These Cherry Garcia Cookies are an irresistible combination of rich chocolate, tart cherries, and crunchy almonds. The soft, chewy texture of the cookie pairs perfectly with the pop of flavor from the dried cherries and the smoothness of the chocolate chips.
These cookies are perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a party or just want a delicious treat to enjoy at home. The flavors are inspired by the classic Cherry Garcia ice cream, but in the form of a cookie—creating a nostalgic and indulgent dessert experience.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
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1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
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1/2 teaspoon baking soda
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1/2 teaspoon salt
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1 cup unsalted butter, softened
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1 cup brown sugar, packed
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1/2 cup granulated sugar
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2 large eggs
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2 teaspoons vanilla extract
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1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
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1 cup dried cherries, chopped
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1/2 cup chopped almonds
Directions:
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
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In a medium bowl, combine flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
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In a large bowl, cream together butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth.
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Beat in eggs one at a time, then add the vanilla extract.
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Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture and stir until fully combined.
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Gently fold in chocolate chips, dried cherries, and chopped almonds.
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Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
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Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the center is set.
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Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 12 minutes | Total Time: 27 minutes Kcal: 210 kcal per cookie | Servings: 24 cookies
The Inspiration Behind Cherry Garcia Cookies
The concept for Cherry Garcia Cookies stems from the ever-popular Cherry Garcia ice cream, a signature flavor by Ben & Jerry’s. First introduced in 1987, this ice cream is known for its combination of sweet cherries, rich chocolate flakes, and crunchy almonds, which have made it a favorite among dessert lovers. The flavors are not only nostalgic but also well-loved for their perfect harmony, making it a natural fit for a cookie version. By adapting the iconic ingredients into a cookie recipe, the Cherry Garcia Cookies bring that same delicious flavor profile into a baked treat, allowing you to enjoy the flavors of your favorite ice cream in a new and fun way.
Why You’ll Love Cherry Garcia Cookies
These cookies are the perfect treat for anyone who loves the combination of cherries and chocolate. The rich, chewy texture of the cookies makes them satisfying, while the addition of almonds adds a delightful crunch. The dried cherries provide bursts of sweetness that balance out the richness of the chocolate chips. These cookies are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth without being overwhelming, as the mix of ingredients keeps each bite interesting. Whether you’re a fan of fruity desserts or prefer the decadence of chocolate, Cherry Garcia Cookies are sure to hit the spot.
Baking Tips for Perfect Cherry Garcia Cookies
To ensure your Cherry Garcia Cookies turn out perfectly every time, here are some helpful tips that will take your baking skills to the next level:
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Use high-quality chocolate chips: Since chocolate is a key ingredient, using high-quality semi-sweet chocolate chips will make a significant difference in the final taste of the cookies. Opt for a premium brand for the best melt and flavor.
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Chill the dough: Allowing the dough to chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before baking helps the cookies hold their shape better. It also allows the flavors to meld together, enhancing the overall taste.
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Don’t overbake: To achieve the perfect chewy texture, make sure not to overbake the cookies. Keep an eye on them as they bake, and once the edges are golden, remove them from the oven. The cookies will continue to cook on the baking sheet even after they are out of the oven.
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Be mindful of the cherry size: Chopping the dried cherries into smaller pieces ensures they distribute evenly throughout the dough. This prevents the cherries from clumping together and ensures that each bite has a balanced mix of cherries, chocolate, and almonds.
Variations and Customizations
While the Cherry Garcia Cookies are delicious as they are, there are a few variations you can try to make them your own or accommodate different dietary preferences:
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Vegan Version: For a vegan version of these cookies, you can replace the butter with a plant-based alternative, such as coconut oil or a vegan butter substitute. Use dairy-free chocolate chips and make sure the almonds you choose are also vegan-friendly.
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Gluten-Free Version: If you’re looking to make these cookies gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to check that the chocolate chips and other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
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Add More Fruit: If you love fruity cookies, you can experiment by adding more dried fruit to the dough. Consider mixing in dried blueberries, cranberries, or even chunks of fresh cherries (although fresh fruit will add more moisture to the dough, so use sparingly).
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Nut-Free Option: For those with nut allergies, you can skip the almonds entirely or swap them with seeds, such as sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds, for a similar crunchy texture without the nuts.
Serving Suggestions for Cherry Garcia Cookies
Cherry Garcia Cookies are the perfect dessert for a variety of occasions. Here are a few ideas for how to serve them:
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Serve with a glass of milk: Just like the classic chocolate chip cookie, these cookies pair perfectly with a cold glass of milk. The creamy milk complements the sweet and rich flavors of the cookies, making it a nostalgic combination.
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As a dessert on a dessert table: Whether you’re hosting a birthday party, a holiday gathering, or a casual get-together, these cookies are a great addition to any dessert table. Their beautiful mix of colors and flavors makes them stand out and adds a pop of color to your spread.
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Pair with ice cream: For an over-the-top dessert experience, serve these cookies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. You can even go for Cherry Garcia ice cream for a double-dose of cherry and chocolate goodness.
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Gift them: Cherry Garcia Cookies also make an excellent gift. Whether wrapped in a decorative tin or placed in a cute gift box, these cookies are perfect for giving to friends and family during holidays, birthdays, or just because. They’re thoughtful, delicious, and sure to be appreciated.
Why These Cookies Are a Must-Try
Cherry Garcia Cookies combine a variety of textures and flavors that make them incredibly satisfying. The rich chocolate chips, chewy dried cherries, and crunchy almonds come together in the perfect balance of sweetness and texture. Unlike other cookies, this one offers a unique twist with its fruity addition, making it stand out in the world of traditional cookie recipes. These cookies are also versatile, allowing for modifications to suit different diets and preferences, making them a treat that can be enjoyed by everyone.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Cherry Garcia Cookies are an irresistible dessert that brings the flavors of a beloved ice cream into a fun and delicious cookie form. Whether you’re baking for yourself or sharing with others, these cookies are sure to be a hit. With their rich chocolate, sweet cherries, and crunchy almonds, they’re the perfect treat for any occasion. The recipe is easy to make, and the result is a batch of cookies that are chewy, flavorful, and full of nostalgia. So, grab your ingredients and try these Cherry Garcia Cookies today – you’ll be glad you did!