As the holiday season approaches, the sweet aroma of baking fills the air, transporting me back to cozy family gatherings. One standout treat that never fails to bring joy is my beloved Almond Cherry Cookies. With their rich almond flavor and delightful burst of maraschino cherries, these festive cookies are the perfect addition to any holiday celebration. They combine quick prep and a soft, chewy texture, making them a crowd-pleaser whether on a Christmas cookie platter or enjoyed alongside a cup of hot cocoa. The cheerful red cherries add a vibrant touch that makes each bite not just a snack, but a warm embrace of nostalgia. Are you ready to discover the secrets behind these deliciously festive cookies?
Why Are Almond Cherry Cookies So Irresistible?
Sweet, Nutty Flavor: These cookies blend the rich taste of almonds with the sweet tang of maraschino cherries, making each bite a flavor explosion.
Festive Appeal: Their vibrant red cherries and festive presentation make them perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy winter evenings.
Quick and Easy: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up a batch in no time. Ideal for those busy days when you crave homemade goodness!
Versatile Enjoyment: Serve them alone, or pair with a rich cup of hot cocoa for a delightful treat.
Crowd-Pleaser: Whether at a family gathering or a social event, these cookies are sure to impress your guests and become a staple of your holiday baking repertoire. You won’t want to miss adding these to your holiday cookie platter!
Almond Cherry Cookies Ingredients
For the Cookie Base
• Ground Slivered Almonds – Offers a delightful nutty flavor; almond flour can be used as a substitute.
• Butter (softened) – Provides richness and binds the dough together perfectly.
• Powdered Sugar – Sweetens and gives a smooth texture; granulated sugar can work too, but texture may vary.
• Vanilla Extract – Enhances the cookie’s overall flavor, making it extra special.
• All-Purpose Flour – Is essential for the cookie’s structure; feel free to use gluten-free flour for a gluten-free twist.
• Salt – Balances the sweetness and enriches the flavors beautifully.
• Maraschino Cherries (halved) – Introduces sweetness and eye-catching visuals; fresh cherries are a great seasonal alternative.
• Red Decorating Sugar – Adds a festive touch to your cookies, making them pop on any holiday spread.
For the Frosting
• Powdered Sugar – Serves as the main ingredient for sweetness and smooth frosting texture.
• Maraschino Cherry Juice – Infuses the frosting with delightful flavor and color.
• Almond Extract – Amplifies the almond flavor, intensifying your cookie experience.
• Milk – Adjusts the frosting’s consistency to your liking for easy spreading or dipping.
These Almond Cherry Cookies are a festive delight that will charm your guests and fill your home with a warm and inviting aroma!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Almond Cherry Cookies
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven heats, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking. This step is crucial for ensuring your Almond Cherry Cookies bake evenly and don’t adhere to the baking surface, allowing for easy removal once baked.
Step 2: Prepare the Cookie Dough
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until the mixture is smooth and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Next, incorporate the vanilla extract for added flavor. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, salt, and ground slivered almonds, then gradually mix this dry combination into the butter mix until just blended, forming your dough.
Step 3: Shape the Cookies
Take a tablespoon of the cookie dough and roll it into a ball in your hands. Create a small pit in the center of each ball and gently insert half a maraschino cherry before enclosing the dough back around it. Place each shaped cookie onto the prepared baking sheet, flattening them slightly for even baking and a lovely appearance.
Step 4: Bake the Cookies
Slide the baking sheet into your preheated oven and bake the cookies for 8-9 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers should remain soft, indicating they will have that delightful chewy texture once cooled. After baking, carefully remove the sheet from the oven and let the cookies cool on a wire rack.
Step 5: Make the Frosting
While your Almond Cherry Cookies cool, prepare the frosting by whisking together powdered sugar, maraschino cherry juice, and almond extract in a mixing bowl. Adjust the consistency by adding milk gradually until it reaches a smooth, spreadable texture that will perfectly coat the cookie tops.
Step 6: Decorate the Cookies
Once the cookies are completely cooled, dip the tops into the frosting, ensuring an even coat. Place each frosted cookie back on the wire rack and sprinkle with red decorating sugar for a festive touch. Allow the frosting to set for a few minutes, giving each cookie a beautiful holiday finish that will entice everyone!
Almond Cherry Cookies Customization Ideas
Feel free to let your creativity shine by customizing these cookies to suit your taste preferences!
- Nut Alternatives: Swap out slivered almonds for chopped pistachios to introduce a unique flavor and a delightful crunch.
- Dried Fruits: Use dried cherries or cranberries in place of maraschino cherries for a tart twist that balances the sweetness.
- Chocolate Drizzle: For a decadent touch, drizzle the cooled cookies with melted dark chocolate instead of frosting, creating a rich chocolate-covered delight.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute gluten-free flour for all-purpose flour to cater to gluten sensitivities without sacrificing flavor.
- Fruit Variations: In the summertime, try using fresh cherries when they’re in season, adding a burst of juiciness to each cookie.
- Flavor Boost: Enhance the cookies further with a splash of almond extract in the dough for that “wow” factor.
- Spicy Kick: Add a hint of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a warm, spicy note that feels like a cozy hug.
- Simple Sugar Sprinkle: If you’re short on time, skip the frosting and just top with a sprinkle of granulated sugar before baking for a sweet finish.
These variations will elevate your Almond Cherry Cookies, making them uniquely yours! For additional ideas, you might enjoy checking out how to create a rustic platter with your holiday treats or exploring some delightful serving suggestions to make your dessert table shine.
Expert Tips for Almond Cherry Cookies
- Butter Temperature: Ensure your butter is softened at room temperature for the best creaming results, creating a light texture in your Almond Cherry Cookies.
- Mixing Technique: Don’t overmix the dough after adding dry ingredients; this helps maintain that lovely chewy center in your cookies.
- Cooling Time: Allow cookies to cool completely before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting away and losing its beautiful finish.
- Cherry Placement: Position the maraschino cherry carefully in each cookie to ensure it maintains a delightful surprise in every bite.
- Storage Secrets: To keep your Almond Cherry Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container with parchment paper for up to a week.
Make Ahead Options
These Almond Cherry Cookies are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time during the holiday season! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance; just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate to prevent drying out. You can also shape the cookies and refrigerate them for up to 3 days before baking. This way, all you have to do is pop them in the oven when you’re ready to serve! For the frosting, mix it up and store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days for best quality. When you’re ready to enjoy these festive delights, just bake the cookies as instructed and allow them to cool before decorating for a deliciously convenient treat!
How to Store and Freeze Almond Cherry Cookies
Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week, keeping them soft and chewy.
Fridge: For extended freshness, refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks. Just ensure they’re separated with parchment to prevent sticking.
Freezer: Freeze cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet for about 2 hours, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
Reheating: If you prefer warm cookies, reheat in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds to restore that lovely softness in your Almond Cherry Cookies.
What to Serve with Almond Cherry Cookies
Indulging in these festive delights is even better with the perfect pairings to enhance their rich flavors and textures.
- Hot Cocoa: The creamy richness of hot cocoa beautifully complements the nutty almond and sweet cherry flavors in these cookies.
- Mascarpone Cream: A dollop of mascarpone adds a luscious, creamy element that balances the cookies’ sweetness perfectly.
- Spiced Tea: The warm spices of chai or cinnamon tea can elevate the overall experience, bringing cozy warmth to your snack.
- Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla or cherry ice cream creates a delightful contrast with the cookies’ chewy texture, making every bite a decadent treat.
- Glazed Almonds: Toasted, honey-glazed almonds add a crunchy texture while amplifying the almond flavor in this festive pairing.
- Fruit Salad: A light, fresh fruit salad can offer a refreshing balance to the rich, sugary cookies and awaken the palate.
- Sparkling Water: A chilled glass of sparkling water with lemon adds a clean, refreshing finish to the rich flavor of the cookies, making them even more enjoyable.
- Mulled Wine: The warm spices and sweet notes of mulled wine perfectly complement the holiday spirit of the Almond Cherry Cookies, creating an inviting atmosphere.
With these pairings, your holiday cookie experience will be elevated to new heights!
Almond Cherry Cookies Recipe FAQs
How do I select ripe maraschino cherries for the cookies?
Absolutely! When choosing maraschino cherries, look for ones that are bright red with a firm texture. Avoid any that are overly soft or have dark spots all over, as this indicates they may not be fresh or could affect the overall flavor of your cookies.
How should I store leftover Almond Cherry Cookies?
For sure! Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. If you want to keep them even fresher, place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. If you refrigerate them, these festive treats can last up to 2 weeks!
Can I freeze my Almond Cherry Cookies?
Very! To freeze, first lay the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet for about 2 hours until firm. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag, ensuring to label and date it. Your cookies can be frozen for up to 3 months! When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature or warm them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds.
What should I do if my cookie dough seems too dry?
Not a problem! If your dough is too dry, try adding a teaspoon of milk at a time until it reaches the desired consistency. This should help bring your dough back together nicely without making it too sticky. It’s always a balance, so feel free to adjust!
Are there any allergy considerations with these cookies?
Absolutely! If you’re making these for someone with nuts allergies, substitute the ground slivered almonds with sunflower seed flour or a seed butter to maintain that richness without the nuts. Always double-check ingredients like almond extract too, as they can contain tree nuts.
How can I maintain the festive appearance of my cookies with decorating sugar?
For sure! Ensure your frosted cookies remain vibrant by sprinkling the red decorating sugar on while the frosting is still wet. This creates a beautiful festive look that sticks perfectly. Let them rest on a wire rack to help set without smudging!
Almond Cherry Cookies: A Festive Delight for Your Holiday Table
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar in a large mixing bowl, then add the vanilla extract.
- Whisk together the all-purpose flour, salt, and ground slivered almonds in a separate bowl, then mix into the butter mixture until blended.
- Shape the dough into balls, create a pit, insert a cherry, and enclose the dough around it before placing on the baking sheet.
- Bake for 8-9 minutes, until edges are golden, and the centers remain soft.
- Prepare the frosting by whisking powdered sugar, cherry juice, and almond extract, adjusting with milk for consistency.
- Once cooled, dip the cookies in frosting and sprinkle with red decorating sugar.
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