These Black Forest Christmas Sandwich Cookies offer a festive, elegant reinterpretation of a classic flavor profile. Rich chocolate cookies are layered with tart cherry compote and smooth ganache, then finished with a dusting of powdered sugar or delicate white chocolate shavings. The result is a refined, layered treat that blends deep cocoa, vibrant fruit, and celebratory texture—perfect for minimalist holiday trays or elevated dessert spreads.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Classic flavor, modern form – inspired by Black Forest cake, transformed into a clean, handheld cookie.
Deep chocolate base – cocoa-rich cookies with crisp edges and a tender bite.
Tart cherry filling – balances sweetness and adds seasonal brightness.
Luxe ganache layer – smooth, semi-sweet chocolate for creamy contrast.
Celebration-ready – ideal for cookie exchanges, gift boxes, or elegant dessert platters.
Minimal garnish – no icing needed—just a light dusting or a few shavings for finish.
Holiday-friendly prep – dough and filling can be made in advance.
No artificial flavors – all ingredients are real and richly flavored.
Flexible toppings – customize with powdered sugar, chocolate drizzle, or sprinkles.
Balanced richness – sweet, tart, and chocolatey without overwhelming.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Chocolate Cookies:

all-purpose flour (plus more for rolling)
unsweetened cocoa powder
baking soda
salt
unsalted butter, softened
granulated sugar
light brown sugar
large egg
vanilla extract
almond extract

For the Cherry Filling:

maraschino cherries, drained and chopped
cherry preserves
cornstarch
Kirsch (optional)

For the Chocolate Ganache:

semi-sweet chocolate, finely chopped
heavy cream
unsalted butter

Optional Toppings:

white chocolate shavings
powdered sugar
sprinkles

Directions

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
In a stand mixer or mixing bowl, cream the softened butter with granulated and brown sugar until fluffy (3–5 minutes).
Add egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Mix until smooth.
Slowly add the dry ingredients and mix on low speed until just combined.
Divide dough into two discs, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill for at least 1–2 hours.

To make the Cherry Filling:

In a saucepan over medium heat, combine chopped cherries, cherry preserves, and cornstarch.
Stir constantly until the mixture thickens and becomes glossy (about 3–5 minutes).
Remove from heat and stir in Kirsch if using. Cool completely.

To bake the cookies:

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
On a floured surface, roll dough to ¼ inch thickness. Cut into 2-inch rounds.
Cut small centers out of half the rounds to create top cookies with windows.
Place cookies on prepared sheets, spacing 1 inch apart.
Bake for 8–10 minutes. Allow to cool fully on wire racks.

To make the Ganache:

Heat cream in a small saucepan just to a simmer.
Pour over chopped chocolate in a bowl. Let sit 1 minute, then stir until smooth.
Stir in butter and mix until glossy. Allow to cool slightly before assembling.

To assemble the sandwich cookies:

Spread a thin layer of ganache onto the flat side of each whole cookie base.
Add a small spoonful of cooled cherry filling in the center.
Place a cut-out cookie top over each, pressing gently to form a sandwich.
Optional: Drizzle with ganache, dust with powdered sugar, or sprinkle with white chocolate shavings.
Chill cookies for 30 minutes to allow everything to set before serving.

Servings and timing

Prep Time: 45 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours (includes chilling and assembly)
Servings: 24–30 cookies
Calories per serving: 180 kcal

Variations

Jam alternative: Use black cherry or sour cherry jam in place of preserves.
No Kirsch: Skip the liqueur entirely or replace with cherry juice for alcohol-free flavor.
Gluten-free version: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and adjust texture as needed.
Dark chocolate ganache: Use 70% dark chocolate for a more intense flavor.
Dust-free: Skip toppings entirely for a truly minimalist finish.
Color variation: Add red or gold edible glitter for subtle festive sparkle.
Nutty twist: Add finely ground hazelnuts to the cookie dough for added richness.
Flavored sugar topping: Dust with vanilla sugar or cinnamon sugar before baking.
Mini sandwich bites: Use a 1½-inch cutter for smaller, bite-sized cookies.
Open-faced style: Serve as single cookies topped with ganache and cherry.

storage/reheating

Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
Freezing: Unassembled cookies and fillings can be frozen separately. Assembled cookies can be frozen, but may soften slightly.
Make-ahead tips: Prepare dough, ganache, and filling 1–2 days in advance and store separately. Assemble fresh for best texture.

FAQs

Do I have to use Kirsch in the cherry filling?

No. It adds a traditional Black Forest flavor, but the cookies are just as delicious without it.

Can I skip the ganache?

Ganache is essential for the layered experience. However, you can use a chocolate spread in a pinch.

How thick should the dough be rolled?

¼ inch thick is ideal to ensure clean cuts and even baking.

Can I use fresh cherries?

Fresh cherries must be pitted and cooked down with sugar and cornstarch. Maraschino or preserved cherries are more traditional for this cookie.

How long should the dough chill?

At least 1 hour is necessary for proper rolling and clean cookie edges.

What kind of chocolate works best for ganache?

Use high-quality semi-sweet chocolate (around 55–60%) for a balanced sweetness.

Can I make these in advance?

Yes. Assemble a day ahead and refrigerate. Let come to room temperature before serving.

How do I get clean sandwich cookies?

Cool cookies completely before assembling. Let ganache cool slightly to avoid melting the base.

Can I roll and cut all cookies first, then bake?

Yes, but keep unbaked trays chilled while the first batch bakes to prevent spreading.

How should I pack these for gifting?

Layer cookies in parchment paper inside a rigid box to prevent shifting. Keep chilled until gifting.

Conclusion

Black Forest Christmas Sandwich Cookies offer a beautifully layered bite of holiday indulgence—where rich chocolate, tart cherry, and smooth ganache meet with refined precision. These cookies are visually striking, deeply flavorful, and perfect for those who appreciate dessert with structure and elegance. Whether served at your holiday table or gifted with care, they make a festive statement without any decorative excess.

Black Forest Christmas Sandwich Cookies

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Rich chocolate sandwich cookies filled with tart cherry compote and smooth ganache, these elegant treats are a refined take on the Black Forest flavor—perfect for festive occasions and minimalist dessert tables.

Author: Mari
Prep Time: 45 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 120 minutes
Yield: 24–30 cookies 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: German-American
Diet: Vegetarian

Instructions

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
In a stand mixer or large bowl, cream butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar for 3–5 minutes until fluffy.
Add egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Mix until incorporated.
Gradually add dry ingredients, mixing on low speed just until combined.
Divide dough into two discs, wrap tightly, and refrigerate for at least 1–2 hours.
Meanwhile, in a small saucepan over medium heat, stir together chopped cherries, cherry preserves, and cornstarch until thick and glossy (3–5 minutes). Stir in Kirsch if using. Let cool completely.
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment or silicone mats.
On a floured surface, roll dough to ¼ inch thick. Cut into 2-inch rounds. For half the cookies, cut a small shape from the center for the tops.
Place on baking sheets 1 inch apart and bake for 8–10 minutes. Let cool fully on racks.
For the ganache, heat cream until just simmering. Pour over chopped chocolate, let sit 1 minute, then stir until smooth. Add butter and mix. Cool slightly.
Spread ganache onto the bottoms of whole cookies. Top with a small spoonful of cherry filling.
Place a cut-out cookie on top and press gently to sandwich.
Optional: Dust with powdered sugar or white chocolate shavings, or drizzle with extra ganache.
Chill cookies for 30 minutes to set before serving.

Notes

Chill dough thoroughly to prevent spreading during baking.
Kirsch adds traditional Black Forest flavor but can be omitted.
Use a piping bag for neater ganache application if desired.
Cookies store well in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Let sit at room temperature before serving for best texture.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cookie
Calories: 180
Sugar: 12g
Sodium: 60mg
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Unsaturated Fat: 3.5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 22g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 2g
Cholesterol: 25mg