Description
Homemade almond cherry cookies blend rich European baking traditions with sweet fruit accents. Crisp edges and delicate centers make these treats perfect companions for afternoon tea or quiet moments of indulgence.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup slivered almonds, ground
- ¾ cup powdered sugar
- 8 oz (226 g) jar maraschino cherries, halved
- 2 cups powdered sugar (for frosting)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 tsp maraschino cherry juice
- 1 tbsp maraschino cherry juice (for frosting)
- 1 tsp almond extract (for frosting)
- 2–3 tbsps milk (for frosting)
- Red decorating sugar
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Heat oven to 375°F, creating an optimal baking environment for delicate almond cherry cookies.
- Cream Base: Whip butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract in a mixing bowl until the mixture transforms into a silky, uniform cream.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: Merge flour, salt, and finely ground almonds in a separate vessel, ensuring even distribution of dry components.
- Form Dough: Fold dry ingredients into butter blend, stirring until a cohesive dough forms without overmixing.
- Shape Cookies: Craft compact dough spheres, creating uniform bases with a small indentation for maraschino cherry halves.
- Prepare for Baking: Gently envelop cherries, reshape dough into smooth balls, then flatten each cookie for even baking. Arrange on a parchment-lined baking sheet with adequate spacing.
- Bake and Cool: Bake for 8-9 minutes until golden edges appear. Allow cookies to rest and cool completely on the baking sheet.
- Create Frosting: Whisk powdered sugar, cherry juice, almond extract, and milk until achieving a smooth, dippable consistency.
- Finish and Decorate: Dip cooled cookie tops into glossy frosting and sprinkle with red decorating sugar for a festive final touch.
Notes
- Chill the Dough: Refrigerate for 30 minutes before shaping to prevent spreading and maintain cookie structure.
- Handle Cherry Placement: Press cherry gently into dough center to avoid cracking or breaking the delicate cookie base.
- Monitor Baking Time: Ovens vary, so watch cookies closely at 8-minute mark to prevent over-browning and maintain soft texture.
- Frosting Consistency: Adjust liquid (cherry juice or milk) gradually to achieve perfect drizzling thickness without becoming too runny.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8-9 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 22
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 16 g
- Sodium: 70 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg