“`html
If you’re on the lookout for a delightful treat that captures the perfect balance of sweet and tart, this Cherry Cookies Recipe is an absolute must-try. These cookies boast a tender crumb with bursts of juicy dried cherries in every bite, making them incredibly addictive. The combination of buttery dough and the vibrant cherry flavor creates a tempting harmony that feels both comforting and exciting, perfect for an afternoon snack or a festive dessert to share with friends and family.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Cherry Cookies Recipe lies in its simple but thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a vital role: the flour gives the cookie structure, the butter adds richness, and the dried cherries bring that signature tangy sweetness that lights up every mouthful.
- All-Purpose Flour: The sturdy base that shapes your cookie’s soft and chewy texture.
- Baking Powder: Provides just enough lift so the cookies stay soft and fluffy without being cakey.
- Butter: Using softened butter ensures a melt-in-your-mouth richness that makes these cookies irresistible.
- Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the dough while helping to create that desirable slightly crisp edge.
- Eggs: Key for binding the dough and adding moisture that results in a tender bite.
- Vanilla Extract: A fragrant warmth that deepens the overall flavor profile.
- Dried Cherries: The star of the show, chopped for bursts of sweet-tart flavor in every bite.
- Salt: Just a pinch to balance the sweetness and enhance all the ingredients’ essence.
- White Chocolate Chips (optional): A creamy, luscious contrast that pairs beautifully with the cherries.
- Almond Extract (optional): For those who love nutty undertones that elevate the cherry flavor.
- Chopped Nuts (optional): Adding walnuts or pecans introduces a delightful crunch.
- Cinnamon (optional): A cozy hint of spice perfect for a comforting twist during cooler months.
How to Make Cherry Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C). Preparing your baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat prevents sticking and helps your Cherry Cookies Recipe bake evenly with a perfect finish.
Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, beat softened butter with granulated sugar until creamy and smooth. Next, add the eggs along with the vanilla extract—and almond extract if you’re using it—then mix everything thoroughly for a beautifully combined base.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agent and seasoning for a balanced cookie dough.
Step 4: Bring Dough Together
Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring just until combined to avoid overmixing and keep the cookies tender. Gently fold in the chopped dried cherries and your choice of optional white chocolate chips or nuts for added texture and bursts of flavor.
Step 5: Scoop and Shape
Scoop dough into roughly tablespoon-sized balls and arrange them on your prepared baking sheet. Flatten each one slightly with the back of a spoon or your fingers to help them bake evenly and achieve a beautiful shape.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Pop the cookies into your preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. Once golden at the edges but still soft in the middle, remove them and let cool on the sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack. This final step ensures the cookies set perfectly without losing their tender character.
How to Serve Cherry Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
For a lovely finishing touch, sprinkle a pinch of powdered sugar or finely chopped dried cherries on top of the cookies just before serving. This adds a little sparkle and emphasizes the cherry flavor wonderfully.
Side Dishes
Pair these cookies with a warm cup of tea or a frothy latte for a delightful treat anytime. They also complement creamy vanilla ice cream perfectly, turning your Cherry Cookies Recipe into an indulgent dessert experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Bring a bit of whimsy by stacking the cookies into a charming tower or arranging them in a rustic basket lined with a colorful napkin, making them the star of any gathering. You can also sandwich two cookies together with a spread of cream cheese frosting or cherry jam for an exciting twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftover Cherry Cookies Recipe fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and flavorful for up to a week, perfect for nibbling anytime.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy these cookies later, freeze the unbaked dough balls on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer them to a freezer bag. You can bake them fresh whenever the craving hits, just add a couple of minutes to the baking time. Fully baked cookies also freeze well and can be thawed at room temperature.
Reheating
For that fresh-baked warmth, pop your stored cookies in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes or microwave them for 10-15 seconds. This loosens them up and revives their deliciously soft texture—almost like they just came out of the oven.
FAQs
Can I substitute dried cherries with fresh ones?
Fresh cherries contain more moisture, which can affect the cookie’s texture by making them cakier or wetter. If you want to use fresh cherries, consider reducing other liquids or try a recipe specifically designed for fresh fruit.
What if I don’t have almond extract? Can I leave it out?
Absolutely! Almond extract adds a lovely nutty aroma but it’s not essential. Vanilla extract alone gives plenty of warmth, so feel free to skip the almond extract if it’s not on hand.
How do I make these cookies more chewy or more crispy?
For chewier cookies, use a little more brown sugar or slightly underbake them. For crispier edges, increase the baking time by a minute or two and flatten the dough balls a bit more before baking.
Can I use frozen cherries in this recipe?
Frozen cherries tend to release extra moisture, which might change the dough consistency. If you use frozen cherries, thaw and drain them well, then pat dry to avoid sogginess in your cookies.
Are these cookies gluten-free?
This recipe uses all-purpose flour, which contains gluten. To make it gluten-free, substitute with a trusted gluten-free flour blend, but note that texture and rise might vary slightly.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Cherry Cookies Recipe enough if you’re craving a cookie that’s anything but ordinary. It’s a joyful blend of flavors and textures that come together to create something truly special. Whether you’re baking for yourself or to share some love with others, these cookies will quickly become a favorite staple. So roll up your sleeves, preheat that oven, and get ready to bake a batch that’s bursting with cherry goodness!
“`
Print
Cherry Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Description
Delight in these soft and fluffy Cherry Cookies bursting with the sweet and tart flavor of dried cherries. Enhanced optionally with white chocolate chips, almond extract, and chopped nuts, these cookies provide a perfect balance of warmth and crunch, ideal for any season.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups All-Purpose Flour
- 1 teaspoon Baking Powder
- ½ teaspoon Baking Soda
- ½ teaspoon Salt
- 1 cup Unsalted Butter, softened
- ¾ cup Granulated Sugar
- 2 large Eggs
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- 1 teaspoon Almond Extract (optional)
- 1 cup Dried Cherries, chopped
Optional Add-ins
- ½ cup White Chocolate Chips or Semi-sweet Chocolate Chips
- ½ cup Chopped Nuts (Walnuts or Pecans)
- ¼ teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Make the Cookie Dough: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until creamy and light. Then, add the eggs, vanilla extract, and almond extract if using, and beat until fully combined and smooth.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon if using. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agents and spices.
- Mix Dry Into Wet: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing gently until just combined to avoid overworking the dough which can make cookies tough.
- Fold in Add-ins: Gently fold in chopped dried cherries, white or semi-sweet chocolate chips, and chopped nuts if using, making sure they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Scoop the Cookies: Use a spoon or cookie scoop to place dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Flatten each ball slightly with the back of a spoon or your fingers to help them bake evenly.
- Bake the Cookies: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden but the centers remain soft.
- Cool the Cookies: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the cookies cool on it for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents breaking and helps set the texture.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once cooled, serve these delicious cherry cookies as a snack, dessert, or with your favorite beverage.
Notes
- For deeper cherry flavor, soak dried cherries in cherry juice for 15 minutes before folding into the dough.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain freshness.
- Substitute butter with margarine for a dairy-free option, but texture may vary slightly.
- Adding cinnamon and almond extract is optional but enhances flavor complexity.
- Ensure butter is softened (not melted) for best creaming results during mixing.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
