White Chocolate Cherry Cashew Cookie Recipe
Quick Summary
Beyond ordinary — these White Chocolate Cherry Cashew Cookies are sweet, buttery, and studded with tart dried cherries from Traverse Bay Farms. Perfect for holidays, gifting, or any time you want to bake something unforgettable.
Published: February 2010 | Updated: November 2025
Chef’s Note
We first baked these cookies in the Traverse Bay Farms kitchen as part of a holiday sampler — and they disappeared faster than we could package them! The Michigan Tart Dried Cherries add a perfect sweet-tart burst that balances the rich white chocolate and buttery cashews. They’ve since become a customer favorite and a staple at our Northern Michigan tasting events.
Prep & Yield
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Prep Time: 20 minutes
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Bake Time: 10–12 minutes per batch
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Makes: 4–5 dozen cookies
Ingredients
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1 cup margarine or butter, softened
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¾ cup granulated sugar
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¾ cup firmly packed brown sugar
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2 eggs
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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2¼ cups all-purpose flour
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1 tsp baking soda
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1 package (10 oz) vanilla-flavored morsels or 1 cup coarsely chopped white chocolate
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1½ cups Michigan Tart Dried Cherries
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1 cup coarsely chopped cashews
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
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In a large mixing bowl, beat margarine, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla with an electric mixer on medium speed 3–4 minutes or until well mixed.
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Combine flour and baking soda in a separate bowl. Gradually add to butter mixture, mixing just until combined.
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Stir in white chocolate, Traverse Bay Farms Dried Tart Cherries, and cashews.
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Drop dough by rounded tablespoonfuls onto ungreased baking sheets about 2 inches apart.
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Bake 10–12 minutes or until lightly golden — do not overbake.
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Cool on wire racks. Store in an airtight container or freeze for later.
Chef’s Tips & Variations
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Substitute macadamia nuts for cashews for a tropical flavor.
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Add ½ tsp almond extract to enhance the cherry flavor.
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For chewier cookies, slightly underbake and cool completely on the pan.
Nutritional Highlights (per cookie)
Calories: 125 | Total Fat: 6g | Carbohydrates: 17g | Protein: 2g | Cholesterol: 10mg | Sodium: 75mg
Behind the Recipe
Traverse Bay Farms Dried Tart Cherries are made using as much Michigan-grown fruit as possible and never imported. Their natural tartness complements buttery doughs, creamy desserts, and rich chocolate — creating a cookie that’s gourmet yet approachable. It’s the kind of treat you’ll make once and crave all year long.
People Also Ask (FAQs)
Can I use butter instead of margarine?
Yes, butter adds extra richness and a slightly crisp edge.
Do these cookies freeze well?
They freeze beautifully — store up to 2 months in an airtight container.
Can I substitute dried blueberries or cranberries?
You can, but nothing matches the sweet-tart balance of Traverse Bay Farms Dried Tart Cherries.
How do I keep cookies soft?
Store them with a slice of bread or apple in the container to retain moisture.
Bake, Share, and Enjoy
Discover how Traverse Bay Farms Michigan Tart Dried Cherries can elevate your baking. Grown in the heart of Michigan cherry country and winner of 38+ national food awards — they’re your go-to ingredient for natural sweetness and flavor.
