Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Servings: 12 cookies
Black Forest Cookie: Cherry Almond Black Forest Sandwich Cookies bring a delectable twist to a classic flavor pairing. Imagine biting into two delicate almond cookies filled with a luscious cherry frosting. This delicious treat can be whipped up in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for dessert lovers who want something special without spending hours in the kitchen. The combination of almond and cherry flavors transports you to the enchanting Black Forest region of Germany, where this flavor profile originates.
To get started, gather your ingredients and let’s dive into the world of baking these delightful cookies.
What Is Black Forest Cookie: Cherry Almond Black Forest Sandwich Cookies in 30 Minutes?
The Black Forest Cookie consists of two soft, slightly chewy almond cookies, sandwiched together with a rich cherry filling. The cookies are flavored with vanilla and almond extract, which pair perfectly with the sweet-tart taste of cherries. This cookie is an innovative twist on the traditional Black Forest cake, transforming its essence into a convenient and tasty sandwich cookie. The flavor combination not only pleases the palate but also provides a colorful presentation, making it an ideal dessert for gatherings or special occasions.
Why You’ll Love This
There are multiple reasons why you’ll fall in love with this recipe. Firstly, the stunning vibrant colors of the cherry filling against the light almond cookies make for an eye-catching dessert. Secondly, the balance of flavors—the sweet cherry frosting contrasted with the slightly nutty almond cookies—creates an unforgettable taste. Moreover, this recipe is incredibly quick and easy to follow, perfect for busy parents or anyone who might feel intimidated in the kitchen. In just a short time, you can enjoy these delightful cookies, making them a go-to option for last-minute gatherings or a special treat for yourself.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To create these scrumptious cookies, gather the following ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: The primary structure for your cookies.
- 1/2 cup almond flour: Adds a delicious nutty flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the cookies rise and become light and fluffy.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors in the cookies.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Provides richness and moisture.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the cookies perfectly.
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract: Infuses a warm flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract: Boosts the almond flavor.
- 1 large egg: Binds the ingredients together.
- 1/2 cup cherry preserves: Used for the filling to give a burst of fruity flavor.
How to Make
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure that your cookies bake evenly. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- In a medium bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, almond flour, baking powder, and salt. Whisk these dry ingredients together until well combined to prevent lumps in your cookies.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar using a hand mixer or stand mixer until the mixture is fluffy and pale. This process usually takes about 3-4 minutes and is essential for incorporating air into the cookies.
- Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract to the butter-sugar mixture. Beat until well incorporated. The mixture may appear slightly curdled, but that’s okay; it will come together once the dry ingredients are added.
- Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix on low speed until just combined—avoid overmixing, as this can make your cookies tough.
- Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop equal amounts of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The cookies may look slightly underbaked in the center, but they will continue to cook on the baking sheet once removed from the oven.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them set while remaining soft. Once cooled, it’s time to fill!
- Spread the cherry preserves on the bottom of one cooled cookie and top it with another cookie to create a sandwich. Press gently to spread the filling just a little.
Variations & Substitutions
Chocolate Chip Variation: Consider adding chocolate chips to the cookie dough for an extra layer of flavor. Simply fold in 1/2 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips before scooping the dough onto the baking sheet. The combination of chocolate and cherry is classic and loved by many.
Nut-Free Option: For those with nut allergies, you can substitute the almond flour with an equal amount of all-purpose flour. You may lose some of the almond flavor, but the basic structure will hold up nicely.
Different Fruit Filling: While this recipe calls for cherry preserves, you can use other fruit preserves or jams, such as raspberry, strawberry, or even apricot, offering a different flavor profile that pairs well with the cookies.
Whole Wheat Option: For a healthier twist, substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. This will add more fiber while still maintaining a delicious taste. The cookies may be slightly denser, but they will still deliver on flavor.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Overmixing the Dough: A common pitfall is overmixing the cookie dough after adding the flour. This can lead to tough cookies instead of the desired soft texture. Mix until everything is just combined.
Incorrect Oven Temperature: If your oven is too hot, the cookies may burn on the edges while remaining raw in the center. Use an oven thermometer to ensure accurate temperatures.
Using Chilled Butter: Make sure your butter is at room temperature before mixing. Chilled butter will not create the proper texture and may lead to denser cookies. Softened butter helps incorporate air for a lighter final product.
Storage, Freezing & Reheating Tips
To maintain freshness, store your Black Forest Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They can last up to 4 days without losing their delicious taste. If you wish to extend their shelf life, consider freezing them. Place the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze them for about an hour. Once firm, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. They can be frozen for up to three months.
When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw the cookies at room temperature for about 30 minutes. You can also reheat them in a microwave for about 10-15 seconds for a freshly baked sensation!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh cherries instead of preserves?
Using fresh cherries can be more challenging because they contain less sugar and moisture compared to preserves. If you prefer fresh, consider cooking them down with some sugar to create a thicker fruit filling. This will mimic the texture and sweetness of preserves, providing a delightful burst of flavor.
What should I do if my cookies spread too much while baking?
If you find that your cookies are spreading excessively, it could be due to using melted butter instead of softened butter. Another reason might be if your dough was too warm. To remedy this, chill the dough in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before scooping and baking.
Can I replace the egg in this recipe?
Yes! If you require an egg-free version, you can substitute the egg with 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or a flax egg (1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water, set aside to thicken). These alternatives will help bind the ingredients with minimal impact on texture.
How can I make these cookies more festive?
For a lovely holiday twist, you could add festive sprinkles to the tops of the cookies after filling them. Alternatively, drizzle melted chocolate over the assembled sandwiches for a decadent touch, adding richness to both flavor and decoration.
What is the best way to serve these cookies?
These cookies make for fabulous additions to any dessert platter, especially during celebrations or gatherings. You can serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a more indulgent dessert. They also pair wonderfully with coffee or tea, enhancing the overall experience.
Conclusion: Black Forest Cookie: Cherry Almond Black Forest Sandwich Cookies are more than just delightful; they encapsulate the essence of rich flavors and textures that everyone in your family will love. Perfect for any occasion, you can whip up these cookies in no time! So, gather your ingredients, and let’s bake some magic in your kitchen. Enjoy!
