Chocolate Chunk Cherry Cookies

In a medium saucepan, melt 1/2 cup butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, swirl the pan for 3 minutes, until the butter is golden brown and has a nutty smell. Set aside to cool.

In a large bowl, combine the remaining 1/2 cup butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla. Mix until well blended. When the browned butter is cool, add it to this mixture. Let the mixture sit for about 5 minutes before proceeding to the next step (this lets the sugar dissolve a bit in the butter).

Using a spatula, gradually mix in the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt, until just combined. Stir in the oats, cherries and chocolate.

Scoop out 2-tablespoon portions for each cookie and place on a nonstick baking pan. Sprinkle ever-so-slightly with coarse salt (if desired). Bake for 10 to 12 minutes at 350 degrees. Let the cookies cool for a minute or two on the baking pan, and then move to a cooling rack.