Description
Delight in these soft-baked cookies bursting with the rich flavors of dried cherries, sliced almonds, and semi-sweet chocolate chips. Perfectly balanced with a hint of vanilla and almond extracts, these treats are easy to prepare and bake to golden perfection, making them an ideal dessert or snack for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp almond extract
Add-ins
- 1 cup dried cherries, chopped
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat Your Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt until well combined. Set this mixture aside.
- Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the large egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract into the butter-sugar mixture until fully incorporated, creating a smooth batter.
- Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined to avoid overworking the dough.
- Fold in the Add-ins: Using a spatula, gently fold in the chopped dried cherries, sliced almonds, and semi-sweet chocolate chips, being careful not to overmix to maintain the dough’s texture.
- Shape the Cookies: Use a tablespoon or cookie scoop to drop dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading during baking.
- Bake to Perfection: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown and the centers remain soft and slightly undercooked for a chewy texture.
- Cool and Serve: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Enjoy: Serve the cookies warm or store them in an airtight container for up to one week. They also freeze well for longer storage.
Notes
- Do not overmix the dough once the flour is added to avoid tough cookies.
- Using parchment paper or silicone mats helps prevent sticking and promotes even baking.
- Cookies are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to one week.
- For longer storage, freeze the cookies in an airtight container and thaw at room temperature before serving.
- You can substitute dried cherries with other dried fruits like cranberries or raisins if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
