Almond Cherry Cookies Recipe

Introduction

These Almond Cherry Cookies are a delightful treat combining tender almond-flavored dough with sweet maraschino cherries. Finished with a glossy cherry icing and a sprinkle of red sugar, they’re perfect for sharing or enjoying with a cup of tea.

Ingredients

• ¾ cup slivered 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 from jar)
• 1 teaspoon maraschino cherry juice
• Red decorating sugar
• 2 cups powdered sugar (for icing)
• 1 tablespoon maraschino cherry juice (for icing)
• 1 teaspoon almond extract (for icing)
• 2-3 tablespoons milk (for icing)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, ¾ cup powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.
3. Step 3: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and ground slivered almonds. Gradually mix this dry mixture into the butter mixture until just combined.
4. Step 4: Take about 1 tablespoon of dough and form a small hollow or pit in the center. Place a halved maraschino cherry into the pit, then carefully fold the dough over the cherry to form a ball. Place the cookie balls on the prepared baking sheet and gently flatten each slightly.
5. Step 5: Bake the cookies at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 8 to 9 minutes, until the edges just start to turn golden brown. Remove from the oven and allow to cool on a wire rack.
6. Step 6: For the icing, mix together 2 cups powdered sugar, 1 tablespoon maraschino cherry juice, and 1 teaspoon almond extract in a small bowl. Add 2 to 3 tablespoons milk gradually until the mixture reaches a dipping consistency. Dip the tops of the cooled cookies into the icing, flip them over, and place on a wire rack. Sprinkle with red decorating sugar while the icing is still wet.

Tips & Variations

• For a crunchier texture, toast the slivered almonds lightly before grinding.
• Substitute maraschino cherries with glace cherries if preferred, adjusting the juice used in the recipe accordingly.
• If you don’t have almond extract for the icing, vanilla extract makes a nice substitute.
• Ensure the dough is well chilled if it feels too soft to handle easily when shaping.

Storage

Store the Almond Cherry Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week or freeze well-wrapped for up to 3 months. Before serving, bring frozen cookies to room temperature and refresh the icing if needed.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other nuts instead of almonds?

Yes, finely ground pecans or walnuts can be used as a substitute, though they will alter the flavor slightly.

How can I make the cookies less sweet?

Reduce the powdered sugar in the dough and icing slightly, but keep enough to maintain the texture and sweetness balance with the cherries.

Almond Cherry Cookies Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 51 reviews

• Author: Isabella
• Total Time: 29 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x

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Description

These Almond Cherry Cookies are delightful, buttery treats featuring a tender almond-flavored dough filled with sweet maraschino cherries. Finished with a cherry-almond glaze and a sprinkle of red decorating sugar, they offer a perfect balance of fruity sweetness and nutty richness, ideal for festive occasions or everyday indulgence.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cookie Dough

• ¾ cup slivered 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 teaspoon maraschino cherry juice

Decoration

• Red decorating sugar
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 tablespoon maraschino cherry juice
• 1 teaspoon almond extract
• 2–3 tablespoons milk

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure it reaches the right temperature for baking the cookies.
2. Mix wet ingredients: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, ¾ cup powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
3. Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix the all-purpose flour, salt, and ground slivered almonds thoroughly. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet butter mixture and blend until just combined.
4. Prepare cookies with cherries: Take about 1 tablespoon of dough and create a small pit in the center. Place a halved maraschino cherry into the pit, then fold the dough over the cherry and roll into a ball. Arrange each cookie on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, slightly flattening each one.
5. Bake the cookies: Bake the shaped cookies at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 8-9 minutes, or until the edges begin to turn golden brown. Once baked, remove them from the oven and allow to cool completely on a wire rack.
6. Prepare the glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the 2 cups powdered sugar, 1 tablespoon maraschino cherry juice, almond extract, and enough milk (2-3 tablespoons) to achieve a dipping consistency.
7. Glaze and decorate: Dip the tops of the cooled cookies into the glaze, flip them over, and place them back on the wire rack. While the glaze is still wet, sprinkle red decorating sugar over the tops to add a festive finishing touch.

Notes

• Make sure the butter is softened to room temperature for easier mixing and a smoother dough.
• You can grind the slivered almonds using a food processor or a strong blender to ensure a fine texture.
• Reserve the maraschino cherry juice carefully as it is used both in the dough and the glaze to enhance the cherry flavor.
• If the glaze is too thick, add a little more milk, one teaspoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency.
• Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week to maintain freshness.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 9 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: almond cherry cookies, maraschino cherry cookies, nutty cookies, holiday cookies, glazed cookies, cherry almond treats