Black Forest Cookies – Christmas Cookies Ideas Recipe
Introduction
These Black Forest Cookies bring the classic flavors of the famous German cake into a delightful holiday treat. With a rich white chocolate filling and cherry jam nestled between tender cocoa-infused cookies, they’re perfect for Christmas celebrations or any special occasion.
Ingredients
- 2 3/4 cups flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
- 7 ounces white chocolate
- 3.4 fluid ounces heavy cream
- 10.5 ounces cherry jam (strained) or cherry jelly
- Optional: 1-2 tablespoons cherry schnapps
- 3.5 ounces milk or dark chocolate
- A small handful of chopped dark chocolate for sprinkling
Instructions
- Step 1: Combine the flour, softened butter, sugar, vanilla sugar, egg, and cocoa powder. Knead the mixture into a smooth dough. Wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 to 60 minutes to rest.
- Step 2: While the dough rests, prepare the filling. Finely chop the white chocolate. Heat the heavy cream until it boils, then pour it over the chopped white chocolate. Stir continuously until melted and smooth, with no lumps. Chill the filling for several hours to set.
- Step 3: Preheat the oven to 320°F (356°F for conventional ovens). Roll the dough on a floured surface and cut out circles. For half, cut out a small hole in the center. Arrange the cookies on parchment-lined baking sheets and bake for 10-12 minutes. Let cool completely.
- Step 4: Finely chop the dark chocolate and melt it using a double boiler. Dip the cookies with the holes briefly into the melted chocolate, place them on parchment paper, sprinkle with chopped dark chocolate, and let dry.
- Step 5: Beat the chilled white chocolate cream until fluffy using a mixer or whisk. Transfer to a piping bag with a round or star tip. Pipe a swirl onto the solid cookies, leaving the center open for the jam.
- Step 6: Warm the cherry jam gently, and if using, stir in cherry schnapps. Fill the centers of the piped cookies with the cherry jam.
Tips & Variations
- For a stronger cherry flavor, add a splash of cherry schnapps or kirsch to the jam before filling the cookies.
- Use good-quality white and dark chocolates for a richer taste and smoother texture.
- If you prefer a less sweet filling, substitute some of the white chocolate with cream cheese for a tangy twist.
- Chill the dough well before cutting to prevent the cookies from spreading during baking.
Storage
Store Black Forest Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to one week, but allow them to come to room temperature before serving. The cookies can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bring to room temperature. Avoid reheating to preserve texture and flavor.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use regular sugar instead of vanilla sugar?
Yes, you can substitute vanilla sugar with regular granulated sugar plus a teaspoon of vanilla extract to maintain flavor.
Is it necessary to strain the cherry jam?
Straining the cherry jam removes seeds and results in a smoother filling, but it’s optional if you prefer a chunkier texture.
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Black Forest Cookies – Christmas Cookies Ideas Recipe
- Total Time: 4 hours (including chilling and setting times)
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
Description
Delight in the festive flavors of Black Forest Cookies, a perfect Christmas cookie idea featuring a tender cocoa dough, creamy white chocolate filling, and a luscious cherry jam center, all beautifully coated with dark chocolate and sprinkled with chopped chocolate for a decadent holiday treat.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 2 3/4 cups flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar (approx. 8g)
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
For the Filling:
- 7 ounces white chocolate
- 3.4 fluid ounces heavy cream
- 10.5 ounces cherry jam (strained) or cherry jelly
- Optional: 1-2 tablespoons cherry schnapps
Additionally:
- 3.5 ounces milk or dark chocolate
- A small handful of chopped dark chocolate for sprinkling
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: Knead together flour, softened unsalted butter, sugar, vanilla sugar, egg, and cocoa powder until a smooth dough forms. Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 to 60 minutes to allow it to rest and firm up.
- Make the Filling: Finely chop the white chocolate. Heat heavy cream in a saucepan until it reaches a boil, then pour it over the chopped white chocolate. Stir continuously until the mixture is fully melted and smooth with no lumps. Chill this white chocolate cream in the refrigerator for several hours until it firms up.
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 320°F for convection or 356°F for conventional baking, preparing to bake the cookies.
- Shape and Bake Cookies: Roll out the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface. Use cookie cutters to cut out circles; for half of these, cut a small hole in the center to hold the cherry jam. Place cookies on baking sheets lined with parchment paper. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until cooked through. Allow the cookies to cool completely on wire racks after baking.
- Prepare Chocolate Coating: Finely chop the milk or dark chocolate and gently melt it over a double boiler, stirring occasionally to ensure smoothness.
- Dip and Decorate: Briefly dip the cookies with the center holes into the melted chocolate, then place them on parchment paper. Sprinkle immediately with the chopped dark chocolate and let them dry to set the chocolate coating.
- Fill the Cookies: Using a hand mixer or whisk, beat the chilled white chocolate cream until creamy and pipeable. Transfer to a piping bag with a round or star-shaped tip. Pipe a swirl of cream onto the whole cookies (those without holes), leaving the centers clear for the jam.
- Add Cherry Jam: Gently warm cherry jam or jelly to loosen it, and optionally mix in 1-2 tablespoons of cherry schnapps for enhanced flavor. Spoon or pipe the cherry filling into the centers of both the piped cookies and the chocolate-dipped cookies with holes to finish.
Notes
- Chilling the dough before baking ensures the cookies hold their shape while baking.
- Using good quality white and dark chocolate will elevate the flavor and texture.
- Straining the cherry jam removes seeds and gives a smoother filling.
- You can substitute vanilla sugar with 1 teaspoon vanilla extract if unavailable.
- Adjust the cherry schnapps quantity based on preference or omit for a kid-friendly version.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Cookies
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: German
Keywords: Black Forest cookies, Christmas cookies, chocolate cookies, cherry jam cookies, festive cookies, German desserts
