Oatmeal cookies are my absolute favorite! There’s something undeniably comforting about a warm, chewy oatmeal cookie and today, I’m sharing some that might make them a little more comforting. Ultimate Chewy Cherry Oatmeal Cookies are everything you crave in a classic cookie – perfectly crunchy edges, a soft chewy center bursting with fruity goodness, and a flavor that just screams home. This recipe is a family favorite, so get ready to experience cookie perfection!
“Home is where heart is. Heart where cookie is. Math clear: home is cookie.” – Cookie Monster
What Makes These Cookies the “Ultimate”?
There are a few things that make these cherry cookies the “ultimate”! Three things: A perfectly crunchy outside, chewy texture inside, a generous amount of juicy dried cherries and walnuts, a simple, foolproof recipe. This recipe is so easy to make, it will become one of your favorite cookies to bake.
One thing that I love about this recipe is that it only requires one egg. With the price of eggs these days, that’s a definite bonus!
If you’re a Mitten girl like me, you already know we take our cherries seriously here! Michigan is one of the top cherry producing states in the country, and Traverse City, Michigan, is basically the cherry capital of the world. There’s something extra special about baking with a fruit that feels like home. If you can get your hands on some Michigan grown dried cherries, grab them. You won’t regret it!
Gather Your Ingredients
For the most part, this recipe uses pantry staples and a few key additions to create the ultimate chewy cherry oatmeal cookies. I find that if I measure everything out and have the ingredients within easy reach it makes the making process much easier.
Ingredients
- 1 Stick Butter
- 1/2 Cup Granulated Sugar
- 1/2 Cup Light Brown Sugar Packed
- 1 Large Egg
- 1/2 tsp Vanilla Extract
- 1/2 tsp Almond Extract
- 1 Cup All-purpose Flour
- 1/2 tsp Baking Soda
- 1/4 tsp Salt
- 2 Cups Rolled Oats (Not Instant)
- 1 Cup Dried Cherries
- 1/2 Cup Chopped Walnuts
I used both vanilla and almond extract in this recipe. I love almond flavor in any kind of baked good. Give me an almond danish, a hot cup of tea and I’m in my glory! The almond extract in this recipe isn’t overpowering, but adds a nice flavor, complementing the dried cherries. If you choose to forgo the almond flavor, just double the vanilla extract amount.
Tips & Variations
Ultimate Cherry Oatmeal Cookies – FAQ
Ultimate Chewy Cherry Oatmeal Cookies
Equipment
- 1 Mixer
- 1 Cup
- 1/2 Cup
- 1 tsp
- 1/2 tsp
- 1/4 tsp
Ingredients
- 1 Stick Butter
- 1/2 Cup Granulated Sugar
- 1/2 Cup Light Brown Sugar Packed
- 1 Large Egg
- 1/2 tsp Vanilla Extract
- 1/2 tsp Almond Extract
- 1 Cup All-purpose Flour
- 1/2 tsp Baking Soda
- 1/4 tsp Salt
- 2 Cups Rolled Oats Not Instant
- 1 Cup Dried Cherries
- 1/2 Cup Chopped Walnuts
Instructions
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the egg, vanilla and almond extract until well combined.
- Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Add Oats, Cherries, and Nuts: Stir in the rolled oats, dried cherries, and chopped nuts (if using).
- Scoop and Bake: Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving some space between each cookie.
- Bake: Bake for 10 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are still slightly soft.
- Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Happy Baking!
I hope you try these cherry oatmeal cookies! My family loves them and the bonus is they are so easy to make! Don’t be afraid to experiment with variations and make them your own. Happy baking, and be sure to leave a comment below to let me know how your cookies turned out!
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I am not a raisin gal, so I would really love this oatmeal cookie. The cherries and walnuts added to the oatmeal cookie batter sounds heavenly. I will have to make them.
They are crunchy on the edges and chewy in the middle! My family loves them.
I love the idea of cherries in cookies – YUM.
Me too and adding the almond extract makes them extra yummy!
The flavor of cherries and almonds are two of the best flavors there are, and they are incredible together. I’m going to tell you a great variant that takes advantage of these flavors. Partially re-hydrate the cherries using amaretto. The texture of the cherries is even better and the amaretto adds to the flavor. Amazing
That sounds like a great option, too! Thanks for stopping by!
Super easy. I’m not a raisin fan so I love the cherries. Additionally, the almond extract compliments the cherries perfectly. I use almonds instead of walnuts, or just leave the nuts out. Finally, they freeze perfectly in a ziplock bag, so I always make a double-batch. If you like oatmeal and cherries, I would definitely give this recipe a try, I’m hooked. ✌️
This recipe is sublime. They are so delicious. I used pecans and I threw in a handful of dark chocolate chips. Next time I will omit the chocolate chips because I preferred the bites that were just cherries and nuts. I went to Trader Joe’s this weekend solely to replenish my dried cherry supply so that I can make these cookies again! Thanks for posting this terrific recipe.
Thank you so much, Christine! I’m so glad you love the cookies. They are definitely a family favorite!
I just made these because I wanted a non-melty summer cookie (i.e. no chocolate).
They turned out great! I used a cookie scoop and the cookies did not flatten too much. They are crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside. They were super easy to put together. I’ll be making these again.
I’m so glad you enjoyed them! They are a family favorite at my house! Thanks for stopping by.