Growing up, Almond Cherry Cookies were a cherished family tradition in our household. Every Christmas, my grandma would spend hours meticulously crafting these delightful little treats, filling our home with the intoxicating aroma of toasted almonds and sweet maraschino cherries. I can still remember perching on a stool in her kitchen, watching in awe as she delicately rolled the dough and carefully placed a single cherry atop each cookie. It was a true labor of love, and we all eagerly anticipated the moment we could finally sink our teeth into those irresistible Almond Cherry Cookies.
Why This Almond Cherry Cookies Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
Even as an adult, those nostalgic flavors still hold a special place in my heart. That’s why I’m so excited to share this Almond Cherry Cookies recipe with you – it’s not just any old cookie, it’s a true taste of holiday magic. These cookies are the perfect balance of buttery, nutty, and sweet, with a delightful chewiness that makes them utterly addictive. And the best part? They’re surprisingly easy to make, with a few simple tricks that’ll have you churning out batch after batch of these Almond Cherry Cookies like a pro.
The Secret Behind Perfect Almond Cherry Cookies
The secret to these Almond Cherry Cookies lies in the careful handling of the dough and the perfect ratio of ingredients. By toasting the almonds before incorporating them into the batter, you’ll unlock a deeper, richer flavor that complements the sweetness of the maraschino cherries beautifully. And by chilling the dough before baking, you’ll ensure that the cookies hold their shape and develop a delightfully crisp exterior while remaining soft and chewy on the inside.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
- Unsalted butter: The foundation of these cookies, providing a rich, creamy base.
- Granulated sugar: For sweetness and a perfect crumb.
- Brown sugar: Adding depth of flavor and a slightly caramelized note.
- Eggs: Helping to bind the dough and create a tender texture.
- Vanilla extract: Enhancing the overall flavor profile.
- All-purpose flour: The structure-building component of the cookies.
- Baking soda: Providing just the right amount of lift and rise.
- Salt: Balancing the sweetness and bringing out the other flavors.
- Sliced almonds: The star of the show, adding a delightful crunch and nutty essence.
- Maraschino cherries: Providing a pop of color and a sweet, fruity contrast.
Step-by-Step Almond Cherry Cookies Instructions
Preparing Your Almond Cherry Cookies
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In this recipe, you’ll be creating a classic drop cookie, so no need for any fancy shaping or rolling – just scoop, bake, and enjoy! The total prep and baking time for these Almond Cherry Cookies is around 30-35 minutes, and all you’ll need is a mixing bowl, a whisk, and a cookie scoop.
1- Start by toasting the sliced almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently, until they’re fragrant and lightly golden. This step is crucial for unlocking the full depth of flavor in your Almond Cherry Cookies.
2- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
3- Beat in the eggs, one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
4- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.
5- Fold in the toasted sliced almonds and the maraschino cherries, reserving a few cherries for topping.
6- Scoop the dough by the tablespoonful onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Top each cookie with a reserved maraschino cherry.
Pro Tips for Success
The key to perfecting these Almond Cherry Cookies is in the chilling of the dough. Be sure to pop the dough in the fridge for at least 30 minutes (or up to 24 hours) before baking. This helps the cookies hold their shape and develop that delightful chewy-crisp texture. Another pro tip? Don’t be tempted to overbake – the cookies should be just barely golden around the edges when you pull them from the oven. Overcooked Almond Cherry Cookies can become dry and crumbly, so keep a close eye on them!
Serving and Storing Your Almond Cherry Cookies
Perfect Pairings for Almond Cherry Cookies
These Almond Cherry Cookies are the perfect treat to enjoy with a warm cup of coffee or a cold glass of milk. They also make a wonderful addition to any holiday cookie platter, where their festive red and white color scheme is sure to stand out. And don’t be afraid to get creative – these cookies would be a delightful accompaniment to a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of melted dark chocolate.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Almond Cherry Cookies are a great make-ahead option, as the dough can be chilled for up to 24 hours before baking. You can also freeze the baked cookies for up to 3 months – simply thaw them at room temperature before serving. To maintain their perfect texture, store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Almond Cherry Cookies
Creative Almond Cherry Cookies Variations
While the classic Almond Cherry Cookies are hard to beat, you can have fun with a few fun variations. Try swapping out the maraschino cherries for dried cranberries or chopped candied ginger for a seasonal twist. You could also experiment with different nut varieties, such as pecans or hazelnuts, to change up the flavor profile. And for an extra indulgent touch, you could even drizzle the baked cookies with a simple glaze or dip them in melted chocolate.
Making Almond Cherry Cookies Diet-Friendly
To make these Almond Cherry Cookies gluten-free, simply substitute the all-purpose flour for a high-quality gluten-free flour blend. For a vegan version, replace the butter with a plant-based alternative and use flax eggs in place of the regular eggs. And if you’re watching your carb intake, you can reduce the amount of sugar in the recipe and use a sugar substitute like erythritol or xylitol instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use regular cherries instead of maraschino cherries?
A: While you can certainly try using regular cherries, maraschino cherries are the traditional choice for Almond Cherry Cookies. The sweet, syrupy flavor of the maraschino cherries complements the nutty almonds beautifully. If you do use regular cherries, you may need to adjust the sugar in the recipe to account for their natural tartness.
Q: How long should I chill the dough before baking?
A: For best results, chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This helps the cookies hold their shape and develop that perfect chewy-crisp texture. You can even chill the dough for up to 24 hours if you want to get a head start on your baking.
Q: Can I make the dough in advance and bake the cookies later?
A: Absolutely! The Almond Cherry Cookies dough freezes beautifully. Simply scoop the dough onto a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer the dough balls to an airtight container or resealable bag. When you’re ready to bake, just thaw the dough at room temperature for 30 minutes before scooping and baking as usual.
Q: How do I know when the Almond Cherry Cookies are done baking?
A: The cookies should be lightly golden around the edges and just barely set in the center when you remove them from the oven. They’ll continue to firm up as they cool on the baking sheet, so be careful not to overbake. The perfect Almond Cherry Cookie should have a soft, chewy interior and a crisp, delicate exterior.
Almond Cherry Cookies
- Total Time: 27
- Yield: 24 cookies
Description
Indulge in the delightful combination of buttery almonds and sweet cherries with these easy-to-make Almond Cherry Cookies. Bursting with flavor and ready in just 5 minutes, these cookies are the perfect holiday treat or anytime delight.
Ingredients
– 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1 egg
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup slivered almonds
– 1 cup chopped maraschino cherries, drained and patted dry
Instructions
1. 1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. 2. In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
3. 3. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
4. 4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
5. 5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
6. 6. Fold in the slivered almonds and chopped maraschino cherries.
7. 7. Scoop the dough by the tablespoonful onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
8. 8. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown.
9. 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 an extra festive touch, you can add a drizzle of melted white chocolate or a light dusting of powdered sugar on top of the baked cookies. The cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 12
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
I hope this Almond Cherry Cookies recipe has inspired you to get in the kitchen and start baking! These cookies are a true delight, with their irresistible blend of nutty, sweet, and fruity flavors. Whether you’re whipping up a batch for a holiday gathering or just treating yourself to a little indulgence, I guarantee these Almond Cherry Cookies will become a new family favorite. So what are you waiting for? Preheat your oven and get ready to experience the magic of these incredible cookies!
