Chocolate Chunk and Dried Cherry Oatmeal Cookies

At first, to be honest, I didn't know how these cookies would come out. I really was uneasy as to if I would like the combination of the oats, chocolate and the dried cherries. Cherries are pretty tart, so I didn't so if it would go well with the sweetness of the chocolate and oats. Even my boyfriend Chris, when I told him what I was making, he said, "Dried Cherry? Uh..." He has the same reaction as everyone else had when I told them what I was making.

When I toke them out of the oven, it gave off a sweet smell, but I think any cookie really smells delicious as soon as it comes out of the oven, so I didn't jump to conclusions as to if it would be good or not. After letting them cool, I finally got to try the cookies. Both me and Chris were really interested as to how it was, so we couldn't really wait to taste it.

And to our surprise, it was really good! The chewiness of the oats were perfect, the chocolate chunks were delicious, no explanation there, and the cherries... They really do add a nice tartness to the combination of everything and actually helps balance everything together. It was really good. I can't wait to let everyone try these cookies!

Recipe

1 1/2 cup flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. salt
1 cup butter, softened
1 cup brown sugar, packed
2 eggs
1 1/2 tsp. vanilla
3 cups oats
1 cup dried cherries
8 ounces chocolate chunks


1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

2. Beat butter and sugar together until smooth. Add eggs, one at a time, mixing each addition. Add vanilla.

3. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon and salt. Gradually add the butter mixture until combined. Stir in oats, cherries and chocolate chunks.

4. Drop by tablespoonfuls onto baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until bottom edges are lightly browned. Cool on pan for a few minutes, then transfer to wire rack to cool completely.

Makes about 4 dozen cookies