Growing up, my grandma’s Almond Cherry Cookies were the highlight of every holiday season. I can still remember the aroma of toasted almonds and the sweet scent of plump cherries filling the air as she pulled the trays out of the oven. It was a tradition that brought our whole family together, and no Christmas was complete without devouring plate after plate of those irresistible cookies.
Even as an adult, I find myself craving those nostalgic flavors year-round. That’s why I’m so excited to share this Almond Cherry Cookies recipe with you – it’s the perfect way to recreate that comforting, homemade taste in your own kitchen. Trust me, once you try this version, it’ll become your new go-to for any occasion.
Why This Almond Cherry Cookies Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The secret behind these Almond Cherry Cookies is the perfect balance of buttery richness, toasted nutty crunch, and juicy bursts of cherry. I’ve perfected the technique over the years to ensure the cookies come out soft and chewy in the center, with lightly crisp edges that melt in your mouth. And the touch of almond extract really takes the flavor to the next level, making these Almond Cherry Cookies truly unforgettable.
The Secret Behind Perfect Almond Cherry Cookies
What sets this recipe apart is the use of both almond flour and toasted sliced almonds. The almond flour creates an incredibly tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture, while the crunchy almonds add a delightful contrast. And by folding in plump, juicy cherries at just the right moment, you get those pockets of sweet-tart flavor in every bite. It’s a match made in cookie heaven!
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
- Unsalted butter: The foundation for those rich, buttery cookies.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough and helps achieve the perfect chewy texture.
- Brown sugar: Adds depth of flavor and a subtle molasses note.
- Eggs: Binds the dough and contributes to the soft, tender crumb.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile.
- Almond extract: Provides that signature almond aroma and taste.
- All-purpose flour: The base for the cookie dough.
- Almond flour: Gives the Almond Cherry Cookies their incredible tender, melt-in-your-mouth quality.
- Baking soda: Helps the cookies rise and achieve that perfect chewy texture.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and brings out all the flavors.
- Sliced almonds: Provides the delightful crunch and nutty aroma.
- Dried cherries: The star ingredient that adds pockets of juicy, sweet-tart flavor.
Step-by-Step Almond Cherry Cookies Instructions
Preparing Your Almond Cherry Cookies
These Almond Cherry Cookies are surprisingly easy to make, with a total active time of just 30 minutes. You’ll need a stand mixer or hand mixer, a couple of baking sheets, and some parchment paper or silicone baking mats. Let’s get started!
1- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
2- In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, almond flour, baking soda, and salt. Set this dry ingredient mixture aside.
3- In a large bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, beat the unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
4- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract and almond extract.
5- Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Fold in the sliced almonds and dried cherries.
6- Scoop the dough by the tablespoon onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden brown.
Pro Tips for Success
For the best Almond Cherry Cookies, be sure not to overmix the dough, as this can lead to a tough texture. Also, resist the urge to overbake – you want them to be soft and chewy in the center. And don’t be afraid to experiment with different types of dried cherries, like tart Montmorency or sweet Bing, to find your perfect flavor profile.
Serving and Storing Your Almond Cherry Cookies
Perfect Pairings for Almond Cherry Cookies
These Almond Cherry Cookies are delightful on their own, but they also pair beautifully with a cup of hot coffee, tea, or a cold glass of milk. For a festive touch, serve them alongside a plate of assorted holiday cookies or alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Almond Cherry Cookies will stay fresh for up to 1 week when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. For longer storage, you can freeze the baked cookies for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply place them on a baking sheet in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes until warmed through.
You can also prepare the dough in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. Just scoop and bake the cookies straight from the fridge or freezer when you’re ready to enjoy them.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Almond Cherry Cookies
Creative Almond Cherry Cookies Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous, try swapping out the dried cherries for other dried fruits, like cranberries, apricots, or even chopped figs. You could also experiment with different nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, in place of the sliced almonds. And for a festive twist, roll the dough balls in coarse sugar or drizzle the baked cookies with a simple almond glaze.
Making Almond Cherry Cookies Diet-Friendly
To make these Almond Cherry Cookies gluten-free, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with an equal amount of your favorite gluten-free flour blend. For a vegan version, use dairy-free butter and flax or chia eggs in place of the regular eggs. And for a low-carb option, replace the granulated and brown sugars with your preferred low-calorie sweeteners.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use fresh cherries instead of dried?
A: While fresh cherries can work in this recipe, I recommend sticking with dried cherries for the best texture and flavor. Fresh cherries tend to release a lot of moisture, which can make the cookies spread too much and become cakey.
Q: How do I know when the Almond Cherry Cookies are done baking?
A: The cookies are ready when the edges are lightly golden brown and the centers still look slightly underbaked. They’ll continue to firm up as they cool on the baking sheet.
Q: Can I make the dough ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! The Almond Cherry Cookie dough can be refrigerated for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Just be sure to let it come to room temperature before scooping and baking.
Q: How many cookies does this recipe make?
A: This recipe yields approximately 24 Almond Cherry Cookies, depending on the size you scoop them. Feel free to adjust the serving size as needed.
Q: What if my cookies turn out too flat?
A: If your Almond Cherry Cookies are spreading too much and turning out flat, try chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. You can also reduce the amount of butter in the recipe by 1-2 tablespoons.
Almond Cherry Cookies
- Total Time: 30
- Yield: 24 cookies
Description
Indulge in the delightful combination of almonds and cherries with these old-fashioned Almond Cherry Cookies. Baked to perfection, these cookies boast a buttery, crumbly texture and a burst of sweet and nutty flavors in every bite.
Ingredients
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1 egg
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup chopped raw almonds
– 1 cup chopped maraschino cherries, drained
Instructions
1. – Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. – In a large mixing bowl, cream the 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 just until combined.
6. – Fold in the chopped almonds and cherries.
7. – Scoop the dough by the tablespoonful onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
8. – Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the cookies are lightly golden around the edges.
9. – Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
For a festive touch, you can add a maraschino cherry on top of each cookie before baking. These cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 15
- Category: Snacks & Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
I hope this Almond Cherry Cookies recipe brings as much joy to your family as it has to mine over the years. These cookies are the perfect blend of buttery, nutty, and fruity flavors – a true crowd-pleaser that’s sure to become a new holiday tradition. So preheat your oven, gather your ingredients, and get ready to bake up a batch of these irresistible treats. Don’t forget to let me know how they turn out in the comments below!