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Almond Cherry Cookies Recipe

4.9 from 80 reviews

Delight in these Almond Cherry Cookies, a perfect blend of buttery dough, ground almonds, and sweet maraschino cherries. Topped with a cherry-infused almond frosting and a sprinkle of red decorating sugar, they offer a tender crumb with a burst of fruity flavor in every bite.

Ingredients

Scale

Cookies

  • ¾ cup silvered almonds, ground
  • 1 cup butter, softened
  • ¾ cup powdered sugar, divided
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 8 ounces maraschino cherries, halved, juice reserved (1 jar)
  • Red decorating sugar, for topping
  • 23 tablespoons water (if needed for dough consistency)

Frosting

  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 tablespoon maraschino cherry juice
  • 1 teaspoon almond extract
  • 23 tablespoons milk

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure it reaches the right temperature for baking the cookies evenly.
  2. Mix Butter Mixture: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, ¾ cup powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
  3. Combine Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, mix the all-purpose flour, salt, and ground almonds thoroughly.
  4. Form Dough: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, stirring until everything is combined into a dough. If the dough feels too dry and crumbly, add 1 tablespoon of water at a time—up to 3 tablespoons—until the dough is easier to work with.
  5. Shape Cookies: Take about 1 tablespoon of dough, make a small pit in the center, place a cherry half in the pit, then fold the dough over to encase the cherry and form a ball. Place the cookie balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet and gently flatten them slightly.
  6. Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8-9 minutes, or until the edges start turning golden brown. Remove from oven and allow to cool on a wire rack completely.
  7. Prepare Frosting: In a small bowl, mix the powdered sugar, reserved maraschino cherry juice, and almond extract. Add milk one tablespoon at a time until the frosting reaches a consistency suitable for dipping.
  8. Frost Cookies: Dip the tops of the cooled cookies into the frosting, then flip them over and place on a wire rack. While the frosting is still wet, sprinkle red decorating sugar on top to add color and texture. Let the frosting set before serving.

Notes

  • If the dough is too dry, carefully add water in small increments until workable.
  • Using parchment paper helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easier.
  • Allow cookies to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting or sliding of icing.
  • Red decorating sugar adds a festive touch, but can be omitted or substituted with other colored sugars.
  • Store cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness.

Keywords: Almond Cherry Cookies, cherry cookies, almond cookies, maraschino cherry recipes, holiday cookies, frosted cookies