If you’re on the hunt for a dessert that combines rich chocolate decadence with the bright burst of cherries, you’ll absolutely fall in love with this Black Forest Flourless Brownie Cookies Recipe. These cookies are pure fudgy bliss, naturally gluten-free, and packed with dark chocolate chips and dried cherries that deliver that classic Black Forest dessert charm in a wonderfully chewy cookie. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just craving a sweet treat, these cookies bring warmth, nostalgia, and a seriously addictive texture that everyone will adore.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these simple yet essential ingredients is all you need to whip up the magic behind the Black Forest Flourless Brownie Cookies Recipe. Each component plays a starring role—from the velvety cocoa that creates the deep chocolate flavor to the tangy cherries that add a lively contrast and the rich chocolate chips that make every bite melt-in-your-mouth perfect.
- 3 cups powdered sugar: Provides sweetness and structural balance for that fudgy texture without flour.
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder: Gives the cookies their intense chocolate depth and dark hue.
- 1/2 tsp salt: Enhances all the flavors, balancing sweetness with a subtle savory note.
- 3 large egg whites: Bind the ingredients smoothly, and ensure the cookies hold together while keeping them light and chewy.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Adds warmth and rounds out the chocolate flavors beautifully.
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips: Melts gently inside the cookies, adding bursts of gooey richness.
- 1/2 cup dried cherries, chopped if large: Gives that iconic Black Forest fruity cheer and a chewy contrast to the fudgy base.
How to Make Black Forest Flourless Brownie Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheets
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make clean-up a breeze. This simple step sets the stage for perfectly baked cookies that won’t break or burn.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, cocoa powder, and salt. Combining these dry ingredients early ensures your chocolate flavor is even and your cookies have that rich, fudgy base every bite should have.
Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients
Now, stir in the egg whites and vanilla extract into the dry mixture. The batter will thicken and come together, resembling a brownie-like dough that’s dense yet scoopable. This stage is key for achieving that chewy texture that makes this Black Forest Flourless Brownie Cookies Recipe so special.
Step 4: Fold in the Chocolate Chips and Cherries
Gently fold in the dark chocolate chips and dried cherries. This not only distributes those delightful pockets of flavor throughout the cookies but also gives them that classic Black Forest profile you know and love.
Step 5: Scoop and Bake
Using a tablespoon, scoop mounds of the batter onto the lined baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the cookie tops are glossy and crackled—an irresistible sign these fudgy beauties are ready to come out!
Step 6: Cool and Set
Allow the cookies to cool completely on the baking sheets. They’ll firm up as they cool, turning perfectly chewy without drying out. Patience here pays off big time for that ideal texture.
How to Serve Black Forest Flourless Brownie Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
A dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted dark chocolate takes these cookies from delightful to downright show-stopping. For a festive touch, sprinkle chopped toasted nuts or add a few fresh cherries on top to visually echo the classic Black Forest theme.
Side Dishes
Pair your Black Forest Flourless Brownie Cookies Recipe with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to create an indulgent dessert experience. A cup of freshly brewed coffee or a glass of cold milk also complements their rich chocolate and cherry flavors beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Elevate the cookies by stacking them into mini cookie sandwiches layered with cream cheese frosting or cherry jam. Serve on a decorative platter garnished with fresh mint leaves or scatter chocolate shavings and dried cherries around to truly impress guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
These cookies keep wonderfully in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days. This quick tip helps maintain their fudgy texture and flavor so you can enjoy them fresh anytime.
Freezing
If you want to keep them longer, freeze your cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer-safe container or bag. They freeze well for up to three months, letting you savor the Black Forest Flourless Brownie Cookies Recipe whenever the craving strikes.
Reheating
To reopen that fresh-baked softness, thaw frozen cookies at room temperature then warm briefly in a microwave or oven. Just a few seconds will melt the chocolate chips and bring back that irresistible fudgy chew.
FAQs
Can I substitute the egg whites for something else in the Black Forest Flourless Brownie Cookies Recipe?
Egg whites are key for binding here, but if you need an alternative, aquafaba (chickpea water) can work as a vegan substitute. Keep in mind that texture might vary slightly.
Are these cookies truly gluten-free?
Yes, absolutely! This Black Forest Flourless Brownie Cookies Recipe uses no flour, making it perfect for anyone avoiding gluten.
Can I add nuts to the recipe?
Definitely! Adding chopped pecans or walnuts adds a wonderful crunch and nutty flavor that complements the rich chocolate and cherries beautifully.
How do I get glossy, cracked tops on my cookies?
The key is not to overbake and to use powdered sugar, which helps create that beautiful shine and crackle during baking—a signature look for these cookies.
Can I use fresh cherries instead of dried?
You could, but fresh cherries have much higher moisture content and might affect the cookie texture and baking time. Dried cherries offer the perfect chew and intensified flavor for the authentic Black Forest experience.
Final Thoughts
You absolutely have to try this Black Forest Flourless Brownie Cookies Recipe—it’s one of those rare treats that feels indulgent yet surprisingly simple to make. Fudgy, chewy, bursting with chocolate and cherry goodness, these cookies are a celebration of classic flavors reinvented in a perfect gluten-free way. I promise, once you bake them, they’ll quickly become a favorite go-to dessert in your kitchen.
Print
Black Forest Flourless Brownie Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 20 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These Black Forest Flourless Brownie Cookies are rich, fudgy, and naturally gluten-free. Bursting with deep chocolate flavor and studded with dried cherries and dark chocolate chips, they’re inspired by the classic Black Forest dessert in chewy cookie form.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
Wet Ingredients
- 3 large egg whites
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Add-ins
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup dried cherries, chopped if large
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat 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 bowl, whisk together 3 cups powdered sugar, 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, and 1/2 teaspoon salt until well combined.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Add 3 large egg whites and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract to the dry mixture. Stir until a thick, brownie-like batter forms, ensuring ingredients are fully incorporated.
- Fold in Add-ins: Gently fold in 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips and 1/2 cup dried cherries (chopped if large) to evenly distribute throughout the batter.
- Shape Cookies: Scoop tablespoon-sized mounds of batter onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
- Bake: Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the tops are glossy and cracked, indicating the cookies are set but still fudgy inside.
- Cool: Let the cookies cool completely on the baking sheet before removing, as they will firm up during cooling for the perfect chewy texture.
Notes
- Use room-temperature egg whites for easier mixing and better batter consistency.
- Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 4 days to maintain freshness.
- For a nutty twist, add 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts to the batter before baking.
