Oatmeal Cherry Slice-and-Bake Cookies Recipe
Prep dough ahead for warm, chewy treats loaded with tart fruit and creamy chocolate.
The Ultimate Make-Ahead Cookie Solution
There’s something magical about having homemade cookie dough ready to slice and bake at a moment’s notice. These oatmeal cherry slice-and-bake cookies combine the convenience of make-ahead preparation with the irresistible flavors of chewy oats, tart dried cherries, and sweet white chocolate. Whether you’re planning for unexpected guests, holiday baking, or simply want fresh cookies without the fuss, this recipe delivers both convenience and exceptional taste.
The beauty of slice-and-bake cookies lies in their versatility and time-saving benefits. You can prepare the dough when you have time, freeze it for months, and then bake fresh cookies whenever the craving strikes. This particular combination of oatmeal and dried cherries creates a perfect balance of textures and flavors that appeals to both kids and adults.
Essential Ingredients for Perfect Results
The success of these cookies depends on using quality ingredients in the right proportions. Each component plays a crucial role in creating the final texture and flavor profile that makes these cookies so memorable.
Dry Ingredients Foundation
The dry ingredient mixture forms the structural backbone of these cookies. Two cups of all-purpose flour provides the necessary gluten structure, while one teaspoon of baking soda ensures proper leavening for a tender crumb. The half teaspoon of kosher salt enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness perfectly.
Butter and Sugar Combination
The creaming method used with two sticks of salted butter at room temperature creates the ideal texture. The combination of one cup packed brown sugar and three-quarters cup granulated sugar provides both moisture from the brown sugar and structure from the granulated sugar. This dual sugar approach results in cookies that are both chewy and have a slight crisp edge.
Flavor Enhancers and Add-ins
Two large eggs bind the ingredients together while adding richness, and two teaspoons of vanilla extract provide aromatic depth. The star ingredients include one and three-quarters cups of old-fashioned oats for that classic oatmeal cookie texture, one cup of dried cherries for bursts of tart-sweet flavor, and one and three-quarters cups of white chocolate chips – with three-quarters cup mixed into the dough and one cup reserved for the elegant drizzle finish.
Step-by-Step Preparation Method
Creating perfect slice-and-bake cookies requires attention to technique and timing. Following these detailed steps ensures consistent results every time you make this recipe.
Creating the Base Dough
Begin by whisking together the flour, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl, ensuring even distribution of the leavening agent throughout the flour. In a large mixing bowl, combine the room temperature butter with both sugars. Using an electric mixer, beat this mixture until it becomes light and fluffy, which typically takes about one minute of mixing at medium speed.
The creaming process is crucial for incorporating air into the mixture, which contributes to the final texture of the cookies. Once the butter and sugar mixture is properly creamed, beat in the vanilla extract, followed by the eggs one at a time. Scraping down the bowl after each egg addition ensures even mixing and prevents any pockets of unmixed ingredients.
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Incorporating Dry Ingredients
Add the flour mixture to the butter mixture in two or three batches, beating until just combined after each addition. Overmixing at this stage can lead to tough cookies, so stop mixing as soon as the flour is incorporated. Next, add the oats and beat until just combined, maintaining the same gentle approach to preserve the cookie’s tender texture.
Using a wooden spoon, stir in the dried cherries and three-quarters cup of white chocolate chips. The wooden spoon method prevents overmixing while ensuring even distribution of these important flavor elements throughout the dough.
Shaping and Chilling Process
Proper shaping is essential for uniform slicing later. Lay out a sheet of plastic wrap and shape half of the dough into a thick log directly on the plastic. Wrap the dough in the plastic wrap and shape it into a firm 9-inch log that’s approximately 2 inches thick. Repeat this process with the remaining dough to create a second log.
The chilling process is non-negotiable for slice-and-bake success. Chill the wrapped logs until firm – at least 3 hours in the refrigerator or 1½ hours in the freezer. This firming step makes slicing clean and easy while preventing the cookies from spreading too much during baking. The beauty of this method is that the dough can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months, making it perfect for advance preparation.
Baking Techniques for Optimal Results
The baking process transforms your carefully prepared dough into golden, fragrant cookies with the perfect texture balance.
Preparation and Slicing
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Remove the chilled dough logs from the refrigerator and slice them into half-inch-thick rounds using a sharp knife. Clean cuts are important for maintaining the cookie’s shape and ensuring even baking.
Place the sliced cookies 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets, allowing adequate space for spreading during the baking process. This spacing prevents the cookies from merging together and ensures each cookie bakes evenly.
Baking and Timing
Bake the cookies for 12 to 14 minutes, switching the pans halfway through the baking time to ensure even browning. The cookies are done when the edges are golden and set, while the centers may still appear slightly soft. This timing creates the ideal texture – crispy edges with chewy centers.
After removing from the oven, let the cookies cool for 10 minutes on the baking sheets before transferring them to cooling racks. This brief cooling period allows the cookies to set properly while preventing them from breaking during transfer.
White Chocolate Drizzle Perfection
The white chocolate drizzle elevates these cookies from simple to spectacular, adding both visual appeal and an extra layer of sweetness that complements the tart cherries beautifully.
Melting Technique
Melt the remaining one cup of white chocolate chips in the microwave using 20-second intervals, stirring between each interval until the chocolate is completely smooth. This gradual heating method prevents the chocolate from seizing or burning, ensuring a silky drizzle consistency.
Application and Setting
Place the cooled cookies on clean parchment-lined baking sheets before drizzling. Using a spoon, create decorative drizzles across each cookie, allowing your creativity to guide the pattern. The drizzle can be as simple or as elaborate as you prefer – from basic back-and-forth lines to more intricate designs.
Allow the white chocolate to set for at least 30 minutes at room temperature, or speed up the process by placing the cookies in the refrigerator for 5 minutes. Once set, the drizzle adds both visual appeal and a delightful textural contrast to each bite.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
One of the greatest advantages of this recipe is its make-ahead friendly nature and excellent storage capabilities.
Dough Storage
The shaped and wrapped dough logs can be refrigerated for up to one week or frozen for up to three months. When freezing, double-wrap the logs in plastic wrap and place them in freezer bags for extra protection against freezer burn. Label with the date and baking instructions for future reference.
When ready to bake frozen dough, there’s no need to thaw completely. Simply slice the frozen log with a sharp knife – it may require a bit more pressure, but the cookies will bake beautifully from frozen, requiring perhaps an extra minute or two in the oven.
Baked Cookie Storage
Store finished cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. Layer cookies between sheets of parchment paper if stacking to prevent the white chocolate drizzle from sticking. For longer storage, freeze baked cookies for up to three months in freezer-safe containers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I substitute the dried cherries with other dried fruits?
A: Absolutely! Dried cranberries, chopped dried apricots, or raisins work excellently as substitutes. Maintain the same quantity for consistent results.
Q: What if I don’t have white chocolate chips?
A: You can use semi-sweet chocolate chips in the dough and omit the drizzle, or substitute with chopped white chocolate bar pieces for the same effect.
Q: How thick should I slice the cookies?
A: Half-inch thickness is ideal for the perfect balance of crispy edges and chewy centers. Thicker slices may require additional baking time.
Q: Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
A: Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. Ensure your oats are certified gluten-free as well.
Q: Why do my cookies spread too much during baking?
A: Ensure your dough is properly chilled before slicing and baking. Room temperature dough will spread excessively, resulting in thin, crispy cookies rather than the intended chewy texture.
Nutritional Benefits and Variations
These oatmeal cherry cookies offer more than just great taste – they provide nutritional benefits from their wholesome ingredients.
Nutritional Highlights
The oats contribute fiber, protein, and essential minerals, while dried cherries provide antioxidants and natural sweetness. The combination creates a more nutritious treat compared to traditional sugar cookies, though they should still be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
Recipe Variations
Consider these delicious variations to customize the recipe: substitute dried cherries with dried blueberries for a different flavor profile, add chopped toasted nuts for extra crunch, or incorporate a teaspoon of almond extract for enhanced aromatics. You can also experiment with different chocolate drizzles, such as dark chocolate or caramel, to create unique flavor combinations.
The versatility of this base recipe makes it an excellent foundation for creativity while maintaining the convenient slice-and-bake format that makes these cookies so practical for busy lifestyles.
References
- https://cakedbykatie.com/2021/06/cherry-oatmeal-cookies/
- https://www.supersavvysarah.com/chewy-oatmeal-cherry-cookies/
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a41338847/breakfast-cookies-recipe/
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a34690868/oatmeal-cherry-slice-and-bake-cookies/
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a11399/brown-sugar-oatmeal-cookies/
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a64040355/oatmeal-raisin-cookies-recipe/
- https://www.thecookingmom.com/oatmeal-cherry-cookies/
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