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There is something simply irresistible about the combination of rich chocolate and tart cherries, and that’s exactly what makes this Black Forest Flourless Brownie Cookies Recipe an absolute treasure. These flourless cookies deliver all the fudgy decadence of a brownie with the delightful chewiness of a cookie, creating a dessert experience that feels both indulgent and uniquely satisfying. You’ll love how the deep cocoa flavor perfectly complements the bursts of dried cherries and melty chocolate chips, proving that sometimes the best treats are also the simplest to make.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering just a handful of straightforward ingredients, this recipe showcases how each component plays an important role in crafting the perfect texture, flavor, and rich color of these brownies-turned-cookies.
- 3 cups powdered sugar: Serves as the primary sweetener and helps achieve the tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder: Provides that bold, chocolatey depth that defines the brownie flavor here.
- ½ tsp sea salt: Enhances the chocolate notes and balances the sweetness beautifully.
- 3 large egg whites: Are the magic behind the flourless structure, binding ingredients while keeping the cookies light and chewy.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Adds warmth and a subtle sweetness, rounding out the bitterness of the cocoa.
- ¾ cup dark chocolate chips: Introduce pockets of gooey chocolate goodness that melt perfectly as the cookies bake.
- ½ cup dried cherries (or dried sour cherries), roughly chopped: Bring a pop of tartness and chewy texture that contrasts so well with the chocolate.
How to Make Black Forest Flourless Brownie Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pans
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C), which is just the right temperature to gently bake these cookies without drying them out. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, cocoa powder, and sea salt until well combined. This ensures your cookies will have a consistent richness and sweetness throughout.
Step 3: Incorporate the Egg Whites and Vanilla
Pour in the egg whites and vanilla extract, then stir everything until you create a thick, glossy batter. This step is crucial; the batter should be smooth yet dense, signaling that it’s ready for the mix-ins.
Step 4: Fold in Chocolate Chips and Chopped Cherries
Gently fold the chocolate chips and chopped dried cherries into the batter, distributing them evenly. These add texture and bursts of sweet-tart flavor that bring the cookies to life.
Step 5: Scoop the Batter Onto Baking Sheets
Use heaping tablespoons of batter to form cookie mounds, spacing them about 2 inches apart. This spacing allows the cookies enough room to spread slightly while retaining their chewy centers.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when their tops look glossy and slightly cracked, the edges feel set, and the centers remain tender and soft—the hallmark texture of a flourless brownie cookie.
Step 7: Cool Before Enjoying
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for at least 10 minutes. This resting time lets them firm up just enough to transfer without breaking. Then move them to a wire rack to cool completely, ready to be savored.
How to Serve Black Forest Flourless Brownie Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
These cookies shine on their own, but you can always add a dusting of powdered sugar for an elegant touch or a light drizzle of melted dark chocolate to amp up the decadence. Fresh cherries or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top right after baking can also elevate their look and flavor.
Side Dishes
Pair these brownie cookies with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for a dreamy dessert duo, or enjoy them alongside a warm cup of coffee or tea to complement their rich chocolate and cherry notes perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Why not serve the Black Forest Flourless Brownie Cookies Recipe in a beautiful cookie jar for a casual gathering or arrange them on a rustic wooden board alongside some fresh berries and a pot of whipped cream for a charming dessert spread? They also make heartfelt homemade gifts when wrapped with a ribbon and a personal note.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They maintain their chewy texture for up to 4 days, making it easy to indulge a little longer.
Freezing
Want to make these cookies in advance? Freeze baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep beautifully for up to 2 months and thaw quickly when you’re ready to enjoy.
Reheating
To revive their soft centers, reheat cookies in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds or pop them into a preheated oven at 300°F for 5 minutes. This little warm-up brings back that fresh-baked feeling and gooey chocolate chips perfectly.
FAQs
Can I use fresh cherries instead of dried cherries in this Black Forest Flourless Brownie Cookies Recipe?
Fresh cherries have a lot of moisture, which can affect the batter’s consistency and baking time. It’s best to stick with dried cherries or dried sour cherries for that perfect chewy texture and balanced flavor in this recipe.
What makes these brownie cookies flourless?
Instead of traditional flour, this recipe uses egg whites to bind the batter, along with powdered sugar and cocoa powder to create structure and sweetness. This results in a tender, fudgy cookie that melts in your mouth.
Can I substitute dark chocolate chips with milk or white chocolate chips?
Absolutely! While dark chocolate chips pair best with the rich cocoa powder, milk or white chocolate chips can provide a sweeter and creamier contrast. Just keep in mind the flavor balance may shift slightly.
Are these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, this Black Forest Flourless Brownie Cookies Recipe is naturally gluten-free since it contains no flour, making it a fantastic choice for those avoiding gluten.
How should I store these cookies if I want to keep them chewy?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature with a slice of bread or a few apple slices to help maintain moisture and keep them soft and chewy for several days.
Final Thoughts
There is joy in simplicity, and these Black Forest Flourless Brownie Cookies Recipe truly capture that sentiment. They are effortless to make, full of rich, luscious flavors, and perfect for sharing or savoring on your own. Once you try them, these cookies will quickly become a cherished favorite you’ll want to bake again and again.
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Print
Black Forest Flourless Brownie Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 18 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These Black Forest Flourless Brownie Cookies combine the rich, fudgy texture of a flourless brownie with the delightful chewiness of cherries and the intense flavor of dark chocolate chips. Naturally gluten-free and perfect for any chocolate lover, these cookies have a glossy, cracked top with soft centers, offering a decadent treat that’s easy to whip up in under 30 minutes.
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 Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper to ensure the cookies do not stick and bake evenly.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, unsweetened cocoa powder, and sea salt thoroughly. This helps to incorporate air and ensures an even distribution of flavors.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Add the egg whites and vanilla extract to the dry mix. Stir continuously until the batter becomes thick, glossy, and smooth, which indicates that the egg whites are fully incorporated and the mixture is ready.
- Fold in Add-ins: Gently fold in the dark chocolate chips and chopped dried cherries. Be careful not to overmix, as you want the batter to remain light and airy.
- Scoop Batter: Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, place heaping tablespoons of batter onto the prepared baking sheets. Make sure to space them about 2 inches apart to allow room for slight spreading during baking.
- Bake Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes. The cookies are done when the tops turn glossy and crack slightly, the edges are set, and the centers remain soft and fudgy.
- Cool Cookies: Remove the baking sheets from the oven and let the cookies cool for 10 minutes on the sheets. Then transfer them carefully to a wire rack to cool completely before serving or storing.
Notes
- For an even richer flavor, use high-quality dark cocoa powder and dark chocolate chips above 60% cacao.
- These cookies are naturally flourless and gluten-free, perfect for those with gluten sensitivities.
- Make sure not to overbake—the centers should remain soft for the best fudgy texture.
- Storing cookies in an airtight container at room temperature will keep them fresh for up to 5 days.
- You can substitute dried sour cherries with regular dried cherries or cranberries for a slightly different tartness.
