Description
Delight in these cherry cookies featuring a perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors, enhanced with rich butter, delicate vanilla, and optional white chocolate chips or nuts for added texture. Soft and fluffy with a melt-in-your-mouth texture, these cookies make a fantastic treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
- 1 cup chopped dried cherries
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips or semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional)
Optional Add-ins
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
- 1-2 tablespoons cherry juice (optional, for added moisture and flavor)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Make the Cookie Dough – Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using) until the mixture is well combined and smooth.
- Make the Cookie Dough – Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon (if using). This ensures the leavening agents and spices are evenly distributed.
- Combine Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing gently but thoroughly until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.
- Fold in Add-ins: Gently incorporate the chopped dried cherries, white or semi-sweet chocolate chips (if using), chopped nuts (if using), and cherry juice (if using) into the dough, ensuring even distribution without breaking up the cherries too much.
- Scoop the Cookies: Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, form the dough into balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Flatten each ball slightly with the back of a spoon or your fingers to promote even baking.
- Bake the Cookies: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown but the centers remain soft.
- Cool the Cookies: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the cookies cool on it for about 5 minutes. Then, transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely before serving to allow them to set perfectly.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once cooled, these cherry cookies are ready to be enjoyed with a glass of milk, tea, or coffee, perfect for snack time or dessert.
Notes
- You can customize the cookies with additional mix-ins like nuts, cinnamon, or chocolate chips to suit your taste preferences.
- For a more intense cherry flavor, consider adding a tablespoon or two of cherry juice to the dough.
- Make sure the butter is softened, but not melted, for the best texture.
- If you prefer a chewier cookie, slightly underbake them and allow to finish setting on the cooling rack.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week, or freeze for longer storage.
