Growing up, my grandma’s Almond Cherry Cookies were always the highlight of our family gatherings. I can still vividly remember the comforting aroma of toasted almonds and tart cherries wafting through her kitchen, drawing us all in like a warm hug. Grandma would let me help her roll out the dough and carefully place each cookie on the baking sheet, my little hands covered in flour as I tried my best to create the perfect shapes.
The first bite was always pure magic – the buttery cookie base giving way to the chewy, slightly crunchy texture of the almonds and the burst of juicy, jewel-toned cherries. It’s a flavor combination that instantly takes me back to those carefree childhood memories, filled with laughter and the kind of unconditional love that only a grandparent can provide. To this day, baking Almond Cherry Cookies is my go-to way to feel connected to those special times.
Why This Almond Cherry Cookies Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The secret behind these Almond Cherry Cookies is the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The nutty, toasted almonds provide a satisfying crunch that perfectly complements the soft, pillowy cookie base and the tart, juicy cherry pockets. But what really sets this recipe apart is the use of almond extract, which adds a subtle yet unmistakable almond essence that truly makes these cookies shine.
The Secret Behind Perfect Almond Cherry Cookies
I’ve experimented with many Almond Cherry Cookies recipes over the years, and this one is the true winner. The key is to toast the almonds before incorporating them into the dough – this brings out their natural oils and intensifies their flavor. I also use a combination of granulated and brown sugar to create a cookie that’s crisp on the edges but soft and chewy in the middle. And of course, those jewel-toned cherries are the star of the show, adding a burst of tartness that balances the sweetness perfectly.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
- Unsalted butter: This forms the rich, buttery base of the cookies.
- Granulated sugar and brown sugar: The combination creates the perfect texture.
- Eggs: Binding the dough and adding structure.
- Almond extract: Providing that essential almond flavor.
- All-purpose flour: The foundation of the cookie dough.
- Baking powder and baking soda: Leavening agents for a light, fluffy texture.
- Salt: Enhancing the other flavors.
- Sliced almonds: Toasted for maximum flavor and crunch.
- Maraschino cherries: Diced for pockets of tart, juicy goodness.
Step-by-Step Almond Cherry Cookies Instructions
Preparing Your Almond Cherry Cookies
These Almond Cherry Cookies are surprisingly easy to make, with just a few simple steps. The total time, from start to finish, is about 45 minutes, and all you’ll need is a mixing bowl, a baking sheet, and a few basic kitchen tools. Let’s get started!
1- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2- In a medium-sized bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
3- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the almond extract.
4- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
5- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Fold in the toasted almonds and diced cherries.
6- Using a cookie scoop or spoon, portion out the dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 12-14 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
Pro Tips for Success
To ensure your Almond Cherry Cookies turn out perfectly every time, here are a few pro tips:
- Make sure to toast the sliced almonds before adding them to the dough – this brings out their natural oils and enhances the flavor.
- Don’t overmix the dough once the dry and wet ingredients are combined, as this can lead to tough, dense cookies.
- For the best texture, be careful not to overbake the cookies. They should be set on the edges but still slightly soft in the center.
- If you want to get creative, try swapping out the maraschino cherries for dried or fresh cherries, or even a combination of both.
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 hot cup of coffee or tea. The rich, buttery flavor and chewy texture also make them a delightful accompaniment to a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. They’re a fantastic addition to any holiday cookie platter or dessert table, and they’re sure to be a hit at your next social gathering.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
To store your Almond Cherry Cookies, simply place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you want to get a head start, you can also freeze the unbaked dough for up to 3 months. Just scoop the dough onto a baking sheet, freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready to bake, simply place the frozen dough on a baking sheet and bake as directed, adding a minute or two to the baking time.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Almond Cherry Cookies
Creative Almond Cherry Cookies Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are plenty of ways to put a unique spin on these Almond Cherry Cookies. Try swapping out the maraschino cherries for dried cranberries or chopped dark chocolate for a more decadent twist. You could also add a sprinkle of cinnamon or a touch of lemon zest to the dough for additional flavor complexity. And for a festive holiday twist, roll the dough balls in crushed candy canes or dip the baked cookies in white chocolate.
Making Almond Cherry Cookies Diet-Friendly
To make these Almond Cherry Cookies gluten-free, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. For a vegan version, use dairy-free butter or coconut oil in place of the regular butter, and replace the eggs with flax or chia “eggs.” And for a low-carb adaptation, you can swap the granulated and brown sugars for your favorite keto-friendly sweetener and use a sugar-free cherry preserves or jam in place of the fresh cherries.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries?
A: Absolutely! Fresh, pitted cherries can be a delicious substitute for the maraschino cherries. Just be sure to dice them into small pieces so they’re evenly distributed throughout the cookies.
Q: How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
A: The cookies are ready when the edges are lightly golden brown and the centers are still slightly soft. They’ll continue to firm up as they cool on the baking sheet.
Q: Can I make the dough ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make the dough up to 3 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, let the dough come to room temperature before scooping and baking.
Q: How many cookies does this recipe make?
A: This recipe yields approximately 24-30 cookies, depending on the size you scoop them. You can easily adjust the serving size by scaling the ingredients up or down.
Q: My cookies spread too much in the oven. What can I do?
A: If your cookies are spreading too much, try chilling the dough for 30 minutes to an hour before baking. You can also try using a little less butter or increasing the flour slightly.
Almond Cherry Cookies
- Total Time: 22
- Yield: 24
Description
Indulge in the delightful combination of buttery almond flavor and tart dried cherries in these irresistible Almond Cherry Cookies. A quick and easy recipe that’s perfect for any occasion!
Ingredients
– 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1 egg
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup chopped raw almonds
– 1 cup dried cherries
Instructions
1. – Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. – In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar 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 just until combined.
6. – Fold in the chopped almonds and dried cherries.
7. – Scoop dough by the tablespoonful onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
8. – Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown.
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 festive touch, you can roll the dough balls in coarse sugar before baking. The cookies can be stored 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 comforting flavors of toasted almonds and tart, juicy cherries in a buttery, soft-baked cookie. They’re the perfect treat to enjoy with your loved ones, whether it’s during a cozy afternoon tea or as part of a festive holiday spread. I hope this recipe becomes a new favorite in your household, just as it has been in mine for so many years. Be sure to let me know how your Almond Cherry Cookies turn out – I’d love to hear all about it!
