Step-by-Step Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Stir in the chopped dried tart cherries and Kirsch (if using) or cherry juice until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Divide the dough in half, flatten each half into a disc, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or up to 2 days). Chilling is crucial for easy handling and preventing spread.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disc of chilled dough to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use cookie cutters of your choice (festive shapes work wonderfully for Christmas cookies) to cut out cookies.
- Carefully transfer the cut-out cookies to the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 1 inch between each cookie.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the cookies are firm but still slightly soft in the center.
- Remove from the oven and let cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, prepare the chocolate drizzle: Melt the dark chocolate chips (or chopped chocolate) with the butter or coconut oil in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring constantly, or in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals until smooth.
- Drizzle the melted chocolate over the cooled cookies. For a festive touch, dust lightly with powdered sugar while the chocolate is still slightly wet, or once the chocolate has set.
- Allow the chocolate to set completely before storing.
Full Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup dried tart cherries, roughly chopped
- 2 tablespoons Kirsch (cherry liqueur), optional, or cherry juice
- For decoration:
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter or coconut oil (for melting chocolate)
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Shopping List
- Dairy & Eggs: 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, 1 large egg
- Pantry: 1 cup granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1 cup dried tart cherries, Powdered sugar
- Alcohol (optional): 2 tablespoons Kirsch (cherry liqueur)
- Baking Aisle: 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate
Equipment Needed
- Large mixing bowls
- Electric mixer (stand or hand-held)
- Rubber spatula
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper
- Wire cooling rack
- Small saucepan (for melting chocolate, optional)
- Piping bag with a star tip (optional, for decorative chocolate drizzle)
Variations & Serving Ideas
These exquisite Black Forest Cookies are destined to be the star of any festive occasion or a heartwarming gesture as a Christmas gift. Arrange them artfully on a tiered stand or a charming platter to create a show-stopping dessert centerpiece, perhaps accompanied by a selection of other European-inspired holiday sweets. For an unforgettable treat, serve them with a steaming mug of rich hot chocolate, a comforting cup of coffee, or a festive glass of mulled wine. They also make a surprisingly easy yet elegant lunch dessert idea when paired with a scoop of premium vanilla bean ice cream or a cloud of fresh whipped cream. Store any leftover cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week, or freeze them for up to three months to enjoy a taste of Christmas cheer whenever you desire. Allow frozen cookies to come to room temperature for optimal flavor and texture.
We hope these Black Forest Cookies become a cherished part of your holiday traditions, filling your home with joy and irresistible aromas. They truly are a testament to how easy it can be to create stunning, delicious treats. We’d love to hear about your baking adventures and how these delightful cookies were received! Please share your thoughts and comments below. Happy baking and a very merry festive season to you! #IdeasForCookies #PrettiestCookies #ChristmasTreatsGiftBoxIdeas #LunchDessertIdeasEasy #ChocolateCookieRecipesChristmas #EasyChristmasCookiesChocolate #ChristmasCookiesGiftIdeas #EuropeanChristmasDesserts #TreatsChristmas