Cherry Almond Cookies

Oh, prepare yourself for a truly enchanting cookie experience with these Cherry Almond Cookies. They’re a delightful symphony of flavors and textures, featuring a tender, melt-in-your-mouth cookie base bursting with the sweet-tart chewiness of dried cherries and the warm, nutty aroma of almond. Each bite delivers a perfect balance a hint of almond extract dances with the fruit, creating a sophisticated yet utterly comforting treat. These aren’t just any cookies; they’re tiny jewels of deliciousness, promising to become a beloved staple in your baking repertoire.

Why We Love This CHERRY ALMOND COOKIES

There’s something uniquely captivating about these Cherry Almond Cookies that sets them apart from the crowd. It’s not just the vibrant pop of color from the cherries or the enticing scent of almond that fills your kitchen; it’s the thoughtful combination of ingredients that creates a truly extraordinary cookie. We’ve all had a good cookie, but these are great – they possess an inherent charm and elegance, making them feel special with every single bite. Their unique qualities lie in the perfect union of fruit and nut, wrapped in a buttery, tender crumb that practically dissolves on your tongue.

The flavor profile of these cookies is a delightful dance between sweet, tart, and nutty. The dried cherries, plump and bursting with concentrated flavor, provide a wonderful chew and a bright counterpoint to the rich, buttery cookie. This tartness is beautifully mellowed and complemented by the subtle yet distinct essence of almond, derived from both almond flour (for texture) and almond extract (for that unmistakable aroma). The texture is truly remarkable soft and yielding in the center, with just the slightest crispness around the edges, thanks to thoughtful baking. It’s a texture that invites you to savor each morsel.

What makes our version better than many others is the careful balance of ingredients and the technique we employ. We’re not just throwing things into a bowl; we’re crafting a cookie that prioritizes both flavor intensity and a sublime texture. The addition of a touch of almond flour isn’t just for gluten-free purposes, it subtly enhances the tender crumb and deepens the almond flavor, making these cookies stand out. They’re perfect for so many occasions – a charming addition to a holiday cookie platter, a delightful treat for an afternoon tea, or simply a comforting indulgence with your morning coffee. We love making big batches for festive gatherings, as they’re always a crowd-pleaser and frequently the first to disappear!

Prepare for an Unforgettable Cherry Almond Cookie Experience

Get ready for a sensory overload, in the best possible way, with these Cherry Almond Cookies! From the moment they start baking, your kitchen will be enveloped in an intoxicating aroma – a blissful blend of warm butter, sweet vanilla, and that distinctive, nutty perfume of almond, all underscored by the fruity sweetness of cherries. Visually, they are simply stunning: golden-brown edges giving way to a pale, tender interior flecked with ruby-red cherry pieces. They look homemade in the best sense – rustic yet refined, inviting you to pick one up and experience its magic.

Now, let’s talk texture because that’s where these cookies truly shine. Imagine biting into a cookie that is simultaneously soft and chewy in the very center, offering just the right amount of resistance, then melting away almost instantly. The dried cherries, rehydrated slightly by the cookie dough, become delightfully plump and juicy with a satisfying chew. This textural contrast between the tender cookie and the chewy fruit is utterly addictive. It prevents the cookie from being monotonous, adding excitement to every bite that will keep you reaching for another.

People simply can’t resist these cookies because they hit all the right notes: they’re comforting, beautiful, and exquisitely flavored without being overly sweet. They evoke feelings of warmth and joy, making them the perfect edible gift or a cherished contribution to any potluck or celebration. They’re particularly wonderful nestled into a cookie tin for the holidays, or as a thoughtful gesture for a friend. The combination of classic flavors with a touch of elegance makes them incredibly memorable; guests often ask for the recipe!

Speaking of perfect occasions, these cookies are versatile stars. Serve them at a cozy brunch, alongside a cup of herbal tea for an afternoon pick-me-up, or as a sophisticated dessert after dinner. Their vibrant colors make them ideal for festive occasions, especially around Valentine’s Day or Christmas. They also make a fantastic addition to a dessert bar, offering a beautiful counterpoint to richer, chocolate-heavy treats. No matter the setting, these Cherry Almond Cookies promise to leave a lasting impression and gather rave reviews.

Use High Quality Ingredients for CHERRY ALMOND COOKIES

When it comes to baking, especially with a recipe as thoughtfully crafted as these Cherry Almond Cookies, the quality of your ingredients isn’t just a suggestion—it’s paramount. subpar ingredients can lead to a flat flavor profile and an underwhelming texture, whereas premium choices elevate the entire experience. Think of baking as an art; your ingredients are your palette, and the richer your colors, the more vibrant and impactful your masterpiece will be. This recipe relies on a harmonious blend, and each component plays a crucial role in achieving that coveted melt-in-your-mouth tenderness and vibrant flavor.

Specifically, using high-quality butter, for instance, makes an enormous difference. European-style butter, with its higher fat content, contributes significantly to the cookie’s rich flavor and delicate crumb. You’ll taste the difference immediately. Similarly, opting for plump, truly dried (not candied) cherries ensures that sweet-tart burst of fruitiness without artificial stickiness. And when it comes to almond extract, avoid the cheap imitation stuff! A good quality pure almond extract provides that warm, intense nuttiness that is absolutely essential to the cookie’s signature flavor. It’s what transforms a good cookie into an extraordinary one, infusing it with that unmistakable aroma and taste.

What makes these particular Cherry Almond Cookies special is this commitment to ingredient excellence, alongside the subtle addition of almond flour, which boosts the almond flavor and contributes to an incredibly tender texture that can’t be achieved with all-purpose flour alone. When selecting your ingredients, look for unsalted butter (so you can control the salt content precisely), fresh baking powder, and finely ground almond flour. Don’t skimp on the vanilla extract either; pure vanilla is always superior. These thoughtful selections ensure that every bite is an indulgent delight, showcasing the true essence of cherries and almonds in perfect harmony. It’s an investment in flavor that pays dividends in pure baking bliss.

Ingredients You Need

CHERRY ALMOND COOKIES Recipe

• All-purpose flour
• Almond flour
• Baking powder
• Salt
• Unsalted butter
• Granulated sugar
• Egg
• Vanilla extract
• Almond extract
• Dried cherries
• Slivered almonds

Powdered Sugar Glaze

• Powdered sugar
• Milk
• Almond extract

Instructions

How to Make The Best CHERRY ALMOND COOKIES with a Powdered Sugar Glaze!

Begin your cookie-making adventure by preheating your oven to a cozy 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats – this is crucial for preventing sticking and ensuring even baking. In a medium bowl, whisk together your dry ingredients: the all-purpose flour, almond flour, baking powder, and salt. Make sure it’s thoroughly combined; this ensures leavening is evenly distributed throughout your cookies. Set this aside for a moment.

Now, in a large bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and noticeably pale. This process should take about 3-5 minutes with an electric mixer. Don’t rush it! Properly creaming the butter and sugar incorporates air, which is fundamental for creating a tender cookie. Next, beat in the egg, followed by the vanilla extract and almond extract. Mix until just combined, scraping down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is incorporated. The mixture should smell wonderfully aromatic at this point.

Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough cookies. As soon as you no longer see streaks of flour, stop the mixer. Now for the stars of the show: gently fold in the dried cherries and slivered almonds. You want to distribute them evenly throughout the dough without crushing the cherries. The dough will be soft but shouldn’t be overly sticky. If it feels too warm or soft, chill it for 15-20 minutes in the refrigerator. This brief chill helps the cookies hold their shape better during baking.

Scoop rounded tablespoons of dough (a cookie scoop is your best friend here!) onto your prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie. This allows for proper spreading without overcrowding. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are just set. They might look slightly underdone in the middle, but they will continue to set as they cool. Overbaking is the enemy of a tender cookie! Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before carefully transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling completely is essential before glazing, otherwise, your glaze will melt right off!

How to Make the Powdered Sugar Glaze

While your Cherry Almond Cookies are cooling to perfection, it’s time to whip up that irresistible powdered sugar glaze! In a small bowl, combine the powdered sugar with one tablespoon of milk and about ¼ teaspoon of almond extract. Whisk vigorously until the mixture is smooth and completely free of lumps. You’re aiming for a consistency that is thin enough to drizzle beautifully but thick enough to coat the back of a spoon and provide an opaque finish. If it’s too thick, add a tiny splash more milk, about half a teaspoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency. If it’s too thin, sift in a little more powdered sugar. The key is balance – a perfect glaze will gently cascade over the cookies, creating a lovely sheen and another layer of delicate almond flavor.

Glaze the Cookies

Once your glorious Cherry Almond Cookies are completely cool, it’s time for the crowning touch: the almond glaze! You have a couple of options here, depending on your preferred aesthetic. For a delicate drizzle, transfer your glaze to a small resealable plastic bag, snip off a tiny corner, and artfully zig-zag the glaze over each cookie. For a more substantial coating, carefully spoon a small amount of glaze onto the center of each cookie and gently spread it to the edges with the back of the spoon, allowing some to cascade down the sides. Place the glazed cookies back on the wire rack over a sheet of parchment paper (to catch any drips!) and allow the glaze to set for at least 15-20 minutes, or until it has hardened and set to the touch. This leaves you with a stunning, professional-looking finish that perfectly complements the cookie’s rich flavors.

More Festive Decorating Ideas!

Beyond the simple yet elegant glaze, these Cherry Almond Cookies offer a fantastic canvas for even more festive decorating! For a winter wonderland vibe, dust warm, unglazed cookies with a generous coating of powdered sugar, making them look like freshly fallen snow. For a touch of sparkle, before the glaze sets, sprinkle a few edible glitter flakes or finely chopped slivered almonds on top for added texture and gleam. During the Christmas season, consider a drizzle of white chocolate in addition to or instead of the glaze, perhaps with a sprinkle of red and green nonpareils. Valentine’s Day calls for a blush pink glaze (achieved with a tiny drop of red food coloring) and perhaps some tiny heart-shaped sprinkles. You could also press a whole blanched almond gently into the center of each cookie before baking for a classic look, or try a mix of different nuts like pistachios for a contrasting green against the red cherries – the possibilities are as endless as your imagination!

Storing CHERRY ALMOND COOKIES

To keep your delectable Cherry Almond Cookies at their absolute best, proper storage is key! Once the glaze has fully set, you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. Layer them between sheets of parchment paper to prevent them from sticking or the glaze from smudging. If you want to extend their freshness, especially in warmer climates, you can place the airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week; just be aware that refrigeration can sometimes slightly alter the texture, making them a little firmer. For longer storage, these cookies freeze beautifully! Arrange completely cooled, glazed cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe airtight container or heavy-duty freezer bag, layering with parchment. They’ll keep well for up to 2-3 months. To enjoy, simply thaw them at room temperature for a few hours. This ensures you always have a delightful treat on hand, ready to enjoy!

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