Oatmeal Tart Cherry Cookies

Quick Summary

Classic oatmeal cookies get a delightful upgrade with the addition of Traverse Bay Farms Dried Tart Cherries and a splash of cherry juice. These cookies are chewy, rich, and slightly tangy—a crowd-pleaser for every occasion.

Published: October 2010 | Updated: October 2025

Chef’s Note

This is a go-to recipe when you want to bake something familiar yet different. The dried tart cherries add bursts of fruity flavor that balance beautifully with the oats and chocolate chips. Perfect for holidays, lunch boxes, or anytime you need a comforting homemade treat.

Prep & Yield

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Bake Time: 10–12 minutes
Yield: About 4 dozen cookies

Ingredients

• 1 cup (2 sticks) butter or margarine, softened

• 1 cup firmly packed brown sugar

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar

• 2 eggs

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon baking powder

• 1/8 tablespoon Traverse Bay Farms Tart Cherry Juice Concentrate

• 1/2 teaspoon salt (optional)

• 2 cups quick-cooking or old-fashioned oats, uncooked

• 1-1/2 cups Traverse Bay Farms Dried Tart Cherries

• 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Set oven to 350°F.

2. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar with an electric mixer on medium speed for 3–4 minutes, or until creamy.

3. Add Eggs and Flavor: Beat in eggs, vanilla, and cherry juice concentrate until smooth.

4. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add to the wet mixture, blending well.

5. Add Oats and Cherries: Stir in oats, dried tart cherries, and chocolate chips until evenly distributed.

6. Bake: Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough onto an ungreased baking sheet. Bake 10–12 minutes, or until edges are golden brown.

7. Cool: Let cookies cool on the sheet for 1 minute, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

8. Store: Keep in an airtight container to maintain softness and flavor.

Chef’s Tips & Variations

• White Chocolate Twist: Substitute semisweet chips with white chocolate for a softer, creamier flavor.

• Nutty Option: Add 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch.

• Make Ahead: Dough freezes beautifully—scoop portions and freeze up to 3 months.

Nutritional Highlight

These cookies blend fiber-rich oats with antioxidant-packed tart cherries, making them a treat you can feel good about enjoying. Tart cherries are known for their anti-inflammatory properties and natural melatonin content.

Behind the Recipe

Traverse Bay Farms Dried Tart Cherries add unmatched depth and quality. Made with as much Michigan-grown fruit as possible and backed by 38+ national food awards, these cherries deliver real fruit flavor—not overly sweetened or imported.

People Also Ask

Can I use fresh cherries instead of dried?
No, dried cherries provide the right texture and concentrated flavor for baking.

What type of oats works best?
Quick-cooking or old-fashioned oats both work. Avoid instant oats—they’ll make the cookies too soft.

Can I use butter instead of margarine?
Yes, butter gives a richer flavor and crispier edge.

How long do these cookies stay fresh?
Stored in an airtight container, they stay soft and chewy for up to 5 days.

Bake, Share, and Enjoy

Bring the comforting taste of home to your kitchen with Traverse Bay Farms Dried Tart Cherries. Whether you’re baking for family or friends, these cookies bring a touch of Michigan sweetness to every bite.