Soft, delicious Almond Cherry Cookies glazed in cherry frosting with a surprise cherry in the middle! These delightful cookies are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family gathering, a holiday celebration, or simply a sweet treat at home. With their unique flavor combination and eye-catching appearance, they are sure to impress friends and family alike.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Irresistible Flavor: The combination of almond and cherry creates a sweet and nutty taste that is hard to resist.
- Easy to Make: With simple steps and accessible ingredients, these cookies are straightforward for bakers of all levels.
- Perfect for Sharing: With 36 cookies in one batch, they’re great for parties or as gifts for loved ones.
- Versatile Treat: Enjoy them at any time of day—perfect with coffee in the morning or as a dessert after dinner.
- Eye-Catching Presentation: The colorful cherry topping makes these cookies visually appealing and festive.
Tools and Preparation
To create your Almond Cherry Cookies, you’ll need some essential tools. Having the right equipment can make the baking process easier and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper
- Wire rack
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients efficiently without making a mess.
- Baking sheets: Provides an even surface for baking cookies, ensuring they cook uniformly.
- Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes for easy cleanup after baking.
- Wire rack: Allows cookies to cool evenly, preventing sogginess on the bottom.
Ingredients
Soft, delicious Almond Cookies glazed in cherry frosting with a surprise cherry in the middle!
For the Cookies
- ¾ cup silvered almonds (ground)
- 1 cup butter (softened)
- ¾ cup powdered sugar (divided)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 8 ounces maraschino cherries (halved, reserve juice (1 jar))
For the Glaze
- red decorating sugar
- 2-3 Tablespoons water (if needed)
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 Tablespoon maraschino cherry juice
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 2-3 Tablespoons milk
How to Make Almond Cherry Cookies
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures that your cookies bake evenly from start to finish.
Step 2: Prepare the Dough
In a large bowl:
1. Mix together the softened butter, ¾ cup of powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until well blended.
In another bowl:
1. Combine the flour, salt, and ground almonds.
2. Gradually add this dry mixture into the butter mixture until well combined.
Step 3: Shape the Cookies
- Take about 1 tablespoon of dough and make a pit in the center.
- Place a halved cherry in the pit and fold the dough over it to form a ball.
- Place each cookie on a parchment-lined baking sheet and slightly flatten them.
Step 4: Adjust Dough Consistency
If your dough is too dry:
1. Add water one tablespoon at a time until it’s easier to work with (up to 3 tablespoons).
Step 5: Bake
Bake at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for about 8–9 minutes or until edges are just starting to turn golden brown. Remove from oven and let cool on a wire rack.
Step 6: Make the Glaze
In a small bowl:
1. Mix together the remaining powdered sugar, maraschino cherry juice, almond extract, and enough milk to achieve dipping consistency.
Step 7: Decorate
Dip the tops of cooled cookies into icing. Flip them over onto a wire rack and sprinkle with red decorating sugar for added flair.
Enjoy your delightful Almond Cherry Cookies!
How to Serve Almond Cherry Cookies
Almond Cherry Cookies are delightful treats that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or just indulging yourself, these cookies can be the centerpiece of your dessert table.
With a Cup of Tea
- Pair these cookies with a warm cup of herbal tea for a soothing afternoon snack.
As a Dessert Platter
- Arrange Almond Cherry Cookies on a beautiful platter alongside other cookies and sweets to impress your guests.
Gift Them
- Package them in decorative boxes or bags to share with friends and family as thoughtful gifts.
With Ice Cream
- Serve these cookies warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent dessert experience.
At Holiday Gatherings
- Include Almond Cherry Cookies in your holiday dessert spread; their festive colors make them perfect for celebrations.
How to Perfect Almond Cherry Cookies
To achieve the perfect Almond Cherry Cookies, consider these helpful tips for better texture and flavor.
Use softened butter: Make sure your butter is at room temperature. This helps create a smooth dough that combines well with other ingredients.
Don’t skip the chilling: If the dough feels too soft, chill it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. This will make it easier to handle and shape.
Measure accurately: Use proper measuring tools for dry ingredients. Accurate measurements ensure consistent results every time.
Try different nuts: Feel free to experiment with different nuts such as walnuts or pecans for a unique twist on flavor.
Adjust sweetness: If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the amount of powdered sugar in the icing according to your taste.
Best Side Dishes for Almond Cherry Cookies
These cookies pair wonderfully with a variety of side dishes that complement their sweet and nutty flavors. Here are some delicious options:
Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances the sweetness of the cookies.
Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt, granola, and berries for a creamy side dish that pairs well with the crunchiness of the cookies.
Cheese Platter: Serve with mild cheeses like brie or goat cheese to contrast the cookie’s sweetness.
Chocolate Fondue: Create an interactive dessert by serving melted chocolate for dipping alongside the cookies.
Coconut Macaroons: These chewy treats harmonize beautifully with almond flavors while adding another texture to your spread.
Nut Mix: Offer a bowl of spiced or candied nuts as a crunchy, savory option next to your sweet cookies.
Tea Sandwiches: Light sandwiches filled with cucumber or cream cheese complement the flavors without overpowering them.
Milkshake: A classic milkshake pairs perfectly, providing a creamy counterpart to these crunchy delights.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Almond Cherry Cookies, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here’s how to avoid them:
Skipping the chilling step: Chilling the dough helps the cookies maintain their shape during baking. Always refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes before shaping.
Not measuring ingredients accurately: Using too much or too little of an ingredient can affect the texture of your cookies. Invest in a kitchen scale or use proper measuring cups for dry and wet ingredients.
Overbaking cookies: Cookies can become dry if baked too long. Keep an eye on them and remove them when the edges are just golden brown for the perfect chewy texture.
Ignoring substitutions: If you need to replace an ingredient, ensure it fits the recipe’s purpose. For example, use plant-based gelling agents instead of gelatin if needed.
Using stale ingredients: Fresh ingredients are key to great flavor. Check your almonds and flour for freshness before using them in your Almond Cherry Cookies.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store Almond Cherry Cookies in an airtight container.
- They will stay fresh for up to 1 week in the refrigerator.
Freezing Almond Cherry Cookies
- Place cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm.
- Transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag; they can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Almond Cherry Cookies
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C), place cookies on a baking sheet, and warm for 5-7 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat individual cookies on a microwave-safe plate for about 10-15 seconds until warm.
- Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat, placing cookies inside for about 2-3 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Almond Cherry Cookies:
How do I make my Almond Cherry Cookies softer?
Adding more butter or slightly underbaking your cookies will help keep them soft and chewy.
Can I use different nuts in my Almond Cherry Cookies?
Yes! Feel free to substitute almonds with walnuts or pecans based on your preference or availability.
What can I use instead of maraschino cherries?
You can replace maraschino cherries with fresh cherries or even dried fruit like cranberries for a different flavor twist.
How can I customize my Almond Cherry Cookies?
Consider adding chocolate chips, coconut flakes, or different extracts like lemon or orange to create unique variations of this recipe.
Final Thoughts
Almond Cherry Cookies are not only delightful but also versatile. Their soft texture and sweet cherry glaze make them perfect for any occasion. Feel free to customize the recipe by adding your favorite nuts or experimenting with different flavors. Give these delicious cookies a try—your friends and family will love them!
Almond Cherry Cookies
Indulge in the delightful taste of Almond Cherry Cookies, a perfect treat that combines the rich nuttiness of almonds with the sweet burst of cherries. These soft, chewy cookies are filled with a surprise cherry in the center and topped with a glossy cherry glaze, making them an eye-catching addition to any dessert table. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply enjoying a sweet moment at home, these cookies are sure to impress friends and family alike. With their easy preparation and delicious flavor, they are great for sharing or gifting!
- Total Time: 24 minutes
- Yield: About 36 cookies 1x
Ingredients
- ¾ cup silvered almonds (ground)
- 1 cup butter (softened)
- ¾ cup powdered sugar (divided)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 8 ounces maraschino cherries (halved, reserve juice)
- red decorating sugar
- 2–3 Tablespoons water (if needed)
- 2 cups powdered sugar for glaze
- 1 Tablespoon maraschino cherry juice
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 2–3 Tablespoons milk
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F.
- In a large bowl, cream together softened butter, ¾ cup powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- In another bowl, mix flour, salt, and ground almonds; gradually combine with the butter mixture.
- Shape about 1 tablespoon of dough around half a cherry and form into balls; flatten slightly on a lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 8–9 minutes until edges are golden brown; cool on wire racks.
- For the glaze, mix remaining powdered sugar with cherry juice, almond extract, and milk to desired consistency; dip cooled cookies and sprinkle with red sugar.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 9 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (30g)
- Calories: 136
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 40mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg