Almond cherry cookies offer a delightful fusion of flavors that elevate your cookie game, blending the nutty richness of almonds with the sweet, tart taste of cherries. Ideal for any occasion, these cookies bring warmth and comfort, making them a favorite in many homes. Whether you are preparing for a family gathering, a casual coffee with friends, or a simple treat for yourself, almond cherry cookies are sure to please everyone. Let’s dive deeper into why you will love making and sharing these delicious cookies.
Why We Love This Almond Cherry Cookies
These almond cherry cookies stand out not only for their unique flavor combination but also for their wonderful texture. You get a bit of crunch from the almonds, balanced perfectly with the soft, chewy interior from the cherries. The use of fresh or dried cherries enhances the taste, allowing you to customize the recipe to suit your preferences or what you have on hand.
The simplicity of the recipe also makes it a hit. It does not demand an extensive list of ingredients, and you probably have most of them in your pantry already. The ease of preparation means you can whip up a batch in no time. Additionally, these cookies are visually appealing, featuring bright red cherries nestled in the golden-brown dough, making them perfect for sharing during celebrations or gatherings.
Ingredients for Almond Cherry Cookies
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chopped almonds
- 1 cup dried or fresh cherries, chopped if fresh
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process usually takes about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Fold in the chopped almonds and cherries gently using a spatula or wooden spoon.
- Drop rounded tablespoons of the cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheet, allowing space between them since they will spread slightly.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges turn lightly golden. The centers may look a bit soft; they will firm up as they cool down.
- Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
How to Serve Almond Cherry Cookies
When it comes to serving almond cherry cookies, your options are plentiful. For a casual treat, you can simply pile them up on a plate and enjoy them with a cup of coffee or tea. Their rich and nutty flavor pairs wonderfully with both hot and cold beverages, making them a versatile snack any time of the day.
For a more elegant presentation, consider placing the cookies in a decorative tin or jar. This presentation works beautifully for gifting during holidays or special occasions. You can also serve the cookies alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for a delightful dessert. The warmth of the cookies contrasts perfectly with the coolness of the ice cream, creating a memorable treat.
If you want to elevate your serving style further, consider drizzling some melted chocolate over the top or sprinkling them with powdered sugar for a touch of sweetness. Adding a few extra chopped cherries on the side creates a brilliant splash of color, making your dessert table more inviting. Overall, almond cherry cookies can seamlessly fit any occasion, from family gatherings to festive holiday celebrations.
Expert Tips for Almond Cherry Cookies
To nail the perfect almond cherry cookies, consider these expert tips. Start with room-temperature ingredients. Properly softened butter helps achieve that light and fluffy texture in the dough, which is crucial for the overall mouthfeel of your cookies. When measuring flour, be sure to spoon it into your measuring cup instead of scooping directly from the bag. This method prevents packing and results in the correct amount of flour for the best cookie texture.
Using good-quality ingredients makes a difference, especially when it comes to your vanilla extract and nuts. Opt for pure vanilla extract over artificial versions for a richer flavor. If using fresh cherries, ensure to pit and chop them finely, as larger pieces can create uneven distributions in the cookie dough.
Do not over-bake the cookies; they should look slightly underdone when you take them out of the oven. The residual heat will firm them up, keeping them soft and chewy. If you want additional flavor, consider toasting the chopped almonds in a dry skillet for a few minutes before adding them to the dough. The roasting brings out a deeper almond flavor and adds another layer to your cookies.
How to Store Almond Cherry Cookies
Storing almond cherry cookies correctly helps maintain their delicious texture and flavor. Allow the cookies to cool completely after baking. Once cool, place them in an airtight container. Make sure to layer parchment paper between the cookies if you’re stacking them. This method prevents them from sticking together.
You can store the cookies at room temperature for about a week. If you’d like to keep them longer, consider freezing the cookies. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze them individually before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag or container. This method allows you to take out as many cookies as you want without thawing the entire batch. Frozen almond cherry cookies can last up to three months in the freezer. Defrost them at room temperature for a short while before serving, and they’ll taste nearly fresh-baked.
Variations of Almond Cherry Cookies
The beauty of almond cherry cookies lies in their adaptability. You can easily tweak the recipe to create exciting new versions. For a more tropical twist, try adding coconut flakes along with or instead of some of the chopped nuts. This addition brings a lovely sweetness and chewiness that pairs beautifully with cherries.
If you want a chocolate variant, consider folding mini chocolate chips into the dough. The combination of chocolate and cherries is a classic that never fails to impress. You could also swap out the almonds for other nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, to give the cookies a different texture and flavor profile.
To make these cookies gluten-free, you can substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blends. Just ensure the blend you choose works well in cookie recipes. For a more intense almond flavor, you can add almond extract instead of, or in addition to, vanilla extract. Experimenting with spices like cinnamon or nutmeg can introduce warm undertones that complement the sweetness of the cherries. This approach offers endless opportunities to enjoy this delightful cookie in new and exciting ways.
FAQ about Almond Cherry Cookies
You might have some questions about almond cherry cookies, and that’s perfectly understandable. First, can I use frozen cherries instead of fresh? Yes! Frozen cherries work well, but be sure to thaw and drain any excess liquid before adding them to the dough. This step ensures the cookies don’t become soggy.
Are almond cherry cookies suitable for gifting? Absolutely! These cookies make thoughtful gifts. You can place them in a beautiful tin or box, making them perfect for holidays, birthdays, or just to show appreciation.
If you have leftovers, how long do they last? When stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature, almond cherry cookies will last about a week. For longer storage, freezing is recommended.
Can I modify sugar levels in the recipe? Yes, you can reduce the sugar to suit your taste, but be cautious, as sugar contributes to the structure and moisture of the cookies. Keeping the balance is important for achieving the right texture.
Lastly, how can I make the cookies softer? To achieve softer cookies, try slightly shortening the baking time, keeping an eye on them to avoid overcooking. You might also consider adding a bit of additional butter to enhance moisture.
Enjoy making and sharing these delicious almond cherry cookies!
Almond Cherry Cookies
Ingredients
Cookie Base
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
Mix-ins
- 1 cup chopped almonds
- 1 cup dried or fresh cherries, chopped if fresh
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Fold in the chopped almonds and cherries gently using a spatula or wooden spoon.
Baking
- Drop rounded tablespoons of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheet, allowing space between them to spread.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges turn lightly golden. The centers may look a bit soft; they will firm up as they cool.
Cooling
- Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Send me this recipe!
Just enter your email below and get it sent straight to your inbox!