Cherry Cookies

If you’ve been dreaming of a cookie that’s sweet, soft, and packed with a burst of cherry flavor, then these Cherry Cookies are about to become your new favorite treat. Think buttery, chewy cookies loaded with juicy cherries and a hint of vanilla—it’s like having a bite of summer, no matter the season. These cookies are perfect for snacking, sharing with friends, or even gifting to someone you love. Trust me, these will disappear before you know it!

Why You’ll Love Cherry Cookies

• Bursting with Flavor: The chewy dough combined with real cherry pieces gives each bite a pop of sweetness and tartness that’s truly irresistible.
• Super Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you don’t need to be a baking expert to nail these. If you can mix and scoop, you can bake these cookies!
• Versatile: Love chocolate? Toss in a handful of chocolate chips! Want a touch of almond flavor? Add some almond extract for a delightful twist.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re baking for a holiday, a special occasion, or just because, these cookies are a surefire hit that will impress any crowd.
• Chewy Perfection: The combination of butter and cherries makes these cookies soft and chewy in the center with just the right amount of crispiness around the edges.

Ingredients

For the Cherry Cookies:

• All-Purpose Flour: This is your base, creating the structure of the cookie.
• Baking Powder: Helps give the cookies just the right rise, keeping them soft and fluffy.
• Butter: You’ll need softened butter for that rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweeten things up with a little sugar.
• Eggs: These provide structure and moisture to the dough.
• Vanilla Extract: A touch of vanilla to bring warmth and richness to the flavor.
• Dried Cherries: The star ingredient! Chopped dried cherries give the cookies that sweet and tart burst of flavor.
• Salt: A pinch of salt to balance the sweetness and enhance the other flavors.

For Optional Add-ins (to mix things up):

• White Chocolate Chips: For a creamy contrast to the tart cherries.
• Almond Extract: If you’re into nutty flavors, a little almond extract pairs perfectly with cherries.
• Chopped Nuts: Walnuts or pecans add a nice crunch to the cookies.
• Cinnamon: A dash of cinnamon gives the cookies a cozy, warm note that’s perfect for cooler months.

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to keep the cookies from sticking.

Step 2: Make the Cookie Dough

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer. Add in the eggs and vanilla extract, and beat until well combined.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix!

Step 3: Add the Cherries (and Optional Mix-ins)

Gently fold in the chopped dried cherries (and any optional mix-ins like white chocolate chips or nuts). The dough should be thick and a little sticky, but not too wet.

Step 4: Scoop the Dough

Using a cookie scoop or a spoon, scoop out rounded tablespoon-sized portions of dough and place them onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. You can gently flatten each cookie with the back of a spoon if you want a slightly thinner cookie, but these will spread just a little on their own.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers look set. They may still look soft in the middle, but don’t worry—that’s the perfect chewy texture!

Step 6: 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. If you can resist, these are best enjoyed once they’ve cooled slightly—perfect with a glass of milk or a cup of coffee!

How to Serve Cherry Cookies

• As a Sweet Snack: Perfect for an afternoon pick-me-up or when you’re craving something sweet.
• For Gifting: Pack these cookies in a cute tin or box and gift them to friends or family. These would also make a lovely homemade gift for the holidays!
• With Ice Cream: Sandwich two of these cookies together with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a fun dessert treat.
• For Holiday Baking: Add these to your holiday cookie platter or bring them to a party. They’re colorful, festive, and always a hit!

Additional Tips

• Storage: Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you want them to stay extra soft, place a slice of bread in the container to keep the cookies from drying out.
• Make Them Your Own: Feel free to get creative with this recipe! Add in some chocolate chips, coconut flakes, or even a drizzle of frosting if you’re feeling extra festive.
• Freezing the Dough: If you want to make the dough ahead of time, scoop the dough onto a baking sheet and freeze the dough balls. Once frozen solid, transfer them to a zip-top bag and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, just place the frozen dough balls on a baking sheet and bake as usual, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use fresh cherries instead of dried?
A1: While dried cherries work best for this recipe (they hold up better in baking), you can use fresh cherries if you’d like! Just be sure to pit and chop them before adding them to the dough. You may need to adjust the baking time slightly.

Q2: Can I use chocolate chips instead of cherries?
A2: Absolutely! Chocolate chips are a great alternative if you prefer a sweeter, more indulgent cookie. You could even use both chocolate and cherries together for an extra tasty treat.

Q3: How can I make these cookies even more chewy?
A3: To make your cookies extra chewy, try using brown sugar instead of granulated sugar, and chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before baking. This helps the cookies spread less and stay thicker, giving them that perfect chewy texture.

Q4: Can I double the recipe?
A4: Yes, you can easily double the recipe! Just make sure you have enough baking sheets to accommodate all the cookies, and you may need to bake in batches.

Q5: Can I freeze the baked cookies?
A5: Yes, baked cookies freeze wonderfully! Just let them cool completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container. Freeze for up to 3 months, and thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy.

Q6: How do I prevent my cookies from spreading too much?
A6: To prevent spreading, make sure your butter is softened (not melted), and chill the dough before baking. Also, don’t skip the flour—it helps create structure for the cookie.

Q7: Can I use other dried fruits?
A7: Absolutely! Dried cranberries, raisins, or apricots would all make delicious alternatives to cherries, so feel free to experiment with your favorite dried fruits.

Q8: Are these cookies soft or crispy?
A8: These cookies are soft and chewy on the inside with slightly crispy edges. If you prefer a crispier texture, simply bake them a little longer.

Q9: Can I add a glaze on top of these cookies?
A9: Yes! A simple glaze made from powdered sugar and a little milk would complement the cherries beautifully. You can drizzle it on top for an extra touch of sweetness.

Q10: Can I use almond extract instead of vanilla?
A10: Yes! If you love the flavor of almonds, almond extract pairs wonderfully with cherries and would give the cookies a lovely nutty note.

Conclusion

These Cherry Cookies are the perfect balance of chewy, sweet, and fruity. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just treating yourself, these cookies are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. With their delicious cherry flavor and soft, buttery texture, they’re sure to become a new favorite in your baking rotation. Get ready to indulge in these irresistible little bites of happiness—you won’t be able to stop at just one!

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