Almond Cherry Cookies are the perfect blend of sweet, tart, and nutty, offering a delightful treat that’s surprisingly easy to make. This recipe is incredibly useful for anyone seeking a homemade cookie that elevates simple ingredients into something truly special, perfect for any occasion.
Key Ingredients for Almond Cherry Cookies:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup dried cherries, roughly chopped
- ½ cup sliced almonds, toasted (for garnish)
How to Make Almond Cherry Cookies:
These Almond Cherry Cookies are incredibly easy to whip up, promising a delightful balance of sweet almond and tart cherry flavors. They’re perfectly satisfying with a slightly chewy center and crisp edges. With a preparation time of just 20 minutes, you can enjoy these delicious cookies in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar together with an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. This step is crucial for creating a tender cookie texture.
- Add Egg and Almond Extract: Beat in the large egg until well combined. Then, add the almond extract and mix until just incorporated. The almond extract will be the star flavor, so ensure it’s evenly distributed.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures the leavening agents and salt are evenly distributed throughout the cookie dough, preventing any pockets of baking soda taste.
- Gradually Add Dry to Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough cookies.
- Fold in Dried Cherries: Gently fold in the roughly chopped dried cherries. Ensure they are evenly distributed throughout the dough. The cherries will add bursts of tartness and vibrant color.
- Chill the Dough (Optional but Recommended): For easier handling and to prevent excessive spreading, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This step is especially helpful in warmer climates.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Scoop and Shape Cookies: Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. You can gently flatten the tops with the palm of your hand or the bottom of a glass if you prefer a flatter cookie.
- Garnish with Toasted Almonds: Just before baking, press a few toasted sliced almonds onto the top of each cookie. This adds a beautiful visual appeal and an extra layer of nutty crunch.
- Bake the Cookies: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown and the centers are set. For chewier cookies, err on the side of less baking time; for crispier cookies, bake a minute or two longer.
- Cool the Cookies: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This allows them to firm up before you handle them, preventing them from breaking.
Why You’ll Love This Almond Cherry Cookies:
You’ll absolutely adore these Almond Cherry Cookies for their sensational balance of flavors and delightful textures. The star attraction is undoubtedly the harmonious marriage of sweet, rich almond and the wonderfully tangy burst of dried cherries, all wrapped in a perfectly tender cookie with delightful crunch from the toasted almonds. Beyond their irresistible taste, these homemade cookies are a fantastic cost-saving alternative to store-bought treats, allowing you to create a batch of gourmet-quality goodness without breaking the bank.
Unlike the often one-dimensional sweetness of plain sugar cookies, these offer a sophisticated flavor profile that’s both comforting and exciting, reminiscent of a delicate pastry but so much simpler! They’re ideal for packing in lunchboxes, serving at tea parties, or simply enjoying with a warm cup of coffee or tea. So why wait to treat yourself and your loved ones? Gather your ingredients and experience the simple joy of baking these unforgettable Almond Cherry Cookies today!
Storing and Reheating Tips:
To keep your Almond Cherry Cookies tasting their best, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Ensure the cookies are completely cooled before storing to prevent condensation, which can make them soggy. If you have more cookies than you can consume within that timeframe, you can freeze them. For freezing, place the cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They will retain their quality for up to 3 months. To reheat gently, you can warm them briefly in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 2-3 minutes or microwave them for 10-15 seconds. For individual servings, a quick microwave works wonders to bring back that fresh-baked warmth.
Final Thoughts:
These Almond Cherry Cookies are a delightful testament to how simple ingredients can create extraordinary flavors. Encourage everyone to try this recipe at home for a truly rewarding baking experience that delivers on taste and ease.
Almond Cherry Cookies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar together with an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. This step is crucial for creating a tender cookie texture.1 cup unsalted butter, softened, 1 cup granulated sugar
- Beat in the large egg until well combined. Then, add the almond extract and mix until just incorporated. The almond extract will be the star flavor, so ensure it’s evenly distributed.1 large egg, 1 teaspoon almond extract
- In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures the leavening agents and salt are evenly distributed throughout the cookie dough, preventing any pockets of baking soda taste.2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour, ½ teaspoon baking soda, ¼ teaspoon salt
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough cookies.2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour, ½ teaspoon baking soda, ¼ teaspoon salt
- Gently fold in the roughly chopped dried cherries. Ensure they are evenly distributed throughout the dough. The cherries will add bursts of tartness and vibrant color.¾ cup dried cherries, roughly chopped
- For easier handling and to prevent excessive spreading, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This step is especially helpful in warmer climates.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. You can gently flatten the tops with the palm of your hand or the bottom of a glass if you prefer a flatter cookie.
- Just before baking, press a few toasted sliced almonds onto the top of each cookie. This adds a beautiful visual appeal and an extra layer of nutty crunch.½ cup sliced almonds, toasted (for garnish)
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown and the centers are set. For chewier cookies, err on the side of less baking time; for crispier cookies, bake a minute or two longer.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This allows them to firm up before you handle them, preventing them from breaking.