Introduction
There’s something truly special about baking a batch of cookies that fills your home with scrumptious aromas and a sense of warmth. These Almond Cherry Cookies are no exception! Bursting with rich flavors from the sweet cherries and the delicate hint of almond, they make for a delightful treat any time of year. Whether you’re enjoying them with a cup of tea or sharing them with friends and family, these cookies are sure to steal the show!
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chopped dried cherries
- 1/2 cup slivered almonds
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 27 minutes
Yield: 24 cookies
Directions and Instructions
- Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven warms up, line your baking sheets with parchment paper, creating a non-stick surface for your cookies.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This step is essential for giving your cookies that tender texture.
- Add in the eggs, along with the vanilla and almond extracts, and beat everything together until it’s well combined. The aromatic smells will start to waft through your kitchen!
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually incorporate these dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—you want those cookies to stay light and airy.
- Gently fold in the chopped dried cherries and slivered almonds, ensuring that these little bursts of flavor are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Using a tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto your prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie for their delightful expansion in the oven.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are delicately golden brown. Keep an eye on them; you want that perfect golden edge without overbaking!
- Once removed from the oven, let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. The hardest part? Waiting to taste them!
Notes or Tips
For an added twist, consider adding a handful of white chocolate chips to the dough. The creamy sweetness pairs beautifully with the tartness of the cherries. Also, be sure to store your cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh and flavorful for days!
Cooking Techniques
The key to perfect cookies lies in the creaming method—mixing butter and sugars until fluffy increases air in the mixture, resulting in a lighter cookie. Additionally, folding in your add-ins gently preserves the texture of the dough. Remember, a little patience during the cooling process ensures they hold their shape and flavors meld beautifully!
FAQ
Can I use fresh cherries instead of dried?
While fresh cherries can be used, they contain more moisture and will alter the texture of the cookies. If you do use fresh cherries, make sure to chop them finely and reduce the other liquid ingredients slightly.
Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Absolutely! You can freeze the prepared dough for up to three months. Just scoop out the dough balls onto a baking sheet, freeze until firm, then transfer to a resealable bag. When you’re ready to bake, just pop them in the oven straight from the freezer, adding a minute or two to the baking time.
Conclusion
These Almond Cherry Cookies are more than just a sweet treat; they are a celebration of flavors and a reminder of cozy moments spent baking in the kitchen. So gather your ingredients, put on your favorite apron, and enjoy the simple pleasure of creating something delicious. Happy baking!