Homemade Cherry Almond Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

Chocolate chips dance with sweet cherries in this irresistible cherry almond chocolate chip cookies recipe that promises to tantalize every sweet tooth.

These delightful treats combine rich, nutty almonds with bursts of tart cherries for an unexpected flavor adventure.

Soft, chewy cookie edges mingle with gooey chocolate and bright fruit notes in each delectable bite.

Bakers adore how simple ingredients create such complex, mouthwatering results.

The aroma of freshly baked cookies will draw everyone into the kitchen, eager to sample your culinary creation.

Each cookie offers a perfect balance of textures and flavors that elevate the classic chocolate chip experience.

You’ll want to bake a double batch because these cookies disappear faster than you can imagine.

Why Cherry Almond Chocolate Chip Cookies Stand Out

• Savor Seasonal Comfort: Indulge in a warm, nostalgic treat that captures the essence of autumn with rich maple and brown sugar flavors that dance on your taste buds.
• Craft Delightful Simplicity: Master these cookies with basic baking skills, making them perfect for home bakers of all levels who want to create something special without complicated techniques.
• Create Family Bonding Moments: Bring everyone together in the kitchen, from mixing the dough to decorating with the sweet maple glaze, turning baking into a fun, shared experience.
• Impress Without Stress: Prepare a crowd-pleasing dessert that looks and tastes gourmet but requires minimal effort, making it ideal for casual gatherings or unexpected guests.

Everything for Cherry Almond Chip Cookie Magic

• Butter: A rich, creamy base that provides flavor and helps bind the cookie dough together.
• Flour: The primary dry ingredient that gives structure and texture to the cookies.
• Powdered Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a soft, delicate cookie texture.

• Almond Extract, Vanilla Extract: Provides a warm, aromatic flavor to complement the other ingredients.
• Maraschino Cherry Juice: Adds a subtle fruity hint and moisture to the cookie dough.
• Chopped Cherries: Brings bursts of bright, sweet cherry flavor throughout the cookies.
• Chocolate Chips: Introduces rich, sweet chocolate elements that contrast with the cherry flavor.

• Parchment Paper: Ensures easy cookie removal and prevents sticking to the baking sheet.

How to Make Cherry Almond Chip Cookies

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Set your oven to 350F and grab a baking sheet. Line it with parchment paper for easy cookie removal.

Step 2: Whip the Butter

Take a large mixing bowl and beat the butter until it becomes smooth and silky. Make sure it’s nice and creamy.

Step 3: Add Sweet Touches

• Almond extract
• Powdered sugar

Mix until everything is perfectly combined.

Step 4: Create Soft Dough

Gradually fold in the flour until a soft, tender dough emerges.

The texture should be light and pillowy.

Step 5: Bring in the Flavor Boosters

• Maraschino cherry juice
• Chopped cherries
• Chocolate chips

Make sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Step 6: Shape the Cookies

Roll the dough into small balls, about 1 inch in size. Gently press them down to create slightly flattened circles.

Arrange them with space between each cookie on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Place the cookie sheet in the oven and bake for 12-14 minutes.

Watch for the edges to turn a beautiful golden brown.

Step 8: Cool and Enjoy

Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes.

Then transfer them to a cooling rack. Wait until they’re completely cool before devouring these delectable treats.

Tips for Baking Cherry Chocolate Almond Cookies

• Add extra chopped maraschino cherries for a more intense fruity flavor and vibrant color in each bite.
• Refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes before baking to prevent spreading and create a firmer cookie structure.
• Swap vanilla extract with almond extract to intensify the nutty undertones and complement the cherry flavor.
• Replace regular flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend to make these cookies suitable for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Experiment with different chocolate types like white or dark chocolate chips to create unique flavor combinations.

Mixes for Cherry Almond Chip Cookie Fans

• Gluten-Free Cherry Almond Delight: Replace wheat flour with almond or coconut flour for a celiac-friendly version that maintains the same rich flavor profile.
• Vegan Cherry Chocolate Chip Option: Swap butter with coconut oil, use plant-based chocolate chips, and substitute powdered sugar with maple syrup for a dairy-free alternative.
• Low-Sugar Cherry Chocolate Cookies: Reduce powdered sugar and incorporate stevia or monk fruit sweetener, using dark chocolate chips for a lower-calorie treat.
• Nutty Cherry Variation: Add chopped almonds directly into the dough and sprinkle sliced almonds on top before baking for extra crunch and nutty depth.

Tasty Pairings for Cherry Almond Cookies

• Pair Sweet Sips: Serve these cherry almond chocolate chip cookies with a creamy amaretto liqueur that highlights the almond and cherry notes, creating a luxurious dessert experience.
• Complement with Coffee: Brew a medium-roast coffee with subtle chocolate undertones to enhance the cookie's rich flavor profile, balancing the sweetness with a warm, robust companion.
• Elevate with Dessert Wine: Select a late-harvest Riesling with light honey and fruit characteristics that will beautifully complement the maraschino cherry and chocolate elements in the cookies.
• Refresh with Milk: Enjoy a cold glass of whole milk to cut through the richness of the chocolate chips and provide a classic, comforting pairing that brings out the cookie's delicate flavors.

Best Ways to Store Cherry Almond Cookies

• Store cookies in an airtight container lined with parchment paper between layers. Keep fresh for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
• Shape cookie balls, place on baking sheet, freeze solid, then transfer to freezer bag. Raw dough stays good for 3 months.
• Pack completely cooled cookies in sealed container with wax paper separating layers. Freeze up to 2 months for best quality.
• Warm refrigerated or thawed cookies in microwave for 10-15 seconds or crisp in 350F oven for 3-5 minutes until slightly warm and soft.

FAQs

• Are maraschino cherries necessary for this recipe?

Fresh or dried cherries can be substituted, but maraschino cherries provide a unique sweet and tangy flavor that defines these cookies.

• Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Yes, but reduce or eliminate any additional salt in the recipe to prevent the cookies from becoming too salty.

• How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking?

Chill the dough for 30 minutes before shaping and baking to help maintain the cookies’ shape and prevent excessive spreading.

• Is almond extract essential, or can I skip it?

Almond extract adds depth to the flavor profile, but you can use vanilla extract if you prefer or don’t have almond extract on hand.

Cherry Almond Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

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4.5 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 34 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

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Description

Sweet cherry almond chocolate chip cookies blend fruity charm with nutty richness, creating an irresistible Mediterranean-inspired treat. Delicate chocolate morsels and juicy cherries nestled in a buttery dough promise pure baking bliss you’ll savor with each delightful bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup butter, softened
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Flavor Enhancers:

• 1/2 cup chopped maraschino cherries
• 3 tablespoons maraschino cherry juice
• 1 teaspoon almond or vanilla extract

Sweetener:

• 1 cup powdered sugar

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and cover baking sheets with parchment paper for optimal cookie preparation.
2. Cream butter until silky and smooth, incorporating almond extract and powdered sugar until thoroughly blended.
3. Gradually fold flour into the butter mixture, creating a soft, malleable dough consistency.
4. Gently fold chopped maraschino cherries, cherry juice, and chocolate chips into the dough, ensuring even distribution.
5. Form dough into compact 1-inch spheres, delicately pressing each ball to create a slightly flattened shape.
6. Arrange cookie dough rounds uniformly on prepared baking sheets, maintaining adequate spacing between each cookie.
7. Slide cookie sheets into preheated oven and bake for 12-14 minutes, watching for edges to develop a delicate golden hue.
8. Remove cookies from oven and allow them to rest on baking sheets for 5 minutes, enabling gentle cooling and setting.
9. Transfer cookies to wire cooling rack, permitting complete cooling and texture stabilization before serving.

Notes

• Prevent dough from becoming too sticky by chilling it for 30 minutes before shaping cookies, which helps maintain their round shape and enhances flavor development.
• Use room temperature ingredients to ensure smooth mixing and consistent texture, especially with butter and eggs if recipe includes them.
• Drain maraschino cherries thoroughly on paper towels to remove excess moisture, preventing soggy cookies and maintaining crisp edges.
• Try alternative chocolate types like dark or white chocolate chips to customize flavor profile and suit different taste preferences.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 14 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 153 kcal
• Sugar: 11 g
• Sodium: 35 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 20 mg