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Black Forest Flourless Brownie Cookies

When it comes to desserts, few are as universally adored as the Black Forest gateau. This beloved cake, with its decadent combination of rich chocolate layers, fluffy whipped cream, and juicy cherries, has won the hearts of food lovers worldwide. But what if you could capture all the flavors of this classic dessert in the form of a simple, yet indulgent, cookie? Enter the Black Forest Flourless Brownie Cookies—a glorious gluten-free treat that combines the deep, fudgy richness of flourless brownie cookies with the creamy sweetness of vanilla whipped cream and a luscious cherry filling.

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Black Forest Flourless Brownie Cookies

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Chocolate lovers, get ready for the ultimate indulgence! 🍫🍒 These Black Forest Flourless Brownie Cookies combine rich, fudgy brownies with the sweet tang of cherries for a flavor experience like no other. 😍✨ Perfectly chewy and utterly decadent, these cookies are the dream treat for any occasion. Whether you’re satisfying your sweet tooth or hosting a party, these little bites of bliss will steal the show! 🎉🍒

#BlackForestCookies #ChocolateLovers #FlourlessBrownies #FudgyGoodness #CherryDelight #BakingMagic #CookiePerfection #SweetIndulgence #DessertLovers #CookieCravings 🍫🍒✨

  • Total Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients

Cherry Filling 🍒

The cherry filling is the heart of these cookies, infusing them with the bright, tart sweetness that is characteristic of a Black Forest gateau. This filling balances the richness of the chocolate cookies with a fresh, fruity burst. Here’s what you need:

  • Halved Pitted Cherries (300g or 10 ½ oz): Fresh or frozen cherries will work for this recipe. The cherries provide that signature sweet-tart flavor. If using fresh cherries, be sure to pit them and halve them before cooking. Frozen cherries are a great option as well and may release more juice when cooked, which adds to the richness of the filling.
  • Caster/Superfine or Granulated Sugar (50g or Âź cup): The sugar helps balance the tartness of the cherries while also thickening the syrup. Caster sugar dissolves quickly, but you can also use regular granulated sugar if that’s what you have on hand.
  • Lemon Juice (1 ½ tbsp): A splash of lemon juice brightens the cherry filling and intensifies the flavor, ensuring the filling doesn’t feel too sweet or heavy.
  • Cornstarch (8g or 1 tbsp): This is the key to thickening the cherry juices and creating a jam-like consistency. It helps the filling set and prevents it from being too runny when sandwiched between the cookies.

Flourless Brownie Cookies 🍫

The star of the show in these cookies is the rich, fudgy brownie base. Because they’re flourless, the cookies have a denser, chewier texture compared to traditional cookies, similar to a brownie. Here’s what you’ll need for the flourless brownie cookie batter:

  • Dark Chocolate (150g or 5 Âź oz, 60-70% cocoa solids): Use good-quality dark chocolate for the best flavor. A chocolate with 60-70% cocoa solids strikes the perfect balance between sweetness and bitterness, complementing the tart cherry filling.
  • Unsalted Butter (70g or ½ stick + 1 tbsp): Butter adds richness and depth to the chocolate, contributing to the fudgy texture of the cookies.
  • Caster/Superfine or Granulated Sugar (150g or ž cup): Sugar sweetens the batter and helps it rise slightly when baked, giving the cookies that perfect crackled top.
  • Eggs (2 large, room temperature): Eggs help bind the ingredients together and provide structure to the cookies. The fluffiness of the whisked eggs will give the cookies a nice puff when baked.
  • Dutch Processed Cocoa Powder (30g or ⅓ cup): Cocoa powder deepens the chocolate flavor and gives the cookies that rich, dark hue.
  • Salt (Âź tsp): A pinch of salt enhances the flavors of the chocolate and balances the sweetness.

Vanilla Whipped Cream 🧴

What’s a Black Forest dessert without some fluffy whipped cream? This vanilla whipped cream adds lightness and sweetness, providing a perfect contrast to the dense brownie cookies and tart cherry filling.

  • Double or Heavy Cream (230g or 1 cup, cold from the fridge): Cold cream is essential for making whipped cream. The higher fat content in double cream or heavy cream makes the whipped cream richer and more stable.
  • Powdered/Icing Sugar (30-40g or Âź-⅓ cup): Powdered sugar helps achieve the perfect texture for whipped cream and also adds a touch of sweetness.
  • Vanilla Bean Paste (1 tsp) or Vanilla Extract (2 tsp): Vanilla adds a comforting warmth to the whipped cream. Vanilla bean paste gives the whipped cream a more intense, natural vanilla flavor, but extract works just as well.

Instructions

1. Prepare the Cherry Filling

The first step is to make the cherry filling, as it needs to cool before being assembled into the cookies.

  • Step 1: In a medium saucepan, combine the halved cherries, sugar, and lemon juice. Place the saucepan over medium-high heat and cook, stirring occasionally, until the cherries are soft and have released their juices. This should take about 5-7 minutes. The cherries will start to break down and release their liquid, which will form the base of your filling.
  • Step 2: Once the cherries have softened, mix a few tablespoons of the juices with the cornstarch to create a slurry. Add this slurry back into the saucepan with the remaining cherry juices and cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture comes to a boil and thickens. This should take about 1 minute. The mixture will become glossy and thicker, resembling a cherry jam.
  • Step 3: If you’d like, you can strain the cherries to remove any skins or solids, leaving just the thickened cherry syrup. Return the thickened syrup to the saucepan and cook for another minute to ensure it reaches the desired consistency.
  • Step 4: Remove the pan from the heat and let the filling cool. You can speed up this process by placing the saucepan in a water bath (using ice water is optional). Once it’s cool, refrigerate the cherry filling for 30 minutes to firm up and achieve a more solid texture.

2. Make the Flourless Brownie Cookie Dough

While the cherry filling cools, prepare the flourless brownie cookies. This is a simple process that results in fudgy, chewy cookies that will hold up beautifully when sandwiched with the cherry filling and whipped cream.

  • Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking.
  • Step 2: In a heatproof bowl, melt the dark chocolate and butter together. You can do this over a double boiler or in the microwave in short bursts, stirring between each burst until smooth. Once melted, set the mixture aside to cool slightly.
  • Step 3: In a separate bowl, whisk together the sugar and eggs until pale and fluffy. The eggs should triple in volume, creating a light, airy mixture. This step is essential for the texture of the cookies.
  • Step 4: Slowly pour the slightly cooled chocolate-butter mixture into the egg-sugar mixture while whisking continuously to combine. Once mixed, sift in the cocoa powder and salt. Stir until the batter is smooth and glossy.
  • Step 5: Chill the cookie dough in the fridge for 6-8 minutes to slightly thicken the batter. This step helps the cookies retain their shape while baking.
  • Step 6: Use a tablespoon or cookie scoop to form 16 equal-sized dough balls, placing them on the prepared baking sheets. Space them about 2 inches apart, as they will spread slightly during baking.
  • Step 7: Bake the cookies for 8-9 minutes until they’re puffed and cracked. They should still be soft in the center, which will give them that signature fudgy texture. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

3. Prepare the Vanilla Whipped Cream

While the cookies are cooling, whip up the vanilla whipped cream to pipe onto your cookies.

  • Step 1: In a chilled mixing bowl, pour the cold heavy cream and add the powdered sugar and vanilla bean paste (or extract).
  • Step 2: Using an electric mixer, beat the mixture on medium speed until soft peaks form. The whipped cream should be light and fluffy but still hold its shape when piped.
  • Step 3: Transfer the whipped cream to a piping bag fitted with a star nozzle, ready to pipe onto the cookies.

4. Assemble the Black Forest Cookies

Now comes the fun part—assembling these decadent cookies!

  • Step 1: Pipe a generous swirl of whipped cream onto the bottom of one cooled cookie. The whipped cream should create a soft, cloud-like layer that complements the dense brownie texture of the cookie.
  • Step 2: Spoon a generous amount of cherry filling over the whipped cream. The cherries should be thick and jam-like, but juicy enough to provide a burst of flavor with every bite.
  • Step 3: Place another cookie on top to form a sandwich, gently pressing down to seal the layers together. Repeat this process until all the cookies are assembled.

5. Serve and Enjoy

These cookies are best enjoyed fresh but can also be stored for later indulgence.

  • Serving Suggestions: Serve these cookies with any extra whipped cream and cherry filling for a luxurious treat. You can also top them with extra shaved chocolate or even drizzle with a bit of chocolate sauce for an extra indulgence. These cookies are perfect for a special occasion or as a unique gift for loved ones.
  • Storage: Keep the assembled cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. They’ll stay fresh and delicious, though the whipped cream may soften slightly over time.

Notes

  • Flour Substitution: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, but if you need to adjust for dietary needs, you can swap out the Dutch cocoa powder for carob powder if you want to avoid caffeine.
  • Cherry Filling Variations: If fresh cherries aren’t in season, you can use frozen cherries or even jarred cherries. You can also substitute the cherry filling with other fruits like raspberries or strawberries for a different twist on the classic.
  • Whipped Cream Alternatives: If you prefer a non-dairy option, you can substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or whipped coconut milk. Just be sure to chill the coconut cream beforehand.
  • Add-ins: For extra texture and flavor, consider adding a handful of chopped nuts (like pistachios or almonds) to the cookie dough or as a topping for the assembled cookies.
  • Author: Rosa
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes

These cookies are a luxurious bite of nostalgia wrapped in a modern, bite-sized package. They’re perfect for anyone craving the comforting flavors of Black Forest cake but without the layers or the hassle of frosting and assembling a cake. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply want to indulge in a personal treat, these cookies offer the best of both worlds: the elegance and flavor of the classic dessert, combined with the ease and convenience of cookies. The best part? They’re gluten-free, making them suitable for a variety of dietary preferences while still delivering a satisfyingly indulgent experience.

In this article, we’ll guide you through every step of making these decadent Black Forest Flourless Brownie Cookies. You’ll learn about the ingredients that come together to create this dessert, along with tips for substitutions, serving suggestions, and even how to store them for maximum freshness. So, let’s get started and discover how to make these delicious cookies that are as visually stunning as they are scrumptious.

Ingredients Breakdown: The Building Blocks of Black Forest Flourless Brownie Cookies

Creating a dish that captures the essence of a beloved dessert requires choosing ingredients that not only shine individually but also come together harmoniously. Let’s break down the key components of this recipe.

Cherry Filling 🍒

The cherry filling is the heart of these cookies, infusing them with the bright, tart sweetness that is characteristic of a Black Forest gateau. This filling balances the richness of the chocolate cookies with a fresh, fruity burst. Here’s what you need:

  • Halved Pitted Cherries (300g or 10 ½ oz): Fresh or frozen cherries will work for this recipe. The cherries provide that signature sweet-tart flavor. If using fresh cherries, be sure to pit them and halve them before cooking. Frozen cherries are a great option as well and may release more juice when cooked, which adds to the richness of the filling.
  • Caster/Superfine or Granulated Sugar (50g or Âź cup): The sugar helps balance the tartness of the cherries while also thickening the syrup. Caster sugar dissolves quickly, but you can also use regular granulated sugar if that’s what you have on hand.
  • Lemon Juice (1 ½ tbsp): A splash of lemon juice brightens the cherry filling and intensifies the flavor, ensuring the filling doesn’t feel too sweet or heavy.
  • Cornstarch (8g or 1 tbsp): This is the key to thickening the cherry juices and creating a jam-like consistency. It helps the filling set and prevents it from being too runny when sandwiched between the cookies.

Flourless Brownie Cookies 🍫

The star of the show in these cookies is the rich, fudgy brownie base. Because they’re flourless, the cookies have a denser, chewier texture compared to traditional cookies, similar to a brownie. Here’s what you’ll need for the flourless brownie cookie batter:

  • Dark Chocolate (150g or 5 Âź oz, 60-70% cocoa solids): Use good-quality dark chocolate for the best flavor. A chocolate with 60-70% cocoa solids strikes the perfect balance between sweetness and bitterness, complementing the tart cherry filling.
  • Unsalted Butter (70g or ½ stick + 1 tbsp): Butter adds richness and depth to the chocolate, contributing to the fudgy texture of the cookies.
  • Caster/Superfine or Granulated Sugar (150g or ž cup): Sugar sweetens the batter and helps it rise slightly when baked, giving the cookies that perfect crackled top.
  • Eggs (2 large, room temperature): Eggs help bind the ingredients together and provide structure to the cookies. The fluffiness of the whisked eggs will give the cookies a nice puff when baked.
  • Dutch Processed Cocoa Powder (30g or ⅓ cup): Cocoa powder deepens the chocolate flavor and gives the cookies that rich, dark hue.
  • Salt (Âź tsp): A pinch of salt enhances the flavors of the chocolate and balances the sweetness.

Vanilla Whipped Cream 🧴

What’s a Black Forest dessert without some fluffy whipped cream? This vanilla whipped cream adds lightness and sweetness, providing a perfect contrast to the dense brownie cookies and tart cherry filling.

  • Double or Heavy Cream (230g or 1 cup, cold from the fridge): Cold cream is essential for making whipped cream. The higher fat content in double cream or heavy cream makes the whipped cream richer and more stable.
  • Powdered/Icing Sugar (30-40g or Âź-⅓ cup): Powdered sugar helps achieve the perfect texture for whipped cream and also adds a touch of sweetness.
  • Vanilla Bean Paste (1 tsp) or Vanilla Extract (2 tsp): Vanilla adds a comforting warmth to the whipped cream. Vanilla bean paste gives the whipped cream a more intense, natural vanilla flavor, but extract works just as well.

Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Black Forest Flourless Brownie Cookies

Now that we’ve covered the ingredients, it’s time to dive into the process of making these irresistible cookies. Don’t worry—the steps are easy to follow, and we’ve included some tips along the way to ensure your cookies come out perfect every time!

1. Prepare the Cherry Filling

The first step is to make the cherry filling, as it needs to cool before being assembled into the cookies.

  • Step 1: In a medium saucepan, combine the halved cherries, sugar, and lemon juice. Place the saucepan over medium-high heat and cook, stirring occasionally, until the cherries are soft and have released their juices. This should take about 5-7 minutes. The cherries will start to break down and release their liquid, which will form the base of your filling.
  • Step 2: Once the cherries have softened, mix a few tablespoons of the juices with the cornstarch to create a slurry. Add this slurry back into the saucepan with the remaining cherry juices and cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture comes to a boil and thickens. This should take about 1 minute. The mixture will become glossy and thicker, resembling a cherry jam.
  • Step 3: If you’d like, you can strain the cherries to remove any skins or solids, leaving just the thickened cherry syrup. Return the thickened syrup to the saucepan and cook for another minute to ensure it reaches the desired consistency.
  • Step 4: Remove the pan from the heat and let the filling cool. You can speed up this process by placing the saucepan in a water bath (using ice water is optional). Once it’s cool, refrigerate the cherry filling for 30 minutes to firm up and achieve a more solid texture.

2. Make the Flourless Brownie Cookie Dough

While the cherry filling cools, prepare the flourless brownie cookies. This is a simple process that results in fudgy, chewy cookies that will hold up beautifully when sandwiched with the cherry filling and whipped cream.

  • Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking.
  • Step 2: In a heatproof bowl, melt the dark chocolate and butter together. You can do this over a double boiler or in the microwave in short bursts, stirring between each burst until smooth. Once melted, set the mixture aside to cool slightly.
  • Step 3: In a separate bowl, whisk together the sugar and eggs until pale and fluffy. The eggs should triple in volume, creating a light, airy mixture. This step is essential for the texture of the cookies.
  • Step 4: Slowly pour the slightly cooled chocolate-butter mixture into the egg-sugar mixture while whisking continuously to combine. Once mixed, sift in the cocoa powder and salt. Stir until the batter is smooth and glossy.
  • Step 5: Chill the cookie dough in the fridge for 6-8 minutes to slightly thicken the batter. This step helps the cookies retain their shape while baking.
  • Step 6: Use a tablespoon or cookie scoop to form 16 equal-sized dough balls, placing them on the prepared baking sheets. Space them about 2 inches apart, as they will spread slightly during baking.
  • Step 7: Bake the cookies for 8-9 minutes until they’re puffed and cracked. They should still be soft in the center, which will give them that signature fudgy texture. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

3. Prepare the Vanilla Whipped Cream

While the cookies are cooling, whip up the vanilla whipped cream to pipe onto your cookies.

  • Step 1: In a chilled mixing bowl, pour the cold heavy cream and add the powdered sugar and vanilla bean paste (or extract).
  • Step 2: Using an electric mixer, beat the mixture on medium speed until soft peaks form. The whipped cream should be light and fluffy but still hold its shape when piped.
  • Step 3: Transfer the whipped cream to a piping bag fitted with a star nozzle, ready to pipe onto the cookies.

4. Assemble the Black Forest Cookies

Now comes the fun part—assembling these decadent cookies!

  • Step 1: Pipe a generous swirl of whipped cream onto the bottom of one cooled cookie. The whipped cream should create a soft, cloud-like layer that complements the dense brownie texture of the cookie.
  • Step 2: Spoon a generous amount of cherry filling over the whipped cream. The cherries should be thick and jam-like, but juicy enough to provide a burst of flavor with every bite.
  • Step 3: Place another cookie on top to form a sandwich, gently pressing down to seal the layers together. Repeat this process until all the cookies are assembled.

5. Serve and Enjoy

These cookies are best enjoyed fresh but can also be stored for later indulgence.

  • Serving Suggestions: Serve these cookies with any extra whipped cream and cherry filling for a luxurious treat. You can also top them with extra shaved chocolate or even drizzle with a bit of chocolate sauce for an extra indulgence. These cookies are perfect for a special occasion or as a unique gift for loved ones.
  • Storage: Keep the assembled cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. They’ll stay fresh and delicious, though the whipped cream may soften slightly over time.

Tips for Success, Variations, and Substitutions

  • Flour Substitution: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, but if you need to adjust for dietary needs, you can swap out the Dutch cocoa powder for carob powder if you want to avoid caffeine.
  • Cherry Filling Variations: If fresh cherries aren’t in season, you can use frozen cherries or even jarred cherries. You can also substitute the cherry filling with other fruits like raspberries or strawberries for a different twist on the classic.
  • Whipped Cream Alternatives: If you prefer a non-dairy option, you can substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or whipped coconut milk. Just be sure to chill the coconut cream beforehand.
  • Add-ins: For extra texture and flavor, consider adding a handful of chopped nuts (like pistachios or almonds) to the cookie dough or as a topping for the assembled cookies.

Conclusion

These Black Forest Flourless Brownie Cookies are the ultimate indulgence, combining the luxurious flavors of chocolate, whipped cream, and cherries into a simple, yet stunning cookie. Whether you’re a fan of the classic Black Forest gateau or simply love a fudgy chocolate treat, these cookies will become an instant favorite. With their easy assembly and delicious payoff, they’re perfect for any occasion, from casual get-togethers to special celebrations. So, gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to enjoy a new twist on an old favorite!

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