White Chocolate Almond Cookies with Maraschino Cherries

The nearer the approaching holidays become, the more I get into my cookie-makin’-mama mode.

I have been recently experimenting with finding the best chocolate chip cookie recipe EVER (and I hope to have multiple posts soon on this odyssey), but for this baking session  I wanted to switch it up a bit.

These cookies are so delicious I am thinking about entering them into The Bin 27 Cookie Rumble.   The prize:   private cooking lessons with Jacques Torres and Dorie Greenspan.    I would definitely pass out in shock and awe if faced with these two greats in the kitchen.     Check it out.

But, now for these cookies.   I think this recipe is a keeper for the upcoming holidays:

White Chocolate Almond Cookies with Maraschino Cherries

1 c. all-purpose white flour
3/4 c. whole wheat flour*
1/2 t. baking soda
1/2 t. fine sea salt
1 1/2 sticks unsalted butter (3/4 cup)
3/4 c. light brown sugar, packed
1/3 c. granulated sugar
1/2 t. almond extract
1 large farm fresh egg
1 pkg. white morsels (I used Nestle.)
3/4 c. thinly sliced almonds
1/3 c. chopped maraschino cherries

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together flours, baking soda and salt.   Set aside.

In the bowl of a stand mixer, cream together butter and sugars until fully incorporated and creamy.   Add almond extract and egg.   Beat further.    Carefully, mix in flour mixture.   Try not to over mix.

Add white chips, almonds, and cherries.

Using a cookie scoop, place cookies about 2 inches apart on a silicon pad lined baking sheet.   Slightly flatten cookies.

Please do not judge me by my horrendously dark silpats. I think I made nachos once using it and stuck it under the broiler. Not a good idea.

Bake for 8-10 minutes or until edges are lightly brown.  Remove from oven and transfer cookies to wire racks to cool.

*I used a finely milled whole wheat flour like Stone Stack Mill’s offerings or Wheat Montana’s Bronze Chief flour.  If you can’t find these to products, then I would recommend using a whole wheat pastry flour.

The addition of the whole wheat flour adds more nuttiness to this cookie and does make it a bit healthier (if you say it fast).    🙂

 Today is the second day of glorious FALL BREAK!    I am off to finish switching out the summer clothing for more appropriate fall styles and hopefully I can get some baking/cooking in today too.

Enjoy the weekend!

21 comments to White Chocolate Almond Cookies with Maraschino Cherries

  • My husband is crazy for white chocolate. These are a perfect afternoon snack for him.

    • Hope he likes them. I am not a huge fan of white chocolate but these are delicious! (Dried cherries would probably be great in them too and a little healthier.)

  • Mmmmmmmmmmm……..these look great! I might have to try them. Can’t wait to see your chocolate chip trials. My husband is a CC expert! Headed out to Thackerville for a bite to eat at El Fenix! Yay!! At least they are finally back in Oklahoma. Best Mexican food ever!

  • These cookies would be perfect with hot chocolate 🙂

    Cheers
    Choc Chip Uru

  • These are like a chocolate covered cherry in a cookie! Yes, I definitely think you should enter these in the contest and while you’re at it – I’ll take a couple of dozen. 🙂

    • Thanks, M.J. I am going to put these on my Xmas baking list, definitely. I would gladly send some your way, but with that gorgeous new kitchen of yours, you could whip up a couple of dozen in no time. LOL

  • I totally believe these are awesome–the flavor profile is killer. I’m going to save this one to try. And these would go perfectly in a certain online bake sale fundraiser…just sayin. Let me know if you’d like to donate some! Or anything. 🙂 Oh and you should totally enter that contest. OMgosh, I would diiiie–I really couldn’t handle a private cooking lesson with either-I’d pass out, but I want to live vicariously through you so please win. hehe

    • Sorry Veronica. I haven’t been keeping up with reading. I did see your cookie swap posts but haven’t had the time to sit down and really digest anything (mentally speaking). 🙂 Now that it is Fall Break, maybe I can take time away from cleaning the house (which was sorely needed) and read my favorites and truly catch up with everyone. Have a great weekend!

  • Your cookies would have some major fans in this house… my youngest has a ‘thing’ for white chocolate in cookies and my husband has a lifelong affection for maraschino cherries… what a delicious sounding marriage! Approaching holidays being American Thanksgiving I’m thinking? (please don’t tell me this is Christmas prep just yet… I’m not nearly that organized!!) :).

  • Love the combinations of almonds and the cherries. Perfect for a nice tea time!!!

  • Who can say no to such a delectable cookie! Certainly not I!

  • Liz

    Mmmmm….these look like fantastic cookies! Love all the add-ins. And LOL about your Silpat…sounds like something I would do, too 🙂

  • I’m looking at your ingredients and thinking these are delicious indeed – white chocolate and cherries, YUM!