May 26th is Cherry Dessert Day!
“National Cherry Dessert Day is one of several food holidays which focus on the cherry. Other national observations for the fruit include National Cherry Cheesecake Day on April 23, National Chocolate Covered Cherry Day on January 3, National Cherry Turnover Day on August 28, National Cherry Popover Day on September 1, National Cherry Pie Day on February 20, and National Cherry Cobbler Day on May 17.” (Source)
Since I enjoy making cookies, I thought I would just stick with a simple cherry cookie, in order to celebrate the day! And guess what I did. Yup, I added chocolate! Oatmeal Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies! I used dried cherries- I like the texture, and I think they add a really nice sweetness. They are a nice change from the classic Oatmeal Raisin Cookies!
Oatmeal Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies
Makes 4 dozen cookies
Prep time: 10 minutes Bake time: 11 minutes
2 1/2 sticks butter, softened
3/4 cup light brown sugar, lightly packed
1/2 cup sugar
1 egg
1/2 teaspoon vanilla bean paste
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 1/2 cups flour
3 cups quick-cooking oats
1 1/2 cups chocolate chips
1/2 cup dried cherries, finely diced
Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter, brown sugar, and sugar. Add in the egg and vanilla bean paste and stir until well combined. Stir in the salt, baking soda, and flour. Add in the oats and mix well. Stir in the chocolate chips and dried cherries.
Using a medium-sized ice cream scoop, scoop the dough onto a parchment paper lined cookie sheet. Leave 2 inches between each cookie and flatten slightly with the palm of your hand. Bake in a preheated oven for 10-11 minutes or until the cookies are lightly golden and set. Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes. After 5 minutes, move cookies onto cooling racks and let cool completely. Enjoy!
Made with love, not calories!
