A beautifully arranged platter of freshly baked almond cherry cookies, each with a smooth pink glaze and a vibrant red maraschino cherry on top. The cookies are stacked artfully on a minimalist white plate with a subtle brown rim, positioned on marble countertops with warm natural morning light creating soft shadows. A sprig of fresh herbs is subtly visible in the background, adding a touch of green to the warm-toned scene. The presentation is clean and tidy, emphasizing the delicious appeal of the cookies.

Almond Cherry Cookies: Sweet, Soft, and So Delicious!

A slightly elevated, close-up view of a small stack of perfectly glazed almond cherry cookies on a minimalist white plate with a brown rim. The soft pink glaze and bright red maraschino cherries are perfectly clear, with some sugar crystals visible on the cookie edges. The cookies are bathed in natural morning light, casting gentle shadows on the marble countertops. The scene evokes warmth and homemade charm, with a hint of a wooden accent in the background.

Almond Cherry Cookies

Almond Cherry Cookies are truly a sweet whisper of nostalgia, a treat that doesn’t just brighten any day, but fills it with a warmth that feels like coming home. I vividly remember the very first time I baked these; the kitchen transformed into a haven, swirling with the comforting, sweet perfume of almond and the delightful anticipation of something truly special. It was more than just following a recipe; it was about crafting a moment of pure, simple happiness that lingered long after the last crumb disappeared.

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These aren’t just any cookies; they’re a little hug in edible form, each one a bite of pure charm destined to bring smiles all around. With their irresistibly tender texture, subtly nutty almond base, and that vibrant, jewel-like cherry crown nestled perfectly in the center, they truly are a masterpiece of flavor and feeling. If you adore this classic style, you might also love exploring other delightful variations, like our classic shortbread thumbprint cookies which share that same comforting appeal.

Perfect for sharing with loved ones, bringing to a gathering, or perhaps, for savoring all to yourself (no judgment here!), these Almond Cherry Cookies promise a delightful escape into sweetness. The magic of almond and cherry together is a beloved combination for a reason, creating such a joyful experience that you’ll find many wonderful interpretations; and if you’re as smitten as I am, you might even enjoy discovering another delightful take on almond cherry cookies from a fellow baker. Get ready to bake some pure joy!

Almond Cherry Cookies: Sweet, Soft, and So Delicious!

Recipe by MayaCourse: DessertsCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy
Servings

4

servings
Prep time

30

minutes
Cooking time

40

minutes
Calories

300

kcal

These delightful Almond Cherry Cookies are soft, buttery, and topped with a luscious almond glaze and a sweet maraschino cherry. A perfect, festive treat for any occasion, these cookies are as beautiful to look at as they are delicious to eat.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened

  • 1 cup granulated sugar

  • 1 large egg

  • 1 teaspoon almond extract

  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder

  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

  • 2 cups powdered sugar

  • 1/4 cup milk (or maraschino cherry juice for extra flavor)

  • 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (for glaze)

  • Pinch of red food coloring (optional, for pinker glaze)

  • 48 maraschino cherries, halved, patted dry

Directions

  • Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  • In a large bowl, cream together softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
  • Beat in the egg and almond extract until well combined.
  • In a separate medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
  • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined and a soft dough forms. Do not overmix.
  • Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
  • Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden. Cookies should still be soft in the center.
  • Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
  • For the glaze: In a medium bowl, whisk powdered sugar, milk (or cherry juice), and almond extract until smooth. Add red food coloring if desired for a vibrant pink.
  • Once cookies are completely cool, spoon a small amount of glaze onto the center of each cookie.
  • Gently place a halved maraschino cherry on top of the glaze before it sets.
  • Let the glaze set completely before storing in an airtight container.

Notes

    • Chill Out: If your dough feels too sticky to roll easily, pop it in the fridge for 15-20 minutes. This makes handling much easier and helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much in the oven, keeping them nice and round.
    • Juice Boost: For an extra pop of cherry flavor and a natural pink hue, swap out a tablespoon or two of the milk in the glaze for juice from your maraschino cherry jar. Just remember to pat your cherries super dry before placing them on the cookies to prevent color bleed!
    • Perfectly Puffy: Avoid overworking your dough! Overmixing can develop too much gluten, leading to tougher cookies. Mix until just combined, and your cookies will turn out wonderfully tender and melt-in-your-mouth soft.

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