If you’re searching for a delightful treat that brightens up any cookie jar, this Cherry Cookies Recipe is an absolute game-changer. These cookies combine soft, buttery dough with bursts of tart dried cherries that dance on your taste buds, making every bite a perfect balance of sweet and tangy. Whether you’re baking for a cozy afternoon snack or impressing friends at a gathering, this recipe delivers comfort and cheer in every single cookie.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients for this Cherry Cookies Recipe is simple, but each element plays an essential role. From creating the soft, tender texture to adding layers of flavor, these ingredients work in harmony to bring these irresistible cookies to life.
- All-Purpose Flour: This forms the sturdy foundation of your cookies, giving them structure and that satisfying bite.
- Baking Powder: Just enough to make the cookies rise gently and stay soft, never cakey.
- Butter: Softened butter adds richness and a melt-in-your-mouth quality you’ll crave.
- Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the dough perfectly without overpowering the cherries’ natural tartness.
- Eggs: These bind everything together and keep your cookies moist and tender.
- Vanilla Extract: Adds warmth and depth, enhancing every bite subtly.
- Dried Cherries: The star of the show, chopped dried cherries deliver bursts of juicy, sweet tartness throughout.
- Salt: Just a pinch helps balance sweetness and elevates all the flavors.
- White Chocolate Chips (optional): Creamy bits that pair wonderfully with tart cherries for a rich contrast.
- Almond Extract (optional): Offers a nutty twist that complements the cherry perfectly.
- Chopped Nuts (optional): Walnuts or pecans add a satisfying crunch and earthy flavor.
- Cinnamon (optional): A dash imparts a cozy spice that’s especially nice in cooler months.
How to Make Cherry Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it warms up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat to prevent the cookies from sticking. Setting the right oven temperature is crucial for even baking and those golden edges.
Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is fluffy and light. Then beat in the eggs, vanilla extract, and almond extract if you’re using it. This combination creates a rich, velvety base that will carry the flavors beautifully.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon if you chose to add it. This ensures your leavening agent and spices distribute evenly, which results in perfectly textured cookies without pockets of dry ingredients.
Step 4: Bring Wet and Dry Ingredients Together
Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Overmixing can make cookies tough, so a light hand here keeps the chewiness intact.
Step 5: Fold in the Cherries and Extras
Gently fold in the chopped dried cherries, and if you want, the white chocolate chips and chopped nuts. Each addition brings a new dimension: cherries offer tang, chips give creamy sweetness, and nuts lend crunch.
Step 6: Scoop and Shape Dough
Scoop out dough balls onto your prepared baking sheet. Then, flatten each slightly with the back of a spoon or your fingers for even baking and that classic cookie shape.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Bake the cookies for about 10 to 12 minutes or until edges are lightly golden. Once out of the oven, allow them to rest on the sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooldown lets the cookies set just right, giving you the perfect bite every time.
How to Serve Cherry Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
For an inviting presentation, dust your cookies lightly with powdered sugar or drizzle some melted white chocolate on top. Fresh cherries or a small sprig of mint beside the cookie can elevate the look and make your guests feel extra special.
Side Dishes
Serve these cookies alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a steaming cup of tea or coffee. The cold creaminess or warm beverage pairs beautifully with the chewy texture and fruity zing of the cherries.
Creative Ways to Present
Try sandwiching two cookies together with cherry jam or cream cheese frosting for a delightful twist. You can also break them up into pieces and sprinkle on top of yogurt or a bowl of fresh berries for a fun dessert bowl.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your Cherry Cookies stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. This preserves their softness and flavor, making them perfect for snacking anytime.
Freezing
These cookies freeze beautifully! Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze initially, then transfer to a freezer bag or container. They’ll stay fresh for up to three months, ready to thaw whenever a cookie craving arises.
Reheating
To refresh your cookies, warm them slightly in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes or microwave for 10 seconds. This brings back the softness and enhances those delicious cherry notes.
FAQs
Can I use fresh cherries instead of dried in this Cherry Cookies Recipe?
Fresh cherries have a high moisture content that might make the dough too wet and result in cookies that don’t hold their shape well. Dried cherries provide the perfect chewy texture and concentrated flavor, but if you want to use fresh, consider reducing other liquids and chopping them finely.
Is it possible to make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, by substituting all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that includes xanthan gum, you can enjoy these cookies without gluten. Just make sure the blend measures cup for cup like regular flour for best results.
How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking?
Make sure your butter is softened but not melted, and chill the dough for about 30 minutes before baking. Also, avoid overmixing and use parchment paper to help the cookies keep their shape.
Can I omit the white chocolate chips if I don’t like them?
Absolutely! The white chocolate chips are optional. The dried cherries themselves bring plenty of sweetness and flavor, so feel free to leave the chips out or swap them for semi-sweet chocolate chips if you prefer.
What’s the best way to make these cookies extra soft?
Using a little extra butter and ensuring you don’t overbake will keep your Cherry Cookies soft. Also, storing them with a slice of bread in an airtight container helps maintain their moisture for longer.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’re just as excited as I am to bake this Cherry Cookies Recipe! It’s the kind of sweet treat that feels both nostalgic and fresh, perfect for sharing or keeping all to yourself. Once you try these cookies, their chewy texture and burst of cherry flavor will quickly make them a cherished favorite in your kitchen.
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
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these cherry cookies featuring a perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors, enhanced with rich butter, delicate vanilla, and optional white chocolate chips or nuts for added texture. Soft and fluffy with a melt-in-your-mouth texture, these cookies make a fantastic treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
- 1 cup chopped dried cherries
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips or semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional)
Optional Add-ins
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
- 1–2 tablespoons cherry juice (optional, for added moisture and flavor)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Make the Cookie Dough – Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using) until the mixture is well combined and smooth.
- Make the Cookie Dough – Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon (if using). This ensures the leavening agents and spices are evenly distributed.
- Combine Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing gently but thoroughly until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.
- Fold in Add-ins: Gently incorporate the chopped dried cherries, white or semi-sweet chocolate chips (if using), chopped nuts (if using), and cherry juice (if using) into the dough, ensuring even distribution without breaking up the cherries too much.
- Scoop the Cookies: Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, form the dough into balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Flatten each ball slightly with the back of a spoon or your fingers to promote even baking.
- Bake the Cookies: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown but the centers remain soft.
- Cool the Cookies: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the cookies cool on it for about 5 minutes. Then, transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely before serving to allow them to set perfectly.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once cooled, these cherry cookies are ready to be enjoyed with a glass of milk, tea, or coffee, perfect for snack time or dessert.
Notes
- You can customize the cookies with additional mix-ins like nuts, cinnamon, or chocolate chips to suit your taste preferences.
- For a more intense cherry flavor, consider adding a tablespoon or two of cherry juice to the dough.
- Make sure the butter is softened, but not melted, for the best texture.
- If you prefer a chewier cookie, slightly underbake them and allow to finish setting on the cooling rack.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week, or freeze for longer storage.
