As the delightful scent of fresh-baked cookies wafts through my kitchen, it’s hard to resist the allure of Cherry Almond Shortbread Cookies: a buttery treat you’ll love. These gems feature a perfect balance of crisp edges and a tender, melt-in-your-mouth center, all while effortlessly combining the sweet tang of maraschino cherries with the nutty aroma of almond extract. What makes this recipe truly special is its simplicity; you can whip these up in no time, making them an ideal choice for any occasion, from sweet afternoon teas to festive festivities. Plus, there’s a gluten-free option available, so everyone can enjoy! Who’s ready to fill their home with the cozy ambiance of baking and indulge in these charming cookies?
Why You’ll Crave These Cookies?
Irresistible Aroma: The moment you start baking, the warm scent of almond and cherry fills your home, creating an inviting atmosphere that makes it impossible to resist.
Simplicity Personified: With just a handful of ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll be able to whip these up with ease, perfect for any skill level.
Versatile Delight: Adapt the recipe to your taste with variations like using fresh cherries or gluten-free flour, ensuring everyone at your gathering can enjoy these cookies.
Crowd-Pleasing Treat: These cookies are sure to impress your family and friends, making them a hit at holiday parties or casual get-togethers.
Perfect Pairings: They pair beautifully with a cup of herbal tea or a scoop of classic vanilla ice cream, elevating your dessert experience.
Make Ahead: Prepare dough in advance or freeze it for a convenient baking option when guests come over or you find yourself craving a sweet treat!
Try these delightful Cherry Almond Shortbread Cookies and find yourself in cookie heaven! They’re a soothing alternative to fast food, and for more great recipes, check out my Buttery Pecan Snowball and Carrot Cake Cookies.
Cherry Almond Shortbread Cookies Ingredients
For the Cookie Dough
- Unsalted Butter – Provides richness and creaminess to the cookies; substitute with margarine for a dairy-free option.
- Powdered Sugar – Sweetens and helps achieve a lighter texture; granulated sugar works in a pinch.
- Maraschino Cherry Juice – Adds moisture and a subtle cherry flavor; fresh cherry juice is a fantastic alternative.
- Almond Extract – Enhances the cookie’s flavor with nutty notes; swap for vanilla extract for a different twist.
- Salt – Balances the cookie’s sweetness, crucial for flavor depth.
- All-Purpose Flour – Provides structure; use gluten-free flour for a delectable gluten-free version.
- Maraschino Cherries – Chopped cherries create fruity bursts in every bite; consider Amareno cherries for a richer flavor.
Indulge in these Cherry Almond Shortbread Cookies, and discover a delightful treat for every occasion!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Cherry Almond Shortbread Cookies: A Buttery Treat You’ll Love
Step 1: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a stand mixer, combine room temperature unsalted butter, powdered sugar, maraschino cherry juice, almond extract, and salt. Beat on medium speed for 2–3 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy, showcasing a pale yellow color. This step is essential as it incorporates air into the butter, creating a delightful texture for your Cherry Almond Shortbread Cookies.
Step 2: Incorporate Flour
With the mixer set to low speed, gradually add all-purpose flour to your creamed mixture. Mix just until a crumbly texture forms, which should take about 1–2 minutes. Avoid overmixing to ensure your cookies maintain a tender quality. You’ll know it’s ready when the dough starts clumping together and looks slightly textured but not too sticky.
Step 3: Fold in Cherries
Using a rubber spatula, gently fold in the chopped maraschino cherries until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough. This process will only take about a minute. Be careful not to overwork the dough, as this will help maintain the soft, buttery consistency of your Cherry Almond Shortbread Cookies while adding delightful fruity bursts in every bite.
Step 4: Shape and Chill Dough
Transfer the dough onto a sheet of parchment paper and shape it into a log about 2 inches in diameter. Wrap the log tightly in the parchment and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Chilling the dough allows the flavors to meld and firms it up, making it easier to slice into perfect rounds later on.
Step 5: Preheat Oven
While the dough chills, preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Prepare your baking sheets by lining them with silicone mats or parchment paper. This step is crucial as it ensures even baking of your Cherry Almond Shortbread Cookies, resulting in a beautifully golden color.
Step 6: Bake Cookies
Once the dough is chilled, slice it into ⅓-inch rounds and arrange them on the prepared baking sheets with some space in between. Bake in the preheated oven for 11–13 minutes until the edges are set and lightly golden. You’ll know they’re done when they join the warm, inviting scents of cherry and almond wafting through your kitchen.
Step 7: Cool and Enjoy
Allow the baked cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 2 minutes before gently transferring them to a wire rack. This brief cooling helps them firm up slightly. As they cool, they will exhibit that delightful crispy edge while remaining soft in the center, perfect for indulging in the warmth of your Cherry Almond Shortbread Cookies!
Cherry Almond Shortbread Cookies Variations
Feel free to get creative with your Cherry Almond Shortbread Cookies, as there are countless ways to make this recipe your own!
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Fresh Cherries: Swap maraschino cherries for fresh, chopped cherries for a vibrant burst of flavor. You’ll get that juicy freshness that complements the buttery cookie beautifully.
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Coconut Twist: Replace almond extract with coconut extract for a tropical flair. The coconut infuses a delightful aroma that will whisk you away to a sunny beach with every bite.
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Gluten-Free Delight: Use gluten-free all-purpose flour to make these cookies suitable for everyone. They will still hold their tender and buttery charm while catering to different dietary needs.
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Dark Chocolate Drizzle: Melt some dark chocolate and drizzle it over the cooled cookies for a touch of elegance. The deep flavor of chocolate adds a luscious contrast to the sweet cherries.
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Hazelnut Flavor: For a nutty variation, substitute almond extract with hazelnut extract. This gives the cookies a unique twist that pairs wonderfully with the cherries’ sweetness.
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Zesty Lemon: Add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the dough for a refreshing citrus zing. The bright flavor will elevate the overall taste and offer a delightful surprise in each bite.
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Spiced Warmth: Incorporate a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg into the dough for a warm, comforting flavor. This is particularly lovely around the holidays and makes the cookies feel extra special.
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Nutty Crunch: Fold in some chopped nuts, like almonds or walnuts, alongside the cherries for an additional texture and crunch. These will bring a surprise element that enhances your cookie experience.
Explore these variations as you immerse yourself in the world of baking! And if you want more delightful recipes, consider trying my Buttery Spritz Cookies or those delightful Christmas Truffles Melt.
What to Serve with Cherry Almond Shortbread Cookies?
Treat yourself to a delightful experience by pairing these buttery cookies with complementary flavors and textures.
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Classic Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy, cold ice cream contrasts beautifully with the warm, buttery cookies for an indulgent dessert duo.
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Herbal Tea: A cup of soothing herbal tea offers a fragrant, calming balance to the sweet cookie, enhancing your afternoon break.
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Fresh Berries: Juicy strawberries or tart raspberries add a refreshing, fruity burst that perfectly complements the cherry notes.
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Fruit Platter: A selection of seasonal fruits provides vibrant color and natural sweetness, making for a visually appealing and flavorful ensemble.
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Chocolate Drizzle: Add a touch of elegance by drizzling melted dark chocolate over the cookies, bringing a rich, contrasting flavor that elevates the treat.
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Almond Milk: For a dairy-free option, a refreshing glass of almond milk brings out the nutty flavors while maintaining a light and wholesome feel.
A delightful array of these pairings can transform your Cherry Almond Shortbread Cookies into an unforgettable experience everyone will adore!
Helpful Tricks for Cherry Almond Shortbread Cookies
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Butter Temperature Matters: Ensure your butter is at room temperature; this makes it easier to cream and results in a lighter, fluffier cookie.
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Avoid Overmixing: Mix the dough just until it comes together to avoid tough cookies. Gentle folding is key for perfect Cherry Almond Shortbread Cookies.
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Chill for Better Slicing: Don’t skip chilling the dough! It firms up the mixture and makes slicing into rounds much easier while ensuring a nice shape during baking.
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Precision in Slicing: Use a sharp knife to cut even rounds for consistent baking. Uneven slices can lead to some cookies being overbaked while others remain soft.
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Flavor Boost: For an extra depth of flavor, mix a dash of vanilla extract with your almond extract. It pairs beautifully with the cherries and enhances the overall taste.
How to Store and Freeze Cherry Almond Shortbread Cookies
Room Temperature: Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.
Fridge: If you prefer, keep the cookies in the fridge for up to 5 days. Just make sure they’re well-wrapped to prevent them from absorbing any odors.
Freezer: Freeze unbaked dough for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, slice the dough while still frozen and adjust the baking time slightly, as they may need an extra minute or two.
Reheating: If you’d like to enjoy your Cherry Almond Shortbread Cookies warm, simply microwave them for about 10-15 seconds or reheat in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes.
Make Ahead Options
These Cherry Almond Shortbread Cookies are ideal for meal prep enthusiasts looking to save time and enjoy delicious homemade treats! You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance by shaping it into a log and refrigerating it. For longer storage, the unbaked dough can be frozen for up to 3 months. Simply slice the chilled or frozen dough and bake directly from the freezer, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time. To maintain the cookies’ delightful texture and flavor, ensure they are stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days after baking. When you’re ready to serve, just bake and enjoy these buttery delights with no fuss!
Cherry Almond Shortbread Cookies Recipe FAQs
How do I select the right maraschino cherries for this recipe?
Absolutely! When choosing maraschino cherries, look for ones that are bright red in color, plump, and with no dark spots. The quality of the cherries will significantly enhance the flavor of your cookies. I often prefer the ones packed in syrup for a richer taste, but feel free to experiment with Amareno cherries for a more intense cherry flavor!
What is the best way to store baked Cherry Almond Shortbread Cookies?
You can store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Keeping them in a cool, dark place is ideal to maintain their freshness. If you have any leftovers, you might even consider refrigerating them for up to 5 days, making sure they’re well-wrapped to prevent absorbing any odors from your fridge.
Can I freeze the uncooked cookie dough?
Very! You can freeze unbaked cookie dough for up to 3 months. To do so, shape the dough into a log, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, or place it in an airtight freezer bag. When you’re ready to bake, slice the dough while still frozen and adjust the baking time by adding an extra minute or two, ensuring your delicious cookies are as fresh as can be!
What should I do if my cookie dough is too soft?
If you find your cookie dough is too soft, don’t worry! Simply refrigerate the dough for an additional 30-60 minutes. Chilling it will firm up the texture, making it much easier to slice into rounds without losing their shape during baking. Patience is key—great cookies start with the right dough consistency!
Are these Cherry Almond Shortbread Cookies suitable for those with gluten allergies?
Absolutely! This recipe includes the option to use gluten-free all-purpose flour, making it perfect for those who are gluten-sensitive. Just ensure the flour you select is certified gluten-free, and you’re all set to enjoy these buttery treats without worry!
How long can I keep these cookies in the freezer?
You can store your baked Cherry Almond Shortbread Cookies in the freezer for up to 3 months. For the best results, layer them between sheets of parchment paper in an airtight container. When you’re ready to relish them, simply thaw at room temperature for a few minutes, or reheat gently in the oven. Enjoy the delightful taste as if they were just baked!
Cherry Almond Shortbread Cookies: Buttery Treats to Adore
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a stand mixer, combine room temperature unsalted butter, powdered sugar, maraschino cherry juice, almond extract, and salt. Beat on medium speed for 2–3 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- With the mixer set to low speed, gradually add all-purpose flour to your creamed mixture. Mix just until a crumbly texture forms, about 1–2 minutes.
- Using a rubber spatula, gently fold in the chopped maraschino cherries until evenly distributed.
- Transfer the dough onto parchment paper and shape it into a log about 2 inches in diameter. Wrap tightly and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- While the dough chills, preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and line baking sheets with silicone mats or parchment paper.
- Once chilled, slice the dough into ⅓-inch rounds and arrange on prepared baking sheets. Bake for 11–13 minutes until edges are set and lightly golden.
- Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 2 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
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