If you are searching for a cookie that combines vibrant flavors with a delightful texture, this Cherry Almond Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe is exactly what you need. It brings together the sweet tartness of maraschino cherries, the comforting warmth of almond extract, and the indulgent richness of semi-sweet chocolate chips, all wrapped in a tender, buttery cookie. Each bite is a little celebration of flavors and textures that feels both homemade and indulgent, perfect for sharing or keeping all to yourself.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Cherry Almond Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe lies in its simple, thoughtful ingredients. Every item plays a key role, from the butter that creates a rich base to the maraschino cherry juice adding playful sweetness and moisture. Let’s break down what you’ll need to create these irresistible treats.
- Butter, 1 cup, softened: Provides a rich and tender crumb, ensuring the cookies melt in your mouth.
- Almond or vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon: Adds a cozy, fragrant note that enhances the cherries and chocolate.
- Powdered sugar, 1 cup: A smooth sweetness that blends seamlessly into the dough.
- All-purpose flour, 2 1/4 cups: The sturdy foundation that holds everything together with just the right amount of chew.
- Maraschino cherry juice, 3 tablespoons: Brings a pop of cherry flavor and moisture for tender bites.
- Chopped maraschino cherries, 1/2 cup: Soft, sweet, and colorful, these little gems elevate every bite.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips, 1 cup: A perfect melty contrast that balances the tart cherry notes.
How to Make Cherry Almond Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining your cookie sheets with parchment paper. This step ensures your cookies bake evenly and lift off easily once they’re done.
Step 2: Cream the Butter
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until it becomes smooth and creamy. This creates a light texture in your dough and helps the sugar dissolve evenly.
Step 3: Add Extract and Sugar
Mix in the almond or vanilla extract along with the powdered sugar until fully combined, allowing the dough to develop its signature aromatic sweetness with a velvety touch.
Step 4: Incorporate the Flour
Gradually add the all-purpose flour, mixing gently as you go. This process helps build the structure of your cookies while keeping them tender.
Step 5: Mix in Cherry Juice, Cherries, and Chocolate Chips
Fold in the maraschino cherry juice, chopped cherries, and chocolate chips carefully, ensuring each ingredient is evenly distributed so every cookie bursts with flavor.
Step 6: Shape the Cookies
Roll the dough into 1-inch balls, then gently flatten them. Place the cookies evenly spaced on your lined sheets to give them room to spread just right.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Bake for 12 to 14 minutes, or until the edges turn a beautiful light golden hue. This timing guarantees a soft center with a slightly crisp exterior.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This finishing touch helps the cookies set perfectly without breaking apart.
How to Serve Cherry Almond Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
While these cookies are delicious on their own, adding a light dusting of powdered sugar or a few extra chopped almonds on top before serving can elevate their presentation and add a lovely crunch.
Side Dishes
Pair these cookies with a cold glass of milk, a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a dreamy dessert, or even a cozy cup of hot tea or coffee to highlight their almond and cherry notes.
Creative Ways to Present
Try arranging the cookies on a festive platter sprinkled with chopped almonds and whole maraschino cherries, or sandwich two cookies together with a smooth almond butter or cherry jam in the middle for an irresistible treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your leftover Cherry Almond Chocolate Chip Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay fresh and chewy for up to one week, perfect for sneaking bites throughout the week.
Freezing
If you want to prepare ahead, freeze the shaped dough balls on a baking sheet first, then transfer them to a freezer bag. You can bake them straight from the freezer, adding a couple of minutes to the baking time.
Reheating
To bring back that freshly baked warmth, pop your cookies in the microwave for about 10 seconds or warm them in an oven at 300°F for 5 minutes. This revives their softness and makes the chocolate luscious again.
FAQs
Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries?
Fresh cherries have more moisture and less sweetness than maraschino cherries, which may affect the texture and flavor. If using fresh, consider drying them well and adding a little extra sugar to balance.
What if I don’t have almond extract?
Vanilla extract is a wonderful substitute that still gives a lovely aroma and flavor. The almond extract, however, adds a distinct nutty note that pairs beautifully with cherries.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend that measures cup-for-cup. Just ensure it contains xanthan gum for structure.
How do I ensure the cookies don’t spread too much during baking?
Make sure your butter is softened but not melted, and chill the dough briefly before baking. Also, spacing them properly on the baking sheet helps maintain their shape.
Are these cookies suitable for freezing after baking?
Absolutely! Once cooled, place the cookies in a freezer-safe container with parchment paper layers. They freeze well for up to 3 months and thaw quickly at room temperature.
Final Thoughts
There’s something incredibly satisfying about baking and sharing a batch of Cherry Almond Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe. It combines nostalgic flavors with a sophisticated twist, delighting the palate and warming the heart. Whether for a special occasion or simply to brighten your day, these cookies are a wonderful treat that I promise will keep you coming back for more. Give them a try and watch how quickly they disappear!
Print
Cherry Almond Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Total Time: 29 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in these Cherry Almond Chocolate Chip Cookies, a perfect blend of sweet maraschino cherries, rich chocolate chips, and a hint of almond extract, all baked into soft, chewy cookies that are sure to satisfy your dessert cravings.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon almond or vanilla extract
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 3 tablespoons maraschino cherry juice
- 1/2 cup chopped maraschino cherries
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line cookie sheets with parchment paper to ensure the cookies bake evenly and don’t stick.
- Beat Butter: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until it is smooth and creamy, providing a rich base for the cookie dough.
- Add Flavorings and Sugar: Mix in the almond or vanilla extract along with the powdered sugar until fully combined, ensuring a sweet and aromatic dough.
- Incorporate Flour: Gradually add the all-purpose flour to the mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms, which will give the cookies their structure.
- Mix in Cherries and Chocolate: Stir in the maraschino cherry juice, chopped maraschino cherries, and chocolate chips to disperse flavor and texture evenly throughout the dough.
- Shape the Cookies: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls, flatten each slightly, and arrange them evenly on the prepared cookie sheets for uniform baking.
- Bake: Place the cookie sheets in the oven and bake for 12-14 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden, indicating that the cookies are perfectly baked.
- Cool: Let the cookies cool on the sheets for 5 minutes to set, then transfer them to a cooling rack to cool completely before serving.
Notes
- Softened butter is key for achieving a creamy dough base.
- Maraschino cherry juice helps infuse additional cherry flavor into the cookies.
- Baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven; keep an eye on the cookie edges for doneness.
- Store cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness for up to one week.
- For a stronger almond flavor, consider using almond extract instead of vanilla.
