Vanilla Cherry Chocolate Cookies

This is the new spin for chocolate chip cookies. I love cherries and the essence of pure vanilla extract, so let's add it all together!

This recipe was inspired from a Food Network program I was watching a few weekends ago! The program was called Ask Aida which I highly suggest watching. Not only is the show fun to watch, but she explains cooking/baking tips. Enjoy this delicious, sweet desert!

Serving Size: Yields 4 dozen cookies (48 cookies)

Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 sticks (1 cup) unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 8 ounces semisweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup coarsely chopped dried sweet cherries

Directions:
1. Pre-heat the oven to 350 degrees F and arrange a rack in the middle.

2. Whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl until evenly combined; set aside.

3. Using a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment beat together the butter and sugars over medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.

4. Add the eggs 1 at a time, beating well after each addition.

5. Reduce the speed to low, add the flour mixture and mix until just combined. Stir in the chocolate and cherries until they are uniformly distributed.

6. Scoop the dough by rounded tablespoons onto a baking sheet. Bake until the cookie edges are golden brown, about 14 minutes. Leave the cookies on the baking sheets on racks for 3 minutes.