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
Scale
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.
