Almond Cherry Cookies
There’s something undeniably magical about the combination of almonds and cherries, especially when they come together in cookie form. These Almond Cherry Cookies are not just a treat; they’re a celebration of flavor and texture, perfect for any occasion. With a buttery base, a hint of almond, and the sweet-tartness of maraschino cherries, these cookies will become a favorite in your baking repertoire. Whether you’re making them for a holiday gathering or just because, these cookies are sure to impress.
Reasons to Love Almond Cherry Cookies
- Unique Flavor Combination: The sweet cherries perfectly complement the nutty flavor of almonds, creating a delightful taste experience.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, even beginner bakers can whip these up with confidence.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday party, a picnic, or just a cozy night in, these cookies fit right in.
- Versatile Decoration: The red decorating sugar adds a festive touch, making them visually appealing for any celebration.
Ingredient Rundown
- Silvered Almonds (2 cups): Provide a crunchy texture and rich flavor.
- Butter (1 cup, softened): Creates a rich, buttery base for the cookies.
- Powdered Sugar (1 cup, divided): Adds sweetness and helps create a tender cookie.
- Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances the overall flavor profile.
- All-Purpose Flour (2 cups): The main structural ingredient for the cookies.
- Salt (2 teaspoons): Balances the sweetness and enhances flavors.
- Maraschino Cherries (8 ounces, halved, reserve juice): Adds sweetness and a pop of color.
- Maraschino Cherry Juice (1 teaspoon): A touch of flavor to enhance the cherry notes.
- Red Decorating Sugar: For a festive touch.
- Powdered Sugar (2 cups, for icing): Sweetens the glaze.
- Almond Extract (1 teaspoon): Deepens the almond flavor.
- Milk (2-3 tablespoons): Helps achieve the desired icing consistency.
Recommended Tools
- Mixing Bowls: For combining ingredients.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: To ensure accuracy in your recipe.
- Baking Sheet: Necessary for baking the cookies.
- Parchment Paper: To line the baking sheet for easy cleanup.
- Electric Mixer: Makes mixing the butter and sugar effortless.
- Cookie Scoop: For evenly portioning your cookie dough.
From Start to Finish: Almond Cherry Cookies
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cookies bake evenly.
Step 2: Prepare Your Baking Sheet
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will help prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the softened butter and 1 cup of powdered sugar until light and fluffy. This process incorporates air, making your cookies tender.
Step 4: Add the Flavorings
Mix in the vanilla extract and almond extract until well combined. The aroma will be absolutely delightful!
Step 5: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt. Gradually add this mixture to the butter and sugar mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cookies tough.
Step 6: Fold in the Almonds and Cherries
Gently fold in the silvered almonds and halved maraschino cherries, reserving a few for decoration later.
Step 7: Portion the Dough
Using a cookie scoop, portion the dough onto your prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each cookie as they will spread a little while baking.
Step 8: Bake the Cookies
Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Keep an eye on them, as baking times can vary.
Step 9: Cool the Cookies
Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 10: Prepare the Icing
In a medium bowl, whisk together the 2 cups of powdered sugar, 1 tablespoon of maraschino cherry juice, and enough milk to achieve a smooth, drizzling consistency.
Step 11: Decorate Your Cookies
Once the cookies are completely cool, drizzle the icing over the top and sprinkle with red decorating sugar and any remaining halved cherries for a festive touch.
In-Season Flavor Ideas
- Chocolate Chips: Add a handful of semi-sweet chocolate chips for a chocolatey twist.
- Orange Zest: Incorporate orange zest for a citrusy brightness.
- Pistachios: Swap out the almonds for pistachios for a different nutty flavor.
- Dried Cranberries: Use dried cranberries instead of cherries for a chewier texture.
Avoid These Traps
- Don’t overmix the dough after adding the flour, as this can lead to tough cookies.
- Ensure your butter is softened to room temperature for easy creaming.
- Be cautious with the baking time; cookies can go from perfectly baked to overdone quickly.
- Let the cookies cool completely before icing to prevent the icing from melting.
Store, Freeze & Reheat
To store your Almond Cherry Cookies, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If you want to freeze them, place the cookies in a single layer in a freezer-safe container, separating layers with parchment paper. They can be frozen for up to three months. To reheat, simply thaw at room temperature or warm in the oven at a low temperature for a few minutes before serving.
Popular Questions
Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries?
Yes, you can use fresh cherries! Just be sure to pit and chop them, and keep in mind that fresh cherries will have a different texture and flavor profile than maraschino cherries.
What can I substitute for butter if I want a dairy-free version?
You can use coconut oil or a plant-based butter alternative. Make sure the substitute you choose is solid at room temperature for the best results.
How can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure that the blend you choose includes xanthan gum for proper texture.
Can I add nuts other than almonds?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with walnuts, pecans, or hazelnuts to suit your taste preferences.
More Recipes You’ll Love
- Classic Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
- Peanut Butter Cookies
- Sugar Cookies with Royal Icing
Bring It Home
Baking these Almond Cherry Cookies is not just about the end result; it’s about the joy of creating something delicious. As you mix, pour, and decorate, take a moment to appreciate the process. The aroma that fills your kitchen, the vibrant colors of the cherries, and the crunch of the almonds all come together to create a memorable baking experience. These cookies are sure to become a cherished recipe that you’ll return to time and again. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready for a delightful baking adventure!
Almond Cherry Cookies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cream together the softened butter and 1 cup of powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
- Mix in the vanilla extract and almond extract until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt. Gradually add this mixture to the butter and sugar mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Gently fold in the silvered almonds and halved maraschino cherries, reserving a few for decoration later.
- Using a cookie scoop, portion the dough onto your prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each cookie.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the 2 cups of powdered sugar, 1 tablespoon of maraschino cherry juice, and enough milk to achieve a smooth, drizzling consistency.
- Once the cookies are completely cool, drizzle the icing over the top and sprinkle with red decorating sugar and any remaining halved cherries.
Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- Freeze cookies in a single layer in a freezer-safe container for up to three months.
- Thaw at room temperature or warm in the oven before serving.
