Cherry Cookies Recipe

If you have a soft spot for cozy, chewy treats with a burst of fruity goodness, this Cherry Cookies Recipe is exactly what your kitchen needs. Imagine bites of tender cookies, subtly sweetened and dotted with tangy dried cherries that dance with every chew. These cookies strike the perfect balance between nostalgic comfort and a fresh twist, making them an instant favorite whether you’re baking for the holidays, a casual afternoon snack, or sharing with friends. Once you try this Cherry Cookies Recipe, I bet you’ll find yourself reaching for the dough scoop again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple, quality ingredients always sets the stage for baking success. Each element plays its part, from providing structure and richness to adding bursts of flavor and delightful texture in this Cherry Cookies Recipe.

• All-Purpose Flour: The building block that creates the perfect cookie structure and chew.
• Baking Powder: Ensures your cookies rise just right, keeping them soft and fluffy instead of cakey.
• Butter: Softened to bring that luscious, melt-in-your-mouth richness everyone loves.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens each bite without overpowering the fruity cherries.
• Eggs: Adds moisture and structure, helping the cookies hold together beautifully.
• Vanilla Extract: Infuses a warm, aromatic depth to round out the flavor profile.
• Dried Cherries: The star of the cookie with a delightful sweet-tart zing that makes every bite memorable.
• Salt: Just a pinch to wake up the flavors and balance the sweetness perfectly.
• White Chocolate Chips (Optional): Adds a creamy, sweet contrast to the tart cherries for extra indulgence.
• Almond Extract (Optional): Welcomes a gentle, nutty note that harmonizes incredibly well with the cherries.
• Chopped Nuts (Optional): Whether walnuts or pecans, they lend a satisfying crunch and a toasty flavor.
• Cinnamon (Optional): A cozy hint of spice that wraps the cookie in warmth, perfect for cooler days.

How to Make Cherry Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat—this prevents sticking and helps the cookies bake evenly without any fuss.

Step 2: Cream Together Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with granulated sugar until the mixture turns light and fluffy. This step is crucial because it creates tiny air pockets that lead to soft, tender cookies that practically melt in your mouth.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Extracts

Beat in the egg, along with vanilla extract and optional almond extract, until everything is smoothly combined. These ingredients bring moisture, flavor, and a hint of sophistication to our Cherry Cookies Recipe.

Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures even distribution of leavening agents and seasoning, so every cookie bites back with consistent flavor and texture.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet butter mixture, mixing just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tougher cookies, so be gentle and patient here—just enough to bring everything together.

Step 6: Fold in the Cherries and Optional Add-Ins

Gently fold in the chopped dried cherries, along with any optional delights like white chocolate chips or nuts. This layering of flavors and textures is what makes this Cherry Cookies Recipe truly shine and stand out from the cookie crowd.

Step 7: Scoop and Shape the Dough

Use a spoon or cookie scoop to drop dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly. Slightly flatten each ball with the back of a spoon or your fingers to encourage an even bake and that classic cookie shape.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for about 12 to 15 minutes or until the edges turn a gentle golden brown. Keep an eye on them so they stay soft inside but develop that perfect outer texture.

Step 9: Cool Before Enjoying

Remove the cookies from the oven and let them rest on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step helps them set perfectly and keeps them from crumbling.

How to Serve Cherry Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

Sprinkle a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted white chocolate over your cookies for an elegant touch. Fresh cherries or even a bit of orange zest can add a fresh pop that complements the dried cherries beautifully.

Side Dishes

Cherry cookies pair wonderfully with a steaming cup of tea or coffee, balancing sweetness and warmth perfectly. If you want to get fancy, serve alongside vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to turn your cookies into a delightful dessert treat.

Creative Ways to Present

Package your Cherry Cookies Recipe in cute gift boxes lined with tissue paper for a heartfelt homemade gift. Or, stack them on a festive platter with ribbons for parties—presentation makes these cookies even more irresistible!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your baked cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Layer with parchment paper to prevent sticking and maintain their soft, chewy texture.

Freezing

If you want to stash some cookies away for later, these dough balls freeze beautifully. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, place in a freezer-safe bag, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready, just bake from frozen adding a minute or two to the baking time.

Reheating

To enjoy your stored cookies warm, pop a few in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or briefly heat in a low oven. This brings back that fresh-baked softness and amplifies the cherry and buttery flavors wonderfully.

FAQs

Can I use fresh cherries instead of dried cherries?

Fresh cherries are juicy and lovely, but because of their moisture content, they might make the cookie dough wetter and prevent proper baking. Dried cherries concentrate that tart flavor without adding moisture, making them ideal for this recipe.

What makes these Cherry Cookies Recipe different from other cherry cookies?

This recipe emphasizes a balance between sweet and tart with dried cherries and offers customizable add-ins like white chocolate chips or nuts, creating layers of flavor and texture that elevate it beyond the ordinary.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Absolutely! Swap out all-purpose flour for a gluten-free baking blend designed for cookies and ensure your baking powder is gluten-free as well. This way, you can enjoy these Cherry Cookies Recipe without sacrificing flavor or texture.

Why does my cookie dough feel too sticky?

Dough stickiness can happen if the butter isn’t fully softened or if the wet ingredients are a little heavy. Chill the dough for 30 minutes before scooping to make it easier to handle and prevent spreading too much during baking.

How long do Cherry Cookies stay fresh?

Stored properly in an airtight container, these cookies remain soft and delicious for up to five days. Beyond that, they can dry out but are still great for snacking if warmed up gently.

Final Thoughts

This Cherry Cookies Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s so easy to make and offers such a delightful flavor experience. It’s a cookie that feels like a hug in every bite—perfectly tender, gently sweet, with the right hint of tart cherry popping through. I truly hope you enjoy baking and sharing these as much as I do. Go ahead, give this recipe a whirl and watch your kitchen fill with the most wonderful cherry aroma that will surely bring smiles all around.

Print