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Cherry Almond Cookies

CHERRY ALMOND COOKIES

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Irresistible cherry almond cookies. Recipe for chewy treats.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon almond extract
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup dried cherries, roughly chopped
  • 1/2 cup blanched slivered almonds
  • 2 cups powdered sugar, for glaze
  • 2-3 tablespoons milk or cream, for glaze
  • 1/2 teaspoon almond extract, for glaze
  • Pinch of salt, for glaze

Instructions

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.

Notes

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.