Black Forest Christmas Cookies: Recipe, Tips & Festive Baking

Black Forest Christmas Cookies, a delightful twist on the classic German dessert, are about to become your new holiday baking obsession! Imagine biting into a tender, buttery cookie, infused with the rich flavor of chocolate and studded with sweet, juicy cherries. These aren’t just cookies; they’re a miniature Black Forest gateau experience, perfectly portioned for festive snacking and sharing.

The Black Forest cake, or Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte, hails from the Black Forest region of Germany and is renowned for its decadent layers of chocolate cake, whipped cream, cherries, and Kirschwasser (cherry liqueur). While the exact origins are debated, its popularity soared in the early 20th century, becoming a symbol of German culinary excellence. Our Black Forest Christmas Cookies capture the essence of this iconic cake in a convenient and portable form.

What makes these cookies so irresistible? It’s the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The slightly bitter dark chocolate complements the sweetness of the cherries, while the buttery cookie base provides a satisfyingly crumbly texture. Plus, they’re incredibly easy to make, making them a fantastic option for holiday baking, even if you’re short on time. Whether you’re looking for a unique addition to your Christmas cookie platter or a delicious homemade gift, these Black Forest-inspired treats are guaranteed to impress!

Ingredients:

• For the Cookies:
• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
• ½ cup (50g) unsweetened cocoa powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (2 sticks or 226g) unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
• ½ cup (100g) packed light brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon almond extract
• For the Cherry Filling:
• 1 (10-ounce) jar maraschino cherries, drained and chopped
• ¼ cup cherry preserves
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon Kirsch (cherry liqueur), optional
• For the Chocolate Ganache:
• 4 ounces (113g) semi-sweet chocolate, finely chopped
• ⅓ cup (80ml) heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• For Decoration (Optional):
• White chocolate shavings
• Sprinkles
• Powdered sugar

Preparing the Cookie Dough:

1. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures that the baking soda and cocoa powder are evenly distributed throughout the dough, which is crucial for the texture and flavor of the cookies.
2. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl (or the bowl of a stand mixer), cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes. The mixture should be noticeably lighter in color and texture. Properly creaming the butter and sugar incorporates air into the dough, which contributes to a tender cookie.
3. Add Egg and Extracts: Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract until well combined. Make sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is evenly mixed. The almond extract enhances the cherry flavor and complements the chocolate beautifully.
4. Gradually Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can develop the gluten in the flour and result in tough cookies. Mix until you no longer see streaks of flour.
5. Chill 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 preferably 2 hours. This chilling time is essential because it allows the gluten to relax, preventing the cookies from spreading too much during baking. It also makes the dough easier to handle.

Making the Cherry Filling:

1. Combine Ingredients: In a small saucepan, combine the chopped maraschino cherries, cherry preserves, and cornstarch. The cornstarch will help thicken the filling as it cooks.
2. Cook the Filling: Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and becomes glossy, about 3-5 minutes. The filling should be thick enough to hold its shape slightly.
3. Add Kirsch (Optional): Remove from heat and stir in the Kirsch (cherry liqueur), if using. This adds a lovely depth of flavor to the filling.
4. Cool Completely: Allow the cherry filling to cool completely before using. This prevents it from melting the cookie dough when you assemble the cookies.

Assembling and Baking the Cookies:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. This will prevent the cookies from sticking and make cleanup easier.
2. Roll Out the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disc of dough to about ¼ inch thickness. Use a 2-inch round cookie cutter (or any shape you prefer) to cut out cookies.
3. Cut Out Centers: Use a smaller cookie cutter (about 1 inch) to cut out the centers of half of the cookies. These will be the tops of the sandwich cookies.
4. Transfer to Baking Sheets: Carefully transfer the cookies to the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 1 inch between each cookie.
5. Bake: Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. Keep a close eye on them, as they can burn easily.
6. Cool Completely: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Making the Chocolate Ganache:

1. Heat Cream: Place the chopped chocolate in a heatproof bowl. In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it just begins to simmer. Do not boil.
2. Pour Over Chocolate: Pour the hot cream over the chopped chocolate and let it sit for 1 minute to allow the chocolate to melt.
3. Stir Until Smooth: Gently stir the mixture until the chocolate is completely melted and the ganache is smooth and glossy.
4. Add Butter: Stir in the butter until it is melted and incorporated into the ganache. This will add shine and richness to the ganache.
5. Let Cool Slightly: Allow the ganache to cool slightly before using. It should be thick enough to spread easily but not too thick that it’s difficult to work with.

Assembling the Black Forest Christmas Cookies:

1. Spread Ganache: Spread a thin layer of chocolate ganache on the flat side of each of the whole cookies (the ones without the cut-out centers).
2. Add Cherry Filling: Spoon a small amount of the cooled cherry filling onto the center of the ganache. Don’t overfill, or the filling will squeeze out when you add the top cookie.
3. Top with Cookie: Carefully place one of the cookies with the cut-out center on top of the cherry filling, gently pressing down to adhere.
4. Drizzle with Ganache (Optional): If desired, drizzle the remaining chocolate ganache over the tops of the assembled cookies.
5. Decorate (Optional): Decorate the cookies with white chocolate shavings, sprinkles, or a dusting of powdered sugar. Get creative and have fun with it!
6. Chill (Optional): For best results, chill the assembled cookies in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the ganache to set. This will also help the flavors meld together.

Tips for Perfect Black Forest Christmas Cookies:

• Use High-Quality Ingredients: The flavor of these cookies relies heavily on the quality of the ingredients. Use good-quality chocolate, butter, and extracts for the best results.
• Don’t Overmix the Dough: Overmixing the dough will develop the gluten and result in tough cookies. Mix until just combined.
• Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough is essential for preventing the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
• Cool the Filling Completely: Make sure the cherry filling is completely cool before using it to prevent it from melting the cookie dough.
• Adjust Sweetness to Taste: If you prefer a less sweet cookie, you can reduce the amount of sugar slightly.
• Storage: Store the assembled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

Variations:

• Different Extracts: Experiment with different extracts, such as peppermint or orange, to create unique flavor combinations.
• Nuts: Add chopped nuts, such as almonds or pecans, to the cookie dough or the cherry filling for added texture and flavor.
• Different Chocolate: Use dark chocolate or milk chocolate instead of semi-sweet chocolate for the ganache.
• Liqueur: Substitute the Kirsch with another liqueur, such as rum or brandy, for a different flavor profile.
• Jam: If you don’t have cherry preserves, you can use another type of jam, such as raspberry or strawberry.

Conclusion:

And there you have it! These Black Forest Christmas Cookies are more than just a treat; they’re a little piece of holiday magic you can bake right in your own kitchen. I truly believe this recipe is a must-try this Christmas season, and here’s why: the combination of rich, dark chocolate, the bright burst of cherry, and the subtle almond flavor creates a symphony of tastes that’s both comforting and exciting. It’s a cookie that appeals to everyone, from the chocolate lover to the fruit fanatic.

But beyond the incredible flavor, these cookies are also surprisingly easy to make. The dough comes together quickly, and the decorating is simple enough for even beginner bakers. Plus, the recipe is easily adaptable to your own preferences. Don’t have almond extract? A touch of vanilla will work just fine. Prefer a different kind of cherry? Go for it! The beauty of baking is that you can always put your own personal spin on things.

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

These Black Forest Christmas Cookies are perfect on their own with a glass of cold milk or a warm cup of coffee. But if you’re looking to elevate them even further, here are a few serving suggestions:

* Cookie Platter Star: Arrange them on a festive cookie platter alongside other holiday favorites like gingerbread men and sugar cookies. Their dark color and bright cherries will add a beautiful contrast to the spread.
* Gift Giving: Package them in a decorative tin or cellophane bag and give them as a thoughtful homemade gift to friends, family, or neighbors. Everyone appreciates a delicious homemade treat!
* Dessert Upgrade: Crumble them over vanilla ice cream or yogurt for a decadent dessert topping. The chocolate and cherry flavors pair perfectly with the creamy sweetness.
* Boozy Variation: For an adult twist, soak the dried cherries in Kirsch (cherry liqueur) for a few hours before adding them to the dough. This will intensify the cherry flavor and add a subtle boozy kick. Just be sure to label them accordingly!
* Chocolate Drizzle: After baking and cooling, drizzle melted dark or white chocolate over the cookies for an extra touch of elegance. You can even sprinkle them with chopped nuts or festive sprinkles.
* Sandwich Cookies: Make a simple buttercream frosting and sandwich two cookies together for a double dose of deliciousness.

I’ve poured my heart into perfecting this recipe, and I’m confident that you’ll love it as much as I do. The aroma alone, as these Black Forest Christmas Cookies bake, will fill your home with the spirit of the holidays. Imagine the smiles on the faces of your loved ones as they bite into these delightful treats.

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake some magic! I’m so excited for you to try this recipe and experience the joy of creating something truly special.

And most importantly, I’d love to hear about your baking adventures! Did you make any variations? Did you encounter any challenges? What did your family and friends think? Please share your experiences in the comments below. Your feedback is invaluable, and it helps me to continue creating recipes that you’ll love. Happy baking, and Merry Christmas! I hope these Black Forest Christmas Cookies become a cherished tradition in your home for years to come.

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