Print

Almond Cherry Cookies Recipe

4.5 from 632 reviews

These Almond Cherry Cookies are a delightful treat combining ground almonds and the sweetness of maraschino cherries, all wrapped in a buttery dough. With a soft texture and a delicious cherry-flavored icing, these cookies are perfect for festive occasions or a sweet snack.

Ingredients

Scale

Cookie Dough

  • 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, reserve juice from 1 jar)
  • 1 teaspoon maraschino cherry juice
  • Red decorating sugar
  • 23 tablespoons water (if needed)

Cherry Icing

  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 tablespoon maraschino cherry juice
  • 1 teaspoon almond extract
  • 23 tablespoons milk

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure it is ready for baking the cookies evenly.
  2. Mix Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, ¾ cup of powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
  3. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix the all-purpose flour, salt, and ground slivered almonds. Then gradually add this dry mixture to the butter mixture, stirring to combine into a dough.
  4. Form Cookies with Cherries: Take about 1 tablespoon of dough and create a small well or pit in the center. Place a halved maraschino cherry into the pit and fold the dough over it, shaping a ball. Place the formed cookie dough balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet and lightly flatten them.
  5. Adjust Dough Consistency: If the dough feels too dry and hard to work with, add water one tablespoon at a time, up to 3 tablespoons, until it becomes easier to roll and shape.
  6. Bake the Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 8-9 minutes or until the edges just begin to turn golden brown. Once baked, remove from the oven and transfer cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.
  7. Prepare Cherry Icing: In a small bowl, mix together 2 cups powdered sugar, 1 tablespoon maraschino cherry juice, and 1 teaspoon almond extract. Add milk gradually to reach a consistency suitable for dipping.
  8. Glaze Cookies and Decorate: Dip the tops of the cooled cookies into the cherry icing, then place them upside down on a wire rack. Immediately sprinkle red decorating sugar on top for a festive finish.

Notes

  • You can add up to 3 tablespoons of water to the dough if it feels too dry for easy shaping.
  • Make sure cookies are fully cooled before icing to prevent melting.
  • Use parchment paper on baking sheets to prevent sticking and facilitate cleanup.
  • Sprinkling red decorating sugar adds a charming and festive touch to the cookies.

Keywords: Almond Cherry Cookies, Cherry Cookies, Almond Cookies, Holiday Cookies, Sweet Cookies, Baking, Cherry Icing