Cherry Almond Cookies

Soft cream cheese cherry almond cookies are a delightful treat that combines the sweet and tangy flavor of maraschino cherries with the rich taste of almond. Perfect for any occasion, from holiday gatherings to casual get-togethers, these cookies stand out with their tender texture and simple white chocolate drizzle.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: These cookies come together in just a few simple steps, making them perfect for both beginner and experienced bakers.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of cream cheese, cherries, and almond extract creates a unique flavor that is sure to impress.
• Versatile for Occasions: Whether it’s a festive holiday or just a weekend treat, these cookies fit right in on any dessert table.
• Beautiful Presentation: The white chocolate drizzle adds an elegant touch to the cookies, making them visually appealing as well as tasty.
• Batch Friendly: This recipe yields about 30 cookies, making it ideal for sharing with friends and family.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking your cherry almond cookies, gather your tools. Having everything ready will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer: This tool makes creaming butter and cream cheese effortless, ensuring a fluffy texture for your cookie dough.
• Rubber spatula: Ideal for scraping down the sides of your mixing bowl to ensure all ingredients are fully combined.
• Baking sheet: A good quality baking sheet helps achieve even baking for perfectly baked cookies.

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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

Optional Topping

• 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: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined.

Step 3: Cream Wet Ingredients

In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment:
1. Cream together the butter and cream cheese on medium speed until fluffy.
2. Gradually add granulated sugar while mixing on medium-high speed until pale and airy.
3. Scrape down the sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula.
4. Mix in the egg, vanilla extract, almond extract, and reserved cherry juice until everything is well combined.

Step 4: Combine Mixtures

With the mixer on low speed:
1. Gradually add the dry ingredients until just combined.
2. Gently fold in the chopped cherries using a rubber spatula.
3. Chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least one hour.

Step 5: Preheat Oven

Preheat your oven to 375℉ (190℃). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.

Step 6: Bake Cookies

Using a medium cookie scoop (about 2 tablespoons), portion out dough onto the prepared baking sheet:
– Bake for about 10 minutes or until edges begin to turn golden brown.
– Allow cooling on the pan for a couple of minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.

Step 7: Drizzle White Chocolate (Optional)

To top your cookies:
1. Microwave white chocolate melting wafers in intervals of 30 seconds, stirring in between until melted.
2. Transfer melted chocolate into a plastic bag or piping bag. Snip off one corner to drizzle over cooled cookies.
3. Let sit until chocolate firms up before serving.

Enjoy your delicious cherry almond cookies!

How to Serve Cherry Almond Cookies

Cherry almond cookies are delightful treats that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a festive gathering or having a quiet evening at home, these cookies can complement any occasion.

With Tea or Coffee

• Pair your cherry almond cookies with a warm cup of tea or coffee. The flavors of almond and cherry blend beautifully with the rich notes of your favorite beverage.

As Dessert at Dinner Parties

• Serve these cookies as a light dessert option after dinner. Their sweet and fruity profile makes them an excellent choice for ending a meal on a high note.

In Gift Baskets

• Include cherry almond cookies in homemade gift baskets. They add a personal touch and are perfect for sharing during holidays or special occasions.

With Ice Cream

• Enjoy these cookies alongside a scoop of vanilla or almond ice cream. The creaminess enhances the cookie’s flavor and makes for a delightful dessert experience.

At Holiday Gatherings

• Cherry almond cookies are festive enough to be served at holiday parties. Their vibrant color and unique taste make them a standout addition to any dessert table.

How to Perfect Cherry Almond Cookies

To achieve the best texture and flavor in your cherry almond cookies, consider the following tips:

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Bringing your butter, cream cheese, and egg to room temperature ensures they mix evenly, resulting in a smoother dough.
• Chill the Dough: Allowing the dough to chill for at least one hour helps to firm it up, preventing spreading during baking and creating thicker cookies.
• Measure Flour Accurately: Spoon flour into measuring cups rather than scooping straight from the bag. This avoids packing it down, which can lead to dense cookies.
• Don’t Overmix the Dough: Mixing just until combined prevents tough cookies. Overmixing can develop gluten, leading to a less tender texture.
• Watch Baking Time: Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake. Remove them when the edges start turning golden for that perfect chewy center.

Best Side Dishes for Cherry Almond Cookies

Cherry almond cookies pair well with several side dishes that enhance their flavors. Here are some great options:

1. Fresh Fruits: Serve with sliced strawberries or peaches for a fresh contrast to the rich cookie flavor.
2. Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a refreshing side that complements the sweetness.
3. Cheese Platter: Include mild cheeses like brie or goat cheese for a savory balance against the sweetness of the cookies.
4. Nuts Variety: A bowl of mixed nuts adds crunch and pairs nicely with the soft texture of cherry almond cookies.
5. Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad can provide a refreshing palate cleanser between bites of sweet cookie.
6. Coffee Cake: Pairing with slices of coffee cake creates a delightful brunch experience, combining textures and flavors beautifully.
7. Chocolate Fondue: Set up chocolate fondue as an interactive dessert option where guests can dip cookie pieces for added indulgence.
8. Mini Cupcakes: Offer small cupcakes in complementary flavors such as vanilla or almond to create an appealing dessert spread.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When baking Cherry Almond Cookies, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes that can affect the outcome. Here are some tips to help you succeed.

• Using wet cherries: Make sure to drain and dry the maraschino cherries well before adding them to the dough. Excess moisture can lead to soggy cookies.
• Skipping the chill time: Don’t skip chilling the dough for at least an hour. This helps the cookies maintain their shape and enhances flavor.
• Not measuring flour correctly: Always measure flour using the spoon-and-level method. Scooping directly from the bag can result in too much flour, making cookies dry and crumbly.
• Overmixing the dough: Mix just until combined when adding dry ingredients. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies instead of tender ones.
• Ignoring oven temperature: Always preheat your oven before baking Cherry Almond Cookies. An unheated oven can cause uneven baking and affect texture.
• Skipping parchment paper: Use parchment paper or a silicone mat on your baking sheet. This prevents sticking and ensures even baking.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
• Layer cookies between parchment paper for best preservation.

Freezing Cherry Almond Cookies

• Freeze cookies in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months.
• Place parchment paper between layers if stacking.

Reheating Cherry Almond Cookies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm cookies for about 5-7 minutes for a fresh taste.
• Microwave: Heat one cookie at medium power for about 10-15 seconds; check frequently to avoid overheating.
• Stovetop: Lightly warm in a skillet on low heat for a few minutes, turning occasionally.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Cherry Almond Cookies that might help you bake them perfectly.

What makes Cherry Almond Cookies soft?

The combination of cream cheese and butter creates a soft texture, while chilling the dough helps keep them tender during baking.

Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino?

Yes, you can use fresh cherries; just ensure they are pitted and chopped into small pieces. Adjust sweetness as needed since fresh cherries are less sweet.

How do I make Cherry Almond Cookies gluten-free?

To make these cookies gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking.

How should I store leftover Cherry Almond Cookies?

Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or freeze them for longer storage.

Final Thoughts

These Cherry Almond Cookies are not only festive but also incredibly versatile. Feel free to customize them by adding nuts or using different types of chocolate drizzle. With their delightful flavor and tender texture, they’re sure to become a favorite in your dessert repertoire!