Introduction
Cherry Almond Chocolate Cookies are a decadent blend of rich chocolate, sweet cherries, and nutty almond flavor. Soft and chewy with bursts of fruit and crunchy almond pieces, these cookies feel elegant yet comforting. Perfect for holidays, gifting, or indulgent everyday baking, they offer a beautiful balance of flavors and textures in every bite.
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Ingredients
For the Cookie Dough
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Mix-Ins
- 1 cup dried cherries (roughly chopped)
- ¾ cup chopped almonds (toasted for best flavor)
- 1 cup dark or semi-sweet chocolate chips
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Instructions
1. Prepare the Dough
- Whisk flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt in a bowl.
- In a separate bowl, cream butter and both sugars until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well.
- Mix in almond and vanilla extracts.
- Gradually add dry ingredients until just combined.
- Fold in cherries, almonds, and chocolate chips.
2. Chill
- Chill dough for 30 minutes to improve texture and flavor.
3. Bake
- Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Scoop dough onto lined baking sheets.
- Bake 10–12 minutes until edges are set and centers remain soft.
- Cool on pan 5 minutes, then transfer to rack.
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Methods (Primary Baking Methods)
- Creaming method for soft, chewy cookies
- Chilling method to control spread
- Folding method for even mix-ins
- Balanced baking time for fudgy centers
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History
Chocolate cookies have been a baking staple since the early 20th century. Almonds and cherries, long paired in European pastries, bring a refined touch to classic chocolate dough. This cookie reflects a fusion of traditional flavors with modern American cookie techniques.
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Benefits
- Antioxidants from dark chocolate and cherries
- Almonds provide healthy fats and protein
- Homemade cookies contain no preservatives
- Perfect for gifting and special occasions
- Rich flavor means fewer cookies satisfy cravings
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Formation (Structure & Texture)
- Edges: Slightly crisp
- Center: Soft and chewy
- Mix-ins: Bursts of cherry, crunch from almonds
- Flavor: Deep chocolate with nutty-fruity notes
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Lovers (Who Loves These Cookies?)
- Chocolate lovers
- Almond dessert fans
- Cherry enthusiasts
- Holiday bakers
- Gourmet cookie seekers
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Methods (Repeated as Requested)
- Proper creaming of butter and sugar
- Chilling dough before baking
- Even portioning for uniform cookies
- Cooling slightly for perfect set
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Conclusion
Cherry Almond Chocolate Cookies bring together bold chocolate, sweet-tart cherries, and fragrant almond in one irresistible treat. They’re elegant enough for celebrations yet simple enough for everyday indulgence.