If you love the rich, fudgy decadence of a brownie combined with the chewy texture of a cookie, then you are absolutely going to adore this Black Forest Flourless Brownie Cookies Recipe. These treats bring together intense dark chocolate, tart dried cherries, and a luscious flourless base that simply melts in your mouth. It’s a deliciously simple way to capture the magic of the Black Forest in a handheld delight, perfect for sharing or savoring with your favorite cup of coffee or tea.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe is how few ingredients it uses, yet each one plays a vital role in delivering the perfect bite. From the deep cocoa to the sweet-tart cherries, every component harmonizes to create a rich, chewy, and gloriously chocolatey cookie.
- 3 cups powdered sugar: Provides sweetness and structure in place of flour for that fudgy texture.
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder: Infuses the cookies with intense chocolate flavor and a beautiful dark color.
- ½ tsp sea salt: Enhances the chocolate depth and balances the sweetness perfectly.
- 3 large egg whites: Bind everything together while keeping the cookies light and moist without needing flour.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Adds a warm, aromatic layer that complements the chocolate and cherries.
- ¾ cup dark chocolate chips: Create pockets of melty chocolate throughout the cookie for extra indulgence.
- ½ cup dried cherries (or dried sour cherries), roughly chopped: Bring a tart contrast and chewy bursts that evoke the classic Black Forest flavor.
How to Make Black Forest Flourless Brownie Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper—this will keep your cookies from sticking and make clean-up a breeze.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, cocoa powder, and sea salt until they’re well combined. This creates a smooth and flavorful base that guarantees every bite is rich and chocolaty.
Step 3: Add Egg Whites and Vanilla
Pour in the egg whites and vanilla extract, then stir the mixture until it forms a thick, glossy batter. The batter’s shiny finish is a good sign that it’s perfectly mixed, promising fudgy yet tender cookies.
Step 4: Fold in Chocolate Chips and Cherries
Gently fold in the dark chocolate chips and chopped dried cherries with a spatula. This step makes sure each cookie will have melty chocolate pockets paired with bursts of tangy fruit.
Step 5: Scoop the Cookies
Use a tablespoon to scoop heaping portions of batter onto the prepared baking sheets. Space them about 2 inches apart so they have room to spread while baking without fusing together.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the tops look glossy and cracked, the edges have set beautifully, but the centers still remain soft and a little tender.
Step 7: Cool and Enjoy
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for about 10 minutes; this helps them firm up just enough before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Patience here pays off in texture and taste.
How to Serve Black Forest Flourless Brownie Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
If you want to dress up these cookies for guests or a special treat, sprinkle a little powdered sugar over them or add a few whole dried cherries on top just before serving. A dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of melted dark chocolate also pairs wonderfully.
Side Dishes
These cookies shine when paired with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a refreshing glass of cold milk. For adults, a cup of rich espresso or a smooth red wine like a Pinot Noir complements the deep chocolate and cherry flavors beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking the cookies with layers of whipped mascarpone or cream cheese frosting for a decadent dessert sandwich. You can also serve them alongside fresh berries on a pretty platter to add a burst of color and freshness to your presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and chewy for up to 4 days, giving you plenty of time to enjoy their irresistible goodness.
Freezing
If you want to keep these delights longer, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be kept frozen for up to 3 months without losing their taste or texture.
Reheating
To warm frozen or refrigerated cookies, pop them in the microwave for about 15 seconds or in a low oven (300°F) for 5 minutes. This will soften them back to that freshly baked fudgy perfection.
FAQs
Can I use fresh cherries instead of dried?
Fresh cherries contain too much moisture for this recipe and may affect the texture. Dried cherries or dried sour cherries are best for maintaining that chewy bite and tart flavor.
Are these cookies truly flourless and gluten-free?
Yes! This Black Forest Flourless Brownie Cookies Recipe contains no flour or gluten-containing ingredients, making it a great option for those with gluten sensitivities or those seeking a flour-free treat.
Can I substitute the egg whites?
Egg whites provide structure and moisture here, so replacing them is tricky. For an egg-free version, look for specialized egg substitutes or aquafaba, but results may vary.
How do I know when the cookies are done?
Look for glossy tops that begin to crack, set edges with a soft center, and a slightly firm touch. Overbaking can dry them out, so it’s best to remove from oven while centers are still soft.
What is the shelf life of these cookies?
Stored properly, these cookies stay fresh for about 4 days at room temperature. They can be frozen for up to 3 months for longer storage without loss of quality.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a chocolaty, chewy treat that stands apart, this Black Forest Flourless Brownie Cookies Recipe is your new best friend. With its simple ingredients and impressive flavor, it’s perfect for any occasion or just for satisfying that sweet tooth at home. Give it a try today, and watch these little bites disappear fast!
Print
Black Forest Flourless Brownie Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 18 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These Black Forest Flourless Brownie Cookies combine the rich, fudgy texture of flourless brownies with the chewy delight of cookies. Made without flour, they feature a chocolate-packed base accented with dried cherries and dark chocolate chips, creating a decadent treat perfect for any chocolate lover.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ tsp sea salt
Wet Ingredients
- 3 large egg whites
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Add-ins
- ¾ cup dark chocolate chips
- ½ cup dried cherries (or dried sour cherries), roughly chopped
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, cocoa powder, and sea salt until fully combined for a smooth, even mixture.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Add the egg whites and vanilla extract to the dry mixture. Stir thoroughly until the batter becomes thick and glossy, indicating it is well combined and ready.
- Fold in Chocolate and Cherries: Gently fold in the dark chocolate chips and roughly chopped dried cherries to evenly distribute the mix-ins without deflating the batter.
- Scoop Batter: Using a tablespoon, scoop heaping portions of batter onto the prepared baking sheets. Leave about 2 inches of space between each to allow spreading.
- Bake: Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the cookie tops are glossy and cracked. The edges should be set, while the centers remain soft for that fudgy consistency.
- Cool Cookies: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely, helping them set and preventing sogginess.
Notes
- Be careful not to overbake; the centers should stay soft for the fudgy texture.
- Use parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking.
- For a nutty twist, consider adding chopped walnuts or pecans along with the chocolate chips and cherries.
- Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Allow cookies to cool fully before storing to maintain texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
