Name: Irresistible Almond Cherry Cookies for a Festive Treat
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 9 min
Total time: 39 min
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter (softened); 1 cup powdered sugar (sifted); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 cups all-purpose flour (can substitute with gluten-free blend); 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 cup ground almonds (or ground hazelnuts); 1 cup maraschino cherries (about 12 cherries halved); 1/4 cup red decorating sugar (optional)

The sweet aroma of holiday baking wafted through the air, instantly transporting me to a cozy kitchen filled with festive cheer. These Almond Cherry Cookies are my go-to recipe for bringing joy during the bustling holiday season, perfectly marrying the buttery richness of almonds with the sweet-tart surprise of maraschino cherries. Not only do these soft cookies offer a delightful texture that melts in your mouth, but they also make an eye-catching addition to any cookie platter or a charming afternoon treat. Whether you’re bringing cheer to a holiday gathering or enjoying a quiet moment at home, these cookies promise to enchant with each bite. Are you ready to spread some festive joy in your kitchen?

Why Choose Almond Cherry Cookies?

Festive Food Fun: These Almond Cherry Cookies combine holiday cheer with delightful flavors, making them a must-try for your seasonal baking.
Irresistible Aroma: The sweet scent of buttery almonds mingling with cherries creates an inviting atmosphere in your home.
Perfect Texture: Enjoy the contrast of crispy edges and a soft, chewy interior that melts in your mouth, making every bite a pleasure.
Eye-Catching Appeal: Their vibrant red cherry topping adds a pop of color to your cookie platters, dazzling your guests at any gathering.
Family Favorite: Easy to make and delicious, they’re sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike during your festive celebrations! For added excitement, pair them with a hot beverage or delightful treats like Soft Maple Cookies or Chocolate Chip Cookies.

Almond Cherry Cookies Ingredients

For the Cookie Dough

Butter – Provides richness and moisture for a tender cookie; use unsalted for better control of saltiness.
Powdered Sugar – Sweetness with a fine texture for smoothness; no substitutes, though a sugar alternative can be used.
Vanilla Extract – Adds aromatic depth; replace with almond extract for an enhanced nutty flavor.
All-purpose Flour – The primary structure ingredient that forms the cookie base; can substitute with a gluten-free flour blend.
Salt – Balances sweetness and enhances flavor; essential for overall taste.
Ground Almonds – Imbues cookies with rich almond flavor and adds delightful texture; replace with ground hazelnuts for a different taste.
Maraschino Cherries – Provide sweetness and a festive splash of color; essential for flavor and decoration. Swap with diced dried cherries or cranberries for a less sweet alternative.

For Decoration

Red Decorating Sugar – Adds festive flair and appeal; optional but enhances visual presentation for your Almond Cherry Cookies.

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Almond Cherry Cookies

Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven heats, prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper, ensuring that your Almond Cherry Cookies won’t stick while baking. This will create a perfect base for the upcoming cozy aroma of your festive cookies.

Step 2: Cream the Butter Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This should take about 2-3 minutes. Add in the vanilla extract and mix for an additional minute until well combined, allowing the sweet aroma to fill your kitchen.

Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, salt, and ground almonds until evenly combined. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed butter mixture while blending on low speed. Mix just until a cohesive dough forms, taking care not to overmix. The dough should be soft and slightly sticky.

Step 4: Form the Cookies
Using a tablespoon, scoop a portion of dough and create a small pit in the center. Place half a maraschino cherry in the pit and wrap the dough around it, ensuring the cherry is enclosed. Gently roll the dough into a ball and then slightly flatten it. Arrange the formed cookies on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each.

Step 5: Bake the Cookies
Insert the baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake for 8-9 minutes, or until the edges of the Almond Cherry Cookies begin to turn golden. Keep a close eye to avoid overbaking; the cookies should still appear soft in the center. Once baked, carefully remove them from the oven and allow them to cool on the sheet for a few minutes.

Step 6: Prepare the Frosting
While the cookies cool, whisk together the powdered sugar with reserved cherry juice, almond extract, and a splash of milk in a medium bowl. Mix until smooth and reaches a dipping consistency. This frosting will add a touch of festivity and sweetness to your cookies.

Step 7: Decorate the Cookies
Once your cookies are completely cool, dip the tops into the prepared frosting, allowing any excess to drip off. Sprinkle with red decorating sugar to enhance the festive look. Set the decorated cookies aside to allow the frosting to set, making these Almond Cherry Cookies truly eye-catching for your holiday gatherings.

Expert Tips for Almond Cherry Cookies

Butter Softening: Make sure your butter is fully softened at room temperature to achieve a creamy mixture; this is crucial for a tender cookie.
Baking Time: Keep a close watch on your cookies while baking; overbaking leads to dryness. Remove them when the edges are slightly golden.
Sifting Sugar: For a smooth frosting, sift the powdered sugar before mixing it with cherry juice and milk; this will ensure a perfect dip for your cookies.
Cookie Arrangement: Leave adequate space between the formed cookies on the baking sheet; they will spread during baking and need room to expand.
Storage Tips: To keep your Almond Cherry Cookies fresh, store them layered with parchment paper in an airtight container; this prevents sticking and keeps them moist.

What to Serve with Almond Cherry Cookies

Building a festive meal to accompany your sweet treats can elevate your holiday experience and delight your guests even further.

Rich Hot Chocolate: The creamy chocolate pairs beautifully with the nutty almond flavor, creating a warming contrast that’s hard to resist.
Spiced Eggnog: The rich, spiced drink complements the sweet, chewy cookies and enhances their festive appeal during holiday gatherings.
Gingerbread Cake: The warm spices of gingerbread balance the sweetness of the cookies, making for a delightful dessert duo at your celebrations.
Winter Fruit Salad: A refreshing medley of citrus and berries adds a bright, zesty note that contrasts the rich flavors of the cookies.
Coffee or Tea: A cup of freshly brewed coffee or spiced tea provides a lovely balance to the sweet cookies, perfect for cozy afternoon gatherings.
Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy ice cream takes the soft cookies to new heights, adding delicious cold creaminess to each bite.
Mulled Wine: This warming spiced beverage enhances the holiday spirit and beautifully matches the almond and cherry flavors in the cookies.
Nutty Biscotti: Dipping nutty biscotti into coffee offers a delightful contrast of textures, bringing an Italian twist to your festive treat table.
Chocolate-Covered Cherries: These match the cookie’s theme and create a decadent pairing, emphasizing the cherry flavor while indulging your guests.

Make Ahead Options

These Almond Cherry Cookies are perfect for meal prep! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance by mixing all the ingredients together and then refrigerating it. This will help the flavors meld beautifully while keeping the dough fresh. Additionally, you can roll the dough into balls, place them on a baking sheet, and freeze them for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, simply place the frozen dough directly onto a baking sheet and add an extra minute or two to the baking time for fresh, soft cookies just as delicious as if made the same day. This prep-ahead strategy saves time and gives you a delightful treat whenever the craving strikes!

Almond Cherry Cookies Variations & Substitutions

Feel free to let your creativity run wild as you tailor these delicious Almond Cherry Cookies to suit your tastes!

Nut Options: Swap ground almonds for walnuts or pecans to change up the flavor profile. Each nut offers a unique depth that enhances the cookies beautifully.
Fruit Flavor: Add a hint of orange zest to the dough for a zesty twist. The citrus notes blend splendidly with the almond and cherry, bringing in a refreshing brightness.
Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to create a version that everyone can enjoy. Just ensure it’s a 1:1 swap for best results.
Chocolate Lovers: Drizzle melted dark or white chocolate over the frosted cookies to add another layer of indulgence. This will elevate the dessert to a whole new level of sumptuousness!
Cranberry Delight: Instead of maraschino cherries, use dried cranberries for a tart contrast. Their chewy texture coupled with the almond flavors creates a delightful marriage of taste and nostalgia.
Spice It Up: Infuse a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg into the dough for a warm, cozy flavor. These spices will dance on your palate, evoking lovely memories of holiday gatherings.
Frosting Variances: For a different finish, try using a cream cheese frosting instead of the cherry frosting. It adds a tangy richness that balances perfectly with the sweetness of the cookies.
Ice Cream Sandwiches: Sandwich a scoop of vanilla or almond ice cream between two cookies for a decadent dessert treat. This variation makes them an irresistible option during festive gatherings.

Keep the joy in baking alive—after all, these cookies are not only about flavor but also about the love and memories we create in the kitchen! For more inspiration, don’t forget to check out these delectable treats: Buttery Spritz Cookies and Cherry Pistachio Cheesecake.

How to Store and Freeze Almond Cherry Cookies

Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. This keeps them soft and flavorful, ready for your festive enjoyment.
Fridge: If you prefer, you can refrigerate the Almond Cherry Cookies in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks, but note that this may slightly alter their texture.
Freezer: For long-term storage, freeze cookies in a single layer for up to 3 months. Once frozen, transfer them to freezer-safe bags, ensuring you remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
Reheating: To enjoy your frozen cookies, simply thaw them in the fridge overnight or warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes for that just-baked taste.

Almond Cherry Cookies Recipe FAQs

How do I select the best maraschino cherries for my cookies?
Absolutely! Look for maraschino cherries that are vibrant in color and firm to the touch, without dark spots all over. The quality of cherries can enhance the flavor and presentation of your Almond Cherry Cookies, so choose the ones you’re proud to showcase.

What is the best way to store Almond Cherry Cookies?
To keep your cookies fresh and delicious, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. I often layer them with parchment paper to prevent sticking, which helps maintain their soft texture and delightful taste!

Can I freeze my Almond Cherry Cookies?
Yes, you can freeze them! To do so, place the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about 1 hour until firm. Then, transfer them to freezer-safe bags, removing as much air as possible. They can be stored this way for up to 3 months. This method preserves their flavor and texture perfectly!

What if my dough is too sticky or dry?
If your dough feels too sticky, try adding just a tablespoon of flour at a time until it reaches a manageable consistency. On the other hand, if the dough is dry, you can incorporate a tiny bit of milk to loosen it up. Remember, it’s all about finding that right balance for your Almond Cherry Cookies!

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Very! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum. This will allow you to enjoy the same festive flavors without gluten. Just keep in mind that the texture might be slightly different, so stay patient and enjoy the process!