These Cherry Almond Cookies are a delightful and easy-to-make treat, perfect for any occasion. This recipe is incredibly useful for bakers of all skill levels, offering a wonderfully balanced flavor that’s both comforting and sophisticated.
Key Ingredients for Cherry Almond Cookies :
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup dried cherries, roughly chopped
- ½ cup slivered almonds, toasted (optional, for extra crunch)
- Additional granulated sugar, for rolling (optional)
How to Make Cherry Almond Cookies :
Whip up these delightful Cherry Almond Cookies in under an hour, perfect for a last-minute craving or a planned baking session. These cookies are wonderfully satisfying, offering a delightful chewiness with bursts of tart cherry and a subtle nutty aroma, all without complicated techniques. The preparation time for these delicious cookies is approximately 20 minutes, with an additional 15-20 minutes for baking.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Cream the Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter with the granulated sugar and light brown sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes with an electric mixer.
- Add the Eggs and Extracts: Beat in the two large eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Next, stir in the almond extract and vanilla extract until well combined. The aroma at this stage is already intoxicating!
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures that the leavening agent and salt are evenly distributed throughout the cookie dough.
- Gradually Add Dry to Wet: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed or by hand until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough cookies.
- Incorporate Cherries and Almonds: Gently fold in the chopped dried cherries and toasted slivered almonds (if using) until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough. The vibrant red of the cherries will start to peek through the creamy dough.
- Chill the Dough (Optional but Recommended): For easier handling and thicker cookies, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes. This step helps the flavors meld and prevents excessive spreading.
- 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 sticking and ensures even baking.
- Form the Cookies: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls. If you wish for a sweeter, slightly textured finish, you can roll each ball in additional granulated sugar before placing it on the prepared baking sheets. Leave about 2 inches of space between each cookie to allow for spreading.
- Bake the Cookies: Bake for 9-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown and the centers are still slightly soft. The baking time can vary slightly depending on your oven and cookie size.
- Cool the Cookies: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 2-3 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This allows them to firm up before moving.
Why You’ll Love This Cherry Almond Cookies:
You’ll absolutely adore these Cherry Almond Cookies for their perfect balance of sweet and slightly tart flavors, enhanced by the subtle warmth of almond. Unlike a plain sugar cookie, these treats offer a delightful burst of chewy dried cherry and a satisfying texture from the optional toasted almonds, making each bite an adventure. Plus, whipping up a batch at home is significantly more budget-friendly than buying specialty cookies, giving you a gourmet experience without the hefty price tag.
Imagine sharing these beautiful, homemade cookies with friends and family – they’re guaranteed to be a hit! They offer a delightful contrast to a classic chocolate chip cookie, bringing a unique and elegant profile to your dessert table. Ready to indulge in this simple yet sophisticated treat? Give these Cherry Almond Cookies a try today and discover your new favorite homemade confection!
Storing and Reheating Tips:
To keep your delicious Cherry Almond Cookies fresh and delightful, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay wonderfully fresh for up to 5 days. If you find yourself with more cookies than you can enjoy within that timeframe, freezing is an excellent option.
- Freezing Baked Cookies: Allow the cookies to cool completely. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. They will keep their best quality for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply bring them to room temperature, or gently warm them in a low oven for a few minutes.
- Freezing Dough: You can also freeze the cookie dough. Roll the dough into balls (as described in step 8), place them on a baking sheet, and freeze until solid. Then, transfer the dough balls to a freezer-safe container or bag. When ready to bake, you can bake them directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Final Thoughts:
These Cherry Almond Cookies are a true testament to how simple ingredients can create something truly special. Encourage yourself to whip up a batch of these delightful cookies; they are sure to bring smiles and delicious moments to your kitchen and beyond.
try also :
- Lentil and Sweet Potato Salad
- Cranberry Brie Bites
- Crispy Sweet Potato Bites
- Matcha Cake Recipe
- find more in Pinterest
Cherry Almond Cookies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter with the granulated sugar and light brown sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes with an electric mixer.1 cup unsalted butter, softened, ¾ cup granulated sugar, ½ cup packed light brown sugar
- Beat in the two large eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Next, stir in the almond extract and vanilla extract until well combined. The aroma at this stage is already intoxicating!2 large eggs, 1 teaspoon almond extract, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures that the leavening agent and salt are evenly distributed throughout the cookie dough.2 ½ cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, ½ teaspoon salt
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed or by hand until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough cookies.2 ½ cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, ½ teaspoon salt
- Gently fold in the chopped dried cherries and toasted slivered almonds (if using) until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough. The vibrant red of the cherries will start to peek through the creamy dough.1 cup dried cherries, roughly chopped, ½ cup slivered almonds, toasted
- For easier handling and thicker cookies, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes. This step helps the flavors meld and prevents excessive spreading.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. This prevents sticking and ensures even baking.
- Roll the dough into 1-inch balls. If you wish for a sweeter, slightly textured finish, you can roll each ball in additional granulated sugar before placing it on the prepared baking sheets. Leave about 2 inches of space between each cookie to allow for spreading.granulated sugar
- Bake for 9-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown and the centers are still slightly soft. The baking time can vary slightly depending on your oven and cookie size.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 2-3 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This allows them to firm up before moving.