Cherry Almond Cookies

Cherry Almond Cookies are a delightful treat that combines soft cream cheese with bursts of maraschino cherries and a simple white chocolate drizzle. Perfect for holiday gatherings, potlucks, or just a cozy night in, these cookies are festive and tender. The combination of almond and cherry flavors makes them unique and hard to resist!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, these cookies come together in no time.
• Festive Flavor: The mix of cherry and almond creates a deliciously sweet treat, perfect for any occasion.
• Soft & Chewy Texture: Thanks to the cream cheese, these cookies are wonderfully soft and chewy.
• Versatile Topping: The optional white chocolate drizzle adds an elegant touch that elevates the cookies.
• Make Ahead Option: The dough can be chilled for later baking, making it convenient for busy days.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the baking process, gather your tools. Having everything ready will make your experience smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer
• Medium mixing bowl
• Rubber spatula
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mat

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer: This tool ensures that your butter and cream cheese blend perfectly for a fluffy cookie base.
• Rubber spatula: Essential for scraping down the sides of the bowl to incorporate all ingredients fully.
• Baking sheet: Allows for even baking; a vital component in achieving perfectly baked cookies.

Ingredients

Soft cream cheese cherry almond cookies with pops of maraschino cherries and a simple white chocolate drizzle. Festive, tender, and so easy to make.

Ingredients:
– 1 (10-ounce) jar maraschino cherries, reserving 1-2 Tablespoons cherry juice
– 1 3/4 cup (255 grams) all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
– 1/2 cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, at room temperature
– 4 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
– 1 cup (200 grams) granulated sugar
– 1 large egg, at room temperature
– 1 teaspoon almond extract
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 cup white chocolate melting wafers, optional

How to Make Cherry Almond Cookies

Step 1: Prepare the Cherries

Drain and chop maraschino cherries. Place cherries on a plate lined with paper towels to dry. Chop into bite-sized pieces.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together:
1. 1 3/4 cups flour
2. 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
3. 1/2 teaspoon salt

Step 3: Cream Wet Ingredients

In the bowl of your stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment:
1. Cream together 1/2 cup butter and 4 ounces cream cheese on medium speed until fluffy.
2. Gradually add in 1 cup sugar on medium-high speed until pale and airy.
3. Use a rubber spatula to scrape down the sides of the bowl.
4. Mix in 1 large egg, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 1 teaspoon almond extract along with reserved cherry juice (use more if desired) until combined.

Step 4: Combine Mixtures

Scrape down the sides again. Mix in the dry ingredients on low speed until just combined. Fold in the chopped cherries gently.

Step 5: Chill Dough

Chill the dough for at least one hour to firm up.

Step 6: Preheat Oven

Preheat your oven to 375℉. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.

Step 7: Portion & Bake Cookies

Using a medium cookie scoop (about two tablespoons), portion out dough onto your prepared baking sheet. Bake for about ten minutes or until edges start turning golden. Let cool on the pan for two minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Step 8: Drizzle White Chocolate

To top the cookies:
1. Microwave white chocolate in intervals of thirty seconds, stirring each time until melted.
2. Transfer melted chocolate into a plastic bag or piping bag.
3. Snip off a corner of the bag and drizzle over cooled cookies.
4. Allow chocolate to firm up before serving.

Enjoy your delicious Cherry Almond Cookies!

How to Serve Cherry Almond Cookies

Cherry almond cookies are a delightful treat that can be served in various ways. Whether for a festive gathering or just a cozy night at home, these cookies are sure to impress. Here are some creative serving suggestions to enhance your cherry almond cookie experience.

With a Glass of Milk

• Pair these cookies with a cold glass of milk for a classic combination that balances the sweetness with creaminess.

As a Dessert Platter

• Arrange your cherry almond cookies on a dessert platter along with other goodies like brownies and fruit tarts for an appealing spread.

Crumbled Over Ice Cream

• Crumble the cookies on top of vanilla or cherry ice cream for an indulgent dessert that adds texture and flavor.

With Fresh Berries

• Serve alongside fresh berries such as strawberries or raspberries to add a tart contrast to the sweet cookies.

Drizzled with Chocolate Sauce

• Enhance the flavors by drizzling warm chocolate sauce over the cookies just before serving for an extra touch of decadence.

As Party Favors

• Package the cookies in decorative bags and give them as party favors at gatherings, spreading joy long after the event is over.

How to Perfect Cherry Almond Cookies

To ensure your cherry almond cookies turn out perfect every time, consider these helpful tips. Following these will elevate your baking game and delight everyone who tries them.

• 
  

  Use room temperature ingredients: Allow your butter and cream cheese to sit out until they reach room temperature. This helps create a smoother batter and better texture in your cookies.

  
  
• 
  

  Chill the dough: Allowing the dough to chill for at least one hour helps prevent spreading during baking, resulting in thicker, chewier cookies.

  
  
• 
  

  Don’t overmix: When combining dry ingredients with wet, mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, so gentle folding is key.

  
  
• 
  

  Monitor baking time: Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake. They should be golden around the edges but still soft in the center. Remove them from the oven when they look slightly underbaked, as they will continue to cook on the pan.

  
  
• 
  

  Add more cherries: For an even more intense cherry flavor, feel free to add extra chopped maraschino cherries into the dough before baking.

  
  
• 
  

  Store properly: To keep your cookies fresh longer, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. You can also freeze them for later enjoyment!

  
  

Best Side Dishes for Cherry Almond Cookies

Cherry almond cookies make a delightful dessert that pairs well with several side dishes. Here’s a list of perfect accompaniments that complement their flavors beautifully.

1. 
   

   Vanilla Ice Cream: This classic pairing enhances the cookie’s sweetness while adding creaminess that contrasts nicely with their texture.

   
   
2. 
   

   Fruit Salad: A fresh fruit salad brings brightness and acidity that balances out the rich flavors of the cookies.

   
   
3. 
   

   Coffee or Espresso: The boldness of coffee or espresso creates a wonderful contrast with sweet cherry almond cookies, making each bite even more enjoyable.

   
   
4. 
   

   Cheese Plate: A selection of mild cheeses offers savory notes that pair surprisingly well with sweet treats like these cookies.

   
   
5. 
   

   Chocolate Fondue: Set up a chocolate fondue station where guests can dip pieces of cookie for an interactive dessert experience.

   
   
6. 
   

   Herbal Tea: A soothing cup of herbal tea adds warmth and complements the nutty flavors of almond present in these delightful treats.

   
   
7. 
   

   Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and fruit; serve alongside your cherry almond cookies for a balanced breakfast or snack option.

   
   
8. 
   

   Pecan Pie Bars: These rich bars offer another layer of sweetness while providing contrasting textures next to your soft cherry almond cookies.

   
   

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Cherry Almond Cookies can be fun, but common mistakes can lead to less-than-perfect results. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

• 
  

  Skipping the drying step: Not drying the maraschino cherries can make your cookies soggy. Always place them on paper towels to absorb excess moisture.

  
  
• 
  

  Not chilling the dough: If you skip chilling the dough, your cookies may spread too much during baking. Allow at least one hour in the fridge for better texture.

  
  
• 
  

  Overmixing the batter: Mixing too long can make cookies tough instead of tender. Mix just until ingredients are combined for a soft bite.

  
  
• 
  

  Ignoring oven temperature: An incorrect oven temperature can lead to uneven baking. Use an oven thermometer to ensure accuracy for perfectly baked cookies.

  
  
• 
  

  Underbaking or overbaking: Baking time is crucial; underbaked cookies can be gooey while overbaked ones will be hard. Keep a close eye on them!

  
  

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Duration: Store Cherry Almond Cookies in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
• Containers: Use an airtight container to keep them fresh and moist.

Freezing Cherry Almond Cookies

• Duration: These cookies freeze well for up to 3 months.
• Containers: Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper.

Reheating Cherry Almond Cookies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and warm cookies for about 5-7 minutes for a fresh-baked feel.
• Microwave: Heat individual cookies in 10-15 second intervals until warm.
• Stovetop: Place cookies in a covered skillet over low heat for a few minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Cherry Almond Cookies special?

Cherry Almond Cookies stand out due to their combination of creamy texture from cream cheese and the sweet-tart flavor of maraschino cherries, making them irresistible.

Can I substitute fresh cherries instead of maraschino?

Yes, you can use fresh cherries! Just chop them finely and adjust the sugar if needed since fresh cherries are less sweet than maraschino.

How do I store leftover Cherry Almond Cookies?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate them for longer freshness.

What variations can I try with this recipe?

You can add nuts like almonds or walnuts, swap white chocolate drizzle for dark chocolate, or even add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for unique flavors.

Final Thoughts

These Cherry Almond Cookies are not only delicious but also versatile, making them perfect for any occasion. With easy customization options, you can cater them to your taste preferences. Don’t hesitate—give this delightful recipe a try!

Print