Black Forest Flourless Brownie Cookies are a decadent, gluten-free treat that combines the rich, fudgy texture of a brownie with the sweet, tart flavor of cherries, inspired by the classic Black Forest cake. These cookies are made without flour, which gives them a dense, chewy texture that melts in your mouth. Dark chocolate and cocoa powder form the base, while sweetened dried cherries or fresh cherries add a burst of fruity goodness. A dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted chocolate over the top takes them to the next level.
The first time I made these, I was craving the flavors of a Black Forest cake but wanted something in cookie form, and they turned out to be a huge hit! The cherries add a juicy, tangy contrast to the rich, chocolatey cookies, making each bite incredibly satisfying. What I love most about these cookies is how they’re naturally gluten-free and so easy to make. Black Forest Flourless Brownie Cookies are the perfect combination of deep chocolate and fruity cherry, ideal for dessert, special occasions, or a treat to share with friends!
Perfect for:
- Cookie lovers
- Chocolate and cherry enthusiasts
- Family gatherings
- Holidays
- Casual afternoon treats
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Here are 10 reasons why these Black Forest Flourless Brownie Cookies will become your go-to indulgence:
- Rich Chocolate Flavor: The combination of melted chocolate and cocoa powder creates a deep, indulgent flavor.
- Chewy and Fudgy Texture: These cookies are rich and chewy with the perfect brownie-like texture.
- Burst of Sweet Cherries: The cherries add a fruity sweetness and a slight tartness to balance the chocolate.
- Gluten-Free Option: Made with almond flour, these cookies are naturally gluten-free without sacrificing flavor.
- Easy to Make: With only a few simple ingredients, this recipe comes together quickly.
- Elegant Presentation: The glossy, crackled surface of these cookies makes them a sophisticated addition to any dessert table.
- No Flour, No Problem: These cookies are flourless, giving them a dense, fudgy texture that’s hard to beat.
- Versatile Flavor Pairings: They pair wonderfully with whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or even a drizzle of chocolate sauce.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a birthday, a holiday, or just a craving for something sweet, these cookies are perfect for any celebration.
- Customizable: Feel free to add chopped nuts or extra cherries for a unique twist.
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 25 minutes
- Servings: 16-18 cookies
- Calories per serving: Approximately 200-250 calories
- Key Nutrients: Protein: 3g, Carbs: 25g, Fat: 15g
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
- 6 oz semisweet chocolate, chopped
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup almond flour
- ¼ cup cocoa powder
- ¼ teaspoon baking powder
- Pinch of salt
- ½ cup dried cherries, chopped
- ¼ cup dark chocolate chips (optional)
Ingredient Highlights
- Semisweet Chocolate: Provides a rich chocolate flavor that is essential for this recipe.
- Almond Flour: Offers a nutty taste and makes the cookies gluten-free.
- Dried Cherries: Adds a tart, fruity kick that pairs perfectly with the chocolate.
- Cocoa Powder: Enhances the chocolate flavor and gives the cookies a deep, brownie-like texture.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Make the Cookie Dough:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Melt Chocolate and Butter: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chopped semisweet chocolate and butter together, stirring every 30 seconds until smooth.
- Beat Eggs and Sugar: In a large bowl, whisk the eggs and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Stir the melted chocolate mixture and vanilla extract into the egg mixture. Then, mix in the almond flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt until fully combined.
- Add Cherries and Chocolate Chips: Fold in the chopped dried cherries and dark chocolate chips, if using.
- Scoop Dough: Use a tablespoon or cookie scoop to drop the dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing each cookie about 2 inches apart.
- Bake: Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the cookies have spread and the edges are set. The centers will look slightly soft, but they will firm up as they cool.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Serve:
- Serve and Enjoy: These cookies are best served warm with a side of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.
How to Serve
Here are 10 serving suggestions for Black Forest Flourless Brownie Cookies:
- With Whipped Cream: Top each cookie with a dollop of freshly whipped cream for added richness.
- With Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream pairs wonderfully with these cookies.
- With Chocolate Sauce: Drizzle warm chocolate sauce over the cookies for extra decadence.
- At a Cookie Exchange: These cookies make a great addition to a cookie swap or holiday party.
- For Dessert Buffets: Serve these cookies at dessert buffets for a delicious and crowd-pleasing treat.
- With a Cup of Coffee: These cookies go perfectly with your morning coffee or an afternoon espresso.
- As a Gift: Package them in a cute tin or box as a homemade gift for friends and family.
- With a Glass of Milk: A classic pairing, these cookies are delightful with a glass of cold milk.
- For a Sweet Breakfast: Enjoy them as a sweet breakfast treat with a cup of tea.
- For Special Occasions: Serve them at birthdays, holidays, or any special gathering.
Additional Tips
- Use High-Quality Chocolate: The flavor of your cookies will depend heavily on the chocolate, so choose a high-quality dark chocolate for a rich, intense taste.
- Room Temperature Eggs: For a smoother batter, make sure your eggs are at room temperature. Cold eggs can cause the mixture to seize up.
- Don’t Overmix: Stir the batter just until combined. Overmixing can result in a dense texture instead of a chewy, soft cookie.
- Use Fresh Cherries: Fresh cherries provide a juicy, tart contrast to the richness of the brownie cookies. Consider pitting and chopping them for even distribution in the batter.
- Chill the Dough: For better shaping and to prevent spreading during baking, chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before scooping onto the baking sheet.
- Optional Cherry Compote: For extra flavor, consider making a simple cherry compote to drizzle over the cookies once baked.
- Add a Pinch of Salt: A small pinch of sea salt can enhance the sweetness of the chocolate and complement the tartness of the cherries.
- Don’t Skip the Parchment Paper: Lining your baking sheet with parchment paper ensures that the cookies won’t stick and helps maintain their shape.
- Check for Doneness: These cookies can be a little fudgy. A toothpick should come out with a few moist crumbs for the perfect chewy texture.
- Storage Tips: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or freeze for longer storage. Let them come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
Recipe Variations
- White Chocolate Cherry Cookies: Replace semisweet chocolate with white chocolate for a lighter flavor profile.
- Nutty Version: Add crushed walnuts or almonds to the dough for a crunchy twist.
- More Fruity: Use dried raspberries or strawberries instead of cherries for a different berry flavor.
- Vegan Option: Replace eggs with a flax egg and use dairy-free chocolate for a vegan version.
- Dark Chocolate Cherry Cookies: Use all dark chocolate for a more intense chocolate flavor.
Special Equipment
- Baking Sheet: A flat, sturdy surface for baking the cookies.
- Parchment Paper: To prevent the cookies from sticking to the baking sheet.
- Cookie Scoop: For evenly sized cookies.
- Whisk: For beating the eggs and sugar.
- Wire Rack: For cooling the cookies after baking.
FAQ Section
- Can I use fresh cherries instead of dried?
Yes, you can use fresh cherries, but be sure to chop and dry them thoroughly to prevent excess moisture in the dough. - How long do these cookies last?
These cookies can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days. - Can I freeze these cookies?
Yes, freeze the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw before serving. - Can I use regular flour instead of almond flour?
Yes, regular flour can be used, but the cookies will no longer be gluten-free. - How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?
Chill the dough before baking to help control the spread of the cookies. - Can I make these cookies dairy-free?
Yes, use dairy-free chocolate and butter alternatives for a dairy-free version.
Conclusion
Black Forest Flourless Brownie Cookies are a decadent, rich treat that combines the fudgy, dense texture of flourless brownies with the classic flavors of a Black Forest cake. These cookies are made with just a few simple ingredients—like high-quality cocoa, melted chocolate, eggs, and sugar—resulting in a dense, chewy texture with a deep chocolate flavor. To capture the essence of Black Forest cake, they’re studded with tart cherries and topped with a dusting of powdered sugar, mimicking the whipped cream traditionally used in the cake.
These cookies are perfect for anyone who loves a rich chocolate treat with a fruity twist. The cherries provide a burst of tartness that balances beautifully with the sweetness of the cookies, making each bite a satisfying combination of flavors. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just because, these cookies are sure to impress.
I can’t wait to see how your Black Forest Flourless Brownie Cookies turn out! Be sure to share your photos on Instagram and tag me—I’d love to see your beautiful creations. Don’t forget to leave a comment and let me know how you made this dish your own!