Almond Cherry Cookies Recipe
These Almond Cherry Cookies are delicate, buttery treats featuring ground almonds and maraschino cherries folded into a tender dough. Finished with a cherry-almond glazed frosting and a touch of red decorating sugar, these cookies offer a perfect balance of nutty flavor and sweet, fruity accents—ideal for festive occasions or a special homemade snack.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 9 minutes
- Total Time: 29 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Cookies
- ¾ cup slivered almonds, ground
- 1 cup butter, softened
- ¾ cup powdered sugar, divided
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 8 ounces maraschino cherries, halved (about 1 jar), reserve juice
- 1 teaspoon maraschino cherry juice
- Red decorating sugar
- 2–3 Tablespoons water (if needed)
Frosting
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 Tablespoon maraschino cherry juice
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 2–3 Tablespoons milk
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for baking the cookies.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, blend together softened butter, ¾ cup powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, salt, and ground almonds to ensure even distribution of ingredients.
- Incorporate Dry and Wet Mixtures: Gradually combine the dry ingredients with the butter mixture, mixing until a dough forms. If the dough feels too dry to work with, add water one tablespoon at a time, up to 3 tablespoons, to make it pliable.
- Shape Cookies with Cherries: Take about 1 tablespoon of dough and create a small pit in the center. Place a halved maraschino cherry in the pit, then fold the dough over the cherry and roll to form a ball. Place each cookie on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet and flatten slightly.
- Bake the Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 8-9 minutes or until the edges just start to turn golden brown. Remove from the oven and transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare Frosting: In a small bowl, mix together powdered sugar, 1 tablespoon maraschino cherry juice, and almond extract. Add milk gradually until the frosting reaches a smooth, dippable consistency.
- Glaze Cookies: Dip the tops of the cooled cookies into the frosting, then flip them over and place back on the wire rack. While the frosting is still wet, sprinkle the tops with red decorating sugar for a festive finish.
Notes
- If the dough feels too dry while shaping, add water in small increments (1 tablespoon at a time) and mix until it becomes easier to work with, up to 3 tablespoons total.
- Be careful not to overbake; cookies should just start turning golden at the edges for the best texture.
- Use parchment paper on baking sheets to prevent sticking and promote even baking.
- Cool the cookies completely before dipping in frosting to prevent melting.
- Maraschino cherry juice is used both in the dough and frosting for enhanced cherry flavor.
Keywords: Almond cookies, cherry cookies, maraschino cherries, almond cherry dessert, frosted cookies, holiday cookies
Find it online: https://frommamamaya.com/almond-cherry-cookies-recipe/
