Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper.

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.

Beat in the eggs, one at a time, then mix in the vanilla extract.

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir until combined. Optional: fold in the chocolate chips.

Heat the cherry pie filling in a saucepan. If desired, mix cornstarch with a little water and then add it to the cherries.

Take a tablespoon of dough, flatten it, add a spoonful of cherry filling, and cover it with another disc of dough. Seal edges well.

Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheets and bake for 10-12 minutes until golden brown.

Let the cookies cool on the sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.