There’s something magical about the combination of cherries, almonds, and chocolate. These cookies are everything you want in a sweet treat—chewy, nutty, and loaded with melty chocolate goodness. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just because you deserve a delicious pick-me-up, this recipe is a must-try. Imagine biting into a warm, freshly baked cookie, where the tartness of cherries meets the crunch of almonds and the richness of chocolate. Trust me, you’re going to love this!
Why You’ll Love Cherry Almond Chocolate Cookies
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re baking for a cozy night in, treating yourself after a long day, or sharing with loved ones, these cookies bring warmth and joy to any occasion. Here’s why they’re a favorite:
Versatile
These cookies fit any occasion! Enjoy them with your morning coffee, as an afternoon pick-me-up, or as the perfect homemade gift for a friend.
Budget-Friendly
No fancy ingredients required! Most of the items are pantry staples, making this an affordable yet luxurious treat.
Quick and Easy
No complicated steps here. Just mix, bake, and enjoy! You’ll have freshly baked cookies in no time.
Customizable
Prefer dark chocolate over milk? Want to add a hint of cinnamon? You can easily tweak the ingredients to make these cookies your own.
Crowd-Pleasing
A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. Who doesn’t love a perfectly baked cookie? These strike the perfect balance of flavor and texture, making them an irresistible favorite.
Ingredients
Ingredients in Cherry Almond Chocolate Cookies
Here’s the magic of these cookies—they’re made with just a few simple ingredients, but the result is absolutely delightful. Let’s break it down:
Flour
The base of the cookie, giving it structure while keeping it light and chewy.
Butter
Adds richness and that irresistible melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Brown Sugar & Granulated Sugar
A combination of both ensures the perfect balance of sweetness and chewiness.
Eggs
Helps bind everything together while adding moisture.
Vanilla Extract
Enhances the flavors, making every bite extra delicious.
Almond Extract
Gives a subtle nutty aroma that pairs beautifully with the cherries.
Baking Soda & Salt
Ensures the perfect rise and balances the sweetness.
Dark Chocolate Chips
Rich and indulgent, these add gooey pockets of melted chocolate in every bite.
Dried Cherries
A pop of tartness that complements the sweetness of the chocolate.
Sliced Almonds
Adds a lovely crunch, enhancing the texture of the cookies.
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create these irresistible cookies:
Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This step is key to achieving the perfect cookie texture.
Add the Eggs and Flavorings
Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla and almond extracts. This helps incorporate air and keeps the cookies soft.
Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
Fold in the Add-Ins
Gently fold in the dark chocolate chips, dried cherries, and sliced almonds. Be careful not to overmix!
Scoop and Shape
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
Bake to Perfection
Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown but the centers are still slightly soft.
Cool and Enjoy
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Then, dig in and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 24 cookies Calories per serving: 180
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 10-12 minutes Total Time: 25-27 minutes
How to Serve Cherry Almond Chocolate Cookies
These cookies are delicious on their own, but here are a few ways to take them to the next level:
- Pair them with a cold glass of milk for the ultimate classic combo.
- Crumble them over vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.
- Serve alongside a cup of coffee or tea for a cozy afternoon treat.
- Package them in a cute tin for a thoughtful homemade gift.
Additional Tips
- Chill the Dough: For even better flavor, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking.
- Use High-Quality Chocolate: The better the chocolate, the better the cookies.
- Don’t Overbake: They might look slightly underdone when you take them out, but they’ll firm up as they cool.
- Store Properly: Keep them in an airtight container for up to a week or freeze for longer storage.
- Experiment: Try adding white chocolate chips, coconut flakes, or a sprinkle of sea salt for a twist.
FAQ
Can I use fresh cherries instead of dried cherries? Dried cherries work best since fresh ones have too much moisture and can make the cookies soggy.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free? Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Do I have to use almond extract? No, but it enhances the flavor beautifully. You can skip it if needed.
Can I substitute almonds with another nut? Absolutely! Walnuts or pecans work well too.
How do I make these cookies chewier? Use more brown sugar than white sugar and slightly underbake them.
Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate? Yes, but dark chocolate adds a nice balance to the sweetness.
What’s the best way to store these cookies? Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
Can I freeze the dough? Yes! Scoop the dough into balls and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake straight from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the bake time.
Can I double the recipe? Of course! Just make sure to mix everything thoroughly and bake in batches.
Why did my cookies turn out too flat? Your butter may have been too soft. Try chilling the dough before baking.
Conclusion
These cherry almond chocolate cookies are the perfect balance of sweet, tart, and nutty flavors. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe is easy to follow and guarantees delicious results every time. So go ahead, preheat that oven, and treat yourself to a batch of these irresistible cookies—you deserve it!
Print
Cherry Almond Chocolate Cookies
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Cherry Almond Chocolate Cookies are soft, chewy, and packed with flavor. They feature tart dried cherries, crunchy almonds, and rich chocolate chunks, making them a perfect treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup (150g) brown sugar
- 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 2 1/4 cups (280g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup dried cherries, chopped
- 3/4 cup almonds, chopped
- 1 cup dark or semi-sweet chocolate chunks
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a large bowl, cream together butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs, vanilla, and almond extract, mixing until well combined.
- Combine dry ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually mix into the wet ingredients.
- Add mix-ins: Fold in dried cherries, chopped almonds, and chocolate chunks.
- Shape & bake: Scoop tablespoon-sized dough balls onto the baking sheet, spacing them 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are golden brown.
- Cool & serve: Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Enjoy!
Notes
- For extra chewiness, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking.
- Use white chocolate instead of dark for a sweeter variation.
- Substitute almonds with pecans or walnuts for a different flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: ~180 kcal
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 20mg