Almond Cherry Cookies

Almond Cherry Cookies: A Sweet and Nutty Treat for Any Occasion

If you’re looking for a cookie that combines the rich nuttiness of almonds with the sweet tang of maraschino cherries, these Almond Cherry Cookies are the perfect choice! With a buttery base, a hidden cherry surprise inside, and a beautiful cherry glaze, these cookies are sure to impress at any gathering. Whether you’re baking for the holidays, a special event, or simply treating yourself, these cookies are both elegant and delicious.

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 ounces jar maraschino cherries, halved (reserve 1 teaspoon juice)
• Red decorating sugar (for garnish)

For the Frosting:

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

Directions:

1. Preheat the Oven:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.

2. Make the Cookie Dough:

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. This will form the base of your dough.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and ground almonds (simply pulse the slivered almonds in a food processor until finely ground). Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until everything is fully combined and a soft dough forms.

3. Shape the Cookies:

Form the dough into tablespoon-sized balls. Press a small pit in the center of each ball using your thumb or the back of a spoon. Place a maraschino cherry half in the pit, then fold the dough over the cherry to form a ball again. Gently flatten the cookies slightly.

4. Bake the Cookies:

Place the shaped cookies on the parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 8-9 minutes, or until the edges are just starting to turn golden. Be careful not to overbake them.

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

5. Prepare the Cherry Frosting:

While the cookies cool, whisk together the powdered sugar, maraschino cherry juice, almond extract, and enough milk to achieve a smooth, dipping consistency. The glaze should be thick enough to coat the tops of the cookies but thin enough to flow smoothly.

6. Frost and Decorate:

Dip the tops of each cooled cookie into the cherry frosting, then flip them over and place them back on the wire rack. While the frosting is still wet, sprinkle with red decorating sugar for an extra pop of color and texture.

Recipe Tips:

• Ground Almonds: For the best texture, use a food processor to finely grind the slivered almonds before adding them to the dough. This will add a wonderful nutty flavor without making the cookies grainy.
• Frosting Consistency: If your frosting is too thick, add a little more milk until you reach the desired consistency. If it’s too thin, add more powdered sugar.
• Storage: Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or freeze them for up to a month.

Quick Facts:

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 8-9 minutes
• Total Time: 24 minutes
• Calories: 160 kcal per cookie
• Servings: 24 cookies

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

• Hidden Cherry Surprise: Each cookie has a sweet maraschino cherry tucked inside, adding a fun and flavorful twist to every bite.
• Almond and Cherry Pairing: The combination of nutty almonds and sweet-tart cherries makes these cookies irresistibly flavorful.
• Perfect for Gifting: With their beautiful appearance and delicious taste, these cookies make the perfect homemade gift for holidays or special occasions.

These Almond Cherry Cookies are the perfect combination of sweet, nutty, and fruity flavors. Whether you’re serving them at a party or enjoying them with a cup of tea, these cookies are sure to become a favorite!

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