Cherry-Almond Chocolate Chunk Cookies Recipe

If you have a sweet tooth that craves a perfect balance of fruity, nutty, and chocolatey goodness, then you are going to love this Cherry-Almond Chocolate Chunk Cookies Recipe. These cookies combine juicy dried cherries, crunchy sliced almonds, and rich semi-sweet chocolate chunks nestled in a tender, buttery dough. Each bite is a delightful mix of textures and flavors that feels both comforting and a bit luxurious. Whether you’re baking for a cozy night in or a special gathering, these cookies will quickly become your new favorite treat to share and savor.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Cherry-Almond Chocolate Chunk Cookies Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in delivering the perfect texture, sweetness, and flavor harmony these cookies are known for.

• All-purpose flour: The foundation of the cookie dough, giving structure and that soft, chewy texture.
• Baking soda: Helps the cookies rise just enough for a tender bite without spreading too much.
• Salt: Enhances all the other flavors and balances the sweetness beautifully.
• Unsalted butter, softened: Provides richness and moisture, creating a melt-in-your-mouth experience.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough and helps with those slightly crisp edges.
• Large egg: Binds everything together and adds moisture for softness.
• Vanilla extract: Adds warm, familiar depth to the cookie flavor.
• Almond extract: Intensifies the nutty flavor, pairing perfectly with the almonds and cherries.
• Dried cherries, chopped: Give bursts of tart sweetness and chewiness to contrast the chocolate.
• Sliced almonds: Add a lovely crunchy texture and subtle nuttiness.
• Semi-sweet chocolate chips: The star chocolatey pockets that melt into gooey, delectable bites.

How to Make Cherry-Almond Chocolate Chunk Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Surface

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it warms up, line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to keep the cookies from sticking and help them bake evenly.

Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures that your rising agent and seasoning are evenly distributed throughout the flour, giving you consistent texture and flavor in every cookie.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture looks pale and fluffy—this usually takes about 2 to 3 minutes. This step is key to that light, tender crumb in your cookies.

Step 4: Add the Egg and Extracts

Next, add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract to your creamed butter and sugar. Beat everything until well combined, making sure the almond extract infuses the dough with its distinctive nutty aroma.

Step 5: Mix in Dry Ingredients

Gradually introduce the whisked dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir just until everything is incorporated—overmixing can make your cookies tough, and we want them soft and inviting.

Step 6: Fold in the Cherries, Almonds, and Chocolate

This is where the cookie really starts to shine. Gently fold in the chopped dried cherries, sliced almonds, and semi-sweet chocolate chips using a spatula. Take your time here to distribute these delicious add-ins evenly without overworking the dough.

Step 7: Shape the Dough Balls

Use a tablespoon or cookie scoop to form uniform dough balls. Place them on your prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart—the dough will spread as it bakes, and this spacing prevents them from merging.

Step 8: Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes or until their edges turn a lovely golden brown. The centers should still look soft; this will keep them chewy once cooled.

Step 9: Cool Before Enjoying

Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes after pulling them from the oven—this helps them set up without breaking apart. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 10: Serve or Store

Enjoy your cookies warm for that perfect melty chocolate moment, or store them in an airtight container for up to one week to savor later. These cookies also freeze wonderfully if you want to keep a stash ready for whenever the craving hits.

How to Serve Cherry-Almond Chocolate Chunk Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

If you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle a few extra sliced almonds or a couple of dried cherry pieces on top of the cookies just before baking. This adds a fresh, inviting look and makes each cookie even more irresistible.

Side Dishes

Pair these cookies with a glass of cold milk, a cup of rich coffee, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat. They also make a lovely complement to afternoon tea or brunch spreads.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange these cookies in a beautiful cookie tin or on a rustic wooden board when hosting guests. You can even sandwich two cookies together with a spoonful of cherry jam or almond butter for a delightful twist that will wow your friends.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your Cherry-Almond Chocolate Chunk Cookies fresh by placing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and tasty for up to a week, perfect for snacking throughout the week.

Freezing

If you want to save a batch for later, freeze the baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored for up to 3 months without losing flavor or texture.

Reheating

To enjoy frozen or leftover cookies warm, pop them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 to 7 minutes, or microwave for about 15 seconds. This brings back that soft, freshly baked feeling that’s purely irresistible.

FAQs

Can I substitute fresh cherries for dried cherries in this recipe?

Fresh cherries contain a lot of moisture, which can affect the cookie dough’s consistency, so dried cherries are recommended. However, if you want to try fresh, be sure to pit and chop them finely and consider reducing other liquids slightly.

Is it okay to use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Using salted butter is possible, but since the recipe already includes salt, reduce or omit additional salt to keep the balance just right. Unsalted butter offers more control over the final flavor.

Can I replace the almonds with another nut?

Absolutely! Walnuts or pecans make great alternatives if you prefer a different nut flavor or texture, but almonds provide a subtle crunch that pairs perfectly with the cherry and chocolate combination.

How long do these cookies stay fresh?

Stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature, these cookies stay fresh and delicious for up to one week. Beyond that, freezing is your best option to maintain quality.

Can I make this cookie dough ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. This actually helps the flavors meld together and often results in an even tastier cookie.

Final Thoughts

These Cherry-Almond Chocolate Chunk Cookies Recipe are truly a labor of love that rewards you with a treat bursting with flavor and texture in every bite. I can’t recommend them enough for your next baking adventure, whether you want to impress guests or indulge yourself on a quiet afternoon. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will become a beloved classic in your cookie repertoire.

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