White Chocolate Cherry Macadamia Nut Cookies
Imagine a cookie that combines the creamy sweetness of white chocolate, the tartness of dried cherries, and the rich, buttery crunch of macadamia nuts. The perfect balance of flavors and textures, these White Chocolate Cherry Macadamia Nut Cookies are destined to become a favorite in your home. Not only are they delightful to eat, but they also bring a touch of elegance to any cookie platter. Perfect for gatherings, gifting, or simply indulging yourself, this recipe is a true gem.
Why It’s Crowd-Pleasing

These cookies are the epitome of indulgence. The smooth white chocolate melds beautifully with the chewy dried cherries, creating a burst of flavor in every bite. The macadamia nuts add a satisfying crunch that complements the softness of the cookie, making them irresistible. Whether you’re baking for a party, a bake sale, or just because, these cookies are sure to impress. Plus, they’re simple enough to make that you can whip up a batch anytime the craving strikes!
What You’ll Need
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup white sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup white chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup chopped macadamia nuts
- 1 cup dried cherries
Equipment at a Glance
- Mixing bowl – for combining your ingredients.
- Electric mixer – makes beating the butter and sugars a breeze.
- Baking sheet – for placing your cookie dough.
- Parchment paper – ensures easy cookie removal and cleanup.
- Cookie scoop – helps with portioning the dough evenly.
Cook White Chocolate Cherry Macadamia Nut Cookies Like This

Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure that your cookies bake evenly.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, packed brown sugar, and white sugar. Using an electric mixer, beat on medium speed until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
Step 3: Add the Egg and Vanilla
Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture. Continue mixing until fully incorporated.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined.
Step 5: Fold in the Goodies
Using a spatula, gently fold in the white chocolate chips, chopped macadamia nuts, and dried cherries. Be careful not to overmix; you want to keep the chunky goodness intact!
Step 6: Scoop and Bake
Using a cookie scoop, drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
Step 7: Cool and Enjoy
Remove from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy your freshly baked White Chocolate Cherry Macadamia Nut Cookies with a glass of milk or your favorite beverage!
Allergy-Friendly Swaps

- Butter: Substitute with vegan butter or coconut oil for a dairy-free option.
- White Chocolate Chips: Look for dairy-free white chocolate chips if you need a dairy-free version.
- All-Purpose Flour: You can use a gluten-free flour blend if gluten is a concern.
- Dried Cherries: If you have a nut allergy, you can replace macadamia nuts with sunflower seeds.
Insider Tips
For the best texture, make sure your butter is softened but not melted. This helps create the perfect cookie consistency. Also, do not overbake! The cookies will continue to firm up as they cool. For an extra flavor boost, try toasting the macadamia nuts lightly before adding them to the dough.
Refrigerate, Freeze, Reheat
You can refrigerate the dough for up to 3 days before baking. Just make sure to cover it tightly. For longer storage, freeze the cookie dough in balls on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding a minute or two to the baking time. Baked cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or frozen for up to 3 months.
Quick Questions
Can I use fresh cherries instead of dried cherries?
Fresh cherries can be used, but they will add moisture to the dough and may change the texture of the cookies. If using fresh cherries, make sure to chop them finely and reduce other liquids in the recipe slightly.
What can I substitute for macadamia nuts?
Feel free to use any nut you prefer or have on hand, such as pecans, walnuts, or even pistachios. If you need a nut-free version, sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds work great too!
How do I know when my cookies are done baking?
Look for the edges of the cookies to turn lightly golden. They may appear slightly under-baked in the center, but they will continue to set as they cool.
Can I add other mix-ins to the cookie dough?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with other mix-ins like shredded coconut, oats, or even different types of chocolate chips. The possibilities are endless!
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Hungry for More?
If you’re loving these White Chocolate Cherry Macadamia Nut Cookies, I’m sure you’ll enjoy exploring more delightful recipes. From classic cookies to innovative desserts, there’s a world of flavors waiting for you. Keep your apron on and get ready for more delicious adventures in the kitchen!
Baking these White Chocolate Cherry Macadamia Nut Cookies is not only a treat for your taste buds but also a wonderful way to spend time in the kitchen. The combination of creamy white chocolate, chewy cherries, and crunchy macadamia nuts is a match made in cookie heaven. So gather your ingredients, preheat that oven, and get ready to enjoy a batch of these irresistible cookies. Happy baking!

White Chocolate Cherry Macadamia Nut Cookies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure even baking.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, packed brown sugar, and white sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture and mix until fully incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined.
- Using a spatula, gently fold in the white chocolate chips, chopped macadamia nuts, and dried cherries.
- Using a cookie scoop, drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Remove from the oven and cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Ensure butter is softened but not melted for the best texture.
- Do not overbake; cookies will firm up as they cool.
- For a flavor boost, toast macadamia nuts lightly before adding.
