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
Scale
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.
