Cherry Almond Cookies

Soft cream cheese cherry almond cookies are a delightful treat that perfectly blends the sweetness of maraschino cherries with the nutty aroma of almond extract. These cookies are not only festive but also incredibly tender, making them suitable for any occasion—whether it’s a holiday gathering or an afternoon tea. The addition of a simple white chocolate drizzle elevates their appeal, creating a charming dessert that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: The steps are straightforward, making this recipe perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
• Festive Flavor: With pops of cherry and a hint of almond, these cookies bring a burst of flavor to any celebration.
• Versatile Treat: Enjoy them at holiday parties, family gatherings, or as a sweet snack throughout the week.
• Delightful Texture: The combination of cream cheese and butter creates soft, melt-in-your-mouth cookies.
• Beautiful Presentation: The white chocolate drizzle adds a touch of elegance that makes them perfect for gifting.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking your cherry almond cookies, gather your tools to make the process smoother. Having everything ready will help you focus on creating these delicious treats.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Rubber spatula
• Cookie scoop
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mat

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer: Makes creaming butter and cream cheese effortless, ensuring a fluffy texture.
• Rubber spatula: Helps incorporate ingredients thoroughly without wasting any batter.
• Cookie scoop: Ensures even portioning for uniformly 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.

For the Cookies

• 1 (12-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

For the Drizzle (Optional)

• 1/2 cup white chocolate melting wafers

How to Make Cherry Almond Cookies

Step 1: Prepare the Cherries

Drain and chop the maraschino cherries. Place them 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 a 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, mixing until pale and airy.
3. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl.
4. Mix in 1 large egg, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon almond extract, and 1 Tablespoon reserved cherry juice until combined.

Step 4: Mix Everything Together

Scrape down the bowl again, then mix in the dry ingredients on low speed until just combined. Fold in the chopped cherries. Chill dough for at least 1 hour.

Step 5: Preheat Oven

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

Step 6: Portion Dough

Using a medium cookie scoop (about 2 Tablespoons), portion the dough onto the prepared baking sheet.

Step 7: Bake Cookies

Bake for about 10 minutes or until the edges just start to turn golden. Allow cooling on the pan for a couple of minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Step 8: Drizzle with White Chocolate

To top with white chocolate:
1. Microwave white chocolate in intervals of 30 seconds, stirring between each until melted.
2. Transfer melted chocolate to a plastic bag (or piping bag), snip off one corner, and drizzle over cooled cookies.
3. Allow sitting until chocolate is firm to touch.

Enjoy your delightful Cherry Almond Cookies!

How to Serve Cherry Almond Cookies

Cherry almond cookies are a delightful treat, perfect for any occasion. Their soft texture and sweet flavor make them a fantastic addition to dessert platters or afternoon tea.

With Ice Cream

• Scoop of Vanilla: Serve the cookies warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious contrast in temperature and flavor.
• Almond-flavored Ice Cream: Enhance the almond notes by pairing with almond-flavored ice cream.

As a Dessert Platter

• Variety of Cookies: Include cherry almond cookies alongside other cookies like chocolate chip or oatmeal raisin for a colorful and varied dessert table.
• Decorative Garnishes: Add fresh cherries or mint leaves around the platter for an appealing presentation.

With Coffee or Tea

• Pair with Brewed Coffee: The rich flavors of coffee complement the sweetness of the cookies perfectly.
• Herbal Tea: A soothing herbal tea can enhance the cookie’s almond and cherry flavors, creating a relaxing treat.

How to Perfect Cherry Almond Cookies

To ensure your cherry almond cookies turn out perfectly every time, follow these helpful tips.

• Chill Dough Properly: Chilling the dough for at least one hour helps prevent spreading during baking, resulting in thicker cookies.
• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that butter and cream cheese are at room temperature for better blending and fluffiness.
• Don’t Overmix: Mix just until combined after adding dry ingredients to keep the cookies tender and soft.
• Watch Baking Time: Keep an eye on the baking time; removing them from the oven when edges are golden helps maintain softness.
• Store Correctly: Store in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them fresh for longer.

Best Side Dishes for Cherry Almond Cookies

These cherry almond cookies pair beautifully with various side dishes, enhancing their flavor and making for a well-rounded meal or snack.

1. Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balance to the sweet cookies.
2. Cheese Platter: Pair with mild cheeses like brie or goat cheese to create a savory contrast that complements the sweetness.
3. Nut Mix: A selection of roasted nuts provides crunch and enhances the nutty flavors in the cookies.
4. Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and fresh berries for a wholesome side that balances sweetness.
5. Chocolate Fondue: Dip pieces of cookie into melted chocolate for an indulgent dessert experience.
6. Coconut Macaroons: These chewy treats echo the almond flavor while offering a different texture.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Cherry Almond Cookies can be easy, but avoiding common mistakes is essential for the best results.

• Boldly skip chilling the dough: Not chilling the dough can lead to cookies that spread too much while baking. Always chill for at least an hour to maintain shape.
• Boldly underestimate cherry drying time: If cherries are not dried properly, excess moisture can make cookies soggy. Pat them dry with paper towels before adding to the dough.
• Boldly ignore ingredient temperatures: Using cold butter or cream cheese affects texture. Ensure these ingredients are at room temperature for a creamy mix.
• Boldly overmix the batter: Overmixing can lead to tough cookies. Mix until just combined after adding dry ingredients; this keeps them soft and tender.
• Boldly skip measuring accurately: In baking, precision is key. Use a kitchen scale or measuring cups for accurate ingredient amounts to avoid mishaps.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
• Place parchment paper between layers of cookies to prevent sticking.

Freezing Cherry Almond Cookies

• Freeze cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months; label bags with the date for easy reference.

Reheating Cherry Almond Cookies

• Boldly use an oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and warm cookies for about 5-7 minutes for a fresh taste.
• Boldly microwave carefully: Heat individual cookies in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds; avoid overheating.
• Boldly consider stovetop: Place cookies in a skillet on low heat, covered, for a minute or two to warm them gently.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Cherry Almond Cookies and their answers.

What makes Cherry Almond Cookies so special?

Cherry Almond Cookies stand out due to their tender texture and delightful bursts of flavor from maraschino cherries paired with almond extract.

Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries?

Yes, you can use fresh cherries! Just chop and pit them carefully, but ensure they are drier than fresh maraschino cherries to prevent sogginess.

How do I customize my Cherry Almond Cookies?

Feel free to add nuts like sliced almonds or walnuts, or incorporate white chocolate chips for extra sweetness and crunch!

How long do Cherry Almond Cookies last?

These cookies last up to a week in the refrigerator when stored properly and can be frozen for up to three months without losing flavor or texture.

Final Thoughts

Cherry Almond Cookies are not only festive but also incredibly versatile. With their wonderful combination of flavors and textures, they can easily be customized with various add-ins. Give this delightful recipe a try—your friends and family will love them!