1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Line a 9×9 inches square baking tin* with baking parchment and grease it lightly. Wash and dry the cherries, remove the stones, and cut them in half. Set aside.

2. Melt the butter, add it with both sugars to a large bowl, and mix until very light and fluffy. Next, add the egg and vanilla extract and mix until well combined. Combine flour and salt, add it to the large bowl, and mix until just combined. Add the chocolate chips and dried cherries and fold in.

3. Transfer the batter to the prepared baking tin and spread evenly. Distribute the halved cherries evenly on top, sprinkle with sliced almonds (optional), and then bake the blondies for about 30-35 minutes – or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the blondies comes out clean. Remove the blondies from the oven and let them cool down completely inside the baking tin. When cooled, lift them out of the baking tin with the help of the baking parchment. Cut them into 9 or 12 pieces and enjoy.