Prepare to be transported to a world of decadent flavors with these irresistible Maraschino Cherry Almond Chocolate Cookies that will make your taste buds dance! Imagine biting into a rich, chocolatey cookie studded with vibrant red cherries and a hint of almond – a combination so magical, it'll have you craving more with every single bite. Whether you're a serious baker or a weekend dessert enthusiast, these cookies are about to become your new obsession that will impress everyone from family gatherings to cookie exchange parties!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 12 mins
Total Time: 27 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 24 cookies
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 1 cup maraschino cherries, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together softened butter, white sugar, and brown sugar using an electric mixer until light and fluffy, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Add almond extract to the butter-sugar mixture and mix until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, sift together all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking soda to ensure no lumps remain.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined.
- Drain maraschino cherries and pat them dry with paper towels. Roughly chop the cherries into small pieces.
- Gently fold the chopped maraschino cherries into the cookie dough, distributing them evenly.
- Using a cookie scoop or spoon, drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centers look slightly soft.
- Remove from oven and let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Tips
- Ensure your butter is truly softened but not melted – room temperature is key for the perfect cookie texture.
- Don't overmix the dough after adding dry ingredients; this prevents tough cookies.
- Pat the maraschino cherries thoroughly dry to prevent excess moisture in your dough.
- Use a cookie scoop for uniform cookie sizes and even baking.
- Let cookies cool completely before storing to maintain their crisp edges and soft center.
- For extra indulgence, consider drizzling melted white chocolate over cooled cookies.
- Store in an airtight container with a piece of bread to keep cookies soft for up to 5 days.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 22g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 25mg
