Preheat the oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a cookie sheet.

In a large bowl, place the 1/2 cup softened butter, 1/2 cup packed brown sugar, and 1/2 cup white sugar.

Using an electric mixer, cream the butter and sugars together for 3–5 minutes, until the mixture is fluffy and pale in color.

Beat in the egg and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until combined.

In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, and 1/4 teaspoon salt.

Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the butter mixture with a wooden spoon (or spatula), mixing just until no large streaks of flour remain.

Fold in 3/4 cup white chocolate chips, 1 cup dried cherries, and 1/2 cup chopped macadamia nuts until evenly distributed.

Drop heaping spoonfuls of dough onto the greased cookie sheet, spacing the cookies about 2 inches apart.

Bake on the center rack for 8–10 minutes, until the edges are just beginning to turn golden.

Let the cookies cool on the cookie sheet for 2 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.