Cherry almond chocolate cookies

If you’re looking for a delicious treat to satisfy your sweet tooth, these Cherry Almond Chocolate Cookies are the answer. Combining the richness of chocolate, the nutty flavor of almonds, and the fruity sweetness of cherries, these cookies are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, a special event, or just to indulge yourself, this easy-to-follow recipe will result in soft, chewy cookies that everyone will love.

Ingredients for Cherry Almond Chocolate Cookies

To make about 24 cookies, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 1 cup of unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup of granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup of brown sugar, packed
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
• 2 cups of all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon of salt
• 1/2 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup of chopped dark or milk chocolate (optional for extra chocolatey goodness)
• 1/2 cup of chopped dried cherries (or fresh, if preferred)
• 1/3 cup of sliced almonds

Step-by-Step Instructions

this recipe

1. Preheat Your Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent the cookies from sticking.

2. Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Use an electric mixer or stand mixer to beat the mixture on medium speed until light and fluffy. This process usually takes about 2-3 minutes.

3. Add the Wet Ingredients

Add the egg and vanilla extract to the mixture, and continue mixing until well combined. Scrape the sides of the bowl as needed to make sure everything is fully incorporated.

4. Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed to avoid flour spilling. Mix until just combined, and be careful not to overwork the dough.

5. Fold in the Add-ins

Once your dough is ready, fold in the chocolate chips, chopped chocolate, dried cherries, and sliced almonds. These ingredients will give your cookies the perfect texture and flavor balance.

6. Shape the Dough

Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, drop dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Gently press each dough ball down with your fingers to slightly flatten the cookie.

7. Bake the Cookies

Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are golden brown. Keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t overbake, as they will continue to cook slightly on the baking sheet once you remove them from the oven.

8. Cool and Enjoy

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. The result will be soft, chewy cookies with a perfect mix of sweet cherries, nutty almonds, and rich chocolate.

Why You’ll Love These Cherry Almond Chocolate Cookies

• Flavor Explosion: The combination of cherries, almonds, and chocolate creates a balanced and decadent flavor profile that’s hard to resist.
• Perfect Texture: These cookies have a soft, chewy center with slightly crisp edges, making them the ideal treat for any cookie lover.
• Versatile: Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just treating yourself, these cookies are versatile enough for all occasions.
• Quick and Easy: With only a few simple ingredients and less than 30 minutes of baking time, these cookies are simple to make.

Tips for the Best Cherry Almond Chocolate Cookies

• Use High-Quality Chocolate: For the best taste, opt for high-quality semi-sweet or dark chocolate.
• Chill the Dough: If you have time, chill the dough for about 30 minutes before baking. This will prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
• Adjust for Sweetness: If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the amount of sugar or chocolate chips to suit your taste.

Final Thoughts

These Cherry Almond Chocolate Cookies are an irresistible treat that will become a favorite in your baking repertoire. They’re the perfect blend of fruity, nutty, and chocolaty goodness, making them a delightful option for sharing with family and friends. So, grab your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a batch of these scrumptious cookies today!

Serving and Storage Tips for Cherry Almond Chocolate Cookies

Once your Cherry Almond Chocolate Cookies are baked to perfection, it’s important to store and serve them properly to maintain their freshness and flavor. Here are some helpful tips to make the most of your delicious homemade cookies.

Serving Tips

1. Presentation: For an extra touch, arrange your cookies on a decorative plate or tray. Add a sprinkle of chopped almonds or dried cherry pieces on top for a beautiful presentation.
2. Pairing with Drinks: These cookies pair wonderfully with a variety of beverages. Serve them with a glass of milk, a cup of hot coffee, or a dessert wine like port or sherry.
3. Serving Temperature: While these cookies are delicious at room temperature, you can warm them up slightly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to get a soft, melty chocolate experience.

Storage Tips

1. Airtight Container: To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. This will help maintain their soft texture for up to 5-7 days.
2. Separate Layers: If you have multiple layers of cookies, place a sheet of parchment paper or wax paper between each layer to prevent them from sticking together.
3. Freezing: If you want to store the cookies for a longer period, freeze them! To freeze, place the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight freezer bag or container. They can be kept in the freezer for up to 3 months.
4. Thawing: When you’re ready to enjoy your frozen cookies, simply let them thaw at room temperature for a few hours. You can also microwave them for 10-15 seconds for a freshly baked feel.

1. Can I use fresh cherries instead of dried cherries?

Yes, you can use fresh cherries instead of dried cherries, but be aware that fresh cherries contain more moisture, which could affect the texture of the cookies. To prevent this, consider chopping and patting the fresh cherries dry with a paper towel before adding them to the dough. You may also want to reduce the amount of butter slightly to compensate for the added moisture.

2. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes, you can make these cookies gluten-free by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure to choose a blend that includes xanthan gum or another binding agent, which helps maintain the cookie’s structure. Additionally, check that your chocolate chips and other add-ins are gluten-free.

3. How can I make these cookies softer or chewier?

To make your Cherry Almond Chocolate Cookies softer and chewier, consider the following tips:

• Underbake slightly: Remove the cookies from the oven just as the edges turn golden brown and the center is still slightly soft. The cookies will continue to cook on the baking sheet.
• Increase the brown sugar: Brown sugar contains more moisture than granulated sugar, contributing to a softer texture.
• Use room temperature butter: Softened butter incorporates better into the dough, resulting in a tender cookie.

4. Can I add other ingredients to the cookies?

Absolutely! These cookies are versatile, and you can customize them to your liking. Here are a few ideas:

• Nuts: Add other nuts like walnuts or pecans for extra crunch.
• White chocolate: Replace some or all of the semi-sweet chocolate chips with white chocolate chips for a sweet twist.
• Spices: Experiment with a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or even almond extract for added depth of flavor.

Feel free to get creative and make these cookies your own!

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