Almond Cherry Cookies

When I first made these Almond Cherry Cookies, I wanted to create something that felt nostalgic yet refreshing—a cookie that reminded me of cozy afternoons but with a little extra sweetness and charm. The combination of almond and cherry has always been one of my favorites; the nutty richness of almonds perfectly balances the fruity, slightly tart flavor of cherries. Each bite feels soft, buttery, and just the right amount of chewy, with a burst of cherry in every mouthful.

What I love most about these cookies is how they bridge the gap between a classic treat and something a bit more sophisticated. They’re elegant enough to serve at a tea party or holiday gathering but simple enough to bake on a quiet weekend at home. Whenever I prepare a batch, my kitchen fills with the warm scent of almond extract—a smell that instantly makes everyone eager to grab one straight off the baking tray.

You’ll absolutely love this recipe because it’s easy, delightful, and irresistibly pretty. The cherries add a pop of color that makes these cookies stand out on any dessert table, while the almonds bring a satisfying crunch and a wholesome, nutty flavor. They’re the kind of cookies that disappear fast, no matter the occasion. Whether you bake them for your family, friends, or just for yourself, they never fail to impress.

Another reason these Almond Cherry Cookies are so special is their versatility. You can make them with maraschino cherries, dried cherries, or even fresh ones when they’re in season. Each variation brings a slightly different flavor and texture, allowing you to tailor the recipe to your preferences. You can also drizzle them with white chocolate, dust them with powdered sugar, or mix in a bit of shredded coconut for a tropical twist.

Affordability is another plus point. The ingredients are simple and easy to find—no fancy items, just pantry staples that come together beautifully. Almond extract, flour, sugar, butter, and cherries are all you really need to create something exceptional.

Ingredients for Almond Cherry Cookies:

• 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour

• ½ teaspoon baking powder

• ¼ teaspoon salt

• ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened

• ¾ cup granulated sugar

• 1 large egg

• 1 teaspoon almond extract

• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

• ½ cup finely chopped almonds

• ¾ cup chopped maraschino cherries (well-drained)

How to Prepare Almond Cherry Cookies 

Making Almond Cherry Cookies is one of those baking experiences that feels simple yet deeply rewarding. The process is quick, the aroma is incredible, and the results are always impressive. These cookies come together in just a few steps, making them perfect even for beginner bakers. The key lies in the balance between the rich almond flavor and the juicy sweetness of the cherries.

How to Prepare This Recipe

Before you start, make sure your butter is at room temperature. Softened butter blends smoothly with sugar and creates that creamy texture that makes cookies tender and flavorful. Drain your cherries well to avoid adding too much liquid to the dough—this keeps your cookies from spreading too much while baking.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Preparation

Step 1: Prepare your ingredients
Start by gathering all your ingredients and preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.

Step 2: Mix the dry ingredients
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This simple step ensures your leavening agent is evenly distributed, helping the cookies rise lightly. Set the bowl aside.

Step 3: Cream the butter and sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture turns light and fluffy. This step usually takes about 2–3 minutes using an electric mixer. Creaming the butter properly is essential, as it creates air pockets that make the cookies soft with a delicate crumb.

Step 4: Add the egg and flavorings
Beat in the egg until fully incorporated. Then, add the almond extract and vanilla extract. These two extracts work together to give the cookies their signature aroma and depth of flavor. The almond extract, in particular, enhances the nuttiness that pairs beautifully with the cherries.

Step 5: Combine wet and dry mixtures
Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture. Mix on low speed until just combined—avoid overmixing, as that can make the cookies tough instead of tender. The dough should be soft but not sticky.

Step 6: Add almonds and cherries
Fold in the chopped almonds and cherries using a spatula. Ensure that both are evenly distributed throughout the dough. The almonds add a light crunch, while the cherries introduce a lovely pop of color and sweetness.

Step 7: Shape the cookies
Using a tablespoon or small cookie scoop, portion the dough into equal-sized balls. Roll each one lightly between your palms to form smooth rounds, then place them on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about two inches apart. If you like a more decorative look, you can gently press a cherry piece on top of each cookie before baking.

Step 8: Bake the cookies
Bake the cookies for 10–12 minutes or until the edges turn light golden brown. Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes—overbaking can make them dry. Once done, remove the baking sheets from the oven and allow the cookies to cool for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Quick and Easy

This recipe truly shines because of how effortless it is. The dough comes together quickly, and there’s no need for chilling time, which makes it perfect for those spontaneous baking moments. From start to finish, you can have fresh, fragrant cookies ready in less than 30 minutes.

Customizable

One of the best things about these Almond Cherry Cookies is how easily you can customize them. You can use dried cherries for a chewy texture or swap maraschino cherries for candied ones if you prefer extra sweetness. You can also replace part of the almonds with finely chopped walnuts or pistachios for variety. Adding a drizzle of melted white or dark chocolate over cooled cookies gives them a bakery-style touch.

If you want to make the cookies more festive, consider rolling them in colored sugar before baking. You can also sandwich two cookies together with a bit of cherry jam for a more indulgent treat.

Popular with Many People

These cookies are a crowd-pleaser at any event. They’re especially popular during the holidays, but I’ve found that people enjoy them year-round. Their delicate flavor makes them suitable for gift boxes, tea time, or dessert trays. Even those who don’t usually like overly sweet cookies find these perfectly balanced.

Every time I bake them, I’m reminded that good recipes don’t have to be complicated. A handful of quality ingredients, a little time, and a touch of care are all it takes to create something memorable. These Almond Cherry Cookies prove that homemade treats can be as beautiful and delicious as anything from a bakery.

Print

FAQs 

1. Can I use dried cherries instead of maraschino cherries?
Yes, you can. Dried cherries work wonderfully in this recipe and provide a slightly chewy texture with a natural tartness. If using them, soak the dried cherries in warm water for about 10 minutes, then drain them well before mixing them into the dough.

2. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can prepare the dough up to two days in advance. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, let the dough sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes to soften slightly before shaping the cookies.

3. Can I freeze these cookies?
Yes. These Almond Cherry Cookies freeze beautifully. You can freeze the unbaked dough balls or the baked cookies. For baked cookies, let them cool completely before placing them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to three months.

4. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. The cookies will maintain their delicious flavor and texture.

5. How do I store them?
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.