Well, my husband asked for a vanilla cookie this week, and that was all the excuse I needed to experiment in the kitchen. Vanilla might sound simple, but these Cherry Vanilla Cookies prove it can be anything but plain. The sweet vanilla pairs perfectly with tart dried cherries for a soft, buttery cookie that looks beautiful on the plate and tastes even better.
Looking for a vanilla cookie that's anything but plain? Whether you're baking for a sale, a sweet craving, or just to use those dried cherries in your pantry, these Cherry Vanilla Cookies are a perfect weekend bake.
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How I Create a Cookie Recipe
I've had people ask how I come up with my cookie recipes, so here's the oh-so-technical approach I use to develop them.
I usually start by picturing how I want the cookie to look, including the color, texture, and overall feel.
From there, it's all about tweaks and adjustments until I get the cookie just right. The hardest part? Trying to read my scribbled notes later when it's time to write the recipe and directions!
Here's where these Cherry Vanilla Cookies started. A rough sketch on a piece of paper that turned into one of my favorite bakes.
Ingredients
- Butter unsalted
- Sugar white
- Powdered sugar
- Egg
- Vanilla Extract
- Vanilla bean paste
- All-purpose flour
- Baking powder
- Baking soda
- Kosher Salt
- Dried Cherries
Dried Cherries Tip!
Dried cherries are my go-to for cookies because they bake up chewy and flavorful. Fresh cherries look tempting, but they add too much liquid and can turn your cookies soggy.
Step-by-Step Instructions
These Cherry Vanilla Cookies are a great whip-up-and-bake kind of cookie. The ingredients are easy to find, and they make a fun Saturday morning bake with the kids. Just mix, bake, and enjoy a few warm from the oven.
Prepping and Mixing
Weigh or measure both sugars into a bowl and set them aside. Weigh or measure the flour, then add the baking powder, baking soda, and salt to the bowl. Whisk to blend everything together.
1. Cut the butter into cubes to help it come to temperature if it's still a little cold.
2. Turn the mixer to medium speed and beat until the butter looks creamy. Mine takes about a minute.
3. Add both sugars to the creamed butter and mix on medium speed for 3 minutes. The mixture should look fluffy and light.
4. Next, add the vanilla bean paste, vanilla extract, and the egg.
5. Mix on medium speed for 1 to 2 minutes, until the egg is fully incorporated and the batter looks smooth.
6. Turn the mixer to low speed and add the flour mixture in three parts. Mix just until combined, about 1 minute. Use a spatula to scrape the bowl so all the flour is incorporated without overmixing.
7. Add the dried cherries and mix for about 15 seconds.
8. Use a spatula to make sure they're evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Cover and refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes.
Scoop and Bake
Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C or 180°C) and line two cookie sheet pans with parchment paper.
9. Using a medium cookie scoop, place 12 mounds of dough evenly on one of the prepared pans. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, until the edges are set and the centers look slightly soft.
Once out of the oven, transfer the cookies to a cooling rack to finish cooling.
Enjoy!
FAQs
Fresh cherries add too much moisture and can change the texture. Dried cherries keep the cookies chewy without becoming soggy.
Yes! White or dark chocolate chips or chopped almonds pair beautifully with the cherry and vanilla flavors.
Pure vanilla extract gives a classic flavor, but a mix of vanilla bean paste and extract creates deeper aroma and visual appeal. My go to brand is Nielsen-Massey Madagascar Bourbon Pure Vanilla Extract and Nielsen-Massey Madagascar Bourbon Pure Vanilla Bean Paste.
Other Cookies With Cherries to Try
Recipe
Cherry Vanilla Cookies
Barbara HallWould you like to save this recipe?
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Ingredients
- 1 cup (227 g) Butter unsalted
- ½ cup (100 g) Sugar white
- ½ cup (60 g) Powdered sugar
- 1 (1) Egg
- 1 Tablespoon (1 Tablespoon) Vanilla Extract
- ½ teaspoon (0.5 teaspoon) Vanilla bean paste
- 2 ⅓ cup (291.67 g) All-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon (1 teaspoon) Baking powder
- ½ teaspoon (0.5 teaspoon) Baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon (0.25 teaspoon) Kosher Salt
- 1 ½ cup (207 g) Dried Regular Cherries
Instructions
- Weigh or measure both sugars into a bowl and set them aside. Weigh or measure the flour, then add the baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk to blend everything together.
- In a mixer bowl, cream the butter until it's smooth and light. Add both sugars and mix on medium speed for 3 minutes. Add the egg, vanilla extract, and vanilla bean paste, then mix for about a minute, just until combined. I try not to overbeat the egg, it keeps the cookies soft.
- Scrape down the sides of the bowl and turn the mixer to low speed. Slowly add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients and mix just until combined. If a little flour remains at the bottom of the bowl, use a spatula or your hands to gently fold it in. Add the dried cherries and mix until they're evenly distributed throughout the dough. Cover the bowl and chill for 30 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C or 180°C). Line two cookie sheets with parchment paper. Using a medium cookie scoop, place twelve mounds of dough onto one of the prepared pans, spacing them a couple of inches apart. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, until the edges are set and the centers look slightly soft. Move the cookies to a cooling rack once out of the oven.
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NUTRITION DISCLAIMER
I am not a certified Dietitian or Nutritionist. The nutrition amounts given below are provided through a program and are only a guideline.
Barbara Mackinnon says
What if you don't have vanilla bean
Barbara Hall says
Hi Barbara, You can substitute vanilla extract for the vanilla bean paste. The real difference is the paste has specks of vanilla bean and a more intense taste. I do understand that the vanilla bean paste is on the expensive side so you can certainly use the extract.
Beverly says
My husband and I are absolutely obsessed with these Cherry Vanilla Cookies! I've made them twice already in the last week and a half and I'm making them again today. They quickly became our favorite! Thank you so much for sharing your recipe.
Barbara says
Hi Beverly, Thank you so much I am really glad you are enjoying these cookies. The inspiration came from my husband, two of his favorite flavors. - Barbara
Kath says
Oops I don't see cherries added in the mix. Can you use fresh cherries?
Barbara says
Hi Kath, Oops is right, lol! Can you tell it is the holidays, and I am running a bit ragged? You can use fresh cherry, but keep in mind that using fresh fruit comes with some risk of soggy cookies in a few days. If you cut them in half and cut side down on a paper towel, this will help get rid of some of the juices. I change the paper towels a couple of times. I did fix the recipe... 🙂 - Barbara