If you love the rich, classic flavors of Black Forest cake in a fun, handheld treat, you are absolutely going to adore this Black Forest Cookies with Cherry Filling, Chocolate Ganache, and Whipped Cream Frosting Recipe. These cookies combine a soft, fudgy chocolate base with a luscious cherry core and decadent layers of chocolate ganache topped off by airy whipped cream frosting. Every bite feels like a little celebration, perfect for sharing or indulging all by yourself. From the crackly cookie exterior to the smooth finish of cherry and cream, this recipe delivers a delightful harmony of textures and tastes that’s sure to become a new favorite in your baking repertoire.

A close-up look at a stack of two dark brown chocolate cookies on a white marbled surface, with the top cookie broken in half to show a soft, moist inside with red cherry pieces. The top half is topped with a thick layer of white whipped cream, garnished with a shiny red cherry and small dark chocolate chunks. A woman’s hand reaches from the right side holding a piping bag with white cream. The scene has a soft, fresh light, highlighting the rich texture of the chocolate and cream. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

Despite sounding fancy, the ingredients for this recipe are wonderfully straightforward and essential. Each item plays a crucial role in building those irresistible layers of flavor, texture, and color that make these cookies truly special.

Butter: Provides a rich, creamy base and keeps the cookies tender.
Brown sugar: Adds moisture and a deep caramel flavor that complements the chocolate.
Granulated sugar: Balances sweetness and helps with the cookie’s structure.
Eggs: Bind everything together and support a soft yet sturdy texture.
Light corn syrup: Keeps the cookie chewy and helps with a glossy finish.
Vanilla extract: Elevates the overall flavor with its warm, aromatic notes.
All-purpose flour: Forms the backbone of the cookie dough, contributing to its tender crumb.
Dutch processed cocoa powder: Delivers a rich chocolate depth and beautiful dark color.
Corn starch: Ensures softness by tenderizing the gluten.
Baking soda: Gives cookies a gentle rise and lighter texture.
Salt: Enhances the chocolate flavor and balances sweetness.
Cherry pie filling: The juicy surprise inside that makes these cookies uniquely Black Forest.
Chocolate chips: For the smooth, shiny ganache topping.
Heavy whipping cream: Used for both ganache and frosting to add creaminess and richness.
Powdered sugar: Sweetens the whipped cream frosting without graininess.
Clear vanilla extract: Keeps the frosting pure white while adding delicate flavor.
Chocolate curls and cherries: Decorative toppers for an elegant finishing touch.

How to Make Black Forest Cookies with Cherry Filling, Chocolate Ganache, and Whipped Cream Frosting Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Cookie Dough

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F to get it ready for baking your luscious treats. Cream together the butter and both sugars until the mixture is light and fluffy—this step is key to that tender texture everyone loves. Add in the eggs, corn syrup, and vanilla, mixing until everything is perfectly combined. Then, sift together the dry ingredients — flour, cocoa powder, corn starch, baking soda, and salt — and gradually incorporate them into your wet mix. You’ll end up with a soft, chocolatey dough that smells seriously divine.

Step 2: Shape and Fill the Cookies

Divide the dough evenly into 12 portions, using a ½ cup measuring scoop for uniform size but don’t fill it completely to make sure you have enough for all cookies. Roll each portion into a ball, then gently create a pocket with your thumb. Spoon about half a tablespoon of cherry pie filling into the center and carefully pinch the dough around it to seal those juicy cherries inside. This little treasure is what makes the cookies truly special!

Step 3: Bake to Perfection

Place six filled cookies onto a baking sheet lined with parchment or a silicone mat for easy cleanup. Bake for 15 to 17 minutes until the cookies crackle on top and start to spread just a bit, with no wet-looking centers. This stage is where the magic happens—soft, fudgy cookies with a hint of chewiness that perfectly cradle that cherry surprise inside.

Step 4: Make the Chocolate Ganache

While the cookies cool completely, prepare the chocolate ganache which adds a luxurious layer to these goodies. Heat the heavy cream in a microwave-safe bowl until boiling (about 1½ minutes), then pour it over the chocolate chips, letting them melt gently for 3 minutes. Whisk the mixture until smooth and shiny. Spread this rich ganache evenly over each cooled cookie for a decadent finish.

Step 5: Whip the Cream Frosting

Chill the ganache-topped cookies in the fridge while you whip the frosting. Beat the heavy cream on medium-high speed until it starts to thicken, then slowly add powdered sugar and clear vanilla. Whip on high until stiff peaks form, giving you a cloud-like frosting that’s sweet but light. Pipe a swirl of this whipped cream on top of each cookie for that perfect, fluffy finish.

Step 6: Decorate and Enjoy

To make these cookies look as incredible as they taste, add a cherry and some chocolate curls as a final garnish. This is not just a cookie; it’s a little piece of dessert art that’s both festive and irresistible. Store them in the fridge for up to four days or share them right away for an unforgettable treat.

How to Serve Black Forest Cookies with Cherry Filling, Chocolate Ganache, and Whipped Cream Frosting Recipe

The image shows a stack of soft, dark brown chocolate cookies on a white marbled surface. One cookie is on the bottom, topped by a second cookie that is spread with shiny, smooth chocolate, followed by a swirl of white cream. On top of the cream, there are thin dark chocolate shavings and a bright red cherry with a stem. Nearby, there is a white bowl with red cherries and more chocolate cookies in the background, some stacked on a white stand. The scene is bright and clean, focusing on the rich textures and colors of the cookies, cream, chocolate, and cherry. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Adding bright red cherries and delicate chocolate curls on top instantly pumps up both the visual appeal and flavor experience of these cookies. You can also sprinkle a dusting of cocoa powder or powdered sugar for an extra touch of elegance. Each garnish complements the core components perfectly and invites that first, oh-so-delicious bite.

Side Dishes

These mighty cookies are rich enough to stand tall on their own, but pairing them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a chilled glass of milk can take your indulge session to a whole new level. For a party, consider serving alongside fresh berries or a light fruit salad to balance the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

Presenting these cookies on a rustic wooden board alongside glasses of cherry soda or dark coffee creates a warm, inviting spread. For festive occasions, arrange them on a tiered cake stand with scattered cherries and chocolate shavings around, turning your dessert into a showstopper centerpiece everyone will rave about.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge to preserve that creamy whipped frosting and maintain freshness. Stored properly, these Black Forest Cookies with Cherry Filling, Chocolate Ganache, and Whipped Cream Frosting Recipe will be just as delicious for up to four days.

Freezing

If you want to make these in advance, you can freeze the cookies either before or after frosting. Freeze them uncoated in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Once you’re ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge and add the whipped cream frosting fresh. This makes them a fantastic treat to have on hand for unexpected guests or special occasions.

Reheating

Because of the delicate whipped cream frosting, reheating these cookies isn’t recommended. Instead, serve them chilled or at room temperature to fully appreciate the luscious layers of chocolate and cherry without losing that velvety whipped topping.

FAQs

Can I use fresh cherries instead of cherry pie filling?

Fresh cherries can work but will require a bit more preparation, such as pitting and possibly cooking them down to concentrate the flavor and achieve the right texture. Cherry pie filling offers the ideal sweetness and consistency straight from the jar, making it the most convenient and reliable choice for this recipe.

Is it possible to make these cookies dairy-free?

Yes, with some substitutions. Use dairy-free butter and chocolate chips, and swap out the heavy cream for coconut cream to make both the ganache and whipped frosting. Keep in mind the texture and taste might vary slightly, but they’ll still be delightful!

How can I make the whipped cream frosting more stable?

Adding a little gelatin or using a stabilizer specifically designed for whipped cream can help maintain stiff peaks longer, especially if you plan to serve the cookies over several hours or on warm days. Alternatively, piping the frosting just before serving ensures it stays fresh and fluffy.

Why do the cookies crack and crinkle when baking?

Those cracks are a sign of perfectly baked chocolate cookies! They form as the dough expands and dries out slightly on top while remaining soft inside, giving the cookies their signature texture and charming appearance.

Can I make smaller or larger cookies with this recipe?

Absolutely! Just adjust the baking time accordingly. Smaller cookies will bake faster, so keep a close eye to prevent overbaking, while larger ones may need a few extra minutes in the oven. The filling and frosting amounts can be modified proportionally for the best balance.

Final Thoughts

This Black Forest Cookies with Cherry Filling, Chocolate Ganache, and Whipped Cream Frosting Recipe is a must-try for anyone who adores the nostalgic flavors of Black Forest cake reinvented as a cookie. It’s a delightful project that rewards you with a batch of spectacular treats, perfect for gifting, celebrations, or a personal indulgence. Trust me, once you make these, your cookie jar will never be the same!

Black Forest Cookies with Cherry Filling, Chocolate Ganache, and Whipped Cream Frosting Recipe