If you are someone who loves the perfect balance of sweet, nutty, and fruity flavors wrapped in a soft, chewy cookie, then this Cherry Almond Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe is going to become your new favorite. Imagine bites bursting with lush maraschino cherries, the warm aroma of almond extract, and pockets of melted chocolate chips—all coming together in a cookie that’s both comforting and delightfully addictive. Whether for a cozy afternoon treat or a crowd-pleasing dessert, this recipe is a must-try that delivers a beautiful combo of textures and flavors in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Cherry Almond Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe plays a vital role. From the butter that imparts richness to the cherries adding juiciness, each component is chosen to create that perfect texture and flavor harmony.
- Butter, 1 cup, softened: Provides moisture and richness, helping create that tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Almond or vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon: Adds a warm, fragrant note that elevates the overall flavor profile beautifully.
- Powdered sugar, 1 cup: Gives a subtle sweetness and contributes to the cookies’ delicate crumb.
- All-purpose flour, 2 1/4 cups: The backbone of the dough, giving structure and body to each cookie.
- Maraschino cherry juice, 3 tablespoons: Infuses bright, cherry flavor and a touch of moisture to keep the cookies soft.
- Chopped maraschino cherries, 1/2 cup: Adds bursts of juicy sweetness and a delightful chew in every bite.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips, 1 cup: The classic melty chocolate element that balances the fruity notes with luscious richness.
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 sets the stage for perfectly baked cookies that won’t stick, making cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Cream the Butter
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until it becomes smooth and creamy. This step is crucial for achieving that light, tender cookie texture everyone loves.
Step 3: Mix in Flavor and Sweetness
Add your choice of almond or vanilla extract and the powdered sugar to the butter. Mix these ingredients together until they are fully combined, creating a fragrant, sweet base for the dough.
Step 4: Add the Flour
Gradually incorporate the all-purpose flour into the butter mixture. Mix just until a soft dough forms; overmixing can lead to tougher cookies, so gentle folding is key here.
Step 5: Stir in Cherries and Chocolate
Next, fold in the maraschino cherry juice, chopped cherries, and chocolate chips. These add delightful bursts of flavor and texture that make this Cherry Almond Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe so special.
Step 6: Shape the Cookies
Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and then gently flatten them a bit. Arrange the cookies evenly on your prepared sheets, giving them room to spread as they bake.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Bake for 12 to 14 minutes, keeping an eye out for lightly golden edges—this is your cue that they’re perfectly baked, soft inside, with just the right amount of chew.
Step 8: Cool Before Serving
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack. This little wait helps them set up so you get that perfect bite every time.
How to Serve Cherry Almond Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
For a simple finishing touch, sprinkle a few extra chopped almonds or add a light dusting of powdered sugar right before serving. This adds a subtle crunch and an elegant look, making these cookies even more irresistible.
Side Dishes
Pair these cookies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or your favorite cup of hot tea or coffee. The warm, nutty flavors of the cookies beautifully complement creamy or caffeinated beverages, making for a delightful treat any time of day.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party or gift, stack these cookies on a pretty platter and tie them with a rustic ribbon. Alternatively, sandwich two cookies with a layer of cherry jam or almond butter for an irresistible twist that highlights the Cherry Almond Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe in a new, fun way.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their softness. They usually stay fresh for up to a week, allowing you to enjoy this Cherry Almond Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe over several days.
Freezing
If you’d like to keep these cookies longer, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. When properly stored, they stay delicious for up to three months.
Reheating
To refresh frozen or day-old cookies, warm them briefly in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 to 7 minutes. This revives that soft, freshly-baked texture and makes the chocolate chips melty again.
FAQs
Can I substitute almond extract with vanilla extract?
Absolutely! Both extracts work well in this recipe. Almond extract adds a distinct nutty aroma, but vanilla extract gives a lovely sweet warmth. Use whichever you prefer or have on hand.
Are maraschino cherries necessary for the recipe?
Maraschino cherries are key to the classic flavor of this cookie, contributing both juice and sweetness. However, you can experiment with dried cherries or cherry preserves, but the texture and taste will vary slightly.
Can I use dark chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet?
Yes, dark chocolate chips are a great alternative if you prefer a richer, less sweet chocolate flavor. They will pair nicely with the cherries and almonds, giving the cookies a sophisticated twist.
How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?
Make sure your butter is softened but not melted, and chill the dough briefly if it feels too soft. Also, spacing the cookies well on the baking sheet helps them keep a nice shape as they bake.
Is this recipe suitable for making smaller or larger cookies?
Definitely! Adjust the baking time slightly for smaller or larger cookies—smaller ones may only need 8 to 10 minutes, while larger ones might need a couple more minutes. Just keep an eye on the edges for the perfect doneness.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly magical about this Cherry Almond Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe that makes every bite feel like a little celebration. Whether you’re baking for friends, family, or yourself, the combination of juicy cherries, crunchy almonds, and gooey chocolate will bring endless smiles. So go ahead, dive into this fun, flavorful recipe—you won’t regret making these cookies a beloved staple in your kitchen!
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
Delightfully soft and flavorful Cherry Almond Chocolate Chip Cookies combine the sweetness of maraschino cherries with rich chocolate chips and a hint of almond extract. These cookies are perfect for any occasion, offering a unique twist on the classic chocolate chip cookie with fruity and nutty undertones.
Ingredients
Cookies
- 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 prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Beat Butter: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until it becomes smooth and creamy, which helps create a tender cookie texture.
- Mix Sugar and Extract: Add the almond or vanilla extract followed by the powdered sugar to the butter, mixing thoroughly until fully combined and smooth.
- Add Flour: Gradually incorporate the all-purpose flour into the mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms that’s neither too sticky nor too dry.
- Mix in Cherry Juice, Cherries, and Chocolate: Stir in the maraschino cherry juice, chopped maraschino cherries, and semi-sweet chocolate chips evenly throughout the dough for bursts of flavor in every bite.
- Shape the Cookies: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls, gently flatten each slightly, and place them evenly spaced on the prepared cookie sheets to allow room for spreading.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 12-14 minutes, or until the edges turn lightly golden, indicating they’re perfectly baked but still soft inside.
- Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, which helps them set properly without breaking.
Notes
- For a stronger almond flavor, use almond extract instead of vanilla.
- You can substitute semi-sweet chocolate chips with dark or milk chocolate chips depending on your preference.
- Ensure butter is softened (not melted) for best dough consistency.
- Store cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness for up to 5 days.
- Chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking can help reduce spreading if desired.
