Almond Cherry Cookies are 5-ingredient, easy, bold, tasty.

Almond Cherry Cookies: what make this Recipe special

Almond Cherry Cookies are my go-to holiday treat because they deliver bold flavor in minutes. I’m a chef who believes you don’t need a long list to make memories. With five ingredients, these cookies bake fast and travel well, making trays look polished without a fuss. When life is loud, a plate of cookies quietly says, I’ve got you.

Flavor wise, Almond Cherry Cookies sing with three notes. With Almond Cherry Cookies, you get butter aroma, almond warmth, and cherry brightness.

• Buttery richness that feels luxurious
• A gentle almond aroma
• Bright cherry pieces that pop
• Light edges and a soft center

Table of Contents

Almond Cherry Cookies flavor profile

With Almond Cherry Cookies in hand, you’ll notice the warm, cozy scent of butter. The gentle almond note lingers, not overpowering the cherry burst. It’s a balanced bite that feels festive yet homey.

Almond Cherry Cookies for busy days

For busy days, these cookies are a little secret weapon. They bake in under 15 minutes and use only five core ingredients. They travel well and suit bake sales, gifts, or a quick dessert. Prep stays calm when plates disappear faster than you expect.

• Five-ingredient wonder
• Fast bake time
• Travel-friendly for trays and gifts
• Great for quick bake sales or gift tins

Almond Cherry Cookies: what make this Recipe special

Almond Cherry Cookies are my answer to holiday sparkle without a long shopping list. I’m a chef who believes flavor can shine with a few simple ingredients. When life gets busy, these cookies save the day: five ingredients, a 25-minute bake, and trays that look special. They travel well, gift beautifully, and still feel festive.

Almond Cherry Cookies flavor profile

The flavor profile is a trio of buttery comfort, almond warmth, and cherry brightness. They bake to light edges with a tender center, easy to love.

Almond Cherry Cookies for busy days

For busy days, they come together fast and ship well for gifts. The five-ingredient simplicity keeps my week calm and my trays polished. No fuss, just flavor that makes life feel doable.

Almond Cherry Cookies ingredients

For Almond Cherry Cookies, I keep the ingredient list lean for quick baking. Exact quantities are printed at the bottom for easy printing.

• ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp almond extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ½ tsp baking powder
• ¼ tsp salt
• ¾ cup chopped maraschino cherries, well drained
• Optional: sliced almonds for topping
• Optional: powdered sugar for dusting

Notes: For stronger almond flavor, use 1½ tsp almond extract. If maraschino cherries are unavailable, substitute chopped dried cherries (moisten slightly).

How to Make Almond Cherry Cookies

I love that these cookies come together in minutes, and Almond Cherry Cookies taste like a celebration. I’m a chef who believes flavor can shine with a few steps. Here’s how I move from pantry to parchment in smooth, confident steps.

Prep and dough readiness

(Optional) Chill time and equipment setup

First, preheat the oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment—no sticking, no fuss. Next, gather ingredients and have your cherries drained well. This is the moment I measure dry ingredients and soften butter to room temp, so the dough comes together fast.

Creaming butter and sugar

(Tip) Weather and butter temperature impact

I beat the butter and sugar until the mixture is pale and fluffy. This builds lightness into every bite. If the butter is chilly, you’ll need more mixing; in heat, watch for spreading too much. Keep it friendly to your kitchen conditions.

Adding egg and almond extract

(Note) Almond flavor intensity options

Beat in the egg and almond extract until the batter looks cohesive. For a milder almond note, use ½ teaspoon; for a stronger aroma, go up to 1½ teaspoons. You can also add a whisper of almond zest for extra perfume.

Dry ingredients and cherries

(Tip) Don’t overmix after adding dry ingredients

Whisk flour, baking powder, and salt, then fold into the wet mix just until no flour streaks appear. Gently fold in the drained cherries so they stay bright and juicy. Overmixing now makes cookies tough and sad.

Shaping and baking

(Tip) Spacing and checking for doneness

Scoop dough onto the sheets, leaving about 2 inches between cookies. Bake 10–12 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden and the centers look soft. Cool briefly on the sheet, then transfer to a rack. Optional: dust with powdered sugar for a prettified finish.

Tips for Success

• I measure ingredients before starting; this keeps the kitchen calm and confident.
• I drain cherries well to prevent soggy dough and flat cookies.
• I soften butter to room temp; cold butter slows creaming.
• I don’t overmix after adding dry ingredients; fold gently for tenderness.
• I chill dough 15–20 minutes for taller cookies.
• I scoop evenly and space cookies about 2 inches apart.
• I bake until edges are golden and centers look soft.
• I cool completely before storing, and label tins.

Equipment Needed

• Large mixing bowl (glass or stainless)
• Electric mixer or sturdy hand whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons (or a kitchen scale)
• Spatula and wooden spoon for folding
• Parchment paper or a silicone baking mat
• Rimmed baking sheets and a sturdy cooling rack
• Optional: cookie scoop for even portions

Variations

Here are tasty ways to customize Almond Cherry Cookies to fit your pantry, taste, and schedule.

• I swap in a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend (plus 1–2 Tbsp cornstarch) to keep Almond Cherry Cookies tender without gluten.
• I replace butter with the same amount of plant-based butter or coconut oil; keep the egg, or use a flax egg for vegan.
• I switch to well-drained dried cherries or chopped maraschino cherries; you can also use cranberries or chopped candied cherries.
• I fold in 2–3 Tbsp finely chopped almonds or pistachios for extra crunch and aroma.
• I add 1/2 tsp orange zest (or a few drops orange blossom water) to brighten the flavor.
• I fold in 1/3 cup white chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate for a dessert twist.
• I chill the dough 15–20 minutes for taller cookies; skip chilling for quicker bake and crisper edges.
• I balance sweetness with a splash of vanilla or a pinch of cinnamon for warmth.
• I roll the dough into a log, chill, then slice for uniform cookies that pack nicely for gifting.

Why You’ll Love This Almond Cherry Cookies

Almond Cherry Cookies fit my busy life like comfy slippers.
Five core ingredients, small prep, big flavor.
They bake quickly and still taste festive.

The flavor is bold yet balanced: buttery warmth, almond aroma, and cherry brightness.
Edges brown softly while centers stay tender—perfect for trays or gifting.
This simple treat travels well and makes weeknights feel special.

Serving Suggestions

Here are tasty ways to serve Almond Cherry Cookies so they shine at gatherings or on busy weeknights.

• Pair with a hot coffee or almond latte.
• Serve with vanilla yogurt or a dollop of whipped cream.
• Present on a pretty tray with a light dusting of powdered sugar.
• Pack for gifting in tins with tissue paper.

Make-Ahead, Storage, and Gifting Ideas for Almond Cherry Cookies

I love prepping this dough ahead for busy days. I chill it for fifteen to twenty minutes, or refrigerate up to twenty-four hours. Bake when needed, and I enjoy the same bold flavor with less rush.

I store baked cookies in an airtight container. Layer them with parchment and I label the date for easy gifting. They stay best for four to five days at room temperature.

For longer gifting, I freeze baked cookies up to two months. Wrap them in cello, tuck a recipe card, and tie with twine. They travel well and feel like a thoughtful surprise.

FAQs

Can I substitute dried cherries or other dried fruit for the maraschino cherries in Almond Cherry Cookies?

Yes. Dried cherries or cranberries work well in Almond Cherry Cookies. Just rehydrate them briefly or chop finely for even distribution. Drain thoroughly to prevent soggy dough and flavor loss.

How should I store Almond Cherry Cookies, and how long do they stay fresh?

Store baked Almond Cherry Cookies in an airtight container. They stay fresh for four to five days at room temperature. For longer life, freeze cookies on a tray, then seal in tins or bags.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free or vegan?

Yes, you can adapt Almond Cherry Cookies for gluten-free or vegan needs. Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend with 1–2 tablespoons cornstarch. For vegan, swap the egg for a flax egg and use plant-based butter.

What tips help Almond Cherry Cookies bake perfectly every time?

To prevent spreading, chill the dough 15–20 minutes. Ensure your oven is preheated and cookies are evenly spaced on sheets. Bake until edges are lightly golden for tender centers.

Final Thoughts

Baking these Almond Cherry Cookies fills my kitchen with warmth and a sense of everyday celebration. I love how five simple ingredients become a confident gesture of care for family and friends. The scent alone sparks memories of baking with my grandmother and gifting cookies to neighbors. These cookies travel well, ship to distant desks, and quietly brighten busy afternoons.

If time is short, I pull them from the oven and smile. Almond Cherry Cookies remind me that thoughtful flavor can shine in minutes. If you try them, you’ll taste confidence baked into every bite. Flavor lingers long after serving.

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