Cherry Almond Cookies are the kind of treat that can make even the grumpiest of mornings feel like a cozy hug from your grandmother. Imagine biting into a cookie that’s soft yet slightly chewy, with bursts of tart cherry and the nutty crunch of almonds — it’s like a party in your mouth! The sweet aroma wafts through the air, inviting everyone in the house to come take a peek at what’s cooking. You might just find yourself dancing around the kitchen, donning an apron as you channel your inner pastry chef.
These cookies hold a special place in my heart, conjuring memories of family gatherings where laughter filled the air, and plates overflowed with treats. I can still hear my cousin Jerry trying to convince Aunt Edna that he could eat just one more before dinner (spoiler alert: he never could). explore carrot cake cookies Whether it’s a lazy Sunday afternoon or a festive holiday celebration, Cherry Almond Cookies are perfect for any occasion. Trust me; once you taste these delightful little gems, you’ll be counting down the minutes until you can bake another batch!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These Cherry Almond Cookies are wonderfully easy to whip up, making them perfect for novice bakers and seasoned pros alike.
- With a delightful flavor profile featuring sweet cherries and crunchy almonds, they’re sure to impress.
- Visually appealing with their beautiful red and golden hues, they look as good as they taste.
- Plus, they’re versatile enough to adapt with other nuts or dried fruits based on your preference!
Ingredients for Cherry Almond Cookies
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
All-Purpose Flour: This is your base ingredient for structure. Make sure it’s sifted for lightness.
Granulated Sugar: Sweetness is key here! This balances the tartness of the cherries perfectly.
Brown Sugar: Adds moisture and depth of flavor to the cookies.
Baking Soda: Helps your cookies rise and become fluffy.
Salt: Just a pinch enhances all those fabulous flavors in your cookies.
Unsalted Butter: Choose room temperature butter for easy creaming with sugars.
Egg: Binds everything together while adding richness.
Vanilla Extract: A splash of this adds lovely warmth and fragrance.
Dried Cherries: Look for plump ones that will burst with flavor in each bite!
Sliced Almonds: These add crunch and nutty goodness; feel free to toast them slightly beforehand for extra flavor!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Cherry Almond Cookies
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to a cozy temperature of 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready when your cookie dough is.
Step 2: Prepare Your Baking Sheet
Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats; trust me, it makes cleanup easier than explaining why you forgot to buy milk.
Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. This combo will give your cookies just the right lift without leaving them flat like my hopes after watching reality TV.
Step 4: Cream Butter and Sugars
In another bowl (preferably large enough for some vigorous mixing), cream together softened unsalted butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Think whipped clouds of happiness!
Step 5: Add Egg and Vanilla
Beat in one egg along with vanilla extract until well combined. You should smell that sweet aroma creeping up on you — if not, maybe check if you’re still dreaming.
Step 6: Combine It All
Gradually stir in your dry mixture from Step 3 into this buttery goodness until just combined. Don’t overmix unless you want tough cookies instead of soft ones! Gently fold in those beautiful dried cherries and sliced almonds — now we’re talking!
Step 7: Scoop and Bake
Using a cookie scoop or spoon (or just your hands if you’re feeling adventurous), place rounded tablespoons of dough onto prepared baking sheets about two inches apart. Bake in preheated oven for about ten to twelve minutes or until edges are golden brown but centers remain soft.
Let cool on racks if you can resist the urge to dive right in — but I won’t judge if you grab one while it’s still warm!
Transfer to plates and serve these scrumptious Cherry Almond Cookies alongside tea or coffee for an experience that’ll make every nibble feel like a mini celebration! Enjoy!
You Must Know
- These Cherry Almond Cookies not only blend sweet and nutty flavors but also bring a delightful crunch that makes them irresistible.
- They are perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a tea party or just indulging in a cozy night at home.
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preheating your oven and preparing your baking sheets. Cream the butter and sugar until fluffy before adding the eggs and almond extract. Fold in the flour, cherries, and almonds last to ensure even distribution.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out the cherries for dried cranberries or chocolate chips, depending on your mood. You can also experiment with different nuts—walnuts or pecans could add a fun twist to these cookies.
Storing & Reheating
Store your Cherry Almond Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to enjoy them warm later, pop them in the microwave for a few seconds or reheat them in a 350°F oven.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use fresh ingredients for maximum flavor; old baking soda can leave your cookies flat.
- Make sure your butter is softened but not melted to achieve that perfect texture.
- Finally, let cookies cool on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack for better structure.
Sometimes when I bake these Cherry Almond Cookies, my friends ask if there’s any magic involved because they disappear so quickly! It’s always heartwarming to see smiles after taking that first bite.
FAQs:
What are Cherry Almond Cookies?
Cherry almond cookies are delightful treats that blend the sweet and tart flavors of cherries with the nutty essence of almonds. These cookies typically feature ingredients like all-purpose flour, sugar, butter, cherries, and almond extract. The combination creates a chewy texture with a burst of flavor in every bite. melt-in-your-mouth cake balls Perfect for any occasion, these cookies can be enjoyed fresh from the oven or stored for later. They make an excellent addition to your dessert table or a sweet snack during the day.
How do I store Cherry Almond Cookies?
Storing cherry almond cookies properly ensures they maintain their freshness and flavor. Allow the cookies to cool completely before placing them in an airtight container. Store them at room temperature for up to five days. For longer storage, you can freeze them in a resealable bag or container for up to three months. Thaw the cookies at room temperature before enjoying them again. This method helps keep their chewy texture intact and prevents them from becoming stale or dry.
Can I substitute ingredients in Cherry Almond Cookies?
Yes, you can substitute ingredients in cherry almond cookies to fit your dietary needs or preferences. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, consider using almond flour or a gluten-free all-purpose blend instead of regular flour. For a dairy-free version, replace butter with coconut oil or a plant-based alternative. You can also use dried cherries if fresh ones are unavailable. Just remember that any changes might slightly alter the flavor and texture of the cookies. For more inspiration, check out this almond flour chocolate chip cookies recipe.
What occasions are Cherry Almond Cookies suitable for?
Cherry almond cookies are versatile and suitable for various occasions. Their delightful taste makes them perfect for holiday celebrations like Christmas or Easter. They also serve well at birthday parties, picnics, or potlucks where sweet treats are appreciated. You can even package them as gifts for friends and family on special occasions like anniversaries or housewarming parties. Their unique flavor profile adds a touch of elegance to any gathering.
Conclusion for Cherry Almond Cookies:
In summary, cherry almond cookies offer a delicious combination of sweet cherries and nutty almonds in every bite. Easy to make and perfect for various occasions, these cookies bring joy to both bakers and eaters alike. Whether you enjoy them fresh or store them for later, following proper storage techniques will keep them delightful longer. nutty pistachio bread recipe delicious cookie variations Experimenting with ingredient substitutions allows you to customize these treats to suit your dietary needs while maintaining their delicious charm!
Cherry Almond Cookies
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
Description
Cherry Almond Cookies are a delightful fusion of sweet dried cherries and crunchy almonds, creating a treat that’s both soft and slightly chewy. These cookies fill your kitchen with an irresistible aroma, making them perfect for any occasion, from casual get-togethers to festive celebrations. With their beautiful red and golden hues, they not only taste amazing but also look great on any dessert table.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup dried cherries, chopped
- 3/4 cup sliced almonds
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt; set aside.
- In a large bowl, cream the softened butter with the granulated and brown sugars until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until just combined; do not overmix.
- Gently fold in the chopped cherries and sliced almonds.
- Using a cookie scoop or spoon, drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto prepared baking sheets about two inches apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are golden but centers remain soft.
- Allow cookies to cool on racks before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (30g)
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 65mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
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