Almond Cherry Cookies – A Festive Holiday Delight

Byarlo Jack
Almond Cherry Cookies – A Festive Holiday Delight

There’s something timeless about the combination of almonds and cherries. Sweet, slightly tart cherries paired with nutty almond flavor create the perfect cookie for the holidays. These Almond Cherry Cookies are buttery, chewy, and topped with a bright cherry center that makes them as beautiful as they are delicious.

Whether you’re baking for a holiday cookie swap, gifting homemade treats, or simply craving a cozy winter dessert, these cookies will add a pop of color and flavor to your Christmas baking tray.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These cookies aren’t just tasty, they’re festive, easy, and crowd-pleasing. Here’s why you’ll love them:

  • Festive look – The cherry topping adds a holiday pop of red.
  • Quick to make – Ready in under 30 minutes.
  • Nutty & fruity flavor – Almond extract enhances the rich taste.
  • Perfect for gifting – Ideal for Christmas tins and cookie exchanges.

Grocery List 🛒

Here’s what you’ll need to make these holiday cookies:

  • Unsalted butter
  • Granulated sugar
  • Brown sugar
  • Egg
  • Almond extract
  • All-purpose flour
  • Baking powder
  • Salt
  • Sliced or chopped almonds
  • Maraschino cherries (or candied cherries)

Ingredients (for about 24 cookies)

  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • ¼ cup brown sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tsp almond extract
  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ tsp baking powder
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • ½ cup chopped almonds
  • 12 maraschino cherries, halved (patted dry)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Make the Dough

In a large bowl, cream butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until fluffy. Beat in the egg and almond extract.

2. Add Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add to the butter mixture until a dough forms. Fold in chopped almonds.

3. Shape Cookies

Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough, roll into balls, and place on a lined baking sheet. Gently press a cherry half into the center of each ball.

4. Bake

Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes, or until lightly golden. Cool on a wire rack.

Tips for Perfect Almond Cherry Cookies

  • Pat cherries dry with a paper towel to prevent excess moisture.
  • Chill dough for 20 minutes before baking to keep cookies from spreading too much.
  • For extra almond flavor, sprinkle cookies with sliced almonds before baking.
  • Add a drizzle of white chocolate for a more festive finish.

How to Serve

These cookies are perfect for a Christmas dessert tray or for pairing with hot cocoa on a chilly winter night. They also make a thoughtful holiday gift when packed in festive tins or jars.

Storage & Freezing

  • Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
  • Freeze baked cookies (without cherries) for up to 2 months. Add cherries before serving for best freshness.

Nutritional Information (per cookie, approx.)

  • Calories: 135
  • Carbohydrates: 16g
  • Protein: 2g
  • Fat: 7g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Sugar: 9g
  • Fiber: 1g

Conclusion

With their chewy almond base and jewel-like cherry tops, Almond Cherry Cookies are a holiday classic that never goes out of style. They’re simple to make, festive to serve, and impossible to resist. Add these cookies to your Christmas baking list and watch them become a family favorite year after year!

FAQs

Yes, you can use fresh cherries, but make sure they’re pitted and halved. Pat them dry thoroughly to prevent excess moisture from making the cookies soggy.

Absolutely! Just replace the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. Make sure your baking powder is gluten-free as well.

You can replace some of the all-purpose flour with almond flour for extra nuttiness, but keep at least half all-purpose flour so the cookies hold their shape.

Pat the cherries very dry with paper towels before pressing them into the dough. You can also lightly dust them with flour before baking to help reduce bleeding.