Cherry Almond Cookies

Soft cream cheese cherry almond cookies are a delightful treat that brings together the rich flavors of cherries and almonds in a tender cookie. Perfect for celebrations, holiday gatherings, or simply a sweet snack at home, these cookies stand out with their festive colors and creamy texture. With easy preparation and an optional white chocolate drizzle, they’re sure to impress family and friends alike.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Festive Flavor: The blend of maraschino cherries and almond extract creates a unique taste that’s both sweet and nutty.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, even novice bakers can whip up these delicious cookies.
• Versatile for Occasions: Whether it’s a holiday party or an afternoon treat, these cookies are adaptable for any gathering.
• Creamy Texture: The addition of cream cheese ensures that each cookie is soft and melt-in-your-mouth delicious.
• Customizable Topping: The optional white chocolate drizzle adds an extra layer of sweetness that takes these cookies to the next level.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking your cherry almond cookies, gather the necessary tools to ensure a smooth cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer: This tool makes creaming the butter and cream cheese effortless, resulting in that fluffy texture we love.
• Baking sheet: A quality baking sheet ensures even heat distribution, which is vital for perfectly baked cookies.
• Rubber spatula: Great for scraping down the sides of bowls to ensure all ingredients are mixed well.

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 maraschino cherries. Place cherries on a plate lined with paper towels and let dry. Chop into bite-sized pieces.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 3/4 cups of flour, 1/2 teaspoon baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon salt.

Step 3: Cream Wet Ingredients

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

Step 4: Combine Mixtures

Scrape down the sides again. Mix in dry ingredients on low speed until just combined. Gently fold in chopped cherries. Chill dough for at least 1 hour.

Step 5: Preheat Oven

Preheat your oven to 375℉. 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 dough onto the prepared baking sheet:
– Bake for about 10 minutes or until edges turn golden brown.
– Allow cooling on the pan for a couple of minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Step 7: Drizzle White Chocolate

To top with white chocolate:
1. Microwave white chocolate in intervals of 30 seconds until melted.
2. Transfer melted chocolate to a plastic bag (or piping bag).
3. Snip off the corner tip of the bag to drizzle over cookies.
4. Let sit until the chocolate is firm to touch.

Enjoy your freshly baked Cherry Almond Cookies!

How to Serve Cherry Almond Cookies

Cherry almond cookies are delightful on their own, but you can elevate your serving experience with a few creative ideas. These cookies pair well with various accompaniments and presentations that enhance their flavor and appeal.

Pairing with Beverages

• Tea: A warm cup of herbal or green tea complements the sweetness of the cookies.
• Milk: Classic milk is perfect for balancing the flavors of cherry and almond.
• Coffee: Brewed coffee enhances the buttery notes in the cookies.

Dessert Platter

• Cookie Assortment: Include cherry almond cookies on a platter with other cookie varieties for a colorful display.
• Chocolate Dipping Sauce: Serve with a side of melted chocolate for dipping, adding an extra layer of indulgence.

Garnishing Ideas

• Fresh Cherries: Top cookies with a fresh cherry for a beautiful presentation.
• Almond Slices: Sprinkle toasted almond slices on top for added crunch and flavor.

How to Perfect Cherry Almond Cookies

Achieving the perfect cherry almond cookies involves a few key techniques to ensure they are soft and flavorful. Follow these tips for the best results.

• Chill the Dough: Ensure you chill the dough for at least one hour. This helps prevent spreading during baking, resulting in thicker cookies.
• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Allow your butter and cream cheese to come to room temperature before mixing. This creates a smoother batter and better texture.
• Don’t Overmix: Once you combine dry ingredients with wet, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
• Monitor Baking Time: Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake. Remove them when the edges start turning golden for softer centers.

Best Side Dishes for Cherry Almond Cookies

These cherry almond cookies can shine alongside various side dishes that complement their unique flavors. Here are some excellent options to consider.

1. Fruit Salad: A refreshing combination of seasonal fruits balances the sweetness of the cookies.
2. Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt, granola, and fresh berries for a delicious contrast in textures.
3. Cheese Plate: A selection of mild cheeses like brie or goat cheese pairs well with sweet desserts.
4. Nut Mix: A mix of almonds, walnuts, and cashews offers crunchy protein that complements the cookie’s softness.
5. Ice Cream: Vanilla or cherry ice cream adds creaminess that enhances the cherry flavor in the cookies.
6. Caramel Sauce: Drizzling warm caramel sauce over each cookie can elevate them into a more decadent dessert option.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking Cherry Almond Cookies is a delightful experience, but it’s easy to make mistakes. Here are some common pitfalls and how to avoid them.

• Overmixing the Dough – Mixing too long can make your cookies tough. Mix until ingredients are just combined for a tender texture.
• Not Chilling the Dough – Skipping the chilling step can lead to flat cookies. Chill the dough for at least an hour to maintain shape.
• Incorrect Oven Temperature – Baking at the wrong temperature can affect texture. Always preheat your oven and use an oven thermometer for accuracy.
• Ignoring Ingredient Temperature – Using cold butter or cream cheese can prevent proper creaming. Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for best results.
• Skipping Drying Cherries – Not drying the cherries can add excess moisture. Make sure to drain and pat them dry with paper towels before adding to the dough.

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

Reheating Cherry Almond Cookies

• Oven – Preheat to 350°F and warm cookies for about 5-7 minutes until soft.
• Microwave – Heat one cookie on a microwave-safe plate for about 10-15 seconds.
• Stovetop – Place in a skillet over low heat, covering with a lid for about 1 minute.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about Cherry Almond Cookies that might help you out!

Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries?

Yes, you can use fresh cherries! Just make sure to pit and chop them before adding them to the dough.

How do I know when my Cherry Almond Cookies are done?

The edges will be lightly golden, and the centers will look slightly underbaked; they will firm up as they cool.

Can I make these Cherry Almond Cookies gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend designed for baking.

What can I use instead of white chocolate?

If you prefer, you can drizzle melted dark chocolate or omit the drizzle entirely for a lighter cookie.

How can I customize my Cherry Almond Cookies?

You can add nuts like almonds or walnuts, or mix in different extracts such as coconut for added flavor.

Final Thoughts

These Cherry Almond Cookies are not only festive but also versatile enough for any occasion. The combination of sweet cherries and almond flavor creates a delightful treat that everyone will love. Feel free to customize them by adding your favorite nuts or using different types of chocolate drizzles. Enjoy this easy recipe and impress your friends and family!