Cherry Almond Cookies

Soft cream cheese cherry almond cookies are a delightful treat that combines the sweetness of maraschino cherries with the nutty flavor of almond. Perfect for celebrations or cozy family gatherings, these cookies stand out with their tender texture and a gorgeous white chocolate drizzle. They’re easy to make and sure to bring joy to anyone who tries them.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Festive Flavor: The combination of cherry and almond creates a unique taste that’s perfect for any occasion.
• Easy to Make: With simple steps and common ingredients, these cookies can be whipped up quickly.
• Versatile Treat: Great for holidays, parties, or just an everyday snack, they fit any dessert table.
• Creamy Texture: The cream cheese gives these cookies a soft and tender bite that melts in your mouth.
• Stunning Presentation: The white chocolate drizzle makes them visually appealing, ideal for impressing guests.

Tools and Preparation

To make the cherry almond cookies, having the right tools is essential. These items will help streamline your baking process and ensure the best results.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper or silicone mat
• Cookie scoop

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer: This tool helps achieve a fluffy consistency when creaming butter and cream cheese.
• Baking sheet: A sturdy baking sheet ensures even baking and prevents warping under high heat.

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 them into bite-sized pieces to mix into your cookie dough.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the following:
1. 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
2. 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
3. 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt

Step 3: Cream Wet Ingredients

In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment:
1. Cream together 1/2 cup unsalted butter and 4 ounces cream cheese on medium speed until fluffy.
2. Gradually add in 1 cup granulated sugar. Mix until pale and airy.
3. Incorporate in 1 large egg, 1 teaspoon each of vanilla extract and almond extract, along with 1 Tablespoon reserved cherry juice (or use up to 2 Tablespoons for extra cherry flavor).

Step 4: Mix Dough Ingredients

Carefully scrape down the sides of the bowl before adding dry ingredients:
1. Mix in the dry ingredients on low speed until just combined.
2. Fold in chopped cherries gently.
3. Chill dough in the refrigerator for at least one hour.

Step 5: Bake Cookies

Preheat your oven to 375℉:
1. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
2. Using a medium cookie scoop (about two tablespoons), portion out dough onto prepared baking sheet.
3. Bake for about ten minutes or until edges begin turning golden brown.
4. Allow cooling on the pan for a couple of minutes before transferring cookies to a wire rack.

Step 6: Drizzle White Chocolate (Optional)

If desired, melt white chocolate:
1. Microwave white chocolate melting wafers in intervals of thirty seconds, stirring between each session until fully melted.
2. Transfer melted chocolate to a plastic bag or piping bag; snip off one corner.
3. Drizzle over cooled cookies as desired and let set until firm.

Enjoy your homemade cherry almond cookies!

How to Serve Cherry Almond Cookies

Cherry almond cookies are delightful treats perfect for various occasions. Their sweet and nutty flavors make them a great addition to any dessert spread. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your cookie experience.

With a Glass of Milk

• A classic pairing that enhances the sweet taste and soft texture of the cookies.

As Party Favors

• Package individual cookies in clear bags tied with ribbons for a charming party favor.

On a Dessert Platter

• Arrange these cookies alongside other desserts like brownies, bars, or fruit tarts for an impressive presentation.

With Fresh Fruit

• Serve cherry almond cookies with slices of fresh fruit, such as strawberries or apples, for a refreshing contrast.

With Coffee or Tea

• Enjoy these cookies with your favorite hot beverage for a cozy afternoon treat.

At Holiday Gatherings

• These festive cookies are perfect for holiday parties and can be decorated with sprinkles or colored icing.

How to Perfect Cherry Almond Cookies

To ensure your cherry almond cookies turn out perfectly every time, consider the following tips:

• 
  

  Use room-temperature ingredients: This helps achieve the right consistency when creaming butter and cream cheese.

  
  
• 
  

  Chill the dough: Allowing the dough to chill for at least one hour helps prevent spreading during baking.

  
  
• 
  

  Don’t overmix: Mix until just combined to keep the cookies tender rather than tough.

  
  
• 
  

  Check oven temperature: Make sure your oven is correctly calibrated; an oven thermometer can help with accuracy.

  
  

Best Side Dishes for Cherry Almond Cookies

Cherry almond cookies pair wonderfully with various side dishes that complement their flavors. Here are some suggestions:

1. 
   

   Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances the sweetness of the cookies.

   
   
2. 
   

   Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy texture and flavor enhance the cherry almond experience perfectly.

   
   
3. 
   

   Cheesecake Bites: Mini cheesecake bites provide a rich counterpart to the lightness of the cookies.

   
   
4. 
   

   Chocolate Fondue: A fun interactive dessert where guests can dip cookie pieces in warm chocolate.

   
   
5. 
   

   Nutty Granola Bars: These add a crunchy texture and healthy option alongside the soft cookies.

   
   
6. 
   

   Spiced Nuts: Savory spiced nuts create a delightful contrast to the sweet cherry almond flavor.

   
   
7. 
   

   Yogurt Parfaits: Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a refreshing side dish that complements your cookie treats.

   
   

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Cherry Almond Cookies can be a delightful experience, but there are common mistakes to watch out for.

• Overmixing the dough: Mixing too much can lead to tough cookies. Mix until just combined and then fold in the cherries gently.
• Not chilling the dough: Skipping the chilling step can cause cookies to spread too much while baking. Chill the dough for at least an hour.
• Using wet cherries: If maraschino cherries are too wet, they can add extra moisture to the dough. Make sure to dry them thoroughly before adding.
• Ignoring oven temperature: Baking at the wrong temperature can affect cookie texture. Always preheat your oven to 375℉ for optimal results.
• Skipping parchment paper: Not lining your baking sheet can result in sticking. Use parchment paper or silicone mats for easy removal.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Layer cookies with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Freezing Cherry Almond Cookies

• Freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to an airtight container after frozen solid.
• They can be stored for up to 3 months.

Reheating Cherry Almond Cookies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F, warm cookies for about 5-7 minutes until soft.
• Microwave: Heat one cookie at a time for about 10-15 seconds until warm.
• Stovetop: Place a cookie in a skillet over low heat for about 30 seconds per side.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Cherry Almond Cookies that may help you.

How do I make Cherry Almond Cookies gluten-free?

You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Ensure it includes xanthan gum for proper texture.

Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino?

Yes, fresh cherries work well! Just be sure to pit and chop them into small pieces.

What other flavors pair well with Cherry Almond Cookies?

Consider adding hints of lemon zest or using dark chocolate instead of white chocolate drizzle for a richer flavor.

How should I store leftover Cherry Almond Cookies?

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

Final Thoughts

These Cherry Almond Cookies are not only festive but also versatile. Their tender texture and delightful flavor make them perfect for any occasion. Feel free to customize with different extracts or toppings based on your preferences!

Print