Discover the delightful simplicity and exquisite flavor of Almond Cherry Cookies, a truly perfect treat that combines the nutty depth of almonds with the sweet-tart burst of cherries. This recipe is wonderfully useful for anyone seeking a crowd-pleasing dessert that’s both elegant and incredibly easy to whip up for any occasion.
Key Ingredients for Almond Cherry Cookies
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup finely chopped dried cherries
- 1/2 cup slivered almonds, lightly toasted
- Optional: Additional slivered almonds and chopped dried cherries for topping
How to Make Almond Cherry Cookies
Prepare to fall in love with these Almond Cherry Cookies! In just about 30 minutes of active prep and 10-12 minutes of baking per batch, you’ll create tender, flavorful cookies that are a delightful balance of nutty and fruity. Their simplicity truly shines, making them an ideal choice for both casual afternoons and special gatherings.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and packed light brown sugar. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. This initial creaming step is crucial for creating a tender cookie texture.
Step 2: Add Wet Ingredients
Add the large egg to the creamed butter and sugar mixture. Continue beating until well combined. Next, stir in the almond extract and vanilla extract. Ensure these extracts are thoroughly incorporated to distribute their wonderful aromas and flavors throughout the dough.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Whisking these dry ingredients together helps to ensure they are evenly distributed, preventing pockets of baking soda or salt in your cookies.
Step 4: Gradually Add Dry to Wet Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients in the large mixing bowl. Mix on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough cookies. Stop mixing as soon as you no longer see streaks of flour.
Step 5: Incorporate Cherries and Almonds
Gently fold in the finely chopped dried cherries and the lightly toasted slivered almonds. Use a spatula or wooden spoon for this step to avoid crushing the delicate ingredients. Ensure they are evenly dispersed throughout the cookie dough.
Step 6: Chill the Dough (Optional but Recommended)
For best results and easier handling, cover the bowl of cookie dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Chilling the dough allows the fats to firm up, which helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking and concentrates the flavors.
Step 7: Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. This prevents the cookies from sticking and makes for easy cleanup.
Step 8: Shape the Cookies
Roll the dough into 1-inch balls. Place the balls about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. If desired, gently press a few extra slivered almonds or pieces of chopped dried cherry onto the top of each cookie for an attractive finish.
Step 9: Bake the Cookies
Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown and the centers are set but still appear slightly soft. The exact baking time will depend on your oven. Avoid overbaking to ensure a tender cookie.
Step 10: Cool the Cookies
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before carefully transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This allows them to firm up further before handling.
Why You’ll Love This Almond Cherry Cookies
You’ll absolutely adore these Almond Cherry Cookies for their wonderfully crisp edges and delightfully chewy centers, creating a perfect textural symphony with every bite. The star of this cookie is the irresistible combination of toasty almonds and bright dried cherries, a pairing that sings with flavor without being overly sweet. Unlike a more complex shortbread, these cookies come together with incredible ease, proving that gourmet taste doesn’t have to mean gourmet effort, and making them a fantastic cost-saving option compared to store-bought treats.
The subtle nuttiness of the almonds beautifully complements the sweet-tart bursts of the dried cherries, resulting in a cookie that’s both sophisticated and utterly comforting, much like a classic biscotti but softer and more accessible. These Almond Cherry Cookies are a testament to simple ingredients creating extraordinary flavor, and they’re the perfect addition to your baking repertoire for any occasion, from a cozy afternoon tea to a festive holiday cookie platter. Don’t wait for a special occasion – bake a batch today and spread the deliciousness!
Storing and Reheating Tips
To keep your Almond Cherry Cookies fresh and delicious, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay perfectly fresh for up to 5 days. Ensure the cookies are completely cooled before sealing them in the container to prevent moisture buildup and sogginess. For longer storage, you can freeze unbaked cookie dough balls wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then placed in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, place frozen dough balls directly onto a prepared baking sheet and increase the baking time by 1-2 minutes. Reheating is not typically necessary as they are best enjoyed at room temperature, but if you prefer them slightly warm, a few seconds in a low-heat oven or microwave can do the trick, though be mindful of the cherries melting slightly.
Final Thoughts
These Almond Cherry Cookies are a charming and utterly delicious testament to straightforward baking. The harmonious blend of nutty almonds and sweet cherries makes them a truly irresistible treat that you’ll want to make again and again. Give them a try – your taste buds will thank you!
try also :
- Lentil and Sweet Potato Salad
- Cranberry Brie Bites
- Crispy Sweet Potato Bites
- Matcha Cake Recipe
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Almond Cherry Cookies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and packed light brown sugar. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. This initial creaming step is crucial for creating a tender cookie texture.1 cup unsalted butter, 3/4 cup granulated sugar, 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
- Add the large egg to the creamed butter and sugar mixture. Continue beating until well combined. Next, stir in the almond extract and vanilla extract. Ensure these extracts are thoroughly incorporated to distribute their wonderful aromas and flavors throughout the dough.1 large egg, 1 teaspoon almond extract, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Whisking these dry ingredients together helps to ensure they are evenly distributed, preventing pockets of baking soda or salt in your cookies.2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients in the large mixing bowl. Mix on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough cookies. Stop mixing as soon as you no longer see streaks of flour.
- Gently fold in the finely chopped dried cherries and the lightly toasted slivered almonds. Use a spatula or wooden spoon for this step to avoid crushing the delicate ingredients. Ensure they are evenly dispersed throughout the cookie dough.1 cup finely chopped dried cherries, 1/2 cup slivered almonds
- For best results and easier handling, cover the bowl of cookie dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Chilling the dough allows the fats to firm up, which helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking and concentrates the flavors.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. This prevents the cookies from sticking and makes for easy cleanup.
- Roll the dough into 1-inch balls. Place the balls about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. If desired, gently press a few extra slivered almonds or pieces of chopped dried cherry onto the top of each cookie for an attractive finish.Additional slivered almonds, Additional chopped dried cherries
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown and the centers are set but still appear slightly soft. The exact baking time will depend on your oven. Avoid overbaking to ensure a tender cookie.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before carefully transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This allows them to firm up further before handling.