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Black Forest Christmas Cookies Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 68 reviews

Delightfully rich and festive, these Black Forest Christmas Cookies feature a tender cocoa-infused cookie sandwich filled with luscious cherry preserves and maraschino cherries, capped with a smooth chocolate ganache and festive decorations. Perfect for holiday gatherings or gifting, these cookies combine classic flavors of chocolate and cherries in a beautifully elegant treat.

Ingredients

Scale

Cookie Dough

  • 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

Cherry Filling

  • 1 (10-ounce) jar maraschino cherries, drained and chopped
  • ¼ cup cherry preserves
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1 tablespoon Kirsch (cherry liqueur), optional

Chocolate Ganache & Decoration

  • 4 ounces (113g) semi-sweet chocolate, finely chopped
  • ⅓ cup (80ml) heavy cream
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • White chocolate shavings
  • Sprinkles
  • Powdered sugar

Instructions

  1. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt to ensure even distribution.
  2. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl or stand mixer, cream the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 to 5 minutes.
  3. Add Eggs and Extracts: Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract until fully combined and smooth.
  4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture on low speed, mixing just until combined, being careful not to overmix.
  5. Chill Dough: Divide dough in half, form each half into a disc, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably 2 hours, to firm up.
  6. Prepare Cherry Filling: In a small saucepan, combine chopped maraschino cherries, cherry preserves, and cornstarch. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thickened and glossy, about 3 to 5 minutes.
  7. Add Kirsch: Remove from heat and stir in Kirsch if using. Allow filling to cool completely.
  8. Preheat and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
  9. Roll and Cut Dough: On a floured surface, roll one dough disc to ¼ inch thickness. Use a 2-inch cookie cutter to cut cookies. For half, use a smaller 1-inch cutter to cut centers out, making cookie tops.
  10. Arrange and Bake: Place cookies on prepared sheets about 1 inch apart. Bake 8-10 minutes until edges are lightly golden brown.
  11. Cool Cookies: Let cool slightly on sheets, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
  12. Make Ganache: Place chopped chocolate in a heatproof bowl. Heat cream in a small saucepan until it just simmers. Pour over chocolate and let sit for 1 minute, then stir until smooth and glossy.
  13. Add Butter to Ganache: Stir in butter until melted and fully incorporated. Allow ganache to cool slightly until spreadable but not too thick.
  14. Assemble Cookies: Spread a thin layer of ganache on flat sides of whole cookies (without centers). Spoon a small amount of cherry filling on top.
  15. Top Cookies: Place cookies with cut-out centers over the filling, gently pressing to adhere.
  16. Decorate: Optionally drizzle remaining ganache over cookie tops and decorate with white chocolate shavings, sprinkles, or powdered sugar.
  17. Chill: Refrigerate assembled cookies at least 30 minutes to set ganache for best texture.

Notes

  • Kirsch is optional but adds a traditional cherry flavor; omit for non-alcoholic version.
  • Make sure to chill dough well to prevent spreading while baking.
  • Use a sharp smaller cookie cutter for clean cut-outs on cookie tops.
  • Allow cherry filling to cool completely before assembly to prevent melting ganache.
  • Store finished cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.

Keywords: Black Forest cookies, Christmas cookies, chocolate cherry cookies, holiday desserts, cookie sandwiches, chocolate ganache, maraschino cherries

Find it online: https://zarameals.com/black-forest-christmas-cookies-recipe/