Hey y’all! If you’re looking for a cookie that is both sweet and nutty, then Cherry Almond Cookies are your new best friend. These delightful treats are packed with tart cherries and crunchy almonds, making them perfect for holiday gatherings, afternoon snacks, or a sweet ending to any meal. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This
- These Cherry Almond Cookies are soft and chewy with a perfect crunch from the almonds.
- They are incredibly easy to make, perfect for beginners or when you’re short on time.
- The combination of cherries and almonds creates a unique flavor profile that is both sweet and tart.
- This recipe makes a large batch, ideal for sharing with friends and family.
- These cookies can be customized with various add-ins for a personal touch.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup dried cherries
- 1 cup sliced almonds
Directions
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, then stir in the vanilla and almond extracts.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
Step 4: Add Cherries and Almonds
Fold in the dried cherries and sliced almonds until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Step 5: Bake the Cookies
Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Let cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
Notes
- For a softer cookie, slightly underbake them; the cookies will continue to set as they cool. Learn more about cookie baking tips.
- Chop the cherries if you prefer smaller pieces dispersed throughout the cookies.
- Consider using a cookie scoop for uniform cookie sizes and even baking.
Variations
- Chocolate Cherry Almond Cookies: Add 1/2 cup of dark chocolate chips to the dough.
- Gluten-Free Cherry Almond Cookies: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend.
- Cherry Almond Oatmeal Cookies: Mix in 1 cup of oats for extra texture.
Required Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper
- Wire racks
- Cookie scoop (optional)
Storage Instructions
Store the Cherry Almond Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze the cookies for up to 3 months.
Suggested Pairings
Enjoy these cookies with a glass of cold milk, a cup of hot coffee, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.
Pro Tips
- Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for better mixing. Check here for more baking tips.
- Chill the dough for an hour if you prefer a thicker cookie.
- Toss the cherries in a bit of flour to prevent them from sinking to the bottom of the cookies.
FAQ
- Can I use fresh cherries instead of dried? Fresh cherries will add more moisture, which could alter the texture of the cookies. Dried cherries are recommended.
- What can I use instead of almond extract? You can substitute with additional vanilla extract or use a different nut extract, like hazelnut.
- Can I make the dough ahead of time? Yes, the dough can be prepared and refrigerated up to 48 hours in advance.