There's a certain joy that comes from welcoming fresh, homemade treats into your kitchen. Just the thought of warm Cherry Almond Cookies baking in the oven—fluffy edges with a soft, chewy center—makes my heart race. The sweet, slightly tangy burst of maraschino cherries combined with the nutty essence of almond extract creates a symphony of flavor that’s simply irresistible.
I discovered this delightful recipe one evening while searching through my pantry for something to satisfy an unexpected craving. With just a handful of simple ingredients and minimal effort, these cookies can transform an ordinary day into a special occasion. Picture it now: the comforting aroma wafting through your home, enticing everyone in the house to gather and sneak a taste. Whether it's a cozy afternoon at home or a festive gathering with friends, these Cherry Almond Cookies are destined to impress and become a staple in your baking repertoire. Let's dive right in and whip up a batch together!
Why You'll Love This Cherry Almond Cookies
- These Cherry Almond Cookies are incredibly easy to make, requiring just a handful of simple ingredients and minimal effort in the kitchen.
- With their delightful combination of sweet maraschino cherries and a hint of almond extract, they deliver a burst of flavor that will leave your taste buds wanting more.
- Their versatility means they can be enjoyed at any occasion, from cozy family gatherings to festive celebrations.
- Not only do these cookies taste amazing, but their vibrant colors also make for a visually appealing treat that everyone will love.
Cherry Almond Cookies Ingredients
Get ready to bake something delightful!
For the Cookie Dough
• Maraschino cherries – chop and pat dry to avoid excess moisture in your cookies.
• Unsalted butter – melting it first enhances the cookie's richness.
• Granulated sugar – helps create that nice crisp texture while baking.
• Brown sugar – adds a hint of caramel flavor for depth.
• Large egg – binds the ingredients together for a soft, chewy cookie.
• Pure almond extract – contributes that irresistible nutty essence, elevating the cherry flavor.
• Maraschino cherry juice – just a dash can intensify the cherry experience in these cookies!
• Vinegar – reacts with baking soda to give your cookies a lovely rise.
• Baking soda – the leavening agent that makes your cookies soft and fluffy.
• Kosher salt – balances the sweetness for a well-rounded flavor.
• All-purpose flour – provides structure; be careful not to overmix.
Enjoy making these Cherry Almond Cookies—your kitchen will smell like a bakery in no time!
How to Make Cherry Almond Cookies
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Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper. This ensures easy cookie removal and prevents sticking—let’s set the stage for baking success!
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Chop the maraschino cherries into small pieces, then blot dry them gently with paper towels. This step helps to remove excess moisture, ensuring your cookies won’t turn out soggy—nobody wants that!
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Melt the butter and mix it with both granulated and brown sugars until smooth. You want that beautiful creamy texture, which will be the foundation of your lovely cookie dough.
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Add the egg, almond extract, cherry juice, and vinegar; whisk well to combine. This mixture infuses each cookie with sweetness and that delicious, nutty flavor you love.
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Stir in baking soda and salt, ensuring it's evenly distributed. These ingredients are vital—they help your cookies rise and taste exquisite.
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Add the all-purpose flour and mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a gentle hand here will keep your cookies tender and delightful!
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Fold in the chopped cherry pieces, making sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough. Each cookie should be a surprise of flavor!
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Scoop about 2 tablespoons of dough for each cookie and place them 2 inches apart on the baking sheets. This gives them space to spread—no crowding in cookie land!
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Bake for 10–12 minutes until the edges are set and the centers are still soft. Keep an eye on them; they should be just golden around the edges to ensure a chewy texture.
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Cool for 2 minutes on the baking sheet, then move them to a wire rack. If you desire, shape some with a round cutter for a polished look—your cookies will be magazine-ready!
Optional: Drizzle with a light glaze for extra sweetness.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Cherry Almond Cookies?
Indulge in the comforting flavors of homemade treats paired with delightful accompaniments for a truly memorable experience.
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Fresh Berries: A medley of strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries brings brightness and a burst of freshness that contrasts beautifully with the rich cookies.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: Creamy vanilla ice cream drizzled with cherry sauce creates a nostalgic sundae experience, perfectly complementing the almond cherry flavors.
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Coffee or Tea: Whether it’s a robust cup of coffee or a soothing herbal tea, these beverages enhance the sweet notes of the cookies while providing a cozy atmosphere for savoring each bite.
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Chocolate Drizzle: An elegant touch of melted chocolate drizzled over the cookies adds a touch of decadence, elevating the simple pleasures of your dessert.
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Almond Milk: For a nutty twist, serve your cookies alongside a glass of almond milk. The nutty flavors harmonize marvelously with the cookies.
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Cheese Platter: A selection of mild cheeses provides a savory contrast that balances the sweetness of the cookies—a sophisticated pairing for gatherings.
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Whipped Cream: Light and airy, a dollop of whipped cream on top of each cookie adds a lovely creaminess, making each bite even more indulgent.
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Sweet Wine: A glass of sweet dessert wine pairs beautifully with the cookies, enhancing the fruity flavors and making for a memorable treat at any occasion.
Cherry Almond Cookies Variations
Feel free to experiment and make these Cherry Almond Cookies your own masterpiece with these delightful twists!
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Dairy-Free: Substitute unsalted butter with coconut oil for a dairy-free treat that still delivers rich flavor.
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Nutty Delight: Add ½ cup of chopped almonds or pecans for an extra crunch paired with the almond extract—it’s a tasty texture twist!
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Chocolate Chip: Mix in ½ cup of dark or white chocolate chips for a sweet indulgence that complements the cherries beautifully.
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Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to accommodate dietary needs; these cookies will still be delightful in texture.
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Spiced Up: Add a dash of cinnamon or almond spice to the dough for a warm, aromatic flavor that enhances the overall experience.
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Low Sugar: Replace granulated sugar with a sugar substitute like erythritol, ensuring everyone can enjoy a guilt-free treat.
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Zesty Lemon: Stir in the zest of one lemon for a citrusy twist that brightens the sweet cherry flavor—it's refreshing!
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Chili Kick: Incorporate a pinch of cayenne pepper for a surprising heat that contrasts wonderfully with the sweetness of the cherries.
Make Ahead Options
These Cherry Almond Cookies are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance by mixing all the ingredients and storing the dough wrapped tightly in plastic wrap in the refrigerator. This not only saves you valuable time during busy weeknights but also allows the flavors to meld beautifully. When you're ready to bake, simply scoop out the dough and place it on the baking sheets before baking as directed. For even longer storage, you can freeze the unbaked dough for up to 3 months—just thaw in the fridge before baking to enjoy fresh cookies anytime without the hassle!
How to Store and Freeze Cherry Almond Cookies
Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This keeps them fresh and chewy, ready for snacking anytime!
Fridge: If you want to extend their shelf life, Cherry Almond Cookies can last up to a week in the fridge. Just be sure to keep them stored in an airtight container to prevent drying out.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze cookies for up to 3 months. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze initially, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container.
Reheating: When you're ready to enjoy, warm the cookies in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes to restore their delightful softness.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For these Cherry Almond Cookies, always ensure that your maraschino cherries are patted dry before adding them to the dough to prevent excess moisture, which can lead to soggy cookies.
- When melting the butter, aim for a smooth, creamy consistency as it helps to create a richer texture in your cookies.
- Remember to mix the flour until just combined; overmixing can result in tough cookies instead of the soft, tender delights you're aiming for.
- Keep an eye on the baking time and check for doneness at the 10-minute mark, as the cookies should be set on the edges but still soft in the center to achieve that perfect chewy texture.
Cherry Almond Cookies Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the best maraschino cherries for this recipe?
Absolutely! When selecting maraschino cherries, look for vibrant colors without dark spots. The jar should be well-sealed, and the cherries should be plump and intact. Avoid those with excessive syrup, as they might add too much moisture to your cookies.
How should I store leftover Cherry Almond Cookies?
You can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For extended freshness, move them to the refrigerator, where they'll last for a week. Just ensure they’re well-sealed to prevent drying out!
Can I freeze Cherry Almond Cookies?
Very! To freeze, place the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, about 1-2 hours. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. To enjoy them later, simply thaw at room temperature or warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes.
What if my cookies turn out too flat?
Ah, did you mix the dough too much? Overmixing can cause your cookies to spread too much while baking. Be sure to mix the flour in just until combined for that perfect chewy texture. Also, check your baking soda's freshness—if it’s old, it might not help your cookies rise properly.
Are Cherry Almond Cookies safe for pets?
Generally, it’s best to keep these cookies away from your furry friends. While almonds in moderation aren’t toxic to dogs, the added sugars and cherries can upset their stomachs. Always consult your veterinarian for specific dietary questions.
Can I substitute ingredients if I have allergies?
Absolutely! You could replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend, or use coconut oil instead of butter for a dairy-free version. Just keep in mind that ingredient swaps might slightly alter the texture and flavor of your Cherry Almond Cookies, but experimenting can lead to delightful surprises.
Cherry Almond Cookies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Chop the maraschino cherries into small pieces, then blot dry them gently with paper towels.
- Melt the butter and mix it with both granulated and brown sugars until smooth.
- Add the egg, almond extract, cherry juice, and vinegar; whisk well to combine.
- Stir in baking soda and salt, ensuring it's evenly distributed.
- Add the all-purpose flour and mix until just combined.
- Fold in the chopped cherry pieces.
- Scoop about 2 tablespoons of dough for each cookie and place them 2 inches apart on the baking sheets.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes until the edges are set and the centers are still soft.
- Cool for 2 minutes on the baking sheet, then move them to a wire rack.
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