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 enchanting Black Forest Cookies are destined to be the star of your holiday table or a cherished Christmas cookies gift idea. For an impressive display, arrange them artfully on a vintage platter alongside other seasonal treats, truly showcasing them as the prettiest cookies in your collection. They make an exquisite accompaniment to your morning coffee, an afternoon cup of tea, a cozy mug of hot chocolate, or even a sophisticated glass of mulled wine during evening festivities. For a delightful easy lunch dessert idea, serve them slightly warmed with a scoop of premium vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream, perhaps garnished with a fresh cherry. To ensure lasting enjoyment, store your completely cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or layer them between parchment paper and freeze for up to three months. Simply thaw at room temperature for a treats Christmas moment anytime!
I sincerely hope these Black Forest Cookies become a beloved new tradition in your home, bringing that special holiday cheer to all your gatherings. They truly are the prettiest cookies and a delightful expression of festive joy. Please, give them a bake and share your creations and thoughts in the comments below – I absolutely love hearing from you! Happy baking, my friends! #IdeasForCookies #PrettiestCookies #ChristmasTreatsGiftBoxIdeas #LunchDessertIdeasEasy #ChocolateCookieRecipesChristmas #EasyChristmasCookiesChocolate #ChristmasCookiesGiftIdeas #EuropeanChristmasDesserts #TreatsChristmas