Amazing Almond Cherry Cookies: Grandma’s Secret!

It’s funny how certain flavors can transport you straight back to childhood. For me, the combination of almond and cherry does exactly that. I grew up with my grandma’s Italian bakery, and those flavors always remind me of her. Today, I’m sharing my twist on a classic: Almond Cherry Cookies.

These cookies are more than just a sweet treat. They’re about creating connections through authentic flavors. I’ve tweaked and perfected this Almond Cherry Cookies recipe over the years to achieve the perfect balance of sweet, nutty, and chewy. My family absolutely adores them!

Fellow flavor seekers, I’m thrilled to share this Almond Cherry Cookies recipe with you. I hope it brings as much joy to your kitchen as it has to mine. Let’s get baking!

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour For a lighter cookie, use cake flour!
• 1 teaspoon baking powder Helps with that perfect rise.
• ½ teaspoon baking soda For a tender crumb.
• ½ teaspoon salt Balances the sweetness beautifully.
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened Quality butter makes all the difference in Almond Cherry Cookies.
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar For sweetness, of course!
• 2 large eggs Binds everything together.
• 1 teaspoon almond extract This is the heart of the almond flavor.
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract Enhances the other flavors.
• 1 cup chopped almonds Adds a delightful crunch.
• 1 cup maraschino cherries, drained and chopped These provide a pop of color and sweetness.
• Optional: almond slices for topping

You’ll find the freshest ingredients for these Almond Cherry Cookies at your local farmer’s market or specialty baking shop. The almond extract is critical, trust me! It’s where the authentic cookie flavor really shines.

If you want a deeper almond flavor, consider using almond paste in addition to the extract. My family loves when I add this extra touch to our Almond Cherry Cookies.

Trust me, this Almond Cherry Cookies ingredient list focuses on quality over quantity for authentic flavors!

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it heats, line baking sheets with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agents. Make sure everything is well combined!
3. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This step is crucial for achieving a tender cookie. Don’t rush it!
4. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the almond extract and vanilla extract. Make sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. Overmixing leads to tough cookies, and we definitely don’t want that for these Almond Cherry Cookies!
6. Fold in the chopped almonds and maraschino cherries. Distribute these evenly throughout the dough.
7. Drop by rounded tablespoons onto the prepared baking sheets. Leave some space between each cookie to allow for spreading.
8. If desired, top each cookie with a few almond slices. This adds a lovely visual appeal and extra almond flavor.
9. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. Keep a close eye on them, as ovens vary!
10. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents them from breaking.

Here’s where I used to miss a key step with my Almond Cherry Cookies – learn from my experience! I would take them off the pan too early. Letting them cool slightly on the baking sheet allows them to set up, making them easier to handle.

In my kitchen, these flavorful Almond Cherry Cookies typically takes about 11 minutes to bake to perfection. Perfect time to appreciate the aromatic transformation! Your Almond Cherry Cookies should fill the kitchen with amazing aromas by now. The almond and cherry fragrance is simply irresistible. Don’t be surprised if your Almond Cherry Cookies develops a slightly crackled top. This is perfectly normal and adds to their rustic charm.

Here’s another one of my favorite cooking secrets: for extra chewy Almond Cherry Cookies, try chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking. It’s a game changer!

The family gathers quickly when this aromatic Almond Cherry Cookies appears with a tall glass of cold milk. They are especially good served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream!

These Almond Cherry Cookies are perfect for those evenings when we want something truly satisfying! I often make them for family gatherings. Everyone always raves about the delightful combination of almond and cherry.

For a festive touch, I sometimes drizzle melted white chocolate over the cooled cookies and sprinkle them with extra chopped cherries. These Almond Cherry Cookies also make wonderful gifts! Package them in a pretty box or tin for a thoughtful homemade treat.

This Almond Cherry Cookies also pairs wonderfully with coffee or tea. The nutty and fruity flavors complement a warm beverage perfectly. You can try these with cherry almond biscotti, too!

For a fun twist, crumble leftover Almond Cherry Cookies over yogurt or oatmeal. It adds a touch of sweetness and crunch! I sometimes add dried cherry almond cookies to my morning oatmeal.

We’ve even used them in ice cream sundaes. Trust me, it’s delicious. These cookies also freeze well, so you can always have some on hand for unexpected guests or a quick dessert fix.

Does this Almond Cherry Cookies really satisfy hearty appetites?

Absolutely! These cookies are surprisingly filling, thanks to the almonds and butter. They are packed with flavor, making them a satisfying treat for any appetite.

What if someone in my family prefers milder flavors in their Almond Cherry Cookies?

No problem! You can easily adjust the amount of almond extract to suit your family’s taste. Start with ½ teaspoon and add more to taste.

How can I prepare this Almond Cherry Cookies ahead for busy weeks?

You can make the dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just bring it to room temperature before baking.

Can I use different types of cherries in this Almond Cherry Cookies?

Yes, you can! While maraschino cherries provide a classic sweetness, you can also use fresh or frozen cherries. Just be sure to pit them and chop them before adding them to the dough.

What if I don’t have almond extract? Can I substitute something else?

While almond extract is key to the flavor, you can substitute it with vanilla extract or another nut extract. However, the almond flavor will be less pronounced.

How do I keep my Almond Cherry Cookies from spreading too thin?

Make sure your butter is softened, not melted. Also, chilling the dough before baking can help prevent excessive spreading.

Can I make this Almond Cherry Cookies recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Be sure to use a blend that contains xanthan gum for best results.

I’ve even had readers ask about making Italian almond cookies out of this recipe! Give it a try!

This Almond Cherry Cookies recipe supports my family’s authentic meal goals by providing a delicious, homemade treat that everyone loves. It’s simple enough to make on a weeknight but special enough for any occasion.

My Almond Cherry Cookies Flavor Secrets:

1. Use quality almond extract: This is the key to that signature almond flavor.
2. Don’t overmix the dough: Overmixing leads to tough cookies.
3. Chill the dough for extra chewy cookies: This is a game changer!

Here are a few family-tested Almond Cherry Cookies variations:

• Chocolate Chip Almond Cherry Cookies: Add ½ cup of chocolate chips to the dough.
• Lemon Almond Cherry Cookies: Add 1 tablespoon of lemon zest to the dough.
• Spiced Almond Cherry Cookies: Add ½ teaspoon of cinnamon and ¼ teaspoon of nutmeg to the dough.

My son loves the chocolate chip version, while my daughter prefers the lemon. Encourage your family to experiment and create their own signature version! If your family loves these authentic flavors, they’ll appreciate the flavors of halloween crinkle cookies!

I hope you feel inspired to make this Almond Cherry Cookies recipe your own. Creating authentic, flavorful meals for your family is one of the most rewarding things you can do. This recipe is a great way to get started!

For more genuine cooking ideas for family meals, explore zucchini chocolate chip cookies!

I’m excited for you to experience the joy of baking these delightful Almond Cherry Cookies. Remember, the most important ingredient is love!