If you’re longing for a delightful treat that perfectly balances nutty richness with vibrant fruity bursts, the Almond Cherry Cookies Recipe is exactly what your kitchen needs. Imagine tender, buttery cookies with the wholesome crunch of almond flour and juicy pops of dried cherries in every bite. This recipe is a surefire way to brighten any afternoon tea or satisfy your sweet tooth without the fuss of complicated ingredients. Once you try these cookies, they’ll quickly become your go-to comfort snack as much as they have become mine!
Ingredients You’ll Need
These simple yet essential ingredients come together beautifully to create a cookie that’s both tender and full of flavor. Each component plays a vital role: almond flour brings a moist, delicate texture, dried cherries add sweetness with a tangy twist, and butter ensures that melt-in-your-mouth softness we all crave.
- 1 cup almond flour: Provides a naturally gluten-free base that’s soft and nutty, perfect for tender cookies.
- 1/2 cup sugar: Sweetens the dough just right, caramelizing lightly during baking for that beautiful cookie crust.
- 1/4 cup butter, softened: Adds richness and moisture, ensuring each cookie stays delightfully chewy.
- 1 egg: Binds all ingredients together while contributing to the cookie’s structure and softness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances overall flavor with a sweet, fragrant note that complements the cherries perfectly.
- 1/2 cup dried cherries, chopped: Offers bursts of tart, chewy fruitiness that brighten the almond flavor.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all the other flavors naturally.
How to Make Almond Cherry Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C), which is the perfect temperature to gently bake these cookies to golden perfection without drying them out. Grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper or use a non-stick mat to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until the mixture is smooth and fluffy. This step is essential as it incorporates air into the dough, setting the stage for delightfully tender cookies.
Step 3: Mix in Egg and Vanilla Extract
Add the egg and vanilla extract to the creamed mixture, then beat well until fully combined. The vanilla elevates the cookie’s aroma, while the egg helps bind everything and create that soft texture you love.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
Gradually stir in the almond flour and salt. Mixing them separately ensures even distribution so every bite has that perfect balance of nutty flavor and just a hint of saltiness to enhance the cherries.
Step 5: Fold in the Dried Cherries
Gently fold in the chopped dried cherries. This step is when the cookie truly begins to shine, as the cherries add those irresistible little pockets of chewy, fruity sweetness.
Step 6: Scoop the Dough
Drop spoonfuls of dough onto your prepared baking sheet, spacing them a couple of inches apart so they have room to spread without merging.
Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake your cookies for 12 to 15 minutes or until the edges turn a lovely golden brown. The sweet almond aroma filling your kitchen will let you know they’re almost ready.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Cooling fully helps them set perfectly so they don’t crumble when you bite in.
How to Serve Almond Cherry Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a light dusting of powdered sugar over the top for an elegant finish that adds a touch of sweetness and makes your cookies look as irresistible as they taste. Alternatively, a drizzle of melted white or dark chocolate can make these cookies feel extra special for celebrations.
Side Dishes
Pair these Almond Cherry Cookies with a warm cup of tea, coffee, or even a cold glass of milk. Their rich texture and fruity notes complement both hot and cold beverages beautifully, offering a cozy experience any time of day.
Creative Ways to Present
For gift-giving or entertaining, arrange the cookies in a decorative tin or wrap them in parchment paper tied with a ribbon. Layer them with wax paper if stacking to keep them from sticking, and garnish the package with a sprig of dried cherries or a small almond cluster for a charming touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your Almond Cherry Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay fresh and chewy for around 4 to 5 days, making them perfect for enjoying throughout the week without losing their delightful texture.
Freezing
You can freeze baked cookies by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transferring them to a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll keep for up to 3 months and thaw quickly so you can enjoy them anytime.
Reheating
To bring back that fresh-baked warmth, pop frozen or stored cookies into a preheated oven at 300°F for 5 minutes or microwave them briefly for about 10 seconds. This revives their softness and releases those beautiful almond and cherry aromas.
FAQs
Can I substitute almond flour with regular flour in the Almond Cherry Cookies Recipe?
While you can use all-purpose flour instead of almond flour, it will change the texture and flavor significantly. Almond flour adds moisture and a natural nuttiness that regular flour won’t replicate exactly.
Are these Almond Cherry Cookies gluten-free?
Yes! Since the recipe uses almond flour instead of wheat flour, these cookies are naturally gluten-free, perfect for those with gluten sensitivities.
Can I use fresh cherries instead of dried in this recipe?
Fresh cherries contain more moisture, which could make the cookie dough too wet and affect baking. Dried cherries work best for flavor and texture, but if you want to try fresh, reduce other liquid ingredients and expect a softer cookie.
How do I make sure the cookies don’t spread too much while baking?
Using chilled dough or adding a bit more almond flour can help control spreading. Also, spacing the dough balls properly and baking at the right temperature is key to maintaining shape.
Can I make the Almond Cherry Cookies Recipe vegan?
It’s possible to substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative and use a flaxseed egg instead of a regular egg. The texture might be slightly different, but the cookies will still taste wonderful!
Final Thoughts
This Almond Cherry Cookies Recipe is a treasure that brings warmth and joy with every bite. Easy to make, filled with wholesome ingredients, and absolutely scrumptious, these cookies are perfect for sharing, gifting, or simply savoring when you need a pick-me-up. I can’t wait for you to try them and make these cookies a beloved staple in your own kitchen too!
Print
Delicious Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Delight in these Almond Cherry Cookies, a perfect blend of nutty almond flour and sweet dried cherries. Soft, chewy, and bursting with flavor, these cookies are easy to make and ideal for a quick treat or sharing at gatherings.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup almond flour
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup butter, softened
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup dried cherries, chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the proper baking temperature by the time your dough is ready.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy, creating a smooth base for the dough.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Mix in the egg and vanilla extract thoroughly, ensuring an even blend of flavors.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: Stir in the almond flour and salt gently until the dough is well combined but not overmixed.
- Incorporate Cherries: Fold the chopped dried cherries into the dough, distributing them evenly for bursts of fruity sweetness.
- Form Cookies: Drop spoonfuls of the cookie dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spaced evenly to allow spreading.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges turn a golden brown, signaling they are perfectly baked.
- Cool: Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Use parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
- Make sure butter is softened to room temperature for easier creaming.
- For a gluten-free version, confirm almond flour is certified gluten-free.
- You can substitute dried cherries with dried cranberries or raisins if preferred.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
