Lemon Cherry Cookies

These Lemon Cherry Cookies are a delightful blend of zesty lemon and sweet cherries, creating a perfect balance of flavors. The cookies are soft and chewy, with a hint of tartness from the lemon that complements the sweetness of the cherries. Ideal for tea time or as a sweet treat any time of day, these cookies are easy to make and will surely impress your family and friends.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 large egg
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup dried cherries, chopped
• 1/2 cup white chocolate chips (optional)
• 1/4 teaspoon almond extract (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Beat in the egg, lemon zest, and lemon juice until well combined.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
6. Fold in the chopped dried cherries and white chocolate chips, if using.
7. Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
9. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.