The moment I cracked open a jar of maraschino cherries, a wave of nostalgia washed over me. I immediately thought of cozy afternoons spent baking with loved ones, transforming simple ingredients into something special. These Cherry Almond Shortbread Cookies capture that warmth perfectly. With a buttery flavor and just the right hint of almond, they’re an effortless way to elevate any gathering. Not only are they a delightful treat that melts in your mouth, but they also make for an impressive homemade gift. The combination of sweet cherries and nutty undertones creates an irresistible experience that you won’t want to miss. Curious about how to whip up this easy cookie recipe? Let’s dive in!
Why Are Cherry Almond Shortbread Cookies a Must?
Irresistible Flavor: These cookies combine buttery richness with crunchy, sweet bursts of maraschino cherries and a subtle hint of almond, making each bite a delightful experience.
Effortless to Make: With simple steps and minimal effort, you can achieve homemade perfection. It’s a great recipe for both novice bakers and seasoned chefs.
Perfect for Gifting: These cookies are not only delicious but also beautifully decorative, making them a thoughtful, homemade gift for friends and family.
Multi-Occasion Treat: Whether you’re celebrating a holiday or just need a sweet afternoon snack with your tea, these cookies fit the bill.
Want to explore more delightful treats? Check out Cheesecake Stuffed Cookies or the Viral Cherry Vanilla for more inspiration!
Cherry Almond Shortbread Cookies Ingredients
• Discover the delicious components of this easy recipe!
For the Cookie Dough
- Unsalted Butter – Provides richness and moisture; ensure it’s at room temperature for easy creaming.
- Powdered Sugar – Adds sweetness and creates a tender texture; granulated sugar can be used but adjust the quantity.
- Maraschino Cherry Juice – Enhances the cherry flavor and moisture; cherry liqueur can substitute for a deeper taste.
- Almond Extract – Imparts a lovely nutty flavor; use vanilla extract if almond is unavailable.
- Salt – Balances sweetness and elevates flavors; kosher or table salt are good options.
- All-Purpose Flour – Provides structure; for a nuttier flavor, consider whole wheat flour.
- Chopped Maraschino Cherries – Offers sweet bursts of cherry throughout the cookie; Amareno cherries can intensify the flavor.
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Cherry Almond Shortbread Cookies
Step 1: Cream the Base
In a stand mixer or using an electric hand mixer, combine 1 cup of unsalted butter, ¾ cup of powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons of maraschino cherry juice, 1 teaspoon of almond extract, and ¼ teaspoon of salt. Mix on medium speed until the mixture is smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes. The butter should be light and fluffy, indicating that it’s ready for the next step.
Step 2: Incorporate the Flour
Gradually add 2 cups of all-purpose flour to the creamed mixture while mixing on low speed. Continue mixing until a crumbly dough forms, ensuring not to overmix. This should take about 1-2 minutes. The dough will look slightly crumbly but should stick together when pressed, ensuring the foundational texture of your Cherry Almond Shortbread Cookies.
Step 3: Fold in the Cherries
Gently fold in ½ cup of chopped maraschino cherries into the dough using a spatula. Ensure that they are evenly distributed throughout the mixture. This step will add delightful bursts of cherry goodness to each bite of your cookies. Be careful not to overwork the dough as you mix; it should still appear somewhat crumbly yet cohesive.
Step 4: Chill the Dough
Lay out a sheet of parchment paper on a flat surface. Transfer the dough onto the parchment and shape it into a log about 2 inches in diameter. Wrap the log tightly in the parchment paper and refrigerate it for at least 1 hour. Chilling helps the flavors meld together while solidifying the dough for clean slicing later.
Step 5: Preheat the Oven
While your dough chills, preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C) and prepare your baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper. This setup ensures that your Cherry Almond Shortbread Cookies bake evenly and prevent sticking, making for easier cleanup and baking perfection.
Step 6: Slice the Cookies
After chilling, remove the log from the refrigerator and unwrap it carefully. Slice the dough into ⅓-inch thick rounds using a sharp knife. Arrange each cookie slice on the prepared baking sheets, leaving some space between them to allow for slight spreading. The slices should be uniform in thickness for even baking.
Step 7: Bake the Cookies
Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 11-13 minutes. Keep an eye on the cookies; they are done when the edges are set and lightly golden while the centers remain pale. Baking time may vary, so checking at the earlier mark ensures that your Cherry Almond Shortbread Cookies won’t overbake.
Step 8: Cool and Serve
Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for about 2 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling time lets the cookies set, resulting in the perfect buttery texture that will melt in your mouth when you finally indulge!
What to Serve with Cherry Almond Shortbread Cookies
The perfect way to elevate your cookie experience and create a delightful, cozy meal is by pairing these sweet treats with complementary sides and drinks.
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Creamy Mashed Potatoes: The rich, buttery flavors of mashed potatoes create a delicious contrast to the sweetness of the cookies, making each bite exciting.
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Fresh Fruit Salad: Bright and refreshing, a medley of seasonal fruits adds a light, tart balance to the cookies’ sweetness, enhancing the overall dessert experience.
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Nutty Almond Biscotti: Crisp and crunchy, these biscotti bring a lovely nutty flavor that echoes the almond extract in the cookies for a harmonious pairing.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream serves as a delightful contrast to the crumbly texture of the cookies, creating a dreamy combination for dessert.
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Herbal Tea: A warm cup of chamomile or green tea offers gentle notes that won’t overpower the cherry almond flavor and can create a relaxing moment.
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Lemonade: The tart brightness of freshly squeezed lemonade will cut through the buttery richness of the cookies, making for a refreshing sip alongside them.
A lovely afternoon or gathering can become memorable with these delightful servings, creating sweet moments to savor!
Cherry Almond Shortbread Cookies: Customization Ideas
Feel free to play around with this recipe and let your creativity shine through the flavors and ingredients!
- White Chocolate Drizzle: Add a sweet finish by drizzling melted white chocolate over cooled cookies.
- Nutty Variation: Replace chopped maraschino cherries with walnuts or pecans for an added crunch.
- Citrus Twist: For a refreshing change, substitute almond extract with lemon zest or orange zest.
- Chocolate Chip Surprise: Add semi-sweet chocolate chips to the dough for an indulgent treat that pairs beautifully with cherries.
- Spicy Kick: Enhance the flavor with a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, cozy touch that evokes holiday baking.
- Dairy-Free Option: Use vegan butter and almond milk as a substitute in this recipe for a delicious dairy-free cookie.
- Gluten-Free Choice: Swap all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend to make these cookies accessible for everyone.
- Additional Fruit: Incorporate dried cranberries or chopped apricots for a tangy contrast to the sweetness of cherries.
With these variations, you can make your Cherry Almond Shortbread Cookies uniquely yours! If you’re in the mood for something equally delightful, don’t forget to check out my Oreo Cheesecake Cookies or the super fun Panko Cookies Chewy.
Expert Tips for Cherry Almond Shortbread Cookies
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Room Temperature Butter: Ensure your butter is at room temperature for easy creaming and to create a light, fluffy base for your cookies.
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Avoid Overmixing: Once you add the flour, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to a tough texture instead of the intended tender bite.
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Uniform Slices: Use a ruler to measure and slice your dough into ⅓-inch rounds for even baking and consistent cookie shapes.
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Watch Your Bake Time: Keep a close eye while baking; the edges should be lightly golden while the centers remain pale. This prevents over-browning, ensuring perfect Cherry Almond Shortbread Cookies.
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Chill Time is Key: Don’t rush the chilling phase. Allowing the dough to chill for an hour melds the flavors and makes slicing easier, enhancing the final texture.
Storage Tips for Cherry Almond Shortbread Cookies
Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This keeps them fresh and preserves their delightful buttery texture.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the cookies for up to 3 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place in a resealable freezer bag to prevent freezer burn.
Reheating: To enjoy cookies warm, place them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes, just until heated through. This will help revive their melt-in-your-mouth goodness.
Make-Ahead: You can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 2 days before baking, making it easy to whip up these Cherry Almond Shortbread Cookies whenever you crave a sweet treat.
Make Ahead Options
These Cherry Almond Shortbread Cookies are perfect for busy home cooks wanting to simplify their baking! You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance by following these simple steps: after mixing the dough, shape it into a log, wrap it tightly in parchment paper, and refrigerate it. This not only enhances the flavors but also makes for easier slicing when it’s time to bake. Additionally, if you’re looking to extend their shelf life, baked cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Just be sure to allow them to cool completely before storing to maintain their deliciously buttery texture. When you’re ready to enjoy your freshly baked cookies, simply slice and bake them straight from the fridge—it’s that easy!
Cherry Almond Shortbread Cookies Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the right maraschino cherries?
Absolutely! When selecting maraschino cherries, look for vibrant, plump cherries with a firm texture and minimal dark spots. I recommend choosing a brand that uses pure cherry juice for the best flavor. If possible, opt for those packed in jarred juice rather than syrup to enhance the cookie’s tartness.
What is the best way to store leftover cookies?
To keep your Cherry Almond Shortbread Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to maintain their buttery goodness longer, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container or a resealable bag before freezing them. This way, they can last for up to 3 months in the freezer.
Can I freeze Cherry Almond Shortbread Cookies?
Yes! Freezing these cookies is a great option! To freeze, first let the cookies cool completely. Then, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about an hour. After that, transfer the cookies to an airtight container or resealable freezer bag, separating layers with parchment paper. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. To enjoy them, simply thaw at room temperature or reheat in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes.
What if my dough is too crumbly?
If your cookie dough appears too dry or crumbly, you can fix it easily! Start by adding a teaspoon of maraschino cherry juice or cherry liqueur and mix gently until the dough comes together. Make sure you don’t overmix as this could affect the texture. If the dough is still too crumbly, adding a little extra butter might help achieve the desired consistency.
Are there any dietary concerns I should be aware of when making these cookies?
If you’re baking for someone with allergies, it’s essential to consider substitutions. Almond extract can trigger reactions in those with nut allergies, so substituting with vanilla extract would make these cookies safe. Additionally, ensure that any added ingredients, like cherries, do not contain allergens. If you have pets, keep these cookies away from them, as ingredients like chocolate and certain nuts can be harmful to dogs and cats.
How can I make these cookies even more delicious?
Very! Try drizzling melted white chocolate over the cooled cookies for an added sweetness and visual appeal. You could also consider adding a sprinkle of sea salt on top to enhance the flavors. For a twist, mix in some chopped nuts for a crunchy texture or experiment with different extracts, like lemon for a fresh, zesty cookie variation!
Cherry Almond Shortbread Cookies: A Buttery Delight for You
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Cream together unsalted butter, powdered sugar, maraschino cherry juice, almond extract, and salt until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add all-purpose flour while mixing on low speed until a crumbly dough forms.
- Fold in chopped maraschino cherries using a spatula.
- Shape the dough into a log, wrap in parchment paper and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Slice the chilled dough into ⅓-inch thick rounds and arrange on baking sheets.
- Bake for 11-13 minutes until edges are set and lightly golden.
- Cool on baking sheets for 2 minutes then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.