When the holiday season rolls around, my kitchen transforms into a joyful whirlwind of aromas and flavors, but nothing sparks my festive spirit quite like the scent of freshly baked Almond Cherry Cookies. These delightful treats blend buttery almond goodness with juicy maraschino cherries, creating a soft, chewy texture that's absolutely irresistible. Picture this: a plate piled high with cookies, each topped with a sprinkle of red decorating sugar, ready to impress friends and family during gatherings.
As I whip up these cookies, the warm notes of vanilla and almond fill the air, wrapping me in memories of cozy winters spent baking. They’re not just a sweet indulgence; they offer a perfect balance of flavor and nostalgia, making them an ideal addition to any holiday celebration. So, when you're ready to infuse laughter and love into your holiday festivities, grab your apron and join me in baking these delightful Almond Cherry Cookies. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you!
Why are Almond Cherry Cookies irresistible?
Soft, Chewy Perfection: The combination of buttery almond flavor and juicy maraschino cherries creates a delightful texture and taste.
Festive Appeal: With optional red sugar sprinkles, these cookies beautifully brighten up any holiday platter.
Nostalgic Memories: Each bite might remind you of cherished moments spent baking during winter; that’s the magic of these cookies!
Easy to Make: Perfect for both beginner bakers and seasoned chefs, this simple recipe comes together quickly, allowing more time for fun and family.
Versatile Delight: Feel free to swap in your favorite nuts or dried fruits to customize these cookies for your taste-endless possibilities!
When you're looking to elevate your holiday baking, consider these delightful treats that bring joy with each bite.
Almond Cherry Cookies Ingredients
• Get ready for a delicious treat!
For the Dough
- Butter - Ensure it’s softened for easy mixing and a creamy texture.
- Powdered Sugar - Adds sweetness and creates a smooth texture in both cookies and frosting.
- Vanilla Extract - Enhances flavor with warm undertones that pair perfectly with almonds.
- All-Purpose Flour - Acts as the primary structure, giving the cookies their shape.
- Salt - A pinch balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor profile.
- Ground Slivered Almonds - Provides a nutty flavor and crunchy texture; feel free to substitute with ground hazelnuts!
- Maraschino Cherries - Adds sweetness and a vibrant pop of color-use halved cherries and save the juice for frosting!
For the Frosting
- Powdered Sugar (Frosting) - Creates a smooth and sweet icing that beautifully coats the cookies.
- Maraschino Cherry Juice - A flavorful addition to the frosting; substitute with milk if desired.
- Almond Extract - Intensifies the almond flavor in the frosting for a delightful taste boost.
- Red Decorating Sugar - While optional, these sprinkles add a festive touch and extra visual appeal.
These Almond Cherry Cookies are not just a tasty snack; they embody the joy and warmth of the holiday season!
How to Make Almond Cherry Cookies
Preheat your oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure easy cookie removal.
Cream the mixture: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and fluffy, creating the perfect base for your dough.
Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, salt, and ground slivered almonds. Gradually mix this dry blend into your creamed mixture until a soft dough forms.
Shape the cookies: Scoop out about a tablespoon of dough, create a small indentation in the center, and place half of a maraschino cherry inside. Gently fold the dough over to create a ball.
Prepare for baking: Place the shaped dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them out evenly. Gently flatten each ball to help them bake uniformly.
Bake the cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 8-9 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown, keeping in mind they should remain soft in the center. Transfer to a wire rack to cool.
Make the frosting: In a bowl, mix powdered sugar with the reserved maraschino cherry juice and almond extract. Add milk gradually until you achieve your desired consistency for the frosting.
Frost the cookies: Once cooled, dip the tops of the cookies into the frosting and sprinkle with red decorating sugar for that festive touch. Allow the frosting to set before serving.
Optional: Try adding a dash of almond extract to the dough for an extra flavor boost!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Almond Cherry Cookies Variations
Explore the fun of creating your own twist on these delightful cookies! Each variation offers a unique flavor that could become your new favorite.
- Nut-Free: Swap ground almonds with sunflower seed flour for a nut-free option that still provides delicious flavor.
- Cherry-Lime Surprise: Add a teaspoon of lime zest to the dough for a refreshing citrus twist.
- Chocolate Lovers: Fold in mini chocolate chips for an indulgent chocolate-almond-cherry experience.
- Tropical Touch: Use diced dried pineapple or coconut flakes instead of cherries for a sunny tropical flavor.
- Spicy Kick: Incorporate a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg into the dough for a warming spice that complements the almond.
- Gluten-Free Delight: Replace all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend to accommodate gluten sensitivities.
- Raspberry Almond Fusion: Swap in fresh or frozen raspberries for a berry-infused alternative that pairs beautifully with almonds.
- Extra Crunch: Toss in some chopped toasted pecans or walnuts for added texture and nutty flavor.
Let your creativity shine as you embrace the organized chaos of baking these festive Almond Cherry Cookies!
What to Serve with Almond Cherry Cookies?
Indulging in Almond Cherry Cookies offers a sweet delight, but pairing them with the right treats elevates the experience even more.
Rich Hot Chocolate: A warm cup of hot chocolate complements the buttery almond flavor, adding a cozy touch to your holiday gathering.
Fruity Tea: The lightness of a fruity tea balances the cookies’ sweetness while adding refreshing notes that awaken the palate.
Creamy Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast; the creaminess enhances the chewy cookie texture.
Festive Eggnog: Enjoying these cookies with holiday eggnog brings a cheerful touch, making them perfect for your festive celebrations.
Gingerbread Cookies: Pair with spicy gingerbread for a textural and flavor contrast-it’s a combo that evokes the holiday spirit.
Sparkling Apple Cider: This refreshing drink adds a bubbly twist, beautifully cutting through the sweetness of the cookies.
Dark Chocolate Dipped Fruit: The deep, rich flavors of dark chocolate-covered strawberries or cherries make an indulgent yet complementary pairing.
Each of these choices enriches the experience of your Almond Cherry Cookies, making your holiday moments even sweeter.
Expert Tips for Almond Cherry Cookies
Butter Basics: Ensure your butter is softened properly; this helps create a smooth and creamy texture, essential for the best Almond Cherry Cookies.
Avoid Overbaking: Keep an eye on your cookies as they brown; removing them while slightly soft ensures a chewy, delightful texture that's a hallmark of these treats.
Storage Smart: Layer parchment paper between your cookies when storing to avoid sticking, preserving their freshness longer.
Customization Freedom: Feel free to swap in different nuts or dried fruits for unique flavor variations; it's all part of the organized chaos of baking!
Frosting Fun: Adjust the frosting consistency by adding more cherry juice or powdered sugar to find your perfect blend-making each batch uniquely yours.
Make Ahead Options
These Almond Cherry Cookies are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance, storing it wrapped in plastic wrap in the refrigerator to prevent it from drying out. If you’re aiming to freeze the dough, form individual cookie balls, place them on a baking sheet to firm up in the freezer, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, simply preheat your oven and bake straight from frozen for a couple of extra minutes. By making these delicious cookies ahead of time, you'll have festive treats ready with minimal last-minute effort, ensuring they remain just as delightful when the occasion calls!
How to Store and Freeze Almond Cherry Cookies
Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 days to keep them fresh and soft.
Fridge: For added freshness, place cookies in the refrigerator in a sealed container for up to 1 week. This also helps prolong their chewy texture.
Freezer: Freeze cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw them at room temperature before enjoying.
Reheating: If you prefer warm cookies, pop them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. Enjoy your delicious Almond Cherry Cookies warm!
Almond Cherry Cookies Recipe FAQs
How do I select the best cherries for Almond Cherry Cookies?
Absolutely! Look for vibrant maraschino cherries that are firm and bright in color. Avoid any with dark spots or blemishes, as these can indicate overripeness. If you’re using fresh cherries, choose those that are slightly firm and glossy.
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 want them to last longer, refrigerate them; they will stay fresh for up to 1 week in a sealed container!
Can I freeze Almond Cherry Cookies?
Very! To freeze, place your cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer them to a freezer-safe bag, ensuring they are stacked with parchment paper in between to avoid sticking. They will last up to 3 months! To enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature.
What should I do if my dough is too sticky?
If your cookie dough is too sticky to handle, it could be due to the butter being too soft or not enough flour. Chill the dough in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to firm it up, and if necessary, gradually mix in a little more flour-just be careful not to overdo it!
Are Almond Cherry Cookies suitable for my dog?
While Almond Cherry Cookies are a delightful treat for humans, they aren’t suitable for pets. Maraschino cherries can contain additives harmful to dogs, and the higher sugar content isn’t ideal for their diet. It’s best to stick with dog-friendly treats for your furry friend.
Can I use other types of nuts in this recipe?
Absolutely! You can swap out ground slivered almonds with ground hazelnuts or even walnuts for a different flavor profile. Experimenting with other nuts can add a delightful twist to your Almond Cherry Cookies, making them uniquely yours!
Delicious Almond Cherry Cookies - An Organized Chaos Awaits
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and fluffy.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, salt, and ground slivered almonds. Gradually mix into the creamed mixture until a soft dough forms.
- Scoop out about a tablespoon of dough, create a small indentation, and place half of a maraschino cherry inside. Fold the dough over to create a ball.
- Place dough balls on the baking sheet, spacing evenly. Gently flatten each ball.
- Bake for 8–9 minutes, or until edges are golden brown. Transfer to a wire rack to cool.
- In a bowl, mix powdered sugar with the reserved cherry juice and almond extract. Add milk gradually for desired consistency.
- Once cooled, dip the tops of the cookies into the frosting and sprinkle with red decorating sugar.
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