Cherry Almond Chocolate Chip Cookies

Craving a cookie that’s a little out of the ordinary but still hits all the sweet, comforting notes? You’ve found it! These Cherry Almond Chocolate Chip Cookies are the perfect blend of chewy, sweet, and nutty, with a little surprise from the juicy dried cherries. The added almond extract gives them an irresistible, aromatic twist that takes them from “just another cookie” to something truly special. Trust me, once you take a bite, you’ll be hooked!

Why You’ll Love Cherry Almond Chocolate Chip Cookies

There’s something magical about this combination of flavors. Here’s why these cookies will quickly become a favorite:

Perfect Balance of Sweet & Nutty: The richness of chocolate chips, the tartness of cherries, and the nutty aroma of almonds make every bite a delightful experience. It’s the perfect combo to satisfy your sweet tooth!

Chewy & Soft: These cookies have a wonderful chewy texture that everyone loves. With the right balance of ingredients, you get that perfect “bite” without being too crunchy or too soft.

Unique Twist: The addition of dried cherries and almond extract makes these cookies stand out from your usual chocolate chip variety. They’re just as comforting, but with an extra touch of personality.

Crowd-Pleasing: These cookies are guaranteed to be a hit, whether you’re making them for a party, a special occasion, or just a cozy treat for yourself. It’s a flavor combination that works for everyone.

Simple Ingredients: You won’t need to hunt for anything fancy! The ingredients are easy to find, and you probably already have most of them in your kitchen.

Ingredients

Let’s gather everything you need to bake these beauties:

Butter: The base of any good cookie! Softened butter gives the dough a rich flavor and a perfect texture.

Sugar: Both granulated and brown sugars are used to create the right balance of sweetness and softness. Brown sugar adds a nice depth of flavor and moisture to the cookies.

Eggs: Eggs help bind the ingredients together and give the cookies structure. They also contribute to that soft, chewy texture.

Vanilla Extract: The classic addition to most cookie recipes, vanilla enhances the sweetness and flavor of the dough.

Almond Extract: This is the secret ingredient that takes these cookies to the next level. A little bit goes a long way, and it gives the cookies a subtle, sweet nuttiness.

Flour: All-purpose flour is the foundation of the dough and gives the cookies structure.

Baking Soda: This helps the cookies spread and rise to the perfect thickness while ensuring they bake up soft and chewy.

Salt: Just a pinch helps balance the sweetness and enhances the flavors.

Chocolate Chips: Semi-sweet chocolate chips are the classic choice, providing that rich, gooey chocolate goodness with every bite.

Dried Cherries: These sweet and tart dried cherries are what give these cookies their unique flavor. They provide a burst of fruitiness that balances the richness of the chocolate.

Almonds: Chopped almonds add a bit of crunch and nutty flavor to complement the almond extract. Plus, they add texture and a satisfying bite!

(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Time to bake! Follow these steps, and you’ll be enjoying warm, fresh cookies in no time.

Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure even baking.

Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and almond extract.

Combine the Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until everything is combined and a dough forms.

Add the Mix-ins: Stir in the chocolate chips, dried cherries, and chopped almonds. These ingredients will add all the fun textures and flavors to your cookies.

Shape the Dough: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of the dough and roll them into balls. Place the dough balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

Bake to Perfection: Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden brown, but the centers are still soft. Be careful not to overbake—you want them to stay chewy!

Cool and Enjoy: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This allows them to set properly and makes them easier to handle.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 24 cookies
Calories per serving: 150

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
Total Time: 25-27 minutes

How to Serve Cherry Almond Chocolate Chip Cookies

These cookies are delicious as-is, but you can serve them with a few fun extras:

• A Glass of Milk: You can’t go wrong with a cold glass of milk to dunk these cookies in!
• Hot Chocolate or Coffee: For the ultimate indulgence, pair these cookies with a warm drink like hot chocolate, coffee, or even a latte. The flavors just get better together.
• Ice Cream: Make a cookie sundae by adding a scoop of vanilla or almond-flavored ice cream on top of one of these cookies. It’s an extra special treat!

Additional Tips

• Dried Cherries: If you find the dried cherries to be a bit too tart, you can soak them in warm water for 5 minutes to soften them a bit before adding them to the dough.
• Almond Extract: A little goes a long way, so be sure not to overdo it. The almond flavor should be subtle but definitely noticeable.
• Don’t Overmix: When adding the dry ingredients to the wet, be careful not to overmix the dough. Overmixing can lead to dense cookies.
• Cookie Size: If you prefer larger cookies, you can make them bigger, but be sure to adjust the baking time slightly. Larger cookies may need an extra minute or two to bake through.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use fresh cherries instead of dried?
A1: Fresh cherries have a lot more moisture and might change the texture of the cookies. Dried cherries are ideal because they don’t add too much extra liquid.

Q2: Can I use a different type of nut?
A2: Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of almonds, try using walnuts, pecans, or even macadamia nuts for a different flavor profile.

Q3: How do I store leftover cookies?
A3: Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them for up to 3 months.

Q4: Can I freeze the cookie dough?
A4: Yes! You can freeze the cookie dough balls before baking. Just place them on a baking sheet and freeze for 1-2 hours, then transfer them to a Ziploc bag. When you’re ready to bake, just place the frozen dough balls on a baking sheet and bake for 12-14 minutes.

Q5: Can I use a sugar substitute?
A5: Yes, you can use a sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit, but keep in mind that it may alter the flavor and texture slightly.

Q6: Can I add more chocolate chips?
A6: Of course! If you love chocolate, feel free to add extra chips to make them extra chocolatey.

Q7: Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
A7: You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, but make sure to check the consistency of the dough, as gluten-free flour can sometimes affect the texture.

Q8: How can I make the cookies crunchier?
A8: If you prefer a crunchier texture, try baking the cookies for an additional minute or two. You can also try flattening the dough balls slightly before baking.

Q9: Can I skip the almond extract?
A9: You can, but the almond extract really enhances the flavor. If you skip it, the cookies will still be delicious, but you’ll miss that extra depth.

Q10: Can I double the recipe?
A10: Yes! If you need more cookies, go ahead and double the ingredients. Just make sure to divide the dough between two baking sheets to avoid overcrowding.

Conclusion

These Cherry Almond Chocolate Chip Cookies are a perfect balance of sweetness, nuttiness, and chocolatey goodness. They’re chewy, flavorful, and just the right treat for any occasion. Whether you’re baking them for a special event or enjoying them with a glass of milk, these cookies are sure to become a favorite in your baking rotation. Happy baking!

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