Almond Cherry Cookies Recipe

Introduction

These Almond Cherry Cookies combine buttery almond flavors with sweet maraschino cherries for a delightful treat. Soft and tender with a hint of cherry glaze, they make a perfect snack or dessert for any occasion.

Ingredients

• ¾ cup slivered almonds, ground
• 1 cup butter, softened
• ¾ cup powdered sugar, divided
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2¼ cups all-purpose flour
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 8 ounces maraschino cherries, halved (reserve juice, 1 jar)
• 1 teaspoon maraschino cherry juice
• Red decorating sugar
• For frosting:
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 tablespoon maraschino cherry juice
  • 1 teaspoon almond extract
  • 2-3 tablespoons milk

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter, ¾ cup powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until well blended.
3. Step 3: In a separate bowl, mix the all-purpose flour, salt, and ground slivered almonds. Gradually combine this dry mixture with the butter mixture until you form a dough.
4. Step 4: Take about 1 tablespoon of dough and create a small pit in the center. Place one maraschino cherry half in the pit, then fold the dough over to enclose the cherry and shape it into a ball. Place the ball on the prepared baking sheet, then gently flatten it slightly.
5. Step 5: Bake the cookies for 8-9 minutes, or until the edges just begin to turn golden brown. Remove from the oven and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
6. Step 6: To make the frosting, combine 2 cups powdered sugar, 1 tablespoon maraschino cherry juice, and 1 teaspoon almond extract in a small bowl. Add enough milk (2-3 tablespoons) to reach a smooth, dippable consistency.
7. Step 7: Dip the tops of the cooled cookies into the frosting, flip them over to rest on a wire rack, and immediately sprinkle with red decorating sugar. Let the frosting set before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For extra crunch, lightly toast the slivered almonds before grinding.
• If you prefer a less sweet cookie, reduce the powdered sugar in the dough slightly.
• Substitute maraschino cherries with candied cherries or fresh cherries preserved in syrup for a different twist.
• Use almond flour instead of ground slivered almonds for a finer texture.

Storage

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze the baked cookies without frosting for up to 2 months; thaw and frost before serving. If refrigerated with frosting, allow cookies to come to room temperature for best flavor and texture before eating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these cookies without maraschino cherries?

Yes, you can substitute with other types of preserved cherries or even bite-sized pieces of dried fruit, but the classic flavor and texture will vary.

What if I don’t have ground slivered almonds?

You can finely chop whole almonds or use almond flour as an alternative. Just be careful not to over-process if using a food processor, to avoid turning them into almond butter.

Almond Cherry Cookies Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 102 reviews

These Almond Cherry Cookies are a delightful blend of nutty ground almonds and sweet maraschino cherries encased in buttery, tender cookie dough. Each cookie is filled with a juicy cherry and finished with a smooth almond-cherry frosting topped with red decorating sugar, making them perfect for festive occasions or an indulgent treat.

• Author: Daniel
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 9 minutes
• Total Time: 29 minutes
• Yield: About 24 cookies 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cookies

• ¾ cup slivered almonds, ground
• 1 cup butter, softened
• ¾ cup powdered sugar, divided
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 8 ounces maraschino cherries, halved (about 1 jar), reserve juice
• 1 teaspoon maraschino cherry juice
• Red decorating sugar, for sprinkling

Frosting

• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 tablespoon maraschino cherry juice
• 1 teaspoon almond extract
• 2–3 tablespoons milk

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius) to prepare it for baking the cookies.
2. Mix Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, ¾ cup powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Use a mixer or a spoon to blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, salt, and ground slivered almonds until evenly mixed.
4. Form Cookie Dough: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms. The dough might be slightly crumbly but should hold together when pressed.
5. Shape Cookies with Cherries: Take about 1 tablespoon of dough, create a small pit in the center, and place a halved maraschino cherry into the pit. Fold the dough over the cherry and gently roll into a ball. Place the cookie dough balls onto a parchment paper-lined baking sheet, spacing them evenly. Slightly flatten each cookie with the palm of your hand or the bottom of a glass.
6. Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 8 to 9 minutes, or until the edges just begin to turn a light golden brown.
7. Cool: Remove the cookies from the oven and transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
8. Prepare Frosting: In a small bowl, combine 2 cups powdered sugar, 1 tablespoon maraschino cherry juice, and 1 teaspoon almond extract. Add 2 to 3 tablespoons of milk gradually, stirring until the frosting reaches a smooth, dipping consistency.
9. Frost Cookies: Dip the tops of the cooled cookies into the prepared frosting. Flip them over carefully and place on the wire rack. While the frosting is still wet, sprinkle the cookies with red decorating sugar to garnish.
10. Set and Serve: Allow the frosting to set completely before serving to enjoy a perfect blend of chewy cookie, juicy cherry, and sweet almond frosting.

Notes

• For best results, ensure the butter is softened but not melted before mixing.
• You can substitute maraschino cherries with glacé cherries if unavailable, but maraschino cherries provide the best flavor and color.
• If you prefer a stronger almond flavor, add a little more almond extract to the frosting.
• Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
• Using parchment paper helps prevent cookies from sticking and makes cleanup easier.

Keywords: almond cherry cookies, cherry cookies, almond cookies, maraschino cherries, holiday cookies, nutty cookies, frosted cookies