These Black Forest Cookies are a delightful twist on the classic dessert, combining the deep, rich flavors of cocoa and dark chocolate with the tang of dried tart cherries. The addition of espresso powder enhances the chocolate flavor, making these cookies intensely flavorful. Finished with a sprinkle of flaky salt, they deliver a perfect balance of sweet, tart, and slightly salty, with a chewy texture and a bit of crunch from the dark chocolate chunks.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You’ll love these cookies for their rich and complex flavor profile. The combination of dark chocolate and tart cherries creates a perfect balance of sweetness and acidity, while the espresso powder brings out the depth of the cocoa. These cookies are indulgent yet sophisticated, offering a variety of textures—from the chewy dough to the chunks of dark chocolate and the soft bursts of cherries. The flaky salt finish adds a delightful contrast to the sweetness, making each bite a truly gourmet experience.
The Perfect Occasion for These Cookies
These Black Forest Cookies are ideal for any occasion that calls for something special. They’re perfect for holiday gatherings, parties, or as a sophisticated dessert to serve with coffee or tea. Their rich, chocolatey flavor makes them perfect for winter, but they’re delicious year-round. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or indulging yourself with a luxurious treat, these cookies are sure to be a hit.
Decoration Tips
For a polished look, you can drizzle the cooled cookies with a little melted dark chocolate or dust them with a bit of cocoa powder before serving. The addition of flaky salt on top not only enhances the flavor but also gives the cookies a beautiful, artisanal finish. You could also garnish with a few extra dried cherries or chopped dark chocolate to make them even more visually appealing. Serve them on a platter with a cup of strong coffee or a glass of milk to complete the experience.
Ingredients:
- 117.5g (a little less than 1 cup) all-purpose flour
- 32.5g (1/4 cup + 1 1/2 tablespoons) cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon espresso powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 100g (a little less than 1/2 cup) unsalted butter, room temperature
- 100g (1/2 cup) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract or paste
- 70g dark chocolate, chopped
- 37.5g dried tart cherries, pitted
- Flaky salt, to top
Method:
- Prepare the Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, espresso powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, use a hand-held or stand mixer to cream the room temperature butter and sugar together until light and fluffy—about 3 minutes.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract, mixing well until fully combined.
- Incorporate the Dry Ingredients: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the butter mixture until just combined.
- Fold in Chocolate and Cherries: Stir in the chopped dark chocolate and dried tart cherries, ensuring even distribution throughout the dough.
- Chill the Dough: Cover the dough and let it chill in the refrigerator for about an hour. This helps firm up the dough, making it easier to handle.
- Prepare to Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Shape the Cookies: Divide the dough into 8-10 equal portions (approximately 60g each). Roll the dough into balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart.
- Bake: Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers are still soft.
- Finish with Flaky Salt: Once the cookies come out of the oven, sprinkle them with flaky salt while they’re still warm. Let the cookies cool completely on the baking sheet before serving.
Enjoy these decadent Black Forest Cookies with a sprinkle of flaky salt on top—perfect for savoring with a cup of coffee or as a delightful treat at any time!
