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Soft Chewy Cherry Blossom Cookies with Tart Cherries – Tart Cherry Cookies
These tart cherry cookies are the perfect balance of chewy, sweet, and tangy. The dried tart cherries add a wonderful burst of flavor that pairs beautifully with the warm spices and chocolate kiss center. If you’re looking for a cookie that stands out from the usual chocolate chip variety, these soft and chewy tart cherry cookies are sure to become a new favorite in your recipe collection.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Perfect texture combination with chewy oats and soft centers that melt in your mouth
- The tart cherries provide a bright, tangy contrast to the sweet cookie base and chocolate kiss
- These cookies stay soft for days, making them perfect for making ahead for gatherings
- The pretty chocolate kiss center and optional white drizzle make these cookies look as good as they taste
- Warming spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger create a complex flavor profile that elevates these beyond basic cookies
Why These Tart Cherry Cookies Work
What makes these tart cherry cookies so special is the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The oats provide a hearty chewiness while the butter and brown sugar create a rich, caramel-like base. The tart cherries are the star of the show, offering bursts of tangy sweetness throughout each bite.
The addition of warm spices like cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and ginger gives these cookies a cozy, comforting flavor profile that works beautifully with the cherries. And who can resist that chocolate kiss center? It melts slightly when pressed into the warm cookie, creating a delicious chocolate pool in the middle.
The secret to the perfect texture is not over-chilling the dough. Unlike many cookie recipes that benefit from overnight refrigeration, these cookies are best when the dough is chilled for just 30-60 minutes. This prevents the oats from absorbing too much moisture and keeps the cookies perfectly chewy.
What You’ll Need for Tart Cherry Cookies
Ingredients
- 2 3/4 cups old-fashioned whole rolled oats
- 1 2/3 cups (209g) all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon EACH ground cloves, ground nutmeg, ground ginger
- 1 cup (16 Tbsps) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 1 cup packed light or dark brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs at room temperature
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon unsulphured molasses
- 1 cup dried tart cherries
- 26-28 chocolate kisses
- 3 ounces vanilla almond bark, chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon coconut oil or vegetable shortening
Tools
- Stand mixer with paddle attachment (or hand mixer)
- Large mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk
- 2 baking sheets
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mats
- Cookie scoop (2 tablespoon size)
- Cooking spray
- Microwave-safe bowl
- Ziploc bag for drizzling
How to Make Soft Chewy Cherry Blossom Cookies with Tart Cherries
- Mix Dry Ingredients: Whisk the oats, flour, baking soda, cinnamon, salt, cloves, nutmeg, and ginger in a large bowl, then set aside.
- Cream Butter & Sugars: Using a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar at medium speed until fluffy for about 2 minutes.
- Add Eggs: Add the eggs and mix on high just until combined, then add the vanilla and molasses and mix just until combined. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl as needed.
- Combine: Add the oat mixture to the wet ingredients and mix on low until combined. Beat in the dried tart cherries on low speed.
- Chill: Refrigerate the dough for 30-60 minutes. Don’t chill longer because the oats will absorb too much moisture.
- Preheat: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
- Roll Balls: Roll the dough into two-tablespoon balls using a cookie scoop. The dough is sticky, so spray your hands with cooking spray. Space the balls 2 inches apart on the baking sheets.
- Bake: Bake for 10-12 minutes until lightly browned on the edges. The centers will look very soft and under-baked.
- Add Kisses: Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 8 minutes. Then, press a chocolate kiss into the center of each cookie.
- Melt Vanilla Almond Bark (Optional): Place the almond bark and ¼ teaspoon coconut oil in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave at 50% power for 30 seconds, stir, then continue to microwave at 15-second increments, stirring in between, until just melted.
- Drizzle: Transfer to a Ziploc bag and snip a tiny hole in one corner. Drizzle over the cookies.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Room temperature ingredients are crucial – cold eggs or butter will affect the texture of your cookies, so plan ahead and let them sit out for at least an hour before baking
- For uniform cookies, use a cookie scoop rather than eyeballing the size – this ensures even baking and a consistent appearance
- Don’t overbake! The cookies should look slightly underdone when you remove them from the oven as they’ll continue cooking on the hot baking sheet
- If your tart cherries are very dry, soak them in hot water for 5 minutes and pat dry before adding to the dough – this will make them plumper and juicier
- For a more pronounced cherry flavor, add 1/4 teaspoon of almond extract along with the vanilla – almond and cherry are complementary flavors that enhance each other
Serving and Storage Tips for Tart Cherry Cookies
These tart cherry cookies are delicious served warm, when the chocolate kiss is still slightly melty, or at room temperature when the flavors have had time to meld together. They pair wonderfully with a glass of cold milk, a cup of hot tea, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra special treat.
Serving Tips
For a fancy presentation, dust the cookies lightly with powdered sugar just before serving, or add a sprinkle of flaky sea salt to enhance the sweet-tart contrast. If serving at a party, arrange them on a tiered cookie stand with the chocolate kisses pointing up for a beautiful display.
These cookies also make wonderful gifts! Stack them in a decorative tin with parchment paper between layers, or place them in cellophane bags tied with a pretty ribbon. The combination of tart cherries and chocolate makes them stand out from typical holiday cookie exchanges.
To store these tart cherry cookies, place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze the baked cookies (without the chocolate kiss and drizzle) for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature and add the chocolate kiss while warming them slightly in the microwave.
You can also freeze the cookie dough balls for up to 3 months. Just place them on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding 1-2 minutes to the baking time. Check out this Cherry Chocolate Chunk Cookies Recipe for more freezing tips.
Mistakes to Avoid while making Tart Cherry Cookies
Even experienced bakers can run into trouble when making cookies. Here are some common mistakes to avoid when making these tart cherry cookies:
- Over-mixing the dough: Once you add the dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Over-mixing develops gluten, resulting in tough cookies instead of tender ones.
- Chilling the dough too long: Unlike many cookie recipes, these shouldn’t be chilled overnight. The oats will absorb too much moisture, leading to dry cookies.
- Using quick oats instead of old-fashioned: Quick oats have a different texture and absorption rate. Stick with old-fashioned whole rolled oats for the best texture.
- Skipping the molasses: It might seem like a small amount, but that tablespoon of molasses adds depth and moisture that makes these cookies special.
- Adding the chocolate kisses too soon: If you press them into cookies that are too hot, they’ll melt completely. Wait about 8 minutes after baking before adding them.
Another common mistake is using sweetened dried cherries instead of tart ones. The recipe is designed for the tanginess of tart cherries to balance the sweet cookie base, similar to these Chocolate Chunk-Tart Cherry Cookies from Food Network.
You Must Know
- The key to these cookies’ perfect texture is the balance between moisture and dry ingredients – if your dough seems too dry, add 1-2 tablespoons of milk; if too wet, add 1-2 tablespoons of flour
- For the best flavor, use high-quality dried tart cherries – they should be plump and bright red, not overly dry or brownish
- The cookies will appear very soft when you remove them from the oven – this is normal and they will set up as they cool, giving you that perfect chewy center
- If you don’t have chocolate kisses, you can substitute with chocolate chunks pressed into the center, or even filled chocolates like Rolos for a caramel surprise
Suggestions for Tart Cherry Cookies
These tart cherry cookies are delicious as written, but there are many ways to customize them to suit your preferences or what you have on hand:
- Add white chocolate chips: Mix 1/2 cup white chocolate chips into the dough for extra sweetness that pairs beautifully with the tart cherries, similar to Giada’s Dried Cherry and Almond Cookies.
- Try different chocolate centers: Instead of chocolate kisses, try dark chocolate kisses, caramel-filled chocolates, or even a thumbprint well filled with cherry jam.
- Add nuts: Mix in 1/2 cup chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds for added crunch and flavor.
- Make them festive: Add red and green sprinkles for Christmas, or pink sprinkles for Valentine’s Day.
- Try a different drizzle: Dark chocolate or colored candy melts can create a different look and flavor profile.
For a more substantial meal before dessert, check out this Ultimate Chicken Casserole that pairs wonderfully with these cookies for dessert. If you’re looking for a lighter dessert option, this 5-Ingredient Easy Keto Cloud Cake is another great choice.
These tart cherry cookies also make a delightful addition to a brunch spread or afternoon tea. The combination of warming spices and tart cherries creates a sophisticated flavor profile that appeals to adults while still being kid-friendly.
FAQs:
Fresh cherries contain too much moisture for this recipe and would make the cookies soggy. Stick with dried tart cherries, which provide concentrated flavor without excess moisture. If you only have fresh cherries, you’d need to dry them first, which is quite time-consuming.
You likely added them too soon after baking. The cookies need to cool for about 8 minutes before adding the kisses. If your kitchen is very warm, you can even place the unwrapped kisses in the refrigerator beforehand so they’re cold when added to the warm cookies.
Replace the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend that contains xanthan gum. Make sure your oats are certified gluten-free as well. The rest of the recipe can remain the same, though you might need to adjust the baking time slightly.
Absolutely! The cookie dough can be made and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking. You can also freeze the shaped dough balls for up to 3 months. The baked cookies (without the chocolate kiss and drizzle) can be frozen for up to 3 months in an airtight container.
While molasses adds a distinctive flavor and moisture, you can substitute with honey or maple syrup in a pinch. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious. Dark brown sugar has more molasses content than light brown sugar, so using dark brown sugar can also help compensate for the missing molasses.
Conclusion: Why You’ll Love These Tart Cherry Cookies
These soft chewy cherry blossom cookies with tart cherries offer the perfect balance of flavors and textures that will keep you coming back for more. The tangy burst of dried tart cherries against the warm, spiced cookie base creates a sophisticated flavor profile, while the chocolate kiss center adds that touch of indulgence we all crave in a cookie.
What makes these tart cherry cookies truly special is their versatility. They’re fancy enough for holiday cookie exchanges but simple enough for everyday treats. The oatmeal base keeps them hearty and satisfying, while the cherries and chocolate elevate them beyond ordinary cookies.
Whether you’re an experienced baker or trying something new, these cookies are approachable yet impressive. They store well, freeze beautifully, and always get compliments when shared. For another crowd-pleasing recipe, check out this 10-Minute Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta that’s perfect before serving these cookies for dessert.
So preheat that oven, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy the delightful combination of tart cherries, warm spices, and chocolate in these irresistible cookies. Your taste buds will thank you!
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📖 Recipe Card
Tart Cherry Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 42 minutes
- Yield: 26 -28 1x
Description
A delicious recipe for tart cherry cookies.
Ingredients
- 2 3/4cupsold-fashioned whole rolled oats
- 1 2/3cups (209g)all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled)
- 1teaspoonbaking soda
- 1teaspoonground cinnamon
- 1/2teaspoonsalt
- 1/4tsp EACHground cloves, ground nutmeg, ground ginger
- 1cup (16 Tbsps)unsalted butter,softened to room temperature
- 1cuppacked light or dark brown sugar
- 1/4cupgranulated sugar
- 2large eggsat room temperature
- 1tablespoonvanilla extract
- 1tablespoonunsulphured molasses
- 1cupdried tart cherries
- 26–28chocolate kisses
- 3ouncesvanilla almond bark,chopped
- 1/4teaspooncoconut oil or vegetable shortening
Instructions
- Mix Dry Ingredients:Whisk the oats, flour, baking soda, and spices in a large bowl, then set aside.
- Cream Butter & Sugars:Using a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream the butter and sugars at medium speed until fluffy for about 2 minutes.
- Add Eggs:Add the eggs and mix on high just until combined, then add the vanilla and molasses and mix just until combined. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl as needed.
- Combine:Add the oat mixture to the wet ingredients and mix on low until combined. Beat in the cherries on low speed.
- Chill:Refrigerate the dough for 30-60 minutes. I don’t recommend chilling longer because the oats absorb the moisture from the other ingredients.
- Preheat:Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line 2baking sheetswith parchment paper ornonslip mats.
- Roll Balls:Roll the dough into two-tablespoon balls using acookie scoop. The dough is very sticky, so I recommend spraying your hands withcooking spray with flour. Space the balls 2 inches apart on the baking sheets.
- Bake:Bake for 10-12 minutes until lightly browned on the edges. The centers will look very soft and under-baked.
- Add Kisses:Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 8 minutes. Then, press a chocolate kiss into the center of each cookie.
- Melt Vanilla Almond Bark (Optional):Place the almond bark and ¼ teaspoon coconut oil/shortening in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave at 50% power for 30 seconds, stir, then continue to microwave at 15-second increments, stirring in between, until just melted.
- Drizzle:Transfer to a Ziploc bag and snip a tiny hole in one corner. Drizzle over the cookies.
Notes
Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 300 calories
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: tart cherry cookies
