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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.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
  • ½ cup (50g) unsweetened cocoa powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
  • ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
  • ½ cup (100g) light brown sugar, packed
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ teaspoon almond extract
  • 1 (10 oz) jar maraschino cherries, drained and chopped
  • ¼ cup cherry preserves
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1 tablespoon Kirsch (optional)
  • 4 oz (113g) semi-sweet chocolate, finely chopped
  • ⅓ cup (80ml) heavy cream
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • Optional: White chocolate shavings
  • Optional: Powdered sugar
  • Optional: Sprinkles

Instructions

  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
  2. In a stand mixer or large bowl, cream butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar for 3–5 minutes until fluffy.
  3. Add egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Mix until incorporated.
  4. Gradually add dry ingredients, mixing on low speed just until combined.
  5. Divide dough into two discs, wrap tightly, and refrigerate for at least 1–2 hours.
  6. 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.
  7. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment or silicone mats.
  8. 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.
  9. Place on baking sheets 1 inch apart and bake for 8–10 minutes. Let cool fully on racks.
  10. 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.
  11. Spread ganache onto the bottoms of whole cookies. Top with a small spoonful of cherry filling.
  12. Place a cut-out cookie on top and press gently to sandwich.
  13. Optional: Dust with powdered sugar or white chocolate shavings, or drizzle with extra ganache.
  14. 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

Find it online: https://yumfoodusa.com/black-forest-christmas-sandwich-cookies/