CHERRY CHOCOLATE CHIPPERS 2 cups all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon baking powder 1 teaspoon cinnamon 1 teaspoon salt 1 1/2 sticks unsalted butter, softened 1/2 cup granulated sugar 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar 2 large eggs 1 teaspoon vanilla 12 oz semisweet chocolate chips 1 cup dried tart cherries Preheat oven to 375°F.

Whisk together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt in a small bowl. Beat together butter and sugars in a large bowl with an electric mixer until blended and add eggs, 1 at a time, beating well after each addition, and vanilla. Beat in flour mixture on low speed until blended well, then mix in chocolate chips and cherries with a wooden spoon.

Put level tablespoons of dough 1 1/2 inches apart on greased baking sheets and bake in batches in middle of oven until golden around edges, 12 to 15 minutes. Cool on sheets 2 minutes before transferring to a rack to cool completely.

Makes about 5 dozen.

COOKS' NOTE: Cookies keep, in an airtight container, 5 days.

[Gourmet, February 2000]