If you’re searching for a delightful treat that brings together the sweet, nutty crunch of almonds with the juicy burst of cherries, this Almond Cherry Cookies Recipe will quickly become one of your favorites. These cookies are tender, buttery bites studded with maraschino cherries right in the center, offering a perfect balance of textures and flavors. They are simple enough to whip up any time but special enough to impress guests or brighten up a cozy afternoon with a cup of tea. Trust me, once you try baking and enjoying this Almond Cherry Cookies Recipe, you’ll be reaching for it whenever you want a little homemade sweetness with a nostalgic touch.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a baking tray filled with round almond cherry cookies, each having two layers. The base layer is a light golden cookie with a soft, slightly cracked texture. On top of each cookie is a bright, shiny red cherry, smooth and glossy, placed in the center. The cookies are sprinkled lightly with white sugar, adding a fine grainy texture and a dusting of brightness. The tray itself rests on a white marbled surface, adding subtle light gray veins in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering the right ingredients is the key to nailing this recipe. Each one plays an important role, from the rich butter lending moisture and richness to the almond and vanilla extracts that build irresistible flavor layers. The flour and leavening agents ensure a perfect tender crumb, while the maraschino cherries add that iconic pop of color and flavor that make these cookies truly stand out.

Butter: Use 1 cup of softened butter to create a luscious, creamy base for the dough.
Confectioners’ sugar: 1 ½ cups adds delicate sweetness and gives the cookies a melt-in-your-mouth softness.
Egg (well beaten): 1 egg binds the ingredients and adds moisture crucial for the dough’s texture.
Vanilla extract: ½ teaspoon enhances the overall warmth and complexity of flavors.
Almond extract: ½ teaspoon delivers that unmistakable nutty aroma and taste that is signature to this recipe.
All-purpose flour: 2 ½ cups provide structure, making the cookies tender yet sturdy enough to hold the cherries.
Salt: ¼ teaspoon balances the sweetness and amplifies other flavors.
Baking soda: 1 teaspoon helps the cookies rise lightly and gives just the right chew.
Cream of tartar: 1 teaspoon adds a subtle tang while in combination with baking soda aids in the cookie’s rise.
Maraschino cherries (halved): The star garnish, adding vibrant color and a fruity burst right in the cookie centers.

How to Make Almond Cherry Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Cream Butter and Sugar

Begin by creaming together the softened butter and confectioners’ sugar until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and pale in color. This step is crucial as it incorporates air into the dough, giving the cookies their tender crumb and delicate texture.

Step 2: Add Egg and Extracts

Mix in the well-beaten egg followed by the vanilla and almond extracts. The eggs help bind everything together while the extracts imbue the dough with that cozy, aromatic warmth that makes Almond Cherry Cookies Recipe so addictive.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, salt, baking soda, and cream of tartar. This ensures your leavening agents and seasonings are evenly distributed, leading to consistent texture and perfect rise throughout every bite.

Step 4: Mix Dry into Wet Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients into the buttery wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Overmixing can toughen cookies, so keep the dough tender by mixing only until all ingredients come together in a uniform mass.

Step 5: Chill the Dough

Cover the dough tightly and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Chilling sets the butter, which prevents the cookies from spreading too much as they bake, so you end up with thick, soft cookies perfect for pressing cherries into afterward.

Step 6: Preheat Oven and Prepare Cookies

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll the chilled dough into small, uniform balls and place them spaced apart on an ungreased baking sheet. This provides even baking and beautiful round cookies.

Step 7: Bake and Add Cherry Halves

Bake the cookies for 8 to 12 minutes until the edges start turning a light golden tone. While the cookies bake, pat the maraschino cherries dry using paper towels to prevent sogginess, then cut each cherry in half. Once the cookies cool on a wire rack just enough to handle, gently press a cherry half into the center of every cookie. This final touch makes the presentation charming and adds a sweet juicy pop with every bite.

How to Serve Almond Cherry Cookies Recipe

Almond Cherry Cookies Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

For an added touch of elegance, dust these cookies lightly with extra confectioners’ sugar just before serving. If you want to get creative, drizzle some melted white chocolate over the top, which pairs beautifully with the cherries and almonds, adding a luscious finish.

Side Dishes

Almond Cherry Cookies make a fantastic companion to a cup of hot tea, coffee, or even a glass of cold milk. Their delicate sweetness complements bitter or creamy beverages perfectly, making your snack time an absolute treat.

Creative Ways to Present

Consider arranging your cookies on a decorative platter with some whole almonds and fresh or candied cherries scattered around. You can also sandwich two cookies together with almond-flavored buttercream for a fun twist that amps up the almond cherry theme of the recipe.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

These cookies keep wonderfully in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Storing them properly ensures they stay soft and fresh without losing their irresistible chew or flavor balance.

Freezing

If you want to make these treats ahead of time, freeze the dough balls before baking or freeze baked cookies in a sealed freezer bag. The dough can be frozen for up to 2 months, and baked cookies will maintain their quality for about 3 months.

Reheating

To bring frozen or stored cookies back to life, warm them briefly in a 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes. This restores their soft texture and warms the cherries just enough to make every bite melt in your mouth.

FAQs

Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries?

Fresh cherries have a higher moisture content and won’t give you the same vibrant color or flavor intensity, plus they could make the cookies soggy. Maraschino or candied cherries are preferred for this recipe.

What if I don’t have cream of tartar?

You can omit the cream of tartar and slightly increase the baking soda to compensate, but the texture might be a bit different. It’s best to use cream of tartar for that subtle tang and proper rise.

Is almond extract necessary?

The almond extract is a key flavor enhancer that gives this cookie its signature taste, so while you can skip it, the cookies won’t have that distinct almond charm.

Can I substitute almond flour for all the regular flour?

Almond flour has very different baking properties and using it entirely will change the texture drastically. Feel free to substitute only ¼ cup of the all-purpose flour with almond flour to boost the almond flavor without compromising structure.

How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?

Chilling the dough for at least an hour is critical. It firms up the butter, which controls spreading so you get thick, perfectly shaped cookies ideal for pressing the cherries on top.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about the Almond Cherry Cookies Recipe that feels like a warm hug in cookie form. Whether it’s for a festive occasion or simply a sweet indulgence, these cookies never fail to bring smiles and satisfy cravings. I encourage you to give this recipe a try and experience the joy of baking a classic that’s bursting with flavor, texture, and love.