Bursting with chewy dried cherries, crunchy almonds, and melt-in-your-mouth chocolate chips, Cherry Almond Chocolate Chip Cookies are the sort of treat you’ll crave on chilly afternoons or for a festive cookie plate. Each bite is a joyful combination of flavors: tart fruit, nutty goodness, and gooey chocolate all baked into a soft, golden cookie. These cookies are impossibly easy but impressive enough to wow friends and family, making them one recipe you’ll want to save and bake again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You only need a handful of deliciously simple ingredients for these cookies, but every single one plays a crucial role. From the buttery dough to the bold pops of cherry and almond, each component combines for a wonderfully balanced treat with irresistible textures and flavors.
- Unsalted butter, softened: Gives these cookies a rich, tender crumb and classic melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Brown sugar, packed: Adds deep caramel notes and keeps the cookies moist and chewy.
- Granulated sugar: Balances the brown sugar and helps create just the right amount of spread in the oven.
- Large egg: Binds everything together and contributes to the cookie’s soft interior.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances sweetness and brings all the flavors together.
- Almond extract: Lends a lovely, aromatic almond note that’s a perfect match for the cherries.
- All-purpose flour: The structural backbone of your cookies, ensuring just the right amount of chew.
- Baking soda: Helps your cookies rise ever-so-slightly for that perfect soft-center texture.
- Salt: Brightens flavors and balances out the sweetness.
- Dried cherries, roughly chopped: Sprinkle in tart, chewy bursts of fruity goodness.
- Sliced almonds: Add crunchy contrast and that characteristic almond flavor.
- Semisweet chocolate chips: The gooey pools of chocolate make each bite extra indulgent.
How to Make Cherry Almond Chocolate Chip Cookies
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C), which gives your cookies just enough heat to develop golden edges and a soft center. Line your baking sheet with parchment paper to keep the cookies from sticking and for easy cleanup later on.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, beat together your softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture looks light and fluffy—think pale and pillowy. This step is key to achieving the perfect cookie texture, so don’t rush it!
Step 3: Add the Eggs and Extracts
Crack in your egg and pour in both the vanilla and almond extracts. Beat until everything is well combined and silky. That hint of almond extract will make your Cherry Almond Chocolate Chip Cookies stand out from the very first bite.
Step 4: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Slowly add these dry ingredients to your wet mixture—do it in batches to avoid over-mixing. Stop as soon as you see the last streaks of flour disappear.
Step 5: Fold in the Cherries, Almonds, and Chocolate Chips
Now for the moment of magic: gently fold in the chopped dried cherries, sliced almonds, and semisweet chocolate chips. Distribute everything as evenly as possible so every cookie is packed with goodies.
Step 6: Scoop and Space
Use a tablespoon or a small cookie scoop to measure out dough onto your prepared baking sheet. Give each mound of dough about 2 inches of room—these cookies will spread as they bake.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Bake your cookies for 10–12 minutes, watching closely for those golden edges and just-set centers. Resist overbaking—they’ll continue to set as they cool! Let them sit on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before moving to a wire rack to cool completely.
How to Serve Cherry Almond Chocolate Chip Cookies
Garnishes
For an extra-special finish, try sprinkling extra chopped dried cherries or a few more sliced almonds on your cookies while they’re still warm. A drizzle of melted chocolate or a dusting of powdered sugar can also dress them up beautifully for holidays or gifting.
Side Dishes
Cherry Almond Chocolate Chip Cookies are fantastic alongside a glass of cold milk, a mug of coffee, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For a cozy dessert tray, pair with fresh fruit or other festive holiday cookies.
Creative Ways to Present
Pile your cookies high on a colorful platter, or stack them in cellophane gift bags tied with ribbon for sharing. You can even sandwich a scoop of cherry or almond ice cream between two cookies for a fun, summery twist!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your Cherry Almond Chocolate Chip Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for 4–5 days. Slip a slice of bread in with the cookies to keep them extra soft and chewy—the bread will absorb any excess moisture!
Freezing
These cookies freeze brilliantly, both as baked cookies and as raw dough. Place baked, cooled cookies in a freezer-safe bag and freeze for up to 2 months. You can also freeze scoops of dough for fresh-baked cookies any time; just add an extra minute or two to your bake time straight from the freezer.
Reheating
To restore that just-baked magic, pop cookies in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 3–4 minutes or give them a quick 10-second zap in the microwave. This brings back the gooey chocolate and freshens up the texture beautifully.
FAQs
Can I use fresh cherries instead of dried?
Fresh cherries contain much more moisture and may make the cookies soggy. For best results and chewiest texture, stick with dried cherries for your Cherry Almond Chocolate Chip Cookies.
Is it necessary to toast the almonds before adding them?
Toasting is optional, but it does boost the nutty flavor and enhances the crispiness. Just a few minutes in a dry skillet or oven brings out wonderful aroma and crunch—highly recommended!
How can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Substitute your favorite gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, ideally one with xanthan gum or another binder to help prevent crumbling. The rest of the ingredients in Cherry Almond Chocolate Chip Cookies are naturally gluten-free!
Could I make these vegan?
Absolutely! Use plant-based butter, a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxmeal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water), and dairy-free chocolate chips. Double-check your sugars to ensure they’re vegan-friendly, too.
What’s the best way to get soft, chewy centers?
Bake just until the edges are golden and the centers are barely set—don’t worry if they look a little underdone. Cooling on the sheet pan lets them finish cooking for that irresistible soft bite.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to brighten up your baking routine, these Cherry Almond Chocolate Chip Cookies are an absolute must-try. The combination of tart cherries, crunchy almonds, and pockets of gooey chocolate is pure joy in every bite. Give this recipe a whirl, share with loved ones, and watch them disappear from the cookie jar!
