Almond Cherry Cookies Recipe

Hi, I’m Sam from dishfoody.com, where classic cookies get a fruity, nutty upgrade. These Almond Cherry Cookies are soft, chewy bites bursting with almond extract flavor and dotted with sweet maraschino cherries for vibrant color and tang. Perfect for holiday cookie exchanges, tea time, or gifting in pretty tins.

Gluten-free adaptable and ready in under 30 minutes, they stay moist with a beautiful pink swirl.

Why This Recipe Works

• Almond extract creates intense nutty aroma that pairs perfectly with cherries
• Maraschino cherries add moisture, chewiness, and natural pink color
• No-chill dough bakes up soft with crisp edges
• Simple drop cookie method with minimal ingredients
• Beautiful presentation with cherries baked right in

Ingredients & Prep

• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon almond extract
• 2 teaspoons maraschino cherry juice
• 1¾ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 12 oz jar maraschino cherries, drained, chopped, and patted dry

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Pat chopped cherries very dry with paper towels; set aside.
3. In a large bowl, whisk melted butter and both sugars until smooth.
4. Add egg, almond extract, and cherry juice; whisk until combined.
5. Stir in flour, baking soda, and salt until just mixed. Fold in cherries.
6. Scoop tablespoon-sized balls onto sheets, 2 inches apart.
7. Bake 9-11 minutes until edges are golden. Cool on sheets 5 minutes before transferring to racks.

Flavor Variations

Storage Tips

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Freeze baked cookies or dough balls for up to 3 months.

FAQs

Why pat cherries dry? Excess moisture prevents cookies from spreading properly.
Can I use fresh cherries? Yes, but chop finely and use extra flour to compensate.
Gluten-free? Swap for 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

Conclusion

Almond Cherry Cookies deliver chewy, festive perfection with minimal effort ideal for sharing seasonal cheer. Bright, beautiful, and always a hit. Discover more holiday favorites at dishfoody.com.

Almond Cherry Cookies Recipe

Print Recipe

Almond Cherry Cookies are tender, buttery cookies featuring ground almonds and chopped maraschino cherries, enhanced with almond extract for a delicious nutty and fruity flavor.

• Author: ssam
• Prep Time: 15 mins
• Cook Time: 14 mins
• Total Time: 29 mins
• Yield: 24 cookies 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Oven
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3/4 cup ground slivered almonds
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 8 ounces maraschino cherries, halved and drained, with 1 teaspoon reserved juice
• Red decorating sugar for topping

Instructions

• 1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C), line baking sheets with parchment paper.
• 2. In large bowl, cream together softened butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until fluffy.
• 3. In separate bowl, whisk together flour, salt, and ground almonds.
• 4. Gradually add dry ingredients to butter mixture, blending to form dough.
• 5. Take 1 tablespoon dough, create a small indentation, place half a cherry in center, fold dough over to enclose cherry, form into ball.
• 6. Place on baking sheet, flatten slightly, sprinkle with red decorating sugar.
• 7. Bake 12-14 minutes or until edges are lightly golden. Cool on pans 5 minutes before transferring to wire racks.

Notes

• Use fresh or well-drained maraschino cherries to avoid excess moisture.
• Ground almonds add moistness and texture.
• Cookies keep well in airtight container up to one week.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cookie
• Calories: 160
• Sugar: 10g
• Sodium: 110mg
• Fat: 9g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 30mg

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