Cherry Almond Chocolate Cookies

These Cherry Almond Chocolate Cookies are a delightful treat that combines rich chocolate, sweet dried cherries, and crunchy almonds in every bite. Whether you’re preparing for a holiday gathering, a casual get-together, or simply craving a homemade cookie, these cookies are sure to impress. The combination of ingredients creates a perfect balance of flavors, with the sweetness of the cherries, the nuttiness of the almonds, and the depth of the cocoa creating a truly irresistible dessert.

The best part about these cookies is how easy they are to make. With just a few simple ingredients and basic preparation, you’ll have a batch of delicious cookies ready in no time. The chewy texture and decadent chocolate chips make these cookies perfect for any occasion, and their almond extract flavor gives them an extra layer of richness that will keep you coming back for more. Enjoy them fresh out of the oven or stored for a later snack – they’re versatile and always a hit!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Unique Flavor Combination

The blend of cherries, almonds, and chocolate creates a perfect balance of sweet and nutty flavors that will excite your taste buds.

2. Quick and Easy

These cookies are simple to prepare with minimal ingredients and steps, making them perfect for both beginner bakers and experienced ones.

3. Chewy and Delicious

The combination of dried cherries and chocolate chips gives these cookies a chewy texture with bursts of sweetness in every bite.

4. Perfect for Any Occasion

Whether it’s a holiday, party, or a cozy night in, these cookies are the ideal treat to share with friends and family.

5. Customizable Add-Ins

Feel free to experiment with different nuts or dried fruits, such as cranberries or walnuts, for a unique twist on this classic cookie recipe.

Ingredients

• Butter
• Sugar
• Egg
• Almond extract
• All-purpose flour
• Cocoa powder
• Salt
• Chopped almonds
• Dried cherries
• Semisweet chocolate chips

Variations

• Nutty Twist: Swap almonds for other nuts like pecans or walnuts to add variety.
• Fruit Swap: Use dried cranberries or raisins in place of the dried cherries for a different fruity flavor.
• Gluten-Free: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make this recipe suitable for those with dietary restrictions.
• Vegan Option: Substitute the butter with a dairy-free alternative and use a flax egg or aquafaba as an egg replacement for a vegan version.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper or leave them ungreased.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until smooth and fluffy. This process will help create a light and airy cookie dough.

Step 3: Add Egg and Almond Extract

Beat in the egg and almond extract, mixing until fully incorporated.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, combine the flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until fully combined.

Step 5: Fold in Add-ins

Gently fold in the chopped almonds, dried cherries, and chocolate chips, making sure they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Step 6: Shape the Dough

Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto ungreased cookie sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.

Step 7: Bake the Cookies

Bake in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the edges are firm and the centers are set.

Step 8: Cool the Cookies

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature for easier creaming with sugar.
• Chill the Dough: If you want a thicker cookie, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking.
• Don’t Over-Bake: To ensure chewy cookies, be careful not to over-bake. They should be soft in the center when you remove them from the oven.
• Evenly Sized Cookies: Use a cookie scoop or spoon to ensure all cookies are the same size and bake evenly.

How to Serve

These Cherry Almond Chocolate Cookies are perfect on their own or paired with a glass of milk, a cup of coffee, or a warm cup of tea. They make great snacks, party treats, or even a thoughtful homemade gift wrapped in a festive tin.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. They will stay fresh and delicious for several days.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze the cookies. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then freeze until firm. Transfer to a freezer bag or container and store for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, let them thaw at room temperature.

Reheating

To reheat, place the cookies in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or warm them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 5 minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of chocolate?

Yes, feel free to swap the semisweet chocolate chips for milk chocolate or white chocolate chips if you prefer a different flavor.

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

Dried cherries work best in this recipe because they don’t release moisture during baking. Fresh cherries may cause the dough to become too wet.

3. How do I make these cookies vegan?

Replace the butter with a plant-based butter alternative and use a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 3 tbsp water) or aquafaba (3 tbsp liquid from canned chickpeas) in place of the egg.

4. Can I add more cherries or almonds?

Yes, you can increase the amount of cherries or almonds to suit your taste, but be mindful that adding too much can affect the texture of the dough.

5. Can I freeze the dough before baking?

Yes, you can freeze the cookie dough! Scoop the dough into balls and freeze on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer the dough balls to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding an extra 2-3 minutes to the baking time.

6. How do I make the cookies more chocolatey?

To make them even more chocolatey, add more cocoa powder to the dough or mix in extra chocolate chips.

7. Can I use almond flour instead of regular flour?

Almond flour may change the texture of the cookies and prevent them from spreading correctly. It’s best to use all-purpose flour unless you’re following a gluten-free diet.

8. Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 3 days or freeze it for longer storage.

9. How long do these cookies last?

These cookies will last for up to 1 week at room temperature in an airtight container.

10. Can I use other dried fruits?

Absolutely! You can substitute dried cranberries, raisins, or even apricots for the dried cherries.

Conclusion

Cherry Almond Chocolate Cookies are a delightful and unique combination of rich chocolate, nutty almonds, and tart dried cherries. With their chewy texture and decadent flavor, they’re sure to become a favorite treat in your baking repertoire. Whether for a special occasion or as a simple snack, these cookies are perfect for any time you crave something sweet. Enjoy them fresh out of the oven or as an after-dinner indulgence – either way, they’re a treat you’ll want to keep making again and again!

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