If you adore cookies that combine a burst of bright cherry flavor, the rich, nutty hint of almond, and melty pockets of chocolate, then you are absolutely going to fall in love with this Cherry Almond Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe. It’s the perfect balance of chewy, tender dough dotted with juicy maraschino cherries and semi-sweet chocolate chips, all brought together by a subtle almond note that makes every bite feel special. Whether you’re baking for a cozy night in or impressing friends at your next gathering, this recipe delivers a homemade touch with incredible flavor that’s both nostalgic and refreshingly unique.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Cherry Almond Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe starts with a handful of simple, pantry-friendly ingredients. Each one plays a key role in creating that irresistible texture and flavor combination, from the creamy butter to the fragrant almond extract and sweet bursts of cherry. Here’s what you’ll need to get started:
- 1 cup butter, softened: Provides richness and a tender crumb, so make sure it’s softened to room temperature for easy mixing.
- 1 teaspoon almond or vanilla extract: Adds a fragrant, nutty depth that perfectly complements the cherries and chocolate.
- 1 cup powdered sugar: Gives the cookies a delicate sweetness and helps keep their texture soft and buttery.
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation of the cookie dough, balancing structure with just enough chew.
- 3 tablespoons maraschino cherry juice: Infuses the dough with subtle cherry flavor and a lovely pinkish tint.
- 1/2 cup chopped maraschino cherries: Brings juicy, sweet cherry bites dispersed throughout every cookie.
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips: Melts into gooey pockets of chocolate that pair beautifully with the almond and cherry flavors.
How to Make Cherry Almond Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your cookie sheets with parchment paper to ensure even baking and easy cleanup. This small step is crucial for perfect cookies that don’t stick and brown evenly on the bottom.
Step 2: Cream the Butter
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until it becomes smooth and creamy. This process aerates the butter, which is key for that tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture these cookies are known for.
Step 3: Add Extract and Sugar
Next, stir in the almond or vanilla extract along with the powdered sugar. Beat everything together until fully combined. This step infuses your dough with sweet aroma and ensures the sugar is thoroughly dispersed for consistent sweetness.
Step 4: Incorporate the Flour
Gradually add the all-purpose flour to the butter mixture, mixing as you go to form a soft dough. Be gentle here to avoid overworking the dough, which can result in tougher cookies.
Step 5: Mix in Cherry Juice, Cherries, and Chocolate Chips
Pour in the maraschino cherry juice, then fold in the chopped cherries and semi-sweet chocolate chips. These ingredients give each cookie a delightful pop of flavor and texture that’s truly addictive.
Step 6: Shape the Cookies
Roll the dough into approximately 1-inch balls, then lightly flatten them. Arrange these evenly on your prepared cookie sheets, spacing them out so they have room to spread during baking.
Step 7: Bake and Cool
Bake the cookies for 12 to 14 minutes, keeping an eye on them until the edges turn lightly golden. Once out of the oven, let them rest on the cookie sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack. This ensures they finish setting without losing their soft center.
How to Serve Cherry Almond Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
For a charming presentation, sprinkle a few extra chopped maraschino cherries and slivered almonds on top just before baking to create an inviting look. Alternatively, a light dusting of powdered sugar right before serving adds a pretty, snowy touch that makes these treats feel even more special.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with a tall glass of cold milk or a warm cup of coffee or tea. If you want to elevate the experience, serve alongside fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to balance the sweetness with freshness or creaminess.
Creative Ways to Present
For gift-giving or parties, stack the cookies in a pretty jar or wrapping them in parchment tied with a ribbon. You can also sandwich a dollop of cream cheese frosting or cherry jam between two cookies for an extra indulgent twist that friends and family will rave about.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh and chewy for up to five days, making it easy to enjoy this Cherry Almond Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe whenever a sweet craving strikes.
Freezing
If you want to save them for longer, freeze the baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Properly stored, they’ll keep well for up to three months.
Reheating
To refresh frozen or stored cookies, warm them gently in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 5 minutes or microwave for 10–15 seconds. This softens the chocolate chips and restores that fresh-baked charm you love.
FAQs
Can I substitute vanilla extract for almond extract in this recipe?
Absolutely! While almond extract adds a unique nutty flavor that compliments the cherries beautifully, vanilla extract works well as a delicious alternative that keeps the cookies wonderfully aromatic.
Are maraschino cherries the best choice for these cookies?
Yes, maraschino cherries provide just the right level of sweetness and a soft texture that complements the cookie dough. Fresh cherries are juicier and might alter the dough’s moisture content, so maraschino cherries are preferred here.
Can I use dark chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet?
Definitely! Dark chocolate chips will add a deeper, slightly less sweet flavor that pairs nicely with the almonds and cherries. Choose your preferred chocolate to tailor the cookies to your taste.
How can I make these cookies crispier?
To create a crispier cookie, bake them a little longer—around 15 minutes—and consider flattening the dough balls more before baking. Just watch carefully to prevent burning.
Is it okay to chill the dough before baking?
Yes, chilling the dough for an hour or two can help improve the flavor and prevent spreading, resulting in thicker cookies. It’s a great option if you plan ahead and want a slightly different texture.
Final Thoughts
This Cherry Almond Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe is truly a little slice of cookie heaven that’s both comforting and a bit unexpected with its cherry-almond twist. I can’t wait for you to try baking these, sharing them, and savoring every chewy, chocolate-studded bite yourself. Trust me, once you make these, they’ll become a beloved staple in your cookie rotation!
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
These Cherry Almond Chocolate Chip Cookies are a delightful twist on classic chocolate chip cookies, featuring the sweet and tart flavor of maraschino cherries combined with the nutty aroma of almond extract. Soft, chewy, and packed with chocolate chips, these cookies make a perfect treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon almond or vanilla extract
- 3 tablespoons maraschino cherry juice
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
Add-ins
- 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 even baking.
- Beat Butter: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until smooth and creamy, which helps create a light texture in the cookies.
- Add Extract and Sugar: Mix in the almond or vanilla extract and powdered sugar until fully combined, blending the flavors thoroughly.
- Incorporate Flour: Gradually add the all-purpose flour to the wet mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms, being careful not to overmix.
- Mix in Cherry Juice and Add-ins: Stir in the maraschino cherry juice, chopped maraschino cherries, and semi-sweet chocolate chips evenly into the dough.
- Shape the Cookies: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls, flatten them slightly with your hand or a spatula, and arrange them evenly spaced on the prepared cookie sheets to allow room for spreading.
- Bake: Place the cookie sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 12 to 14 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies turn a light golden color, indicating doneness.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes so they firm up before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Using almond extract adds a subtle nutty flavor, but vanilla extract is a great alternative if preferred.
- Ensure butter is softened to room temperature for easier mixing and better dough texture.
- Chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking can help reduce spreading for thicker cookies.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain freshness.
- For a festive touch, consider drizzling melted white chocolate over cooled cookies.
