Are you craving a sweet treat that's both simple to make and bursting with flavor? Look no further! These delightful dried cherry cookies are the perfect answer. They're a fantastic addition to your repertoire of easy recipes and quick dinner ideas, especially when you need a satisfying homemade dessert without spending hours in the kitchen. This recipe delivers delicious dishes that are surprisingly healthy and perfect for sharing (or not!). Get ready to experience the magic of homemade cooking with this easy-to-follow guide.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¾ cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup dried cherries, chopped (you can also use a mix of dried cranberries and cherries)
- Optional: ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
Instructions:
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Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. This simple step ensures even baking and easy cleanup—two crucial aspects of a successful baking experience.
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Cream Together: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This is where a stand mixer or hand mixer really shines, but it's perfectly doable with good old-fashioned elbow grease.
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Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla. Make sure everything is well combined before moving on to the dry ingredients.
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Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix! Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
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Fold in Cherries (and Nuts): Gently fold in the chopped dried cherries and, if using, the nuts. The goal is to distribute them evenly throughout the dough without smashing them.
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Scoop & Bake: Drop rounded tablespoons of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie. This spacing gives them room to spread.
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Bake to Perfection: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. Keep a close eye on them during the last few minutes, as ovens can vary.
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Cool & Enjoy: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents them from becoming soggy.
Tips for the Best Dried Cherry Cookies:
- Softened Butter is Key: Make sure your butter is truly softened, not melted. This ensures proper creaming and a tender cookie.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, leading to tough cookies. Mix until just combined.
- Adjust Baking Time: Ovens vary, so keep an eye on your cookies. Start checking for doneness around the 10-minute mark.
- Storage: Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
Variations:
- Chocolate Chunk Cherry Cookies: Add ½ cup of chocolate chunks along with the cherries.
- Citrus Twist: Add the zest of one orange or lemon to the dough for a bright, refreshing flavor.
- Spiced it Up: Experiment with other spices like cardamom or allspice for a unique flavor profile.
Nutritional Information (per cookie, approximate):
This information is an estimate and will vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
- Calories: Approximately 150-200
- Fat: 8-10g
- Sugar: 15-20g
These delightful dried cherry cookies are a simple yet impressive treat, perfect for any occasion. They offer a fantastic balance of sweetness and chewy texture, making them a delicious addition to your repertoire of healthy meals and best recipes. Enjoy!