Almond Cherry Cookies are the ultimate treat for any holiday gathering. These irresistibly delicious cookies combine buttery almond flavors with the sweet-tart taste of maraschino cherries, perfect for your festive cookie trays or as a delightful edible gift. With a melt-in-your-mouth texture and a rich aroma, these cookies evoke both elegance and nostalgia, making them a must-bake for any occasion. Let’s dive into how to create these delightful treats!
Why You’ll Love This Almond Cherry Cookies
These Almond Cherry Cookies are not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. Here are a few reasons why you’ll adore this recipe:
- They are perfect for holiday baking and cookie exchanges.
- Bake them as Cherry Almond Sugar Cookies or Chewy Almond Cherry Cookies.
- Rich in flavor, thanks to the almond extract and maraschino cherries.
- They are easy to make, making them a great choice for beginner bakers.
- These cookies freeze well, so you can enjoy them later.
- They fit perfectly into any Almond Cherry Dessert Ideas you may have.
Ingredients for Almond Cherry Cookies
Gather these items:
- 1 cup (230g) unsalted butter, softened
- 2/3 cup (130g) granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup maraschino cherries (about 18), drained, dried, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup (60g) chopped or slivered almonds (optional)
How to Make Almond Cherry Cookies Step-by-Step
- Step 1: Beat softened butter and sugar on medium speed for about 2 minutes until creamy and light.
- Step 2: Mix in almond extract until combined.
- Step 3: Whisk flour and salt in a separate bowl.
- Step 4: Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients on low speed until a soft dough forms.
- Step 5: Gently fold in chopped maraschino cherries and almonds without overmixing.
- Step 6: Wrap dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1–2 hours.
- Step 7: Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C). Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place on lined baking sheets.
- Step 8: Gently press each dough ball with the bottom of a glass.
- Step 9: Bake for 12–14 minutes, until edges begin to turn golden.
- Step 10: Rest cookies on the pan for 5 minutes, then cool fully on a wire rack.
Pro Tips for the Best Almond Cherry Cookies
Keep these in mind:
- Ensure your butter is softened to room temperature for the best texture.
- Don’t overmix the dough when adding the cherries and almonds to avoid tough cookies.
- Consider adding chocolate chips for Almond Cherry Cookies with Chocolate.
Best Ways to Serve Almond Cherry Cookies
These cookies are delightful on their own, but you can also:
- Serve them with a hot cup of tea or coffee for a cozy treat.
- Pair them with ice cream for a delicious dessert.
- Use them in a festive dessert platter alongside Cherry Almond Oatmeal Cookies.
How to Store and Reheat Almond Cherry Cookies
Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature or warm them briefly in the oven.
Frequently Asked Questions About Almond Cherry Cookies
What’s the secret to perfect Almond Cherry Cookies?
The key to perfect Almond Cherry Cookies is to ensure that your butter is at the right temperature and not to overmix the dough, which can lead to tough cookies.
Can I make Almond Cherry Cookies ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 2 days before baking. This makes it easy to have fresh cookies whenever you want!
How do I avoid common mistakes with Almond Cherry Cookies?
Common mistakes include using cold butter, which can affect the texture, and not chilling the dough, which helps the flavors meld and prevents spreading during baking.
Variations of Almond Cherry Cookies You Can Try
Here are some delicious variations to consider:
- Make Almond Cherry Biscotti by twice-baking the cookies for a crunchy treat.
- For a healthier option, try a Healthy Almond Cherry Cookies Recipe by substituting almond flour and reducing sugar.
- Create Gluten-Free Almond Cherry Cookies using gluten-free flour blends.
For more delicious recipes, check out our desserts category or try making Cinnamon Orange Jam Linzer Cookies for a delightful twist!
Additionally, you can learn more about the benefits of almonds and how they can enhance your baking.
Print
Irresistible Almond Cherry Cookies for Holiday Baking
- Total Time: 29 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Irresistibly Delicious Almond Cherry Cookies for the Holidays
Ingredients
- 1 cup (230g) unsalted butter, softened
- 2/3 cup (130g) granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup maraschino cherries (about 18), drained, dried, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup (60g) chopped or slivered almonds (optional)
Instructions
- Beat softened butter and sugar on medium speed for about 2 minutes until creamy and light.
- Mix in almond extract until combined.
- Whisk flour and salt in a separate bowl.
- Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients on low speed until a soft dough forms.
- Gently fold in chopped maraschino cherries and almonds without overmixing.
- Wrap dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1–2 hours.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C). Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place on lined baking sheets.
- Gently press each dough ball with the bottom of a glass.
- Bake for 12–14 minutes, until edges begin to turn golden.
- Rest cookies on the pan for 5 minutes, then cool fully on a wire rack.
Notes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
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