Introduction

These Black Forest Cookies combine rich cocoa, sweet white and semisweet chocolate chips, and fresh cherries for a delightful treat reminiscent of the classic Black Forest cake. Soft, chewy, and bursting with cherry flavor, they make a perfect indulgence for any occasion.

The image shows a close-up of two dark brown chocolate cookies with a soft and slightly crumbly texture on a white marbled surface. The cookie in the front is broken in half, revealing a gooey, deep red cherry filling inside. Both cookies are topped with a mix of white chocolate and milk chocolate chips that create small smooth, glossy mounds on the rough surface of the cookies. Around the cookies, a few bright red cherries with green stems add a fresh, colorful contrast. The lighting highlights the textures and colors, making the cookies look rich and inviting. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (preferably Dutch process)
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
1 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
3/4 cup brown sugar, packed (light or dark)
3/4 cup white granulated sugar
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
2 large eggs, at room temperature
1 cup white chocolate chips (plus extra for topping)
1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips (plus extra for topping)
1 cup fresh cherries, washed, pitted, and cut into quarters

Instructions

Step 1: Melt the butter in the microwave and allow it to cool to room temperature, about 10-15 minutes. Prepare the cherries by washing, pitting, and cutting them into small quarters.
Step 2: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside.
Step 3: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set this dry mixture aside.
Step 4: In a large bowl, combine the cooled melted butter, brown sugar, white sugar, vanilla extract, and eggs. Mix well using a rubber spatula until the batter is smooth.
Step 5: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir until just combined. The dough will be soft.
Step 6: Fold in the white chocolate chips, semisweet chocolate chips, and fresh cherries gently to distribute evenly.
Step 7: Using a large cookie scoop (about 3 oz), scoop the dough onto the prepared baking sheets, placing 6 dough balls per sheet.
Step 8: Bake one sheet at a time in the preheated oven for 13-15 minutes. When the cookies are warm, press extra chocolate chips and white chocolate chips on top.
Step 9: Let the cookies cool on the hot pan for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips & Variations

For a deeper chocolate flavor, use Dutch process cocoa powder as recommended.
If fresh cherries are not in season, substitute with dried cherries soaked in warm water for 10 minutes and drained.
To make these cookies extra chewy, slightly underbake them by a minute or two.
Try adding a pinch of cinnamon or espresso powder to enhance the chocolate and cherry flavors.

Storage

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze the baked cookies in a sealed bag for up to 3 months. Reheat gently in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to soften before serving.

How to Serve

The image shows several dark brown chocolate cookies with a rough texture, each topped with scattered white, milk, and dark chocolate chips in various shapes including hearts and rounds. The cookies are placed on a white marbled surface and are interspersed with bright red cherries, some with green stems. On the right side of the image, there is a white speckled bowl filled with shiny red cherries. The composition highlights the contrast between the rich dark cookies and the vibrant red cherries. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cherries for this recipe?

Yes, but be sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture in the dough, which can affect the cookie texture.

Can I substitute the chocolate chips with other types?

Absolutely! You can use milk chocolate chips, dark chocolate chunks, or even chopped chocolate bars depending on your preference.