Description
Chewy cookies packed with chocolate chips, dried cherries, and optional nuts. A classic treat with a delightful twist!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup dried cherries, chopped
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Instructions
- Cream the butter and sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar until light and fluffy (3-5 minutes). Scrape down the sides of the bowl occasionally.
- Incorporate the wet ingredients: Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Combine the dry ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Fold in the chocolate chips, cherries, and nuts: Gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips, chopped dried cherries, and chopped walnuts or pecans (if using).
- Chill the dough: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours.
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
- Scoop the dough: Use a cookie scoop or spoon to drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.
- Bake the cookies: Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are set.
- Cool the cookies: Remove the baking sheets from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Use high-quality chocolate chips for the best flavor.
- Toast the nuts before adding them to the dough to enhance their flavor.
- Add a 1/4 teaspoon of almond extract to complement the cherry flavor.
- Use different types of chocolate chips (milk, dark, white).
- Drizzle the cooled cookies with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk.
- Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
- Adjust the sweetness by reducing the amount of granulated sugar or brown sugar by 1/4 cup.
- Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the cookies for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 9 minutes