Description
Delight in these Cherry Almond Chocolate Chip Cookies, a perfect blend of sweet maraschino cherries, rich chocolate chips, and a hint of almond extract. Soft and buttery with a slight tang from cherry juice, these cookies bake to golden perfection, offering a chewy, flavorful treat ideal for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Cookie Dough
- 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 even baking.
- Cream Butter: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until it becomes smooth and creamy, creating a light base for the cookie dough.
- Add Flavor and Sweetness: Mix in the almond or vanilla extract and powdered sugar until everything is fully combined and the mixture is fluffy.
- Incorporate Flour: Gradually add the all-purpose flour to the mixture, stirring continuously until a soft dough forms that holds together well.
- Add Cherries and Chocolate: Fold in the maraschino cherry juice, chopped cherries, and semi-sweet chocolate chips evenly throughout the dough to ensure every bite is flavorful.
- Shape the Cookies: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls, flatten them slightly for even baking, and place them evenly spaced on the prepared cookie sheets.
- Bake the Cookies: Place the sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 12 to 14 minutes or until the edges turn lightly golden, signaling they are perfectly baked.
- Cool the Cookies: Let the cookies rest on the baking sheets for 5 minutes after removing from the oven, then transfer them to a cooling rack to cool completely before serving.
Notes
- For a stronger almond flavor, use almond extract instead of vanilla.
- Make sure the butter is softened to room temperature for easier blending.
- Use parchment paper to prevent cookies from sticking and to promote even baking.
- Do not overbake; cookies will continue to firm up as they cool.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
