Black Forest Christmas Cookies: 24 Irresistible Treats

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Black Forest Christmas Cookies have become a staple during the festive season, combining rich chocolate flavors with the tartness of cherries. These cookies are not only delicious but also visually stunning, making them perfect for holiday gatherings. With a delightful ganache and a cherry filling, every bite is a burst of festive joy. Let’s dive into how to create these mouthwatering treats for your next celebration!

Why You’ll Love This Black Forest Christmas Cookies

This delightful recipe for Black Forest Christmas Cookies is perfect for several reasons. First, they offer a unique twist on traditional holiday cookies, combining chocolate and cherries into a festive treat. They are ideal for baking with kids, making for a fun family activity. These cookies also cater to various dietary needs, as they can easily be made gluten-free or vegan. If you’re looking for delicious holiday cookie ideas, these cookies fit the bill perfectly. Additionally, with a total prep and cook time of only 100 minutes, you won’t spend all day in the kitchen. Lastly, they make for impressive gifts or party favors, showcasing your baking skills.

Ingredients for Black Forest Christmas Cookies

Gather these items:

2 cups all-purpose flour (Can substitute with gluten-free blend.)
0.5 cups unsweetened cocoa powder (Can swap with carob powder.)
1 teaspoon baking soda (Ensure freshness.)
0.5 teaspoon salt (A pinch of sea salt can elevate taste.)
0.5 cups unsalted butter (Can substitute with vegan butter.)
0.67 cups granulated sugar (Consider brown sugar for deeper flavor.)
0.33 cups light brown sugar (Dark brown sugar can be used.)
1 large egg (Can use a flax egg for vegan version.)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (Use pure vanilla for best results.)
0.5 teaspoon almond extract (Can swap with more vanilla.)
1 cup maraschino cherries (Fresh cherries are a great alternative.)
0.5 cups cherry preserves (Can use raspberry or strawberry preserves.)
1 tablespoon cornstarch (Arrowroot powder is a good alternative.)
1 tablespoon Kirsch (cherry liqueur) (Can replace with cherry juice.)
8 oz semi-sweet chocolate (Dark chocolate can be used.)
0.5 cups heavy cream (Coconut cream is a good dairy-free substitute.)
1 tablespoon unsalted butter (for ganache) (Can omit for vegan recipes.)
white chocolate shavings/Sprinkles/Powdered sugar (Optional for decoration.)

How to Make Black Forest Christmas Cookies Step-by-Step

Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, ½ cup of unsweetened cocoa powder, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and ½ teaspoon of salt until well combined.
Step 2: Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, cream together ½ cup of unsalted butter, ⅔ cup of granulated sugar, and ⅓ cup of light brown sugar in a large bowl for about 3-5 minutes.
Step 3: Beat in 1 large egg, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and ½ teaspoon of almond extract until well combined.
Step 4: Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined.
Step 5: Divide the cookie dough in half, flatten each half into discs, and tightly wrap them. Refrigerate for 1-2 hours.
Step 6: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine 1 cup of chopped maraschino cherries, ½ cup of cherry preserves, and 1 tablespoon of cornstarch. Cook for about 3-5 minutes.
Step 7: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare your baking sheets.
Step 8: Once the dough is chilled, roll it out and use cookie cutters to cut into desired shapes.
Step 9: Place the baking sheets in the oven and bake for 8-10 minutes.
Step 10: In a heatproof bowl, heat ½ cup of heavy cream until boiling, then pour over 8 oz of chopped semi-sweet chocolate. Stir until smooth, adding 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter.
Step 11: Spread ganache on half of the cooled cookies, top with cherry filling, and sandwich with remaining cookies.
Step 12: Drizzle remaining ganache on top and sprinkle with white chocolate shavings or powdered sugar. Chill for at least 30 minutes.

Pro Tips for the Best Black Forest Christmas Cookies

Keep these in mind:

Use room temperature ingredients for better mixing.
Ensure not to overmix the dough once the flour is added.
Chill the dough thoroughly for cleaner cookie shapes.
Experiment with different types of chocolate for the ganache.
For a vegan version, use flax eggs and coconut cream.
Cite the baking method from the recipe to ensure proper results.

Best Ways to Serve Black Forest Christmas Cookies

These cookies are versatile and can be served in various ways. They are delightful on their own, but you can elevate them further by serving them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or pairing them with a warm cup of cocoa. For a festive touch, consider decorating them with chocolate cherry dessert for the holidays by drizzling melted chocolate over the top before serving.

How to Store and Reheat Black Forest Christmas Cookies

To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you need to make them ahead of time, you can freeze the cookie dough before baking. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw and bake. This method is perfect for meal prep, allowing you to have fresh cookies on hand for unexpected guests!

Frequently Asked Questions About Black Forest Christmas Cookies

What’s the secret to perfect Black Forest Christmas Cookies?

The secret lies in ensuring that you use high-quality chocolate and fresh cherries. The combination creates that authentic flavor profile that defines these chocolate cookies with cherries.

Can I make Black Forest Christmas Cookies ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 48 hours. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, enhancing the overall taste.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Black Forest Christmas Cookies?

To avoid common mistakes, measure your ingredients accurately and make sure to chill your dough. This prevents the cookies from spreading too much while baking.

Variations of Black Forest Christmas Cookies You Can Try

For those looking to mix things up, consider trying variations such as adding crushed nuts for a crunchy texture or incorporating different fruit preserves like raspberry for a unique twist. You could also create a German Black Forest cookies recipe by adding a splash of rum for an authentic flavor. The possibilities are endless!

For more delicious recipes, check out Black Forest Cheesecake or Black Forest Cookie Dough Brownie Bombs. If you’re interested in other festive treats, you might enjoy Irresistible Strawberry Cheesecake Cookie Cups or Creamy Pumpkin Gnocchi Delight.