Almond Cherry Cookies Recipe
Delight in these Almond Cherry Cookies, featuring a buttery almond-infused dough wrapped around sweet maraschino cherries, topped with a luscious cherry-flavored frosting and a sprinkle of festive red sugar. Perfectly crisp around the edges with a soft center, these cookies combine classic flavors and a charming presentation to brighten any occasion.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 9 minutes
- Total Time: 29 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
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 ounces jar maraschino cherries, halved (reserve 1 teaspoon juice)
- Red decorating sugar, for sprinkling
Frosting:
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon maraschino cherry juice
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 2–3 tablespoons milk
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Prepare Dough: In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract together until the mixture is smooth and fluffy. In a separate bowl, whisk the all-purpose flour, salt, and ground slivered almonds. Gradually add the dry ingredients into the creamed butter mixture, mixing until fully combined into a soft dough.
- Form Cookies: Using a tablespoon of dough, create a small indentation in the center. Place half a maraschino cherry into this pit, then carefully fold the dough around the cherry to form a ball. Place the dough balls evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet and gently flatten each slightly to ensure even baking.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8 to 9 minutes or until the edges begin to turn a light golden brown. Remove from the oven and transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Make Frosting: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, 1 tablespoon reserved maraschino cherry juice, and almond extract. Add milk one tablespoon at a time, whisking until the frosting reaches a smooth, dip-like consistency suitable for decorating.
- Decorate Cookies: Dip the tops of the cooled cookies into the frosting, allowing excess to drip off, then place them back on the wire rack. Immediately sprinkle red decorating sugar over the frosting to add sparkle and texture. Let the frosting set completely before serving.
Notes
- Reserve the cherry juice when draining the cherries to add natural flavor to the frosting.
- Ground slivered almonds can be made by processing the slivered almonds in a food processor until fine but not turning into almond butter.
- For a softer cookie, bake closer to 8 minutes; for slightly crisper edges, extend to 9 minutes.
- If desired, substitute almond extract in frosting with vanilla extract for a milder flavor.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.
Keywords: Almond Cherry Cookies, maraschino cherry cookies, almond cookies, holiday cookies, festive cookies, baked cookies
Find it online: https://cookcrisis.com/almond-cherry-cookies-recipe/
