If you are on the lookout for a delightful treat that perfectly balances sweet and tart flavors, this Cherry Cookies Recipe will quickly become one of your favorites. Imagine soft, fluffy cookies bursting with juicy, chopped dried cherries and hints of vanilla warmth, each bite sending you straight to comfort-food heaven. These cookies offer a wonderful combination of chewiness and gentle crumble, making them a charming snack anytime you crave a delicious pick-me-up or want to impress guests with a homemade delight that feels both cozy and special. Whether you are a seasoned baker or just starting, this recipe is approachable and guaranteed to fill your kitchen with inviting aromas and smiles.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Cherry Cookies Recipe comes together with simple, everyday ingredients that each play a crucial part in the texture, flavor, and character of the cookies. Sourcing quality basics ensures your cookies are soft yet structured, sweet yet nuanced, and that joyful burst of cherry shines through.
- All-Purpose Flour: This is your base, creating the structure of the cookie, giving it that perfect chew.
- Baking Powder: Helps the cookies rise just right, keeping them soft and fluffy without being cakey.
- Butter: Use softened butter for a rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture packed with flavor.
- Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the dough gently, providing balance without overpowering.
- Eggs: These create moisture and provide the necessary structure to hold your dough together.
- Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, comforting aroma and depth that elevates every bite.
- Dried Cherries: The star ingredient that gives the Cherry Cookies Recipe its signature sweet and tart bursts.
- Salt: Just a pinch to enhance all the other flavors and prevent the cookies from tasting flat.
- White Chocolate Chips (Optional): For a luscious creamy counterpart to the tart cherries, if you want a touch more decadence.
- Almond Extract (Optional): Adds a nutty fragrance that marries beautifully with cherries.
- Chopped Nuts (Optional): Walnuts or pecans for a welcome crunch that adds texture.
- Cinnamon (Optional): A dash of warm spice perfect for autumn or winter cookie cravings.
How to Make Cherry Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start your Cherry Cookies Recipe by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lining your baking sheets with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat is key to keeping the cookies from sticking and helps them bake evenly without burning on the bottom.
Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy—this step is where the magic begins, giving your cookies that tender crumb. Then beat in the eggs along with the vanilla extract and, if you’re using it, almond extract. This combination sets the foundation for warm, inviting flavors.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures the baking powder is evenly distributed, which means your cookies will rise perfectly and have an even texture.
Step 4: Bring It All Together
Gradually add the dry ingredients to your wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing here to keep the cookies tender. Now comes the exciting part—fold in your chopped dried cherries along with any optional mix-ins like white chocolate chips or chopped nuts. These add bursts of flavor and texture that make each cookie feel unique and indulgent.
Step 5: Shape and Bake
Scoop portions of the cookie dough onto your prepared baking sheet, spacing them a couple of inches apart. Using the back of a spoon or your fingers, gently flatten each ball so they bake evenly and develop a pretty, slightly crisp edge. Bake for about 12-15 minutes, until the cookies are lightly golden and fragrant.
How to Serve Cherry Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
A simple dusting of powdered sugar after baking adds a delicate sweetness and makes your Cherry Cookies Recipe look as charming as they taste. You could also drizzle melted white chocolate on top for extra elegance and creaminess.
Side Dishes
Serve these cookies alongside a warm cup of tea, coffee, or hot cocoa to enhance their comfort-food quality. Fresh fruit or a scoop of vanilla ice cream can create a lovely dessert plate for special occasions or cozy weekend treats.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive touch, stack your cherry cookies in a decorative tin or gift box wrapped with a ribbon—perfect for sharing with friends and family. You can also sandwich them with a layer of cream cheese frosting or cherry jam inside for a fun twist that amps up the cherry flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Cherry Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay fresh and chewy for up to a week, making them easy to enjoy throughout the week or take along to work or school.
Freezing
If you want to save them for longer, freeze the baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a zip-top freezer bag or container. Frozen cherry cookies last about 2-3 months and thaw beautifully at room temperature.
Reheating
To enjoy your Cherry Cookies Recipe warm and fresh again, pop them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-7 minutes or microwave them for 10-15 seconds. This revives the softness and lets the cherry flavor bloom.
FAQs
Can I use fresh cherries instead of dried cherries?
Fresh cherries have a lot of moisture, so they can make the cookie dough too wet. Dried cherries are preferred for maintaining the dough’s structure and ensuring a chewy texture with concentrated flavor.
How do I make these cookies dairy-free?
Swap the butter for a plant-based margarine or coconut oil and make sure your white chocolate chips (if using) are dairy-free. These substitutions still yield delicious cookies with minimal changes in texture.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that measures cup-for-cup like regular flour. Keep an eye on the texture and baking time as it might need slight adjustments depending on the blend.
What is the best way to chop dried cherries?
Use a sharp knife and a steady hand to chop dried cherries into small pieces, roughly the size of chocolate chips, so they distribute evenly throughout the cookies and provide juicy bursts without overpowering a single bite.
How long do I need to bake the cookies?
Baking times can vary slightly depending on your oven and cookie size, but generally, 12-15 minutes at 350°F (175°C) will result in cookies that are set with lightly golden edges and soft centers.
Final Thoughts
You really can’t go wrong with this Cherry Cookies Recipe—it’s a true crowd-pleaser that brings the best of sweet, tart, and buttery flavors together effortlessly. Whether for a special occasion, an afternoon treat, or a thoughtful homemade gift, these cookies deliver comfort and joy with every bite. Give them a try and see how quickly they become a beloved staple in your baking repertoire!
Print
Cherry Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in these soft and fluffy cherry cookies featuring dried cherries for a sweet and tart burst of flavor. Enhanced with vanilla and optional almond extract, white chocolate chips, or nuts, these cookies are perfect for any occasion and sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup softened butter
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
Add-ins
- 1 cup chopped dried cherries
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips (optional)
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prepare for baking.
- Prepare Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until creamy and smooth. Add eggs, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using), and continue beating until well combined.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon (if using) to evenly distribute the leavening and seasoning.
- Combine Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing with a spoon or mixer on low speed until just combined to form the cookie dough.
- Fold in Add-ins: Gently fold in the chopped dried cherries, optional white chocolate chips, and chopped nuts to incorporate them evenly throughout the dough without overmixing.
- Scoop and Shape Cookies: Scoop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Flatten each ball slightly with the back of a spoon or your fingers for even baking.
- Bake the Cookies: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers have set but remain soft.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy!
Notes
- Softened butter is key for a creamy dough; avoid melting the butter.
- For even distribution, chop dried cherries and nuts to similar sizes.
- Optional almond extract adds a lovely nutty flavor complementing the cherries.
- White chocolate chips provide a sweet, creamy contrast to the tart cherries.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Freezing dough balls before baking helps maintain shape during baking.
