Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Unique Flavor Combination: The blend of almond-infused dough with a sweet cherry center offers a harmonious and delightful taste experience.
Soft and Chewy Texture: The use of powdered sugar in the dough ensures that these cookies remain tender and moist.
Visually Appealing: With their pink cherry glaze and decorative sugar topping, these cookies are as beautiful as they are delicious.
Perfect for Gifting: Their festive appearance and delightful taste make them an excellent choice for holiday cookie platters or as homemade gifts.

Ingredients

For the Cookies:

3/4 cup slivered almonds, ground
1 cup butter, softened
3/4 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
8-ounce jar maraschino cherries, halved (reserve 1 tablespoon of the juice)
Red decorating sugar (optional)

For the Glaze:

2 cups powdered sugar
1 tablespoon maraschino cherry juice
1 teaspoon almond extract
2-3 tablespoons milk

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
Prepare Dough:
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- In a separate bowl, combine the ground almonds, all-purpose flour, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until fully incorporated.
Form Cookies:
- Take a tablespoon of dough and create an indentation in the center.
- Place a halved maraschino cherry into the indentation and mold the dough around it to form a ball.
- Place the dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 8-9 minutes, or until the edges are just starting to turn golden.
- Remove from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prepare Glaze:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, maraschino cherry juice, and almond extract.
- Gradually add milk, one tablespoon at a time, until the glaze reaches a dipping consistency.
Glaze Cookies:
- Once the cookies have cooled, dip the tops into the glaze.
- Place the glazed cookies back on the wire rack and, if desired, sprinkle with red decorating sugar.
- Allow the glaze to set before serving or storing.

Servings and Timing

Yield: Approximately 36 cookies
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 9 minutes
Total Time: 24 minutes

Variations

Nut-Free Option: For those with nut allergies, substitute the ground almonds with additional all-purpose flour and omit the almond extract. The flavor will differ, but the cookies will still be delicious.
Chocolate Drizzle: After glazing, drizzle melted dark or white chocolate over the cookies for an extra layer of flavor and decoration.
Different Fillings: Instead of maraschino cherries, consider filling the cookies with a small piece of chocolate or a dollop of fruit preserves for a different surprise center.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If stacking, place a sheet of parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
Freezing: These cookies can be frozen for up to 3 months. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze initially, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Reheating: If you prefer warm cookies, heat them in the microwave for about 10 seconds. Be cautious, as the glaze can become very hot.

FAQs

What type of almonds should I use for this recipe?

Slivered almonds are recommended, as they can be easily ground into a fine powder, providing a smooth texture for the dough.

Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries?

Fresh cherries have a higher moisture content, which can affect the texture of the cookies. It’s advisable to use maraschino cherries or candied cherries for the best results.

Is it necessary to chill the dough before baking?

No, this recipe does not require chilling the dough. The cookies can be baked immediately after forming.

Can I substitute almond extract with another flavoring?

Yes, if you prefer a different flavor, you can substitute almond extract with vanilla extract or another flavoring of your choice.

Almond Cherry Cookies

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Author: Julia
Total Time: 24 minutes
Yield: 36 cookies
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Almond Cherry Cookies are a soft, chewy delight with a nutty almond base and a sweet maraschino cherry center, topped with a luscious pink glaze. Perfect for holidays, special occasions, or gift-giving.

Instructions

Preheat Oven:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
Prepare Dough:
- In a large bowl, cream butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, combine ground almonds, flour, and salt. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the butter mixture until fully incorporated.
Form Cookies:
- Take a tablespoon of dough, create an indentation in the center, and place a halved maraschino cherry inside.
- Mold the dough around the cherry into a ball. Arrange on the baking sheet, spaced 2 inches apart.
Bake:
- Bake for 8-9 minutes, until edges are lightly golden.
- Cool cookies on the sheet for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
Prepare Glaze:
- In a bowl, whisk powdered sugar, cherry juice, and almond extract. Add milk gradually until glaze reaches a dipping consistency.
Glaze Cookies:
- Dip cooled cookies into the glaze. Decorate with red sugar if desired and let the glaze set.

Notes

Nut-Free Option: Substitute almonds with all-purpose flour and omit almond extract.
Filling Variations: Swap maraschino cherries for chocolate or preserves.
Storage: Keep in an airtight container for 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 9 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American