Cherry Almond Cookies

Oh, prepare yourselves for a truly delightful treat that will have your taste buds singing! These Cherry Almond Cookies are a celebration of vibrant flavors and irresistible textures, a perfect harmony of sweet and tart with a tender, melt-in-your-mouth crumb. Each bite delivers a burst of juicy cherries nestled amongst the delicate, nutty notes of almond, creating an experience that feels both comforting and utterly gourmet. They’re soft, chewy, and adorned with a simple yet elegant glaze that elevates them from a mere cookie to a moment of pure bliss. You won’t just make these once; they’re destined to become a beloved staple in your baking repertoire.

Why We Love This CHERRY ALMOND COOKIES

There are cookies, and then there are these cookies. Our Cherry Almond Cookies stand out in a crowded field of baked goods because they strike that magical balance between comforting familiarity and sophisticated flavor. The star here is undeniably the pairing of dried cherries with finely ground almond flour (or extract, if you prefer), which creates a nuanced sweetness that isn’t cloying, and a subtle marzipan-like essence that’s simply divine. Unlike many other cookie recipes that can be dry or overly crumbly, these boast a perfectly tender, slightly chewy center with just the right amount of crispness around the edges, making them a textural masterpiece.

What truly sets our recipe apart is the thoughtful combination of ingredients and techniques designed to enhance every element. We don’t just throw cherries in; we ensure they’re rehydrated slightly to plump them up, releasing their full, vibrant tartness against the sweet cookie base. The almond flavor isn’t an afterthought; it’s woven throughout the dough, amplified by a touch of extract that brightens its natural warmth. These aren’t just for holiday platters; they’re perfect for afternoon tea, a thoughtful gift for a friend, or a sweet pick-me-up any day of the week. They’re a celebration of classic flavors in a fresh, utterly irresistible package.

You’ll find that these cookies possess an incredible depth of flavor that develops beautifully, tasting even better the next day (if they last that long!). The simple glaze doesn’t just add a touch of elegance; it perfectly complements the sweetness and tartness without overpowering it, creating a harmonious finish. They’re a sophisticated twist on a classic drop cookie, delivering a satisfying bite that feels both indulgent and surprisingly light. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe is designed for success, yielding consistently delicious results that everyone will adore.

Oh, these Cherry Almond Cookies aren’t just cookies; they’re an edible whisper of pure joy, a culinary embrace that wraps you in warmth and delight from the very first glance. Imagine: a platter piled high with these beauties, their tender, golden-brown edges giving way to a soft, yielding interior dotted with jewel-toned cherries, all gleaming under a delicate, sweet glaze. The aroma alone is enough to transport you – a heavenly blend of toasted almonds and sweet, sun-kissed cherries that fills your kitchen, promising an experience that’s truly extraordinary.

With every bite, you’ll encounter a symphony of textures and tastes. The initial tender yielding of the cookie gives way to the delightful chewiness of the rehydrated cherries, while the subtle crunch of almond provides a gentle counterpoint. It’s a delightful dance on your palate, sweet yet balanced by the slight tartness of the fruit, creamy from the butter, and nutty from the almond. These cookies are simply irresistible; people won’t just reach for one, they’ll find themselves coming back for a second, then a third, marveling at how something so seemingly simple can deliver such profound satisfaction.

These cookies are perfect for any occasion that calls for a touch of elegance and heartfelt indulgence. Picture them gracing a holiday dessert table, bringing cheer to a casual brunch, or simply accompanying your morning coffee for a luxurious start to the day. They’re more than just a treat; they’re a memorable moment, a delicious conversation starter, and a testament to the magic that happens when high-quality ingredients are brought together with love. The subtle sophistication of the almond and the vibrant pop of the cherry create a lasting impression, making these a truly unforgettable bake.

Use High Quality Ingredients for CHERRY ALMOND COOKIES

When it comes to baking, especially with a recipe as delightful as Cherry Almond Cookies, the quality of your ingredients isn’t just a suggestion—it’s the secret sauce to truly exceptional results. Think of it this way: each component plays a starring role, and subpar ingredients are like understudies who just can’t quite hit their marks. Premium, unsalted butter, for instance, offers a richness and depth of flavor that margarine or lower-quality butter simply cannot replicate, contributing to that coveted tender crumb and golden-brown perfection. It truly elevates the entire cookie experience from good to absolutely extraordinary.

Specific ingredient callouts make all the difference here. Opt for plump, naturally sweet dried cherries – not the overly sugared kind – as their vibrant tartness is essential to balance the almond notes. A high-quality almond extract, perhaps even a pure almond paste or finely ground blanched almonds (almond flour), will impart that authentic, delicate almond flavor without any artificial undertones. Don’t skimp on your all-purpose flour either; a fresh, unbleached variety typically has a better protein content that leads to a more consistent texture. These small choices compound into a significant impact on the final taste and texture, giving these cookies their signature gourmet appeal.

Selecting the best ingredients transforms these Cherry Almond Cookies from a simple baked good into a truly memorable dessert. Better butter yields a more tender and flavorful cookie, better cherries deliver a brighter, more natural fruit taste, and a good almond extract ensures a superior aroma and flavor profile. It’s about creating layers of nuanced taste that sing together in harmony. Investing a little more in quality ingredients shows in every bite, promising a richer, more satisfying, and utterly delicious cookie that everyone will appreciate and rave about.

Ingredients You Need

CHERRY ALMOND COOKIES Recipe

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Salt
• Unsalted butter
• Granulated sugar
• Large egg
• Almond extract
• Vanilla extract
• Dried cherries
• Blanched slivered almonds
• Milk (for glaze)
• Powdered sugar (for glaze)
• More almond extract (for glaze)

Simple Almond Glaze

• Powdered sugar
• Milk or cream
• Almond extract
• Pinch of salt

Instructions

How to Make The Best CHERRY ALMOND COOKIES with Simple Almond Glaze!

Let’s get baking! First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. This ensures your cookies won’t stick and will bake evenly. In a medium bowl, whisk together your all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This step is crucial for even distribution of the leavening agents, meaning your cookies will rise perfectly. Now, in a large bowl, using an electric mixer on medium speed, cream together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, usually about 2-3 minutes. This aeration creates a tender texture in your final cookies. Beat in the large egg, then both the almond extract and vanilla extract, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure everything is thoroughly combined. The mixture should look smooth and well-integrated at this point.

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed just until combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can develop the gluten too much, leading to tough cookies. Once the flour streaks are almost gone, fold in the dried cherries and blanched slivered almonds by hand. This ensures the add-ins are evenly distributed without overworking the dough. The dough should be soft, pliable, and studded with colorful cherries and crunchy almonds. Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto your prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading. For uniform cookies, a cookie scoop is your best friend here! Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown and the centers are just set. They might look slightly underdone in the middle, but they will continue to firm up as they cool. Remove the baking sheets from the oven and let the cookies cool on the sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling on the baking sheet briefly prevents them from breaking and sets their shape beautifully.

How to Make the Simple Almond Glaze

While your cookies are cooling, whip up this effortlessly elegant Simple Almond Glaze! In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, one tablespoon of milk or cream, a generous half-teaspoon of almond extract, and just a tiny pinch of salt. Start with one tablespoon of liquid, and if the glaze is too thick, add more milk or cream a teaspoon at a time until you reach your desired consistency. You’re aiming for a smooth, pourable but not watery glaze—something that will beautifully coat the back of a spoon and drizzle elegantly without running off the cookies entirely. This glaze should have a beautiful sheen and a delightful, subtle almond aroma, perfectly complementing the cookies without overpowering their natural flavors.

Glaze the CHERRY ALMOND COOKIES

Once your Cherry Almond Cookies are completely cool, it’s time for the final flourish: the glorious Simple Almond Glaze! You can either drizzle the glaze haphazardly over the cookies for a rustic, charming look, or for a more polished finish, dip one side of each cookie gently into the glaze, letting the excess drip off before placing it back on the wire rack. Another lovely option is to use a spoon and artfully zigzag lines across the tops. The glaze will set as it dries, creating a beautiful white, slightly opaque finish that glistens and locks in a touch more sweetness and almond essence. This final step not only enhances the flavor but also adds a stunning visual appeal, making each cookie a little edible work of art.

More Festive Decorating Ideas!

Want to elevate these beauties even further? For holiday cheer, sprinkle a touch of edible glitter or red and green sugar crystals onto the wet glaze immediately after drizzling. For a sophisticated touch, finely chop a few more blanched almonds and scatter them over the glaze before it sets, adding extra texture and visual interest. A sprig of fresh mint or a tiny edible flower can turn each cookie into a dainty showstopper for a brunch. Consider making them in different shapes using cookie cutters for themed events, or if feeling adventurous, swirl a drop of red food coloring into a small portion of the glaze for a ruby-marbled effect. A dusting of powdered sugar (instead of glaze) offers a simple, elegant snowfall appearance, perfect for winter gatherings, giving you endless possibilities to match any occasion!

Storing CHERRY ALMOND COOKIES

To keep your Cherry Almond Cookies wonderfully fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will remain soft and delicious for up to 3-4 days this way. If you live in a particularly humid climate, or simply want to extend their life, you can refrigerate them in an airtight container for up to a week. Just be sure to bring them back to room temperature before serving for the best texture and flavor. For longer storage, these cookies freeze beautifully! Place cooled, unglazed cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet to flash freeze for about an hour, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw them at room temperature and then apply the fresh glaze, bringing them back to their initial delightful state.

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