Almond Cherry Cookies: A Family Favorite

Okay, let’s dive into one of my family’s most requested treats: Almond Cherry Cookies! The first time I baked these, I was trying to recreate a bakery cookie my daughter adored. The result? Chewy, sweet, and bursting with almond and cherry flavor. My kids went wild, and suddenly these Almond Cherry Cookies became a staple in our cookie jar. They are a comfort food win because they are quick to make, satisfying, and always bring smiles.

I know, as busy moms, we crave simple comfort food that doesn’t take all day. These Almond Cherry Cookies are just that – a sweet treat that’s easy to whip up even when life feels chaotic. Consider this your invitation to join me in creating a little cookie magic! Together, we can bring some simple comfort to our families.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here is the list of ingredients that you’ll need to create these delicious, chewy, and comforting Almond Cherry Cookies. They’re super simple, and I always have most of these ingredients already in my pantry. Trust me, this Almond Cherry Cookies ingredient list is simple because busy moms need comfort without complexity!

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened: This creates a rich, tender cookie. I always use unsalted so I can control the saltiness.
1 ½ cups granulated sugar: For sweetness, of course! You can find these simple ingredients at your regular grocery store.
2 large eggs: These act as a binding agent.
1 teaspoon almond extract: This provides that distinct almond flavor we love in Almond Cherry Cookies.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: For extra flavor depth.
3 cups all-purpose flour: This forms the structure of the cookies.
1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the cookies rise and become light.
½ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the other flavors.
1 cup maraschino cherries, drained and chopped: These add a pop of color and sweet cherry flavor to our Almond Cherry Cookies. This Almond Cherry Cookies proves delicious doesn’t mean expensive!
½ cup sliced almonds: These contribute a nutty crunch and beautiful visual appeal.

No worries if you don’t have sliced almonds – I use chopped walnuts for extra comfort and a different texture in my Almond Cherry Cookies! I also sometimes add a little extra almond extract because my family gets extra comfort when I add a little more. Feel free to change up the ingredients to your own taste.

Let’s Make it Happen!

Alright, comfort seekers, let’s bake these Almond Cherry Cookies together! I promise, it’s easier than folding laundry. Here’s where I used to struggle with my Almond Cherry Cookies – learn from my experience!

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven is heating, prepare your baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. I use an electric mixer for this, but you can also do it by hand. This comforting Almond Cherry Cookies usually takes about 3-5 minutes to achieve the right consistency.
Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the almond extract and vanilla extract. Make sure everything is well combined. In my busy kitchen, this Almond Cherry Cookies usually takes just a minute.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agent.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Don’t overmix! This is key to keeping the cookies soft.
Gently fold in the chopped maraschino cherries and sliced almonds. Make sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Drop by rounded tablespoons onto the prepared baking sheets. Perfect time to prep tomorrow’s lunch! Leave a little space between each cookie.
Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Your Almond Cherry Cookies should smell amazing by now! Don’t worry if your Almond Cherry Cookies looks slightly soft when you take them out of the oven. They will firm up as they cool.
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. While your Almond Cherry Cookies are cooling, take a moment to appreciate creating comfort for your family!

See? That wasn’t so bad! These Almond Cherry Cookies are seriously simple, and your family will love them. Remember, baking is all about love, so don’t stress if they aren’t perfect.

How We Love to Eat This!

Okay, fellow moms, let’s talk about how we devour these Almond Cherry Cookies in my house! This Almond Cherry Cookies is perfect for those busy weeknights when we need comfort food fast!

Classic Cookie Platter: We love enjoying these Almond Cherry Cookies with a cold glass of milk. It’s a simple pleasure that everyone enjoys.
Lunchbox Treat: These cookies make a delightful addition to the kids’ lunchboxes. The kids devour this comforting Almond Cherry Cookies when I serve it with a small note.
After-School Snack: A warm Almond Cherry Cookie after a long day at school is always a hit.
Holiday Baking: These cookies are perfect for Christmas cookie swaps or any holiday gathering. These Italian cherry cookies are the perfect snack for a holiday!
Ice Cream Sandwiches: Use the Almond Cherry Cookies to sandwich a scoop of vanilla or cherry ice cream. Total indulgence!
Coffee Time: I love dunking these in my morning coffee. A little sweetness to start the day!
Gift Giving: Package these cookies in a pretty tin or bag to give as a homemade gift.

For a fun twist, try adding a drizzle of melted white chocolate over the Almond Cherry Cookies. The kids think it’s fancy! This Almond Cherry Cookies reminds me of another family favorite, Halloween Crinkle Cookies. They are so delicious!

Leftovers? If you have any (which is rare in my house!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They usually stay fresh for about 3-4 days.

FAQs: Your Questions Answered

Alright, mama, let’s tackle some common questions I get about these Almond Cherry Cookies. I get questions all the time. Don’t worry; I’ve got your back!

Q: Is this Almond Cherry Cookies really filling enough for growing kids?

A: Well, they are cookies, so they aren’t meant to be a meal replacement. But, they do satisfy a sweet craving, and the almonds add a bit of protein and healthy fats.

Q: What if my picky eater won’t try this Almond Cherry Cookies?

A: Sometimes it helps to get them involved in the baking process! Let them add the cherries or almonds. If they still resist, try making smaller cookies or adding a fun drizzle of icing.

Q: Can I meal prep this Almond Cherry Cookies for busy weeks ahead?

A: Absolutely! You can make the dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just bring it to room temperature before baking.

Q: Can I freeze the baked Almond Cherry Cookies?

A: Yes! These freeze beautifully. Store them in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Q: What if I don’t have maraschino cherries?

A: You can substitute with other dried fruits like cranberries or dried cherries. Just chop them into small pieces.

Q: Can I use almond flour instead of all-purpose flour?

A: I haven’t tried it myself, but it might work. You may need to adjust the amount of liquid in the recipe. For more simple comfort food ideas for busy families, check out Carrot Cake Oatmeal Cookies.

Q: My cookies spread too thin while baking. What did I do wrong?

A: This usually happens when the butter is too soft. Make sure your butter is softened but not melted. Also, chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking can help.

Q: How long do the Almond Cherry Cookies stay good for?

A: Stored in an airtight container, Almond Cherry Cookies stay fresh for up to a week, however, I’ve never had a batch last that long!

Final Thoughts:

These Almond Cherry Cookies are more than just a recipe; they’re a symbol of simple comfort and family connection. They support my family’s comfort food goals because they are easy to make, satisfying, and always bring smiles.

My Almond Cherry Cookies Comfort Hacks:

Use a cookie scoop for uniform cookies that bake evenly.
Toast the almonds before adding them to the dough for extra flavor.
Don’t overbake! Slightly underbaked cookies are softer and chewier.

Here are some family-tested Almond Cherry Cookies variations:

Chocolate Chip Cherry Almond Cookies: Add ½ cup of chocolate chips to the dough. My son loves this version!
Cherry Almond Biscotti: For a twice-baked cookie, bake the dough in a log, slice, and then bake again. Check out these Italian soft almond cookies with cherries for some extra ideas.
Almond Extract Cookies with Lemon Glaze: Add lemon zest to the dough and drizzle with a simple lemon glaze. My daughter prefers this one. This reminds me of Lemon Glazed Zucchini Cookies.

I hope you’ll make them your own way. Find a version that is best for you and your family! It’s important to remember that they are a simple snack that is a wonderful addition to your day.

My hope is that these Almond Cherry Cookies bring your family as much joy as they bring mine. Embrace the cozy chaos of baking, and don’t be afraid to experiment. I know you can do it! What is the recipe for a White Vivian cookie with almond flavor and …What is the recipe for a White Vivian cookie with almond flavor and …

Give these satisfying Almond Cherry Cookies a try, and let me know what you think! You can also find similar variations like this from Ambitious Kitchen Italian Cherry Almond Cookies. I wish you great luck with your baking, Mama!

Almond Cherry Cookies

Print Recipe

These Almond Cherry Cookies are soft, chewy, and bursting with almond and cherry flavor. They’re the perfect treat for any occasion, easy to make, and sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Author: Beatriz
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 24 cookies
Category: Dessert
Method: Baked
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup granulated sugar
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon almond extract
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon cream of tartar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup dried cherries, chopped
1 cup sliced almonds

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the almond and vanilla extracts.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cream of tartar, and salt.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
Stir in the dried cherries and sliced almonds.
Drop by rounded tablespoons onto the prepared baking sheets.
Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
Let cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

For an extra burst of almond flavor, add a few drops of almond extract to the glaze (optional).