Delicious Cherry Almond Cookies for Sweet Moments at Home

As the warm aroma of baking fills the air, I’m reminded of those nostalgic moments spent in my grandmother’s kitchen, where each cookie had a story and a sprinkle of love. Today, I’m thrilled to share my favorite recipe for Cherry Almond Cookies. These delightful treats are not only quick to whip up, but they also bring a playful twist to your typical cookie jar. With their chewy cherries and cozy almond flavor, they’re a perfect way to satisfy a sweet craving without resorting to fast food. Plus, they make wonderful gifts or desserts for gatherings, effortlessly impressing family and friends. Ready to embark on a baking adventure that adds a touch of sweetness to your day? Let’s dive into this recipe together!

Why are Cherry Almond Cookies irresistible?

Uniqueness: These Cherry Almond Cookies stand out with their delightful balance of tart cherries and nutty almond essence, creating a flavor profile that’s both familiar and exciting.

Quick Preparation: Whipping these up is a breeze! You’ll have a batch ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for a last-minute dessert.

Versatile Treat: Whether for a cozy night in or a party, these cookies are a hit. Pair them with your favorite coffee or tea for an indulgent treat.

Gift-Worthy: They make for a thoughtful gift, showcased beautifully in a jar, ready to share love in every bite. Want to explore other cookie varieties? Check out these fantastic cookie recipes.

With their subtle sweetness and delightful chew, these cookies are sure to create lasting memories, just like those in my grandmother’s kitchen.

Cherry Almond Cookie Ingredients

For the Dough

• All-purpose flour – gives the cookies their perfect chewy texture.
• Baking soda – helps the cookies rise and maintain a soft interior.
• Salt – enhances the sweetness and balances the flavors beautifully.
• Unsalted butter – adds richness; ensure it’s softened for easy mixing.
• Granulated sugar – provides that sweet base that makes the cookies irresistible.
• Brown sugar – brings a caramel note and helps create moist, chewy cookies.
• Egg – binds the ingredients together; you can substitute with a flax egg for a vegan version.
• Vanilla extract – complements the almond flavor with a warm undertone.
• Almond extract – packs a punch of nutty flavor that makes these Cherry Almond Cookies unforgettable.

For the Add-ins

• Chopped maraschino cherries – they offer a burst of sweetness and a lovely chew in each bite.
• Sliced almonds – adds a delightful crunch and enhances the almond taste.

These Cherry Almond Cookies blend sweet and nutty perfectly, making them a fantastic homemade treat!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Cherry Almond Cookies

Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your Cherry Almond Cookies bake evenly, achieving that golden-brown exterior. Meanwhile, line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze once the cookies are out of the oven.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. This step is crucial as it evenly distributes the leavening agent throughout the flour. Set this mixture aside as you prepare the wet ingredients, keeping your focus on the delightful Cherry Almond Cookies.

Step 3: Cream the Butters and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, beat together 1/2 cup of softened unsalted butter, 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, and 1/2 cup of brown sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed. Cream until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes. The sweetness from the sugars pairs beautifully with the almond flavor, creating a perfect base for your cookies.

Step 4: Add the Egg and Extracts
Next, add 1 egg, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1 teaspoon of almond extract to the butter-sugar mixture. Beat well on medium speed until fully incorporated. The addition of these extracts will amplify the flavors in your Cherry Almond Cookies, making each bite a nostalgic experience reminiscent of home baking.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; you want to maintain that soft, chewy texture. Once incorporated, fold in 1 cup of chopped maraschino cherries and 1/2 cup of sliced almonds, ensuring an even distribution throughout the dough.

Step 6: Scoop the Cookies
Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, portion out the dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie. You should have approximately 24 cookies that will spread as they bake. This spacing allows the Cherry Almond Cookies to puff up and develop their signature chewiness.

Step 7: Bake the Cookies
Bake the cookies in your preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers appear set. The aroma of cherries and almonds will fill your kitchen, a sure sign that these treats are on their way to becoming family favorites.

Step 8: Cool and Serve
Once baked, remove the trays from the oven and allow the Cherry Almond Cookies to cool on the sheets for about 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling process helps the flavors meld, creating the ultimate sweet moment at home.

How to Store and Freeze Cherry Almond Cookies

Room Temperature: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain their chewy texture and freshness.

Fridge: For longer storage, place the cookies in a sealed container in the fridge, where they can last up to a week, but may become slightly firmer.

Freezer: Freeze Cherry Almond Cookies by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be stored for up to 3 months.

Reheating: When ready to enjoy, thaw the cookies in the fridge overnight and then warm them in the microwave for about 10 seconds for that fresh-baked taste.

What to Serve with Cherry Almond Cookies

Indulging in Cherry Almond Cookies opens the door to sweet pairings that elevate your experience beyond just a treat.

• Fresh Berries: Juicy strawberries or raspberries offer a vibrant contrast to the cookies’ sweetness, enhancing each bite’s flavor profile.

• Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream adds a delightful cold creaminess, perfectly balancing the chewy texture of the cookies.

• Herbal Tea: A warm cup of chamomile or mint tea complements the nutty notes of almond, soothing your senses with every sip.

• Cream Cheese Frosting: Spread a thin layer of sweet and tangy cream cheese frosting on the cookies for an extra indulgent twist that’s utterly irresistible.

• Dark Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzling melted dark chocolate over the cookies adds a rich bitterness that harmonizes beautifully with the sweet cherries.

• Nutty Granola: Serve alongside a small bowl of nutty granola to bring in crunch and texture, creating a perfect snack pairing for any time of day.

Make Ahead Options

These Cherry Almond Cookies are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 3 days in advance and refrigerate it (this enhances the flavors). Simply scoop the dough into balls and place them in an airtight container, ensuring they’re spaced to prevent sticking. When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven and place the chilled dough on a lined baking sheet—no need to thaw. Bake for 10-12 minutes as usual for fresh, just-baked cookies. This prep-ahead method not only saves time on busy weeknights but ensures your cookies are still just as delicious!

Expert Tips for Cherry Almond Cookies

• Room Temperature Butter: Ensure your unsalted butter is softened to room temperature for easier mixing, which helps create a fluffy texture in your Cherry Almond Cookies.

• Avoid Overmixing: When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix until just combined to keep your cookies tender and chewy. Overmixing can lead to dense cookies.

• Chop Cherries Carefully: Slice your maraschino cherries into smaller pieces to maintain a nice balance of cherry flavor in each bite, preventing overwhelming sweetness.

• Cooling Time: Don’t rush the cooling process! Allowing the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes helps them set before transferring to a wire rack.

• Experiment with Add-ins: Feel free to get creative with your add-ins! Consider swapping in different nuts or dried fruits to customize your Cherry Almond Cookies to personal taste.

Cherry Almond Cookies Variations & Substitutions

Feel free to let your creativity shine as you customize these delightful Cherry Almond Cookies for your taste buds!

• Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for a deliciously inclusive treat. Enjoy the same chewy goodness without the gluten!

• Dairy-Free: Swap unsalted butter with coconut oil or a plant-based margarine, ensuring a rich flavor with a hint of tropical flair. Your guests won’t guess they’re dairy-free!

• Nut-Free: Omit sliced almonds and replace almond extract with a dash of pure vanilla extract instead, making these cookies a safe choice for nut allergies. They’ll still be irresistible!

• Choco-Cherry Twist: Fold in ½ cup of mini chocolate chips along with the cherries for a decadent twist that chocolate lovers will adore. It adds a delightful richness to the classic flavor!

• Fruity Variations: Replace maraschino cherries with dried cranberries or chopped apricots for a unique, chewy twist. Each variation brings its own story and personality!

• Citrusy Kick: Add 1 teaspoon of lemon or orange zest to give your cookies a refreshing citrus uplift, perfectly balancing the sweetness of the cherries. It’s like a sunshine burst in every bite!

• Spicy Option: Mix in ¼ teaspoon of ground cinnamon or nutmeg for a cozy, spiced flavor that elevates your Cherry Almond Cookies to a comforting classic in cooler weather.

Why not explore even more cookie inspirations? You might enjoy creating Chocolate Chip Cookies or trying out these delightful Valentine Ganache Cookies as well!

Cherry Almond Cookies Recipe FAQs

What type of cherries should I use in my Cherry Almond Cookies?
I recommend using maraschino cherries for their sweetness and tender texture. If you’d like a fresher twist, you can opt for dried sour cherries, but keep in mind they may not provide the same moisture.

How should I store my Cherry Almond Cookies to keep them fresh?
Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you’d like to keep them longer, place them in the fridge for up to a week in a sealed container. This will help maintain their chewy texture!

Can I freeze Cherry Almond Cookies? How do I do this?
Absolutely! To freeze your Cherry Almond Cookies, first let them cool completely. Then, wrap each cookie tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw them in the fridge overnight, then warm in the microwave for about 10 seconds for that freshly baked taste!

What can I do if my cookies come out too dry?
If your Cherry Almond Cookies turn out dry, it may be due to overmixing or not enough moisture. Next time, ensure you don’t overmix the wet and dry ingredients and consider adding a bit more chopped cherries or a splash of milk to the dough to enhance moisture.

Are Cherry Almond Cookies suitable for people with nut allergies?
If there are nut allergies, it’s best to omit the almond extract and sliced almonds. You can substitute the almond extract with additional vanilla extract for flavor without nuts. Always check the labels of ingredients like baking soda and butter to ensure they’re allergy-friendly!

Can I use a different type of flour in the dough?
You can experiment with alternative flours such as almond flour or gluten-free flour blends. However, you may need to adjust the liquid ingredients in your Cherry Almond Cookies recipe, as different flours absorb moisture differently. Start by using a 1:1 substitute and see how the dough feels!