Cherry Almond Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

If you’ve ever dreamed of a cookie that perfectly balances fruity tartness, nutty crunch, and melty chocolate all in one bite, then you’re absolutely going to adore this Cherry Almond Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe. Each cookie bursts with sweet dried cherries, toasted almonds, and generous pockets of chocolate, delivering a harmonious symphony of flavors and textures that will keep you reaching for just one more. Whether you’re baking for a cozy night in or gifting to friends, these cookies bring warmth and joy in every chewy, buttery bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for this Cherry Almond Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe are wonderfully straightforward yet completely essential for building that incredible flavor and texture. Each one plays a vital role: from the tender crumb created by the butter and sugar to the delightful bursts from cherries and chocolate chips, not to mention the subtle hint of almond that ties it all together beautifully.

• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour: Provides the structure to hold everything together with a perfect chew.
• 1/2 tsp baking soda: Helps the cookies rise just right, giving them a lovely light texture.
• 1/2 tsp salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds rich moisture and that classic melt-in-your-mouth feel.
• 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens and contributes to the cookie’s crisp edges.
• 1 large egg: Binds ingredients together and adds to the cookie’s tender crumb.
• 1 tsp vanilla extract: Lifts and deepens the overall flavor with its warm aroma.
• 1/2 tsp almond extract: Gives a subtle nutty note that perfectly complements the almonds and cherries.
• 1 cup dried cherries, chopped: Brings bursts of fruity tartness to brighten each bite.
• 1/2 cup sliced almonds: Adds delightful crunch and nutty richness.
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips: Creates irresistible pockets of gooey chocolate melting through the cookie.

How to Make Cherry Almond Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Space

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Then line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking and promote even baking. This setup helps you get those perfectly shaped cookies every time.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

Whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl. This ensures everything is evenly distributed, so your cookies bake evenly without any weird flavor pockets.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

Using an electric mixer, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together in a large bowl until the mixture turns light and fluffy. This takes about 2 to 3 minutes and is key for creating a delicate texture in the final cookie.

Step 4: Add Egg and Extracts

Mix in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract until fully combined. The almond extract here really starts to build that signature flavor of the recipe, adding depth and warmth.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until everything is combined. Resist the urge to overmix to keep your cookies tender and tenderly chewy.

Step 6: Fold in Cherries, Almonds, and Chocolate Chips

Gently fold in the chopped dried cherries, sliced almonds, and semi-sweet chocolate chips with a spatula. These ingredients bring the cookie alive with texture and flavor, so take care to distribute them evenly without breaking the dough.

Step 7: Scoop and Space the Dough

Use a tablespoon or cookie scoop to drop rounded balls of dough onto your prepared baking sheets, spacing each about 2 inches apart. This allows room for spreading and ensures every cookie bakes evenly.

Step 8: Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake the cookies in your preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, until the edges turn a lovely golden brown but the centers still look soft. This balance gives you a cookie that’s crisp on the outside with a wonderfully tender middle.

Step 9: Cool Before Moving

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes post-baking. This rest time helps them set perfectly before you transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely without breaking apart.

Step 10: Enjoy or Store

Serve your freshly baked Cherry Almond Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe warm for a melty, irresistible treat or store them in an airtight container for up to a week. They’re also fantastic to freeze if you want to keep a stash for later indulgence.

How to Serve Cherry Almond Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

Sprinkle a few extra sliced almonds or a handful of chopped dried cherries on top of the cookies right after they come out of the oven for an extra touch of eye-catching appeal and flavor boost. A dusting of powdered sugar can also add a pretty, festive look if you’re serving these as a gift.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair beautifully with fresh brewed coffee, a rich hot chocolate, or a creamy glass of cold milk. For an adult twist, serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a glass of dessert wine to elevate your dessert experience.

Creative Ways to Present

For gift-giving or party trays, stack the cookies tied with rustic twine and tuck in a sprig of fresh rosemary or mint for a lovely presentation. You can also sandwich two cookies with a layer of cream cheese frosting or almond butter for a delightful twist on traditional cookie serving.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover Cherry Almond Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week to maintain freshness and chewy goodness. You can layer them with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Freezing

These cookies freeze wonderfully! To preserve their flavor and texture, place them in a freezer-safe container or resealable bag with parchment paper in between layers and freeze for up to three months. Thaw simply at room temperature before enjoying.

Reheating

If you want to enjoy them warm after storage, pop the cookies in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 to 7 minutes or microwave for 15 to 20 seconds. This quick heat brings back that fresh-baked softness and melts the chocolate chips beautifully.

FAQs

Can I substitute fresh cherries for dried cherries in the Cherry Almond Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe?

Fresh cherries contain more moisture, which can affect the cookie’s texture and baking time. It’s best to stick with dried cherries or pat fresh cherries very dry before using to avoid overly wet dough.

What can I use instead of sliced almonds?

If you’re not a fan of almonds or have allergies, walnuts or pecans make excellent substitutes, offering a similar crunch and nuttiness that complements the cherries and chocolate.

Will these cookies be chewy or crispy?

This Cherry Almond Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe yields cookies that are crispy around the edges with a soft, chewy center—striking a perfect balance many people love.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. This often enhances the flavor as ingredients meld and can make for thicker cookies.

What’s the best way to prevent cookies from spreading too much?

Make sure your butter is softened but not melted and chill the dough if you notice spreading. Also, spacing the dough balls about 2 inches apart helps them keep their shape while baking.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about a classic cookie elevated with cherries, almonds, and chocolate. This Cherry Almond Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe is an absolute must-try for anyone who loves a cookie packed with flavor and texture. Once you bake a batch, I promise these will become your go-to for sharing, gifting, or just indulging yourself. So grab your ingredients, get that oven warm, and dive into a batch of these little bites of happiness!

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