Oatmeal-Cherry Chip Cookies
Chewy oatmeal-cherry cookies loaded with dried cherries and chocolate chips, offering a delightful combination of sweetness and tartness, perfect for cookie lovers and gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp. shortening or vegetable oil cooking spray ⓘ
- 1 c. dried cherries ⓘ
- 1 c. boiling water ⓘ
- 1 c. unsalted butter, softened ⓘ
- 3/4 c. brown sugar ⓘ
- 3/4 c. granulated sugar ⓘ
- 2 eggs ⓘ
- 1 tsp. vanilla ⓘ
- 2 c. white or wheat flour ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- 1 tsp. baking soda ⓘ
- 2 c. quick oatmeal ⓘ
- 12 oz. semi-sweet chocolate chips ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Use shortening or cooking spray to grease cookie sheets.
- Pour boiling water over dried cherries and let soak for 10 minutes, then drain.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until creamy.
- Add eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, salt, and baking soda.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing well.
- Stir in quick oatmeal, soaked cherries, and chocolate chips.
- Drop spoonfuls of dough onto prepared cookie sheets.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown.
- Allow cookies to cool on wire racks before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a chewier texture, try using old-fashioned oats instead of quick oats. If dried cherries aren't available, cranberries or raisins can be excellent substitutes. To reduce the fat content, consider replacing half of the butter with unsweetened applesauce. Ensure your butter is softened for easier mixing, and don't overmix the dough to maintain a tender cookie.
Serving Suggestions
These Oatmeal-Cherry Chip Cookies are delightful on their own or paired with a glass of milk or a hot cup of coffee. They make a wonderful addition to a dessert platter alongside treats like Golden Apple Sour Cream Muffins or Margarita Mousse. Consider serving them at gatherings or baking them as a special treat for friends and family.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer bag. To reheat, simply warm in the microwave for a few seconds or in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Oatmeal-Cherry Chip Cookies contains roughly 349 calories, with 3g protein, 29g carbohydrates, and 23g fat. It is a good source of vitamin A (11% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 643mg per serving (28% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, you can easily make these cookies gluten-free by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure that the oats you use are certified gluten-free, as cross-contamination can occur during processing.
What can I do with leftover dried cherries?
Leftover dried cherries can be added to yogurt, oatmeal, or salads for a burst of flavor. They also work well in baked goods like muffins or bread, or you can mix them into trail mix for a healthy snack.
How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
The cookies are done when they are golden brown around the edges and still slightly soft in the center. They will continue to firm up as they cool on the baking sheet, so avoid overbaking to keep them chewy.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).