gateau, traditionally combining cherries, chocolate, and cream.
How should I prepare the dried cherries for this recipe?
You should coarsely chop the dried tart cherries and soak them in kirsch or cherry liqueur by microwaving them for one minute and letting them sit for 15 minutes.
What is Kirsch and why is it used?
Kirsch is a clear cherry-flavored liqueur used to plump the dried cherries and add an authentic Black Forest flavor profile to the dough.
Can I make these cookies more fruit-forward?
Yes, the recipe is adaptable; you can increase the cherry content if you prefer a fruitier version of the cookie.
How can I increase the chocolate intensity of these cookies?
You can amp up the chocolate flavor by adding cocoa powder to the dry ingredient mixture.
What kind of chocolate chips work best?
The recipe calls for 3 cups of bittersweet chocolate chips to provide a deep, rich chocolate taste that balances the tart cherries.
Should the butter be melted or softened?
The recipe requires one cup of unsalted butter at room temperature, beaten until creamy.
How long should I beat the butter and sugar together?
You should beat the butter with the granulated and light brown sugars for about 3 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy.
What extracts are used in this recipe?
The cookies use a combination of 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and 1/4 teaspoon of almond extract for a complex flavor.
How should I incorporate the eggs?
Beat in the two large eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next.
What is the best way to add the flour mixture?
Add the dry ingredients incrementally in three parts on low speed, then finish mixing by hand to avoid overworking the dough.
Does the cookie dough need to be chilled?
Yes, the dough should be covered and chilled in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to enhance flavors and improve the final texture.
What temperature should I set my oven to?
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit or 190 degrees Celsius.
How should I prepare the baking sheets?
Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or grease them lightly to prevent the cookies from sticking.
What is the recommended size for each cookie?
Scoop rounded tablespoons of the chilled dough onto the prepared baking sheets.
How far apart should I space the dough on the pan?
Space the dough scoops about 2 inches apart to allow for the cookies to spread while baking.
How long do these cookies take to bake?
Bake them for approximately 12 minutes, or until the edges and tops are golden brown.
How can I achieve a chewier cookie texture?
To achieve a chewier texture, you can slightly adjust and reduce the baking time according to your preference.
What should I do after taking the cookies out of the oven?
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
What should I do with the leftover Kirsch from soaking?
You can add up to 1 tablespoon of the remaining liquid into the dough; any extra should be discarded or enjoyed separately.
Is it necessary to use a mixer?
An electric mixer with a flat paddle attachment is recommended for creaming the butter and sugar, though you should finish the final mixing by hand.
Can I use light brown sugar?
Yes, the recipe specifically calls for 3/4 cup of packed light brown sugar to help create a moist and chewy texture.
What type of flour is required?
The recipe uses 2 2/3 cups of sifted all-purpose flour.
Are these cookies suitable for holidays?
Yes, they are highly recommended for holiday baking, gatherings, or as a special treat for chocolate and cherry lovers.
Can I use different types of cherries?
The recipe specifies dried tart cherries, which provide a sharp contrast to the sweet dough and chocolate.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 12 main ingredients including the cherries, Kirsch, dry goods, fats, and chocolate chips.
Should I scrape the bowl while mixing?
Yes, you should scrape down the sides of the bowl frequently to ensure even mixing of the butter, sugars, and flour.
What happens if I don't chill the dough?
Chilling is necessary to prevent excessive spreading and to allow the flavors of the cherries and Kirsch to meld into the dough.
What is the result of using almond extract in this recipe?
The small amount of almond extract complements the cherry flavor, giving the cookies a more professional and complex taste.