PERFECT BLACK FOREST COOKIES

Imagine biting into a rich, chocolatey cookie, punctuated by the sweet-tart burst of cherries, and a hint of almond that ties it all together; these Black Forest Cookies are like a mini Black Forest cake, but in cookie form, and they are *seriously* addictive. Get ready to experience cookie perfection because this recipe will guide you to bake a batch of these delightful treats that will have everyone asking for more!

Ingredients

For the Cookies:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 cup dried cherries, chopped

For the Glaze (Optional):

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2-3 tablespoons milk
• 1/4 teaspoon almond extract

For Garnish (Optional):

• Maraschino cherries, halved
• Chocolate shavings

Let’s Talk Cookie Chemistry

Before we dive into the step-by-step, let’s chat about why these ingredients work so well together. The combination of butter and brown sugar creates a soft, chewy texture, while the cocoa powder adds a deep, rich chocolate flavor. The almond extract enhances the cherry flavor and complements the chocolate perfectly. Don’t skimp on the quality of your chocolate chips! Using good quality chocolate makes a huge difference. If you’re a fan of Chocolate Pecan Pie, you’ll appreciate the richness we’re aiming for here.

Essential Tools You’ll Need

Making these cookies is a breeze with the right tools. Here’s what I recommend having on hand:

• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer (stand or hand mixer)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cookie sheets
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mats
• Cookie scoop (optional, but helpful for uniform cookies)
• Wire rack for cooling

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Dough:

1. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes. Make sure your butter is *truly* softened, but not melted. Slightly cold butter can be microwaved for 5 seconds at a time until it reaches the right consistency.
2. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla and almond extracts.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough cookies.
5. Fold in the chocolate chips and chopped dried cherries.
6. Cover the dough and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking. Chilling is a MUST!

Baking the Cookies:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your cookie sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
2. Use a cookie scoop or spoon to drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared cookie sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.
3. Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centers are slightly soft.
4. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Making the Glaze (Optional):

1. While the cookies are cooling, prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and almond extract until smooth. Add more milk if needed to reach your desired consistency.
2. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cookies.
3. Garnish with halved maraschino cherries and chocolate shavings, if desired.

Troubleshooting Tips & Tricks

• Cookies spreading too thin? This is often due to not chilling the dough long enough, or using too much butter. Make sure to chill the dough for at least 30 minutes, and double-check your butter measurement.
• Cookies are too dry? Overbaking is the most common cause. Start checking for doneness at the 9-minute mark. Also, ensure you’re measuring your flour correctly (spoon it into the measuring cup and level off, instead of scooping).
• Cherries sinking to the bottom? Toss the cherries with a tablespoon of flour before adding them to the dough. This helps them stay suspended.
• Dough too sticky to handle? Add a tablespoon of flour at a time until it reaches a workable consistency. Remember, chilling helps too!

Variations to Make It Your Own

• Add Nuts: Fold in 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for added texture and flavor.
• Dark Chocolate: Use dark chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet for a richer, more intense chocolate flavor.
• Espresso Powder: Add 1 teaspoon of espresso powder to the dry ingredients to enhance the chocolate flavor.
• Liqueur: Add a tablespoon of cherry liqueur (like Kirsch) to the glaze for an extra kick.
• White Chocolate Raspberry Twist: For a different flavor profile, consider trying White Chocolate Raspberry Fudge instead! The combination of white chocolate and raspberry is just as delightful.
• Fudge Lovers: If you love a truly decadent treat, you might also enjoy 3-ingredient Fudge.

Serving Suggestions

These Black Forest Cookies are perfect on their own, but here are a few serving suggestions to elevate your experience:

• With Coffee or Tea: The rich chocolate and cherry flavors pair beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea.
• With Ice Cream: Serve warm cookies with a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream for a decadent dessert.
• As a Gift: Package the cookies in a decorative box or tin to give as a thoughtful homemade gift.
• Holiday Treat: These cookies are especially festive during the holidays. Consider serving them alongside Chocolate Covered Cranberry Sauce for a truly memorable spread.
• Cocktail Hour: For the adults, these cookies can be paired with a Baileys Chocolate Martini for a sophisticated treat.

Storage Instructions

Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the cookies for up to 2 months. Thaw them at room temperature before serving. You can also freeze the cookie dough! Just scoop the dough onto a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Why You’ll Absolutely Love This Recipe

These Black Forest Cookies are more than just a cookie; they’re an experience. The perfect balance of chocolate, cherry, and almond flavors creates a truly unforgettable treat. Plus, the recipe is easy to follow, even for beginner bakers. If you like cherries you can also checkout these Cherry Cookies. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake a batch of these irresistible cookies. Your friends and family will thank you! Enjoy!