Growing up, the smell of freshly baked Almond Cherry Cookies was a surefire sign that the holiday season had arrived. My grandma would spend hours in the kitchen, meticulously crafting these delightful treats, each one bursting with the irresistible combination of sweet cherries and nutty almonds. As a child, I would eagerly await the moment when she’d pull the tray from the oven, the warm aroma filling the air and beckoning me to sneak a taste. Those precious memories of baking alongside my grandma are what inspired me to perfect this recipe and share it with you today.
Why This Almond Cherry Cookies Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Almond Cherry Cookies
This Almond Cherry Cookies recipe is truly special, as it combines classic flavors with a few unexpected twists that will make it a new family favorite. The secret lies in the perfect balance of sweet and tart, achieved by the juicy cherries and the toasted almonds. But what sets these cookies apart is the addition of almond extract, which enhances the nutty flavor and creates a delightful depth of taste. With this recipe, you’ll be able to make a delectable batch of 24 cookies that will have your loved ones coming back for more.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
To make these incredible Almond Cherry Cookies, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- Unsalted butter
- Granulated sugar
- Egg
- Vanilla extract
- Almond extract
- All-purpose flour
- Baking powder
- Salt
- Sliced almonds
- Maraschino cherries, drained and halved
Step-by-Step Almond Cherry Cookies Instructions
Preparing Your Almond Cherry Cookies
This recipe takes 22 minutes total – 10 minutes for prep and 12 minutes for cooking. You’ll need a medium-sized mixing bowl, a baking sheet, and a cookie scoop or spoon to bring these Almond Cherry Cookies to life.
1- Preheat your oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2- In a medium bowl, cream together the unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
3- Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract until well combined.
4- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
5- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
6- Fold in the sliced almonds and halved maraschino cherries, being careful not to overmix.
Pro Tips for Success
To ensure your Almond Cherry Cookies turn out perfectly, here are a few pro tips:
- Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking to help the cookies hold their shape.
- Use a cookie scoop or spoon to portion the dough, making each cookie the same size for even baking.
- Don’t overbake the cookies – they should be just set and lightly golden around the edges.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Serving and Storing Your Almond Cherry Cookies
Perfect Pairings for Almond Cherry Cookies
These Almond Cherry Cookies are the perfect treat to enjoy with a cup of hot tea, coffee, or a cold glass of milk. They also make a lovely addition to any holiday spread, complementing other festive desserts and snacks. With 24 cookies in this batch, you’ll have plenty to share with family and friends.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Almond Cherry Cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. For longer-term storage, they can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply place the frozen cookies on a baking sheet and warm them in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes until heated through.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Almond Cherry Cookies
Creative Almond Cherry Cookies Variations
To switch things up, you can try different mix-ins like chopped dark chocolate, dried cranberries, or even a drizzle of melted white chocolate. For a holiday twist, you can add a touch of cinnamon or replace the cherries with festive red and green candied cherries.
Making Almond Cherry Cookies Diet-Friendly
For gluten-free Almond Cherry Cookies, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. To make them vegan, replace the butter with a plant-based alternative and use a flax or chia egg instead of the regular egg. For a low-carb version, you can use a sugar substitute and reduce the amount of flour in the recipe.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use a different type of nut instead of almonds?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with other nuts like pecans, walnuts, or hazelnuts. Just be sure to keep the overall quantity the same as the sliced almonds in the recipe.
Q: How many servings does this recipe make?
A: This recipe makes exactly 24 cookies, with each serving being 1 cookie.
Q: Can I make the dough in advance?
A: Yes, you can make the dough up to 3 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, simply scoop and bake the cookies as directed.
Q: What if my cookies spread too much during baking?
A: If your cookies are spreading too much, try chilling the dough for longer before baking, or reducing the amount of butter in the recipe slightly.
Q: Can I substitute the maraschino cherries with fresh or frozen cherries?
A: You can certainly use fresh or frozen cherries, but you may need to adjust the amount of sugar in the recipe to balance the tartness.
Almond Cherry Cookies
- Total Time: 22
- Yield: 24 cookies
Description
These Almond Cherry Cookies are a delightful and easy-to-make treat. The combination of sweet almonds and tart cherries creates a perfectly balanced flavor that’s sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Ingredients
– 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1 egg
– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup sliced almonds
– 1 cup chopped fresh or dried cherries
Instructions
1. – Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. – In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
3. – Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
4. – In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
5. – Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
6. – Fold in the sliced almonds and chopped cherries.
7. – Scoop the dough by rounded tablespoonfuls onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
8. – Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
9. – Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
– For a chewier cookie, use slightly less flour.
– Substitute dried cranberries or other dried fruit for the cherries, if desired.
– Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 12
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
These Almond Cherry Cookies are a true delight, combining the classic flavors of almonds and cherries in a delectable, bite-sized treat. With their perfect balance of sweetness and crunch, they’re sure to become a new family favorite. Whether you’re baking them for a special occasion or simply enjoying them as a cozy afternoon snack, this recipe is sure to impress. So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients and get ready to create a batch of these irresistible Almond Cherry Cookies today!
