The Perfect Cherry Almond Shortbread Cookies Recipe for Sweet Bakers

Have you ever stumbled upon a magical cherry almond shortbread cookies recipe that whispers sweet promises of comfort?

Delicate crumbs melt on your tongue with buttery elegance.

Nutty almonds dance alongside bright cherry bursts, creating a symphony of flavors.

Crisp edges give way to tender centers that feel like a warm embrace.

Baking these treats fills your kitchen with an irresistible aroma that beckons everyone near.

Subtle sweetness and rich textures make these cookies a delightful companion to afternoon tea or a midnight indulgence.

Grab your apron and let the baking adventure begin – these cookies are about to become your new favorite obsession.

Cherry Almond Shortbread Cookies For Nutty Bliss

• Whip Up Quickly: Minimal ingredients and simple steps make these cookies super easy to prepare in just 30 minutes.
• Crowd-Pleasing Flavor Combo: Cherries and almonds create a delightful sweet-tangy taste that appeals to both kids and adults, perfect for family gatherings or afternoon tea.
• Elegant Dessert Option: The white chocolate drizzle adds a sophisticated touch, transforming these cookies from basic to gourmet with minimal extra effort.
• Versatile Baking Project: Great for beginners and experienced bakers alike, these cookies can be made for holidays, potlucks, or as a spontaneous weekend treat that everyone will love.

What Goes In Cherry Almond Cookies

• Unsalted Butter: Provides rich, creamy foundation for cookie texture and flavor. Room temperature butter ensures smooth mixing.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create crisp, tender shortbread texture.
• Pure Vanilla Extract: Delivers classic bakery flavor and enhances overall taste profile.
• Almond Extract: Contributes nutty, aromatic depth to cookie flavor.
• Maraschino Cherry Juice: Adds subtle fruity moisture and light pink hint.

• All-Purpose Flour: Core structural ingredient that creates classic shortbread crumb. Spoon and level for accurate measurement.
• Maraschino Cherries: Adds vibrant color, fruity bursts, and sweet-tart flavor throughout cookies.

• White Chocolate: Provides elegant finishing touch and additional sweetness. Creates decorative coating or drizzle for extra indulgence.

Cherry Almond Shortbread Cookies How To Bake

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 350°F.

Grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a big mixing bowl, whip the softened butter and sugar together until they become light, fluffy, and look like a dreamy cloud.

Step 3: Add Flavor Boosters

• Vanilla extract
• Almond extract
• Maraschino cherry juice

Mix everything until well combined.

Step 4: Blend in Flour

Slowly add flour to the mixture, stirring gently until the dough comes together.

Don’t overmix – keep it relaxed!

Step 5: Fold in Cherry Bits

Sprinkle in chopped maraschino cherries, folding them into the dough with a light touch.

Step 6: Shape the Cookies

Roll the dough into cute little balls, each about the size of a ping pong ball.

Place them on the prepared baking sheet with some breathing room between each cookie.

Step 7: Optional Chocolate Drizzle

If you’re feeling fancy, melt some white chocolate and create a beautiful drizzle over the cooled cookies.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Pop the baking sheet into the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes.

Look for golden edges – that’s your signal they’re done!

Step 9: Cool and Enjoy

Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

Allow them to cool completely before diving in.

Handy Tips for Cherry Almond Shortbread Cookies

• Leave butter out at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before baking to achieve the ideal creamy texture for mixing.
• Pat maraschino cherries dry with paper towels to prevent excess liquid from making cookie dough too wet.
• Chill cookie dough for 15-20 minutes before rolling and baking to help maintain shape and prevent excessive spreading.
• Use a fork or piping bag for elegant white chocolate drizzling, ensuring even and attractive cookie decoration.
• Substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend and add 1/4 teaspoon xanthan gum for better texture and binding.

Cherry Almond Shortbread Cookies – Storage Tips to Keep Crisp

• Store cooled cookies in an airtight container, layering with parchment paper between each row, for up to 5 days to maintain freshness and prevent sticking.
• Pack cookies in a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag, separating layers with wax paper, and freeze for up to 3 months to enjoy later.
• Remove cookies from freezer and let them sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes, allowing them to become soft and delicious before serving.
• Warm cookies gently in a preheated oven at 300°F for 3-5 minutes to restore their crisp texture and enhance their original flavor.

Match Well with Cherry Almond Shortbread Cookies

• Pair Creamy Coffee: Indulge these sweet cookies with a smooth, rich cappuccino that complements the cherry and almond flavors, creating a luxurious morning or afternoon treat.
• Enhance with Dessert Wine: Select a light moscato or sweet riesling that matches the cookie's fruity notes, balancing the buttery shortbread with delicate wine undertones.
• Boost with Almond Milk: Enjoy a chilled glass of unsweetened almond milk that echoes the cookie's nutty profile and provides a cool, refreshing contrast to the sweet cherries.
• Elevate with Vanilla Latte: Sip a creamy vanilla latte that harmonizes with the cookie's vanilla extract, adding depth and warmth to the delicate shortbread experience.

Cherry Almond Shortbread Cookies Recipe Flavor Pairing Suggestions

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, ensuring the same texture and taste for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Vegan Adaptation: Swap butter with coconut oil or vegan margarine, and use dairy-free white chocolate for drizzling to create a plant-based friendly cookie.
• Low-Sugar Option: Substitute granulated sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, reducing overall sugar content while maintaining the cookie's delightful flavor profile.
• Nutty Enhancement: Add chopped almonds or almond slivers to the dough for extra crunch and a more pronounced nutty flavor throughout the cookie.

FAQs

• Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries?

Maraschino cherries provide a specific sweetness and color. Fresh cherries will change the texture and moisture of the cookies, potentially making them too wet and affecting the overall recipe.

• How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking?

Chill the dough for 30 minutes before rolling into balls. This helps the butter firm up and maintains the cookie’s shape during baking. Also, ensure your butter is softened but not melted.

• Is almond extract necessary for this recipe?

Almond extract adds a distinct nutty flavor that complements the cherries. If you don’t have it, you can omit it, but the cookies will lose some of their signature taste profile.

• What type of white chocolate works best for drizzling?

Use high-quality white chocolate chips or baking chocolate. Avoid candy melts or coating chocolates, as they have different melting properties and can affect the final taste and texture of the cookies.

Cherry Almond Shortbread Cookies Recipe

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4.9 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

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Description

Delightful Cherry Almond Shortbread Cookies invite sweet moments of pure indulgence. Buttery, crumbly shortbread meets tart cherries and nutty almonds, creating a perfect companion for afternoon tea or quiet celebrations.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
• 34 cup (12 tablespoons; 170g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
• 23 cup (134g) granulated sugar

Flavoring Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 12 teaspoon almond extract
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) maraschino cherry juice
• 16 maraschino cherries (drained and chopped)

Optional Topping:

• 4 ounces (113 grams) white chocolate

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Instructions

1. Prepare oven environment by setting temperature to 350°F and lining baking sheets with parchment paper for optimal cookie performance.
2. Create a creamy butter and sugar base by vigorously mixing until achieving a light, airy texture that promises delicate cookies.
3. Infuse flavor complexity by incorporating vanilla essence, almond extract, and vibrant maraschino cherry juice into the butter mixture.
4. Gently introduce flour to the wet ingredients, carefully blending until just combined to maintain the delicate shortbread texture.
5. Carefully distribute chopped maraschino cherries throughout the dough, ensuring even flavor distribution in each morsel.
6. Craft uniform cookie spheres by rolling dough into consistent 1-inch balls, strategically positioning them on prepared baking sheets.
7. Optional enhancement involves delicately drizzling melted white chocolate over the cookies for an elegant finishing touch.
8. Bake the cookies, monitoring their transformation until edges develop a subtle golden hue, typically requiring 12-15 minutes of precise oven time.
9. Allow cookies to rest briefly on baking sheets to stabilize, then transition to a wire cooling rack for complete temperature reduction and texture setting.

Notes

• Drain cherries thoroughly to prevent excess moisture from making cookies soggy, ensuring a perfect texture.
• Chill dough for 30 minutes before rolling to help cookies maintain shape and prevent spreading during baking.
• For gluten-sensitive guests, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend, keeping the same measurements.
• Enhance almond flavor by adding a sprinkle of sliced almonds on top before baking for extra crunch and visual appeal.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 139
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 12mg
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 17g
• Fiber: 0.5g
• Protein: 1.5g
• Cholesterol: 30mg