These Cherry Almond Cookies bring together the perfect combination of textures and flavors. The sweetness of dried cherries balances beautifully with the nuttiness of almonds, while white chocolate adds a creamy richness. The cookies have a golden, lightly crisp edge and a soft, chewy center, making them an irresistible treat for any dessert lover.
Whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering, an afternoon snack, or a special treat to share, these cookies are a must-try. They pair wonderfully with a warm cup of tea or coffee, offering just the right amount of sweetness with every bite. Plus, they’re easy to make, meaning you can whip up a batch in no time!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup packed brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon almond extract
- ¾ cup chopped dried cherries
- ½ cup sliced almonds
- ½ cup white chocolate chips
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract, mixing well until combined.
- Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until just incorporated.
- Fold in the chopped dried cherries, sliced almonds, and white chocolate chips.
- Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 9-11 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes
Kcal: 180 kcal | Servings: 20 cookies
The Ultimate Guide to Cherry Almond Cookies: A Perfect Blend of Flavor and Texture
Cherry Almond Cookies are a delightful treat that brings together the tartness of cherries, the rich nuttiness of almonds, and the creamy sweetness of white chocolate. These cookies are not just delicious but also have an interesting history and a variety of benefits that make them a favorite for any occasion. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the origins of cherry almond cookies, their benefits, variations, and tips for making them perfect every time.
A Brief History of Cherry Almond Cookies
The combination of cherries and almonds in baked goods has been popular for centuries. Almonds have long been a staple ingredient in European baking, particularly in French, Italian, and German pastries. Cherries, with their natural tartness and sweetness, provide a perfect contrast to the nutty and buttery flavors of these cookies.
Almonds were used in medieval European baking due to their availability and nutritional benefits, and cherries have been a beloved fruit since ancient times, with their cultivation dating back to 300 BCE in Greece. Over time, these ingredients found their way into various desserts, including cookies. The modern Cherry Almond Cookie is inspired by classic almond-based cookies like Italian amaretti and French macarons, incorporating dried cherries and white chocolate for an extra layer of indulgence.
Why Cherry Almond Cookies Are the Best Choice
1. Perfect Balance of Flavors
These cookies strike the perfect balance between sweet, nutty, and slightly tart flavors. The dried cherries bring a natural fruitiness that complements the warm, buttery taste of almonds. The white chocolate chips add a creamy sweetness, making each bite a delicious experience.
2. Amazing Texture
One of the standout features of Cherry Almond Cookies is their texture. They have a slightly crisp edge with a soft and chewy center, giving you the best of both worlds in a single cookie. The almonds add a light crunch, while the cherries provide chewiness, making them incredibly satisfying to eat.
3. Nutritional Benefits
While cookies are generally considered indulgent, these Cherry Almond Cookies come with some surprising benefits:
- Almonds are a great source of healthy fats, protein, fiber, and vitamin E, which help support brain health and heart health.
- Cherries are rich in antioxidants, particularly anthocyanins, which reduce inflammation and promote overall wellness. They are also known for their natural sleep-enhancing properties due to their melatonin content.
- White chocolate may not be as rich in cocoa solids as dark chocolate, but it adds a smooth, sweet flavor that pairs well with the other ingredients.
4. Versatile and Customizable
These cookies are incredibly versatile. You can:
- Swap white chocolate for dark or milk chocolate for a different flavor profile.
- Use fresh or frozen cherries instead of dried for a juicier bite.
- Add a touch of cinnamon or nutmeg to enhance the warm flavors.
- Make them gluten-free by using almond flour or a gluten-free flour blend.
5. Perfect for Any Occasion
Cherry Almond Cookies are excellent for various occasions, including:
- Holiday Baking – The red cherries and golden cookies make them festive.
- Gifting – Package them in a cute box or jar for a homemade gift.
- Tea Time Treats – They pair beautifully with coffee or tea.
- Everyday Snacking – A quick and tasty treat when you need a pick-me-up.
How to Make the Best Cherry Almond Cookies: Pro Tips
To ensure your Cherry Almond Cookies turn out perfect every time, follow these expert baking tips:
1. Use High-Quality Ingredients
The quality of ingredients plays a huge role in the taste and texture of these cookies. Use real butter, pure vanilla and almond extracts, and high-quality dried cherries for the best results.
2. Measure Ingredients Accurately
Baking is a science, so measuring ingredients correctly is key. Use a kitchen scale for precise measurements, especially for flour and sugar.
3. Don’t Overmix the Dough
Overmixing the cookie dough can result in tough cookies. Mix just until the ingredients are combined to keep the cookies soft and chewy.
4. Chill the Dough for Better Texture
For the best results, chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This helps the flavors meld together and prevents the cookies from spreading too much.
5. Watch the Baking Time
Cookies continue to cook even after being removed from the oven. Bake until the edges are just golden brown, then let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
Variations of Cherry Almond Cookies
Want to experiment with this recipe? Here are a few fun variations:
1. Chocolate-Dipped Cherry Almond Cookies
After baking, dip half of each cookie into melted dark chocolate and let it set. This adds a rich contrast to the flavors.
2. Cherry Almond Oatmeal Cookies
For a heartier texture, replace ½ cup of flour with rolled oats. This gives a chewy, slightly nutty bite.
3. Vegan Cherry Almond Cookies
Substitute butter with coconut oil or vegan butter, and use a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 3 tablespoons water) instead of a regular egg.
4. Cherry Almond Shortbread Cookies
For a more buttery, crumbly version, use a classic shortbread dough and fold in chopped cherries and almonds.
How to Store Cherry Almond Cookies
If you want to keep these cookies fresh for as long as possible, follow these storage tips:
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Refrigerator: Keeps well for up to 2 weeks in an airtight container.
- Freezer: Freeze the cookie dough for up to 3 months. Bake straight from frozen, adding 1-2 minutes to the baking time. You can also freeze baked cookies for up to 3 months and thaw at room temperature before serving.
Final Thoughts: Why You’ll Love These Cookies
Cherry Almond Cookies are more than just a sweet treat—they’re a perfect combination of flavors, textures, and nostalgia. Whether you bake them for a holiday gathering, a cozy weekend snack, or a special gift, they are guaranteed to impress. With their balance of tart cherries, crunchy almonds, and creamy white chocolate, these cookies offer something for everyone.
So, if you’re looking for an easy-to-make yet indulgent cookie recipe, this is the one to try! Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy these irresistible cookies.
Conclusion: A Cookie Worth Baking Again and Again
Cherry Almond Cookies are a delightful combination of flavors and textures that make them a must-try for any cookie lover. With their perfect balance of sweet, tart, and nutty elements, these cookies are both comforting and indulgent. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion, preparing a thoughtful homemade gift, or simply craving a delicious treat, these cookies are sure to impress.
What makes them even better is their versatility—customize them to your liking with different chocolates, nuts, or spices. Plus, their ease of preparation means you can whip up a batch in no time, making them an excellent go-to recipe for bakers of all skill levels.
So, if you love the combination of cherries and almonds, this recipe is one you’ll want to keep in your baking collection. Enjoy them fresh out of the oven with a warm drink, share them with loved ones, or store them for later—either way, these Cherry Almond Cookies will always be a crowd-pleaser. Happy baking!