Irresistible Cherry Almond Chocolate Chunk Cookies: The Ultimate Chewy & Flavorful Treat
Prepare to be enchanted by these Cherry Almond Chocolate Chunk Cookies – a truly irresistible dessert that masterfully combines delightful textures and exquisite flavors. Each cookie is magnificently thick and wonderfully chewy, generously studded with substantial chunks of luscious semi-sweet chocolate. What truly elevates these cookies is a subtle yet distinct hint of almond extract woven into the dough, meticulously chosen to amplify the natural sweetness of the dried cherries and the rich, nutty notes of perfectly toasted almond slivers. This harmonious blend creates a baking experience that’s as rewarding as the first delicious bite.
While my baking adventures sometimes lead me down unexpected paths, like accumulating a surprising number of Valentine’s Day-inspired recipes, these cookies transcend any specific holiday. It’s an interesting phenomenon, given that I don’t typically go all out for Valentine’s Day myself. It’s not that I dislike the sentiment; in fact, I appreciate the idea of celebrating love and connection. However, my personal tradition leans elsewhere.
The truth is, my family’s focus on February 14th usually shifts to a different kind of celebration. My partner, Squirrel, celebrates his birthday on Valentine’s Day, and naturally, he takes precedence. This means our household is less about romantic gestures and more about birthday cake and personalized celebrations for him. Yet, the joy of baking often manifests in creations that, by sheer coincidence, fit perfectly into broader celebratory themes.
However, I understand that many of you embrace the romance of hand-holding, whispered sweet nothings, and the delightful palette of reds and pinks that define Valentine’s Day. So, for those who cherish these moments, you’ll be thrilled to know that I’ve crafted a cookie recipe that, while perhaps not overtly romantic, certainly carries a festive, Valentine’s Day-ish charm. These cookies are a labor of love, designed to bring joy whether shared with a significant other, family, or simply enjoyed as a well-deserved personal indulgence.
To create these exceptional Cherry Almond Chocolate Chunk Cookies, I began with a foundation that is consistently reliable: my absolute favorite chocolate chip cookie base. This tried-and-true recipe provides the perfect canvas for layering bold flavors and satisfying textures. Into this robust base, I generously incorporated an array of premium ingredients: tangy, dried cherries that provide a delightful counterpoint to the sweetness; perfectly toasted Diamond of California Slivered Almonds, offering a beautiful crunch and earthy depth; and, of course, an abundance of big, decadent hunks of semi-sweet chocolate, ensuring a rich, melt-in-your-mouth experience with every bite.
The Secret to Unforgettable Flavor: Almond Extract
What truly sets these cookies apart and makes them so incredibly special is the subtle addition of almond extract to the cookie dough. This isn’t just a random ingredient; it’s a carefully considered choice that performs a magical feat. The almond extract doesn’t overpower the other flavors; instead, it acts as a magnificent amplifier, drawing out and intensifying the inherent sweetness of the dried cherries and the warm, toasted notes of the almonds. The result is a beautifully complex flavor profile where the sweet almond essence is distinctly present in every single chew, without being cloying. Trust me when I say, this nuanced flavor is nothing short of delightful and will have you reaching for another cookie almost immediately.
Beyond the incredible flavor, the texture of these cookies is equally captivating. They are perfectly thick, offering a satisfying bite, and boast a delightful chewiness that yields to a wonderfully gooey, tender center. This combination of textures ensures that each cookie is a truly decadent experience, quickly making them a cherished favorite among family and friends. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting your culinary journey, these cookies are designed to impress and become a staple in your recipe collection.
Why You’ll Love Baking These Cookies
Baking these Cherry Almond Chocolate Chunk Cookies is more than just following a recipe; it’s an experience. The aroma of almond and vanilla filling your kitchen as they bake is absolutely intoxicating. These cookies are perfect for various occasions – from a cozy evening at home, a thoughtful gift for a loved one, or a crowd-pleasing dessert at any gathering. Their rich flavors and satisfying textures make them universally appealing. Plus, the combination of fruit, nuts, and chocolate ensures a balanced, yet indulgent treat.
Tips for Achieving Perfect Cookies Every Time
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter and egg are at room temperature. This allows them to cream together more smoothly, creating an emulsified mixture that traps air, resulting in lighter, fluffier cookies.
- Don’t Overmix: Once you add the dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, leading to tougher cookies.
- Toast Your Almonds: Toasting the slivered almonds before adding them to the dough significantly enhances their nutty flavor and adds an extra layer of complexity to the cookies. Spread them on a baking sheet and toast in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 5-7 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Quality Chocolate: Using high-quality semi-sweet chocolate chunks makes a noticeable difference. Larger chunks ensure pockets of melted chocolate throughout the cookie, elevating the indulgence factor.
- Chilling the Dough (Optional but Recommended): While not explicitly stated in the recipe, chilling the cookie dough for at least 30 minutes (or even overnight) can deepen the flavors and prevent the cookies from spreading too much in the oven, resulting in thicker, chewier cookies.
- Even Baking: Turning your baking sheet halfway through the baking process ensures even heat distribution, resulting in uniformly golden-brown cookies.
Cherry Almond Chocolate Chunk Cookies
These thick, chewy, and gooey cookies are generously loaded with tart dried cherries, perfectly toasted almonds, and decadent chunks of semi-sweet chocolate. A delightful treat for any occasion!
Yield: 10-12 cookies
Total Time: 23 minutes
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 13 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 stick (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, at room-temperature
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/8 teaspoon almond extract (essential for flavor enhancement!)
- 1 and 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/3 cup dried cherries (tart or sweet, based on preference)
- 1/2 cup toasted Diamond Slivered Almonds
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chunks (high quality recommended)
Directions:
- Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F (190°C). Line a sturdy baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat. This prevents sticking and ensures easy cleanup.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a small, separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and kosher salt. Whisking ensures these ingredients are evenly distributed, which is crucial for uniform cookie texture. Set this bowl aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, or in a large bowl using a handheld electric mixer, cream together the room-temperature unsalted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Beat on medium speed for about 2 minutes, until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color. This step incorporates air, contributing to the cookie’s tender texture. Scrape down the sides of the bowl with a spatula to ensure everything is well combined.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Add the large egg and both the vanilla extract and the almond extract to the creamed butter and sugar mixture. Mix again on medium speed until thoroughly combined, making sure no streaks of egg remain. Scrape down the sides of the bowl once more.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients and Mix-ins: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture (flour, baking soda, salt) to the wet ingredients in three batches. Mix on low speed, scraping down the sides of the bowl after each addition, until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough. Once the flour mixture is almost fully incorporated, gently fold in the dried cherries, the toasted Diamond slivered almonds, and the semi-sweet chocolate chunks using a spatula. Mix until just evenly distributed.
- Scoop and Bake: Measure out the cookie dough into 2-tablespoon sized balls. Place these dough balls on your prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are spaced about 3 inches apart to allow for spreading. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-13 minutes. Look for the edges of the cookies to turn a light golden brown; the center of each cookie should still appear soft and slightly underdone. For even browning, rotate the baking pan halfway through the baking time.
- Cool and Store: Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. This crucial step allows them to set up and prevents them from breaking when transferred. After 5 minutes, carefully transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain their freshness and chewiness.
All images and text ©One Sweet Mess.
Disclosure: This was a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Diamond of California. All opinions expressed regarding the exceptional quality and flavor of their nuts are 100% my own and reflect my genuine experience with their products.