๐๐ช๐จ Emojis galore for your request! Letโs dive into the delightful world of โAlmost Cherry Garcia Cookies.โ
What is Almost Cherry Garcia Cookies?
Almost Cherry Garcia Cookies are a delicious variation of classic chocolate chip cookies, inspired by the famous Ben & Jerryโs ice cream flavor, โCherry Garcia.โ These cookies combine the flavors of chocolate, cherries, and almonds to create a scrumptious treat thatโs perfect for dessert or snacking.
History:
The history of Cherry Garcia Cookies is tied to the iconic Cherry Garcia ice cream, which was named after the Grateful Deadโs Jerry Garcia. While the exact origin of the cookies may be hard to pinpoint, they likely emerged as a creative way to replicate the beloved ice cream flavor in a baked form.
Components:
Here are the key components youโll need to make Almost Cherry Garcia Cookies:
- Butter: Provides richness and flavor.
- Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the dough.
- Brown Sugar: Adds moisture and a caramel-like flavor.
- Egg: Binds the ingredients together.
- All-Purpose Flour: The base of the cookie dough.
- Baking Soda: Leavens the dough, making it rise.
- Salt: Enhances the overall flavor.
- Semi-sweet Chocolate Chips: For that classic chocolate chip cookie taste.
- Dried Cherries: Infuse a burst of tartness and sweetness.
- Chopped Almonds: Provide a nutty crunch.
- Vanilla Extract: Adds depth of flavor.
Steps to Prepare Almost Cherry Garcia Cookies:
Hereโs a step-by-step guide to making these delightful cookies:
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Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350ยฐF (175ยฐC) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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Cream the Butter and Sugars: In a mixing bowl, cream together 1 cup of softened butter, 1 cup of granulated sugar, and 1/2 cup of brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
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Add the Egg and Vanilla: Beat in one egg and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until well combined.
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Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 1/4 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
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Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until a dough forms.
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Fold in Mix-Ins: Gently fold in 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips, 1/2 cup of dried cherries, and 1/2 cup of chopped almonds.
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Form Dough Balls: Scoop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each cookie.
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Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden brown.
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Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Time Needed:
The preparation time for Almost Cherry Garcia Cookies typically takes about 15-20 minutes, and the baking time is around 10-12 minutes. So, in total, you can have these delicious cookies ready in approximately 25-32 minutes. Enjoy your homemade Almost Cherry Garcia Cookies! ๐๐ช๐จ
Certainly! Here are the nutrition facts and some health information for โAlmost Cherry Garcia Cookies.โ Please note that these values are approximate and can vary based on specific ingredients and serving sizes:
Nutrition Facts (per cookie, assuming a yield of 24 cookies):
- Calories: Approximately 180 calories
- Total Fat: Around 9 grams
- Saturated Fat: Approximately 4.5 grams
- Cholesterol: Approximately 20 milligrams
- Sodium: Approximately 80 milligrams
- Total Carbohydrates: Around 23 grams
- Dietary Fiber: Approximately 1 gram
- Sugars: Approximately 14 grams
- Protein: Around 2 grams
Health Information:
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Moderation is Key: While Almost Cherry Garcia Cookies can be a delightful treat, they are still cookies and should be consumed in moderation. The sugar and fat content can be high, so limit your intake to maintain a balanced diet.
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Fiber from Cherries: Dried cherries used in the recipe can provide a small amount of dietary fiber, which can aid digestion and help you feel full.
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Healthy Fats: The recipe includes butter and almonds, which contain healthy fats, but be mindful of portion sizes to avoid excessive calorie intake.
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Antioxidants: Cherries are rich in antioxidants, which can help protect your cells from damage caused by free radicals. However, the drying process may reduce some of these benefits.
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Protein: While cookies are not a significant source of protein, the small amount present in the recipe can contribute to your daily protein intake.
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Added Sugars: The cookies contain added sugars from the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and chocolate chips. Excessive sugar intake can lead to various health issues, so consume sugary treats sparingly.
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Portion Control: To enjoy Almost Cherry Garcia Cookies without overindulging, consider making smaller cookies or limiting yourself to one or two at a time.
Remember that these cookies are a delicious but indulgent treat, so enjoy them as part of a balanced diet and lifestyle.