Oatmeal cookies with chocolate and cherries

### Instructions

#### 1. **Preheat the Oven**:
– Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent the cookies from sticking.

#### 2. **Prepare the Wet Ingredients**:
– In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together until creamy and light. This should take about 2-3 minutes using an electric mixer or a hand whisk.
– Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract, ensuring that everything is well combined.

#### 3. **Combine the Dry Ingredients**:
– In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon (if using), and salt. These dry ingredients help give the cookies structure and ensure they rise perfectly.

#### 4. **Mix the Dry Ingredients with the Wet Ingredients**:
– Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can affect the texture of the cookies.

#### 5. **Add the Oats, Chocolate, and Cherries**:
– Stir in the oats, making sure they are evenly incorporated into the dough. Next, fold in the chocolate chips and chopped cherries. If you’re adding nuts, you can mix them in at this point as well.

#### 6. **Scoop the Dough**:
– Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, portion out the dough onto the prepared baking sheets. Leave about 2 inches of space between each cookie, as they will spread slightly while baking.

#### 7. **Bake the Cookies**:
– Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are set but still soft. The cookies will continue to firm up as they cool, so be careful not to overbake them.

#### 8. **Cool and Enjoy**:
– Once baked, allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps the cookies hold their shape and prevents them from breaking apart.

### Tips for Perfect Oatmeal Cookies with Chocolate and Cherries

1. **Use Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats**: For the best texture, make sure to use old-fashioned rolled oats rather than instant oats. Rolled oats provide the right chewiness and structure in these cookies.

2. **Chop the Cherries**: If you’re using large dried cherries, chop them into smaller pieces so they distribute more evenly throughout the cookie dough.

3. **Adjust the Sweetness**: If you prefer your cookies less sweet, you can reduce the amount of sugar or use dark chocolate for a more balanced, less sugary taste. On the other hand, if you like a sweeter cookie, you can use milk chocolate chips.

4. **Add a Dash of Cinnamon**: The ground cinnamon is optional but adds a lovely warm flavor that complements the oats and cherries. If you’re not a fan of cinnamon, you can skip it, but it’s worth trying!

5. **Chill the Dough for Better Texture**: If you have the time, chill the cookie dough in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before baking. This can help the cookies hold their shape better and result in a thicker, chewier texture.

6. **Experiment with Add-ins**: Don’t hesitate to experiment with other add-ins, like white chocolate chips, coconut flakes, or even a handful of chopped dark chocolate for a richer flavor.

### Why These Cookies Are So Special

These oatmeal cookies with chocolate and cherries offer a fantastic blend of flavors and textures. The chewy oats create a satisfying base, while the bursts of juicy cherries and the melt-in-your-mouth chocolate chips bring a delightful contrast. Each bite is an experience—tender and soft with just the right amount of sweetness.

Whether you’re craving something fruity, chocolaty, or simply need a pick-me-up, these cookies are the perfect solution. They’re great for sharing with family, friends, or colleagues, or simply enjoying yourself with a cup of tea or coffee.

### Conclusion

If you love oatmeal cookies, you’re going to adore this version with chocolate and cherries. The combination of oats, chocolate, and cherries gives you a treat that’s comforting, flavorful, and full of delightful surprises in every bite. With just a few simple ingredients and easy steps, you can create a batch of these scrumptious cookies that will be enjoyed by everyone. So grab your ingredients, start baking, and treat yourself to these irresistible oatmeal cookies today!