Cherry Almond Chocolate Chip Cookies
A delightful twist on the classic cherry kiss cookies, these Cherry Almond Chocolate Chip Cookies are soft, sweet, and loaded with flavor. The rich almond extract pairs perfectly with the tartness of the cherry, while the chocolate chips offer a creamy balance. These cookies are an homage to the nostalgic flavors of childhood baking sessions with your loved ones—just like how you and your mom used to make the traditional cherry kiss cookies, but with a modern, chocolatey twist. Whether you’re baking them for the holidays or just a special treat, these cookies are sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon almond extract (or vanilla extract if preferred)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chocolate chips (semi-sweet or milk chocolate, your choice)
- 1/2 cup maraschino cherries, chopped (optional: reserve some whole cherries for topping)
- 1/2 teaspoon red food coloring (optional, for a fun pink touch)
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent the cookies from sticking. - Cream the Butter and Sugar:
In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 3 minutes on medium speed. - Add Extracts and Dry Ingredients:
Mix in the almond extract (or vanilla extract if preferred). In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the creamed butter and sugar mixture, mixing until just combined. If you like your cookies with a slight hint of pink, add a few drops of red food coloring to the dough at this stage. - Fold in the Chocolate Chips and Cherries:
Gently fold in the chocolate chips and chopped maraschino cherries. The cherries add a burst of fruity flavor, and the chocolate chips bring a rich, creamy texture to each bite. - Form the Cookies:
Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. If you reserved some whole maraschino cherries, place one on top of each cookie for an extra pop of color and flavor. - Bake:
Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are lightly golden. The center may look a little soft, but that’s perfect for keeping them chewy. - Cool:
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a couple of minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. The cooling time will help them firm up, giving you the perfect chewy texture.
History and Origins:
Cherry kiss cookies, traditionally made with a Hershey’s Kiss in the center, have been a popular holiday treat for many years, often made for Christmas and other festive occasions. Their popularity likely stems from their simple yet delicious combination of chocolate and cherry. Over time, bakers began experimenting with different variations, adding chocolate chips, other kinds of candy, and flavorings like almond or vanilla. The combination of cherry and almond in baked goods has been cherished for centuries, particularly in European and American pastry traditions. The addition of chocolate is a more modern twist that has become a standard in many cookie recipes today.
This variation, with its blend of almond extract, maraschino cherries, and chocolate chips, is not just a nod to nostalgia—it’s a reminder of how food connects us to loved ones and memories, much like the moments you shared with your mom in the kitchen.
Method Variations:
- Add Nuts: For an extra crunch, try adding 1/2 cup of chopped almonds or walnuts to the dough. The nuts will complement the almond flavor and add texture to each bite.
- Use Dark Chocolate: If you prefer darker, more intense chocolate flavor, you can swap the semi-sweet chocolate chips for dark chocolate chips or even chop up a dark chocolate bar for a chunkier texture.
- Dried Cherries: If you prefer a less tart flavor than maraschino cherries, you can substitute them with dried cherries. This will add a chewier, less acidic cherry flavor to the cookie.
Conclusion:
Cherry Almond Chocolate Chip Cookies are the perfect fusion of sweet, tart, and rich flavors, making them an irresistible treat for any occasion. Whether you’re sharing them with family, friends, or just enjoying a quiet moment by yourself, these cookies bring a sense of comfort and joy. They carry the warmth of tradition but with a modern twist—just like the memories of baking with loved ones. They are an excellent way to make new memories, too, whether with your family, friends, or anyone who loves a delicious homemade cookie.
For the Cookie Lovers:
If you’re a fan of sweet and savory combinations or simply looking for a new go-to dessert, these cookies are for you. You can even get creative and add your favorite mix-ins like white chocolate chips, or coconut flakes, or dip them in chocolate for an extra indulgence. They are versatile, customizable, and guaranteed to delight cookie lovers of all ages.
Baking is about more than just ingredients—it’s about bringing joy to the moment, and these cookies do just that.
Let me know if you’d like to explore more ways to play around with the recipe!