Black Forest Christmas Cookies (Printer-Friendly Version)
Decadent chocolate cookies with cherry filling and silky ganache for festive celebrations.
# What You'll Need:
→ Dry Ingredients
01 -
2 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
02 -
½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
03 -
½ teaspoon baking soda
04 -
¼ teaspoon salt
→ Wet Ingredients
05 -
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
06 -
¾ cup granulated sugar
07 -
½ cup packed light brown sugar
08 -
1 large egg
09 -
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
10 -
½ teaspoon almond extract
→ Cherry Filling
11 -
1 (10 oz) jar maraschino cherries, drained and chopped
12 -
¼ cup cherry preserves
13 -
1 tablespoon cornstarch
14 -
1 tablespoon Kirsch (optional)
→ Ganache
15 -
4 oz semi-sweet chocolate, finely chopped
16 -
⅓ cup heavy cream
17 -
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
→ Optional Garnishes
18 -
White chocolate shavings
19 -
Powdered sugar
20 -
Sprinkles
# Steps to Follow:
01 -
Whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl and set aside.
02 -
Cream the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar using a stand mixer or large bowl for 3 to 5 minutes until light and fluffy.
03 -
Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract to the creamed mixture and mix until fully combined.
04 -
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed just until incorporated.
05 -
Divide the dough into two discs, wrap tightly in plastic, and refrigerate for 1 to 2 hours.
06 -
In a small saucepan over medium heat, stir chopped cherries, cherry preserves, and cornstarch until thickened and glossy, about 3 to 5 minutes. Stir in Kirsch if using, then set aside to cool completely.
07 -
Preheat oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
08 -
Roll the dough on a floured surface to ¼ inch thickness and cut into 2-inch rounds. For half the cookies, cut a small shape from the center to form the tops.
09 -
Place cookies 1 inch apart on prepared sheets and bake for 8 to 10 minutes. Cool completely on wire racks.
10 -
Heat heavy cream until just simmering, pour over chopped chocolate, let sit for 1 minute, then stir until smooth. Incorporate butter and mix until glossy. Allow to cool slightly.
11 -
Spread ganache on whole cookie bases, top with a spoonful of cherry filling, then press the cut-out cookie tops gently over the filling.
12 -
Decorate sandwiches with powdered sugar, white chocolate shavings, or sprinkles as desired. Chill for 30 minutes to set the filling before serving.
# Additional Tips:
01 -
Chilling the dough improves shape retention and texture.
02 -
Ensure the cherry filling is fully cooled before assembly to prevent melting the ganache.