Name: Deliciously Chewy Almond Cherry Cookies for Your Holiday Joy
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 9 min
Total time: 34 min
Ingredients: 1 cup Slivered Almonds (Grind for optimal consistency.); 1 cup Butter (Softened for easy mixing.); 1 cup Powdered Sugar (Can substitute with granulated sugar.); 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract (Opt for pure vanilla for best results.); 2 cups All-Purpose Flour (Whole wheat flour can be used instead.); 1/4 teaspoon Salt (Essential for flavor.); 1 cup Maraschino Cherries (Halved and reserve juice for frosting.); 1 cup Powdered Sugar (Frosting) (Ensure fine texture for smooth frosting.); 2 tablespoons Maraschino Cherry Juice (Reserved from halved cherries.); 1/2 teaspoon Almond Extract (Can reduce or omit for milder taste.); 2 tablespoons Milk (Use whole milk or dairy-free alternative.); 1/4 cup Red Decorating Sugar (Used to garnish cookies.)

The scent of warm cookies baking can transport you back to joyful holiday gatherings, igniting memories of laughter and cherished moments. Today, I’m thrilled to share my beloved recipe for Almond Cherry Cookies—a perfect blend of buttery slivers of almond paired with the vibrant sweetness of maraschino cherries. Not only are these cookies a festive delight that will dazzle your guests, but they also boast an enticingly soft texture that melts in your mouth. Ideal for filling your dessert tray or as a sweet homemade gift, these cookies come together quickly, ensuring you spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the season. Ready to add a splash of color and flavor to your holiday baking? Let’s dive into this delicious recipe!

Why Are Almond Cherry Cookies Irresistible?

Joyful holiday spirit: These Almond Cherry Cookies bring a festive touch to any gathering, making them a hit at parties and family celebrations.
Easy to make: With straightforward steps, you’ll whip up these treats effortlessly, giving you more time to enjoy the festivities.
Remarkable flavor: The combination of buttery almonds and sweet cherries creates a delectable taste that’s simply unforgettable.
Perfect for gifting: These cookies are not just a treat; they make a beautiful homemade gift that everyone will appreciate.
Delightful textures: Each bite offers a delightful contrast between the chewy center and crunchy almond bits, making them a true indulgence.
For more delicious dessert ideas, be sure to check out our festive desserts section!

Almond Cherry Cookies Ingredients

• Perfect for holiday baking!

For the Dough

Slivered Almonds – Provides a nutty flavor and crunchy texture; grind for optimal consistency.
Butter – Acts as the primary fat, contributing to moistness; should be softened for easy mixing.
Powdered Sugar – Adds sweetness and smooth texture; can substitute with granulated sugar for a different outcome.
Vanilla Extract – Enhances overall flavor; opt for pure vanilla for the best results.
All-Purpose Flour – Forms the cookie structure; whole wheat flour can be a healthier option but will change the texture.
Salt – Balances sweetness and boosts flavor; essential for all baked goods.
Maraschino Cherries – Provides bursts of sweetness and vibrant color; halve them and reserve the juice for frosting.

For the Frosting

Powdered Sugar (Frosting) – Adds sweetness for icing; ensure fine texture for smooth frosting.
Maraschino Cherry Juice – Enhances flavor in the frosting; reserve from halved cherries.
Almond Extract – Deepens almond flavor; can reduce or omit for milder taste.
Milk – Adjusts frosting consistency; use whole milk or a dairy-free alternative as needed.

For Decoration

Red Decorating Sugar – Used to garnish cookies, adding a festive touch that catches the eye.

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Almond Cherry Cookies

Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s hot and ready for baking. While the oven heats, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking. This step sets the stage for perfectly baked Almond Cherry Cookies that will come out soft and chewy.

Step 2: Prepare the Dough
In a mixing bowl, cream together softened butter, powdered sugar, and a splash of vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and pale, about 2-3 minutes. In a separate bowl, combine all-purpose flour, salt, and the ground slivered almonds, whisking to blend. Gradually incorporate this dry mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined to form a delightful dough.

Step 3: Form Cookies
Take about a tablespoon of dough and roll it into a ball in your palms. Create a small pit in the center of each ball and insert half of a maraschino cherry, then reshape the dough around the cherry. Place the cookies on the lined baking sheet, slightly flattening them for even baking, and ensure there’s space between each cookie for spreading.

Step 4: Bake
Carefully place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 8-9 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are lightly golden while the centers remain soft. Keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking; they should look slightly undercooked as they will firm up while cooling. Once done, remove from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack for a few minutes.

Step 5: Make Frosting
While the cookies cool, prepare the frosting by whisking together powdered sugar, the reserved maraschino cherry juice, and a splash of almond extract in a bowl. Gradually add milk to achieve a smooth and spreadable consistency without making it too runny. This frosting will give your Almond Cherry Cookies a delightful finish.

Step 6: Decorate
Once the cookies have cooled completely, dip the tops into the creamy frosting, allowing any excess to drip off. Sprinkle the red decorating sugar on top while the frosting is still wet for a festive touch. Let the frosted cookies sit until the icing is set, which shouldn’t take long, and they’ll be ready to impress your guests or family!

Make Ahead Options

These Almond Cherry Cookies are a dream for busy home cooks looking to save time during the holiday rush! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance; simply wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate. This keeps the dough fresh and allows the flavors to meld beautifully. If you’d like, you can also form the cookie balls, insert the cherries, and refrigerate them up to 3 days ahead—just be sure to cover them with parchment paper to prevent drying out. When you’re ready to bake, pop them directly in the oven from the fridge, adding an extra minute to the baking time if needed. Enjoy freshly baked cookies that taste just as delightful with minimal last-minute effort!

Almond Cherry Cookies: Fun Variations

Feel free to play around with this recipe, adjusting flavors and textures to make it uniquely yours!

Nut-Free: Replace slivered almonds with sunflower seed butter for a fabulous nut-free alternative that still delivers richness.
Dairy-Free: Swap butter for coconut oil and use almond milk in the frosting for a delightful dairy-free treat.
Vegan: Use flax eggs in place of regular eggs and opt for a plant-based butter to make these cookies fully vegan-friendly.
Fresh Cherry Twist: Incorporate fresh cherries instead of maraschino for a seasonal treat. Just remember to adjust the sugar!
Flavor Boost: Add a teaspoon of orange zest to the dough for a citrusy brightness that perfectly complements almond and cherry.
Chocolate Lovers: Mix in chocolate chips or drizzle melted chocolate on top for an indulgent chocolate variation.
Spicy Kicks: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a warm, spiced flavor that’s perfect for cozy afternoons.

Keep exploring your culinary creativity! Each twist not only transforms the cookie but also makes it a new family favorite, just like the ones you find in our festive desserts section.

Tips for the Best Almond Cherry Cookies

Butter Softening: Ensure your butter is softened at room temperature; it allows for better incorporation into the dough, which is key for soft Almond Cherry Cookies.
Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the cookies while baking; they should be lightly golden at the edges but soft in the center, as they will continue cooking while cooling.
Parchment Paper: Always line your baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and facilitate even baking, resulting in perfect cookies every time.
Cooling Before Frosting: Let the cookies cool completely before frosting to prevent the icing from melting and to maintain their delightful texture.
Measurement Accuracy: Use a kitchen scale for precise measurements, especially for flour and powdered sugar, to avoid overly dense cookies.
Experiment with Nuts: Feel free to substitute slivered almonds with walnuts or pecans for a fun twist while keeping the delightful flavor of these Almond Cherry Cookies!

What to Serve with Almond Cherry Cookies

Baking these delightful cookies is only the beginning; let’s explore delicious companions to enhance your festive gatherings.

Rich Hot Chocolate: This warm, chocolatey beverage contrasts with the sweetness of the cookies, creating a cozy treat perfect for chilly evenings.
Spiced Chai Tea: The aromatic spices in chai elevate the flavors of the cookies while offering a comforting warmth.
Classic Eggnog: Creamy and spiced, eggnog pairs beautifully with the nutty almond flavor, making it a festive favorite.
Crisp Green Salad: A vibrant, fresh salad brings brightness to your dessert table, balancing the richness of the cookies with crunchy greens.
Fruit Platter: A colorful assortment of fresh fruits adds both juiciness and a refreshing contrast to the sweet, chewy cookies.
Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve a scoop alongside the cookies for a delightful hot-and-cold experience that melts in your mouth.

This selection not only complements but elevates the joy of enjoying your Almond Cherry Cookies, leaving your guests with a festive taste to remember!

How to Store and Freeze Almond Cherry Cookies

Room Temperature: Store Almond Cherry Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Layer with parchment paper to keep them soft and prevent sticking.

Fridge: For longer freshness, keep the cookies in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 1 week. Bring them to room temperature before enjoying to regain their delightful softness.

Freezer: Freeze Almond Cherry Cookies for up to 3 months. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Thaw at room temperature or gently warm in the microwave.

Reheating: If you prefer warm cookies, reheat in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or until just warmed through to revive their chewy texture.

Almond Cherry Cookies Recipe FAQs

How do I select ripe maraschino cherries?
Absolutely! When choosing maraschino cherries for your Almond Cherry Cookies, look for vibrant red color with a glossy finish. Avoid any that have dark spots or are overly soft, as they may have an off taste. A jar with firm cherries will yield the best results!

What is the best way to store Almond Cherry Cookies?
For optimal freshness, store your Almond Cherry Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you find you have leftovers, layer them with parchment paper to prevent sticking while retaining their delightful soft texture. If you’d like to keep them longer, consider refrigerating them, where they’ll stay fresh for up to a week!

Can I freeze Almond Cherry Cookies?
Absolutely! You can freeze Almond Cherry Cookies for up to 3 months. To freeze, first place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw them at room temperature, or pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds for that freshly baked taste.

What should I do if my cookies turned out too dry?
If your Almond Cherry Cookies are too dry, it may be due to overmixing the dough or baking for too long. To troubleshoot next time, ensure you’re only mixing until the ingredients are just combined. Monitor your baking time closely; they should look slightly underbaked in the center when removed from the oven, as they will continue to set while cooling.

Are Almond Cherry Cookies safe for those with nut allergies?
Generally no, as the primary ingredient, slivered almonds, poses a risk for those with nut allergies. If you’re making these cookies for someone with a nut allergy, you could try substituting the almonds with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds to maintain texture without the nutty flavor. Always check for any cross-contamination in your kitchen!

Can I substitute granulated sugar for powdered sugar in the dough?
Very! While you can use granulated sugar instead of powdered sugar in the dough, keep in mind that this will alter the texture slightly. Granulated sugar may lead to a more grainy finish, while powdered sugar gives a smooth, fluffy texture. If you prefer using granulated sugar, just mix it in well until the mixture is light and fluffy, and enjoy your cookies!