Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes
Servings: 12 cookies
Black Forest Cookie: Cherry Chunk Brownie Cookies are a delightful treat that perfectly combines the rich, fudgy texture of brownies with the sweet, tart flavor of cherries. If you’re looking for a quick dessert that will impress family and friends, these cookies are your go-to recipe. They are easy to assemble and require minimal ingredients, making them perfect not just for experienced bakers, but also for busy parents or kitchen beginners who want to whip up something special without spending hours in the kitchen.
What Is Black Forest Cookie: Cherry Chunk Brownie Cookies in 25 Minutes?
These cookies are inspired by the classic Black Forest cake, known for its layers of chocolate sponge, cherries, and whipped cream. However, this version is far simpler, transforming these elements into cookies that you can easily make in just 25 minutes. You’ll discover a soft, chewy cookie with chunks of dark chocolate and pieces of cherries, giving it both flavor and a lovely chewy texture.
Why You’ll Love This
– **Quick Preparation**: With a total time of only 25 minutes, these cookies won’t take up your entire day.
– **Rich Flavor**: The combination of dark chocolate and tart cherries gives the cookies a deep flavor profile that satisfies any sweet tooth.
– **Easy to Make**: No complicated techniques or equipment are needed, making it accessible for all cooking skill levels.
– **Customizable**: You can easily adapt the base of the cookie to include your favorite add-ins, whether nuts or other fruits.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 cup unsalted butter: Softened to room temperature for easy mixing.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps to create that chewy texture.
- 1 cup brown sugar: For a deeper, caramel-like flavor.
- 2 large eggs: Binds the ingredients together and adds moisture.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor of the cookie.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The base ingredient for these cookies.
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder: Essential for that rich, chocolatey flavor.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the cookies rise and become soft.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness.
- 1 cup dark chocolate chunks: Adds richness and texture.
- 1 cup cherries: Fresh or frozen, pitted and chopped for a fruity burst.
How to Make
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will prevent sticking and make for easy cleanup later.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer. The mixture should be pale in color.
- Add in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract, mixing well after each addition. This ensures everything combines thoroughly.
- In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies!
- Fold in the dark chocolate chunks and chopped cherries gently using a spatula until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Using a cookie scoop, drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving enough space between each cookie to allow for spreading during baking.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are set but the centers still look slightly soft. They will continue to cook on the baking sheet after you take them out.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
Variations & Substitutions
Nutty Chocolate Chip Variation: For those who enjoy additional crunch, consider adding ½ cup of chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans to the dough. The combination of nuts with the chocolate and cherries enhances both the texture and flavor. Nuts can provide healthy fats that offer a nutritious boost.
White Chocolate Cherry Delight: Swap out dark chocolate chunks for white chocolate chips for a sweet twist on the classic flavor. The creamy white chocolate pairs beautifully with the tartness of the cherries, creating a different but equally tempting experience that may appeal to a broader audience.
Gluten-Free Option: Replace the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to suit those with gluten intolerance. This way, you can enjoy the same rich flavors without any gluten concerns, ensuring everyone can savor these delightful cookies.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Overmixing the Dough: One of the most common issues when baking cookies is overmixing the dough. This can lead to dense, tough cookies instead of light, airy ones. Always mix just until the wet and dry ingredients are combined; this is crucial for maintaining the right texture.
Skipping the Chilling Step: While this recipe doesn’t require chilling, if you modify it or change up ingredients significantly, letting the dough chill can prevent cookies from spreading too much. Dough with high fat content can benefit from chilling to achieve that perfect cookie stability.
Not Measuring Ingredients Precisely: When baking, precision is essential. Ensure your measurements are accurate; using a kitchen scale can help. Too much or too little of an ingredient can significantly impact the texture and taste of your cookies.
Storage, Freezing & Reheating Tips
To maintain the quality of your Black Forest Cookies, it’s important to store them correctly. Keep the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week to keep them fresh. If you wish to freeze the cookies, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet for a couple of hours to harden, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored this way for up to three months.
When reheating frozen cookies, simply allow them to thaw at room temperature before placing them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes. This will help restore their original soft and chewy texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use dried cherries instead of fresh or frozen?
Yes, you can use dried cherries if that’s what you have on hand. However, keep in mind that dried cherries will be sweeter. You may also want to cut back slightly on the sugar in the recipe to balance the sweetness. Additionally, soaking them in warm water for a few minutes can help make them plumper, which will elevate the texture of your cookies.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely! You can substitute the unsalted butter with coconut oil or a plant-based butter alternative. For the chocolate chunks, look for dairy-free chocolate options. This allows everyone to benefit from the delicious flavors without sacrificing dietary needs.
How do I make the cookies chewier?
For chewier cookies, consider using more brown sugar than granulated sugar, as brown sugar contains molasses, which adds moisture. Additionally, you could bake them for a slightly shorter time to keep the centers soft and gooey.
What type of cherries should I use?
Both fresh or frozen pitted cherries work well in the recipe. Fresh cherries can add a burst of flavor, while frozen ones are readily available year-round. Just make sure to pat them dry if they’re frozen, to prevent excess moisture from affecting the cookie dough.
Can I double the recipe?
Definitely! If you’re planning to indulge a bit more or share with friends, simply double all the ingredients. Just be mindful of your baking sheet size; you might need to bake them in batches to avoid overcrowding.
Conclusion:
These Black Forest Cookie: Cherry Chunk Brownie Cookies are a fantastic way to enjoy the beloved flavors of a classic dessert in a quick and easy format. With its rich chocolate base, the tartness of cherries, and a chewy texture, they make for a sumptuous snack or dessert. Whether you opt for the original or some of the variations, these cookies are sure to become a beloved recipe in your baking repertoire. Perfect for busy families or just a simple treat, they embody comfort and sweetness in every bite. Enjoy your baking journey and savor the fruits of your labor!
