Almost Cherry Garcia Cookies Recipe

Ingredients for Almost Cherry Garcia Cookies

• Dried Sour Cherries
• 2 tablespoons cherry brandy
• Unsalted Butter
• White Sugar
• Light Brown Sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Almond Extract
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• All Purpose Flour
• 1 cup white chocolate chips
• Semisweet Chocolate
• 1 cup macadamia nuts, roughly chopped (optional)

How to Make Almost Cherry Garcia Cookies

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Plump the dried cherries: In a small bowl, cover the dried cherries with boiling water. Let soak for 2 minutes.
3. Drain the cherries well and toss with 2 tablespoons of cherry brandy. Let sit for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, for maximum flavor. Drain again before using.
4. Cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
5. Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract until well combined.
6. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and baking soda.
7. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
8. Gently fold in the brandy-soaked cherries, white chocolate chips, dark chocolate chips, and macadamia nuts (if using).
9. Drop generous tablespoons of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.
10. Bake for 12-14 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown.
11. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.