Name: Cherry Almond Cookies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-482736H10M36S
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter (softened); 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon almond extract; 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; ½ teaspoon salt; 1 cup dried cherries (chopped); ½ cup sliced almonds

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Cherry Almond Cookies are a deliciously sweet and nutty treat that combines the tartness of dried cherries with the rich, nutty flavor of almonds. These cookies have a crisp edge with a soft, chewy center, making them the perfect balance of textures. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply indulging in a sweet snack, these cookies are sure to satisfy. The almond extract adds a unique, aromatic touch that pairs perfectly with the fruitiness of the cherries and the crunch of sliced almonds.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Perfect Balance of Sweet and Nutty

The dried cherries add a sweet and tangy element, while the almonds give the cookies a wonderful crunch and nutty flavor that everyone loves.

2. Chewy and Crisp Texture

These cookies bake up with a slightly crisp edge and a chewy center, giving you the best of both worlds in every bite.

3. Simple Ingredients

Made with pantry staples like butter, flour, and sugar, this cookie recipe is simple yet delicious—perfect for last-minute baking.

4. Versatile for Occasions

These cookies are perfect for everything from a cozy afternoon snack to a special gift for family and friends. They’re especially great for the holidays or any gathering.

5. Quick and Easy to Make

With just a few simple steps, you can have a batch of these flavorful cookies ready in under an hour—ideal for when you need something sweet in a pinch.

Ingredients

Unsalted butter (softened)
Granulated sugar
Large egg
Almond extract
All-purpose flour
Baking powder
Salt
Dried cherries (chopped)
Sliced almonds

Variations

Fresh Cherries: If you have fresh cherries in season, feel free to chop and use them in place of dried cherries. Just make sure to reduce the amount of liquid in the dough to account for the moisture from the fresh fruit.
Chocolate Chips: Add a handful of white chocolate chips or dark chocolate chunks to enhance the flavor and make the cookies even more indulgent.
Coconut Flakes: Add shredded coconut to the dough for a tropical twist that pairs wonderfully with the cherries and almonds.
Gluten-Free Version: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make these cookies gluten-free.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 3-4 minutes with an electric mixer.

Step 3: Add the Egg and Almond Extract

Beat in the egg and almond extract until fully incorporated and smooth.

Step 4: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing until the dough comes together.

Step 5: Add the Cherries and Almonds

Fold in the chopped dried cherries and sliced almonds until evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Step 6: Scoop and Shape the Dough

Use a spoon or cookie scoop to portion out tablespoon-sized balls of dough and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Flatten each ball slightly with the back of a spoon.

Step 7: Bake the Cookies

Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are set. The cookies will firm up as they cool, so don’t worry if they seem a little soft when you first take them out of the oven.

Step 8: Cool and Serve

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy!

Tips for Making the Recipe

Chill the Dough: If you find the dough too sticky to work with, chill it for 30 minutes in the refrigerator before scooping and baking.
Chop the Dried Cherries: Make sure to chop the dried cherries into small pieces to ensure that they bake evenly in the cookies and don’t overpower the other ingredients.
Don’t Overbake: To maintain the soft and chewy texture, be careful not to overbake the cookies. They should be lightly golden at the edges and soft in the center when done.
Use Room Temperature Butter: Make sure the butter is softened to room temperature before creaming with the sugar to ensure a smooth dough.

How to Serve

Serve these Cherry Almond Cookies with a hot cup of tea, coffee, or a glass of milk for the perfect snack. They’re also fantastic for gifting, so consider packing them in a cute box for a thoughtful homemade present. Whether you’re enjoying them alone or sharing them with others, these cookies are sure to be a hit.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. To keep them fresh, add a slice of bread to the container to help maintain their moisture.

Freezing

If you want to freeze the dough, scoop out the cookie dough balls and freeze them on a baking sheet for 1-2 hours. Once frozen, transfer the dough balls to a freezer-safe container or bag. When you’re ready to bake, just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Reheating

To enjoy the cookies warm, pop them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or reheat in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I use other dried fruits in this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute dried cherries with dried cranberries, raisins, or even dried blueberries for a different flavor profile.

2. Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 2 days before baking. You can also freeze the dough for up to 3 months.

3. Can I use salted butter?

It’s best to use unsalted butter in this recipe to control the amount of salt. If you only have salted butter, reduce the salt in the recipe by half.

4. Can I use a hand mixer instead of a stand mixer?

Yes, a hand mixer works just fine! Just be sure to mix until the dough is smooth and well-combined.

5. How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?

If your dough is too soft and the cookies are spreading too much, chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before baking.

6. Can I add more almonds?

Absolutely! You can add more sliced almonds if you prefer a nuttier flavor or want a little extra crunch in your cookies.

7. What can I do if the dough is too sticky?

If the dough is too sticky to work with, chill it in the fridge for 30 minutes to make it easier to scoop and shape.

8. Can I use almond meal or almond flour in place of sliced almonds?

Almond meal or almond flour won’t give the same crunch as sliced almonds, but you could use it for a different texture. Just note that it will affect the consistency of the dough.

9. How should I store these cookies?

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you’re freezing them, make sure to use a freezer-safe bag or container.

10. Can I substitute the almond extract with vanilla extract?

Yes, you can substitute the almond extract with vanilla extract, but it will change the flavor slightly. Almond extract gives these cookies their signature nutty aroma and flavor.

Conclusion

These Cherry Almond Cookies are a delightful and easy-to-make treat that combines the sweet and tart flavors of dried cherries with the crunchy richness of almonds. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just need a delicious snack, these cookies are sure to become a favorite. With their soft, chewy texture and delightful flavor, they’re the perfect addition to any cookie jar.