One evening, my daughter asked if I could make almond cherry cookies after tasting a little treat at a friend’s house. She loved how the flavors danced together, and I knew I had to find a recipe that could live up to her excitement. It wasn’t just about making cookies; it was about making a special snack that would bring us all around the kitchen table, sharing stories between bites. When I finally nailed the recipe for almond cherry cookies, it wasn’t just my daughter’s smile that made it worth it—my whole family gathered around, asking for seconds and then thirds.
The best part about these almond cherry cookies is how they turn an ordinary afternoon into something memorable. The sweet cherries blend just right with the warm almond flavor, creating a treat that feels cozy and a little festive all at once. It became a staple in our meal rotation, not only for snack time but also as a simple dessert after weeknight dinners. Trust me, this almond cherry cookies recipe fits perfectly into busy family rhythms without any fuss.
What surprised me the most was how these almond cherry cookies became a conversation starter at our table. Everyone had a story to tell while nibbling away—sometimes about their own favorite treats, sometimes about the little moments they wanted to celebrate. This recipe does more than offer a sweet bite; it builds those connections that make family meals feel extra special.
I’m excited to share this almond cherry cookies recipe with you because it’s every bit as comforting and tasty as it is easy to make. Whether you are baking for a quick afternoon snack or a weekend gathering, this almond cherry cookies will bring your family together around the table. I hope you enjoy making this as much as my family and I have, creating new moments with every bite.
What You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need for your almond cherry cookies. Trust me, this almond cherry cookies ingredient list keeps things simple without sacrificing flavor!
- 1 cup all-purpose flour – Makes the base soft but sturdy.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder – Helps your almond cherry cookies rise just right.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt – Balances the sweetness perfectly.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened – For a rich, tender texture.
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar – The sweetness your almond cherry cookies deserves.
- 1 large egg – Binds all ingredients together.
- 1 teaspoon pure almond extract – Here’s a secret: this brightens up the almond flavor so well.
- 1 cup dried cherries, chopped – Choose cherries without added sugar if you can.
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds, toasted – Toasting the almonds boosts their flavor and crunch for your almond cherry cookies.
You’ll find everything for this almond cherry cookies at your regular grocery store, often in the baking aisle or nuts section. For dried cherries, the bulk section is a great spot to check.
For baking substitutions, you can swap all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend to make this almond cherry cookies gluten-free without losing texture. If you don’t have unsalted butter, salted works fine—just skip adding extra salt. For a dairy-free version, coconut oil works but changes the texture slightly.
My family prefers when I use natural almond extract in our almond cherry cookies rather than artificial flavoring. It adds a genuine nuttiness that pairs so well with the tart cherries.
Here’s a little prep wisdom to save you time: toast the almonds ahead and let them cool before adding, so they don’t melt your cookie dough.
How to Make It
Making almond cherry cookies is simpler than you might expect. This recipe typically takes me about 30 to 40 minutes from start to finish, including prep and baking. Here’s how I do it, step by step:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This keeps your almond cherry cookies from sticking and makes clean-up quick.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This dry mix is what helps your almond cherry cookies stay fluffy and tender.
- In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together until fluffy. I use a hand mixer, but a sturdy spoon works if you’re in a pinch. This step is key for light almond cherry cookies.
- Beat in the egg and almond extract. Take a moment here to breathe in that rich almond scent. It’s one of my favorite parts.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Mix just until combined—overmixing can make your almond cherry cookies tough.
- Fold in the chopped dried cherries and toasted almonds. This is where your almond cherry cookies start to come alive. The cherries add chew, and the almonds add crunch.
- Drop tablespoon-sized scoops of dough onto the parchment-lined baking sheet. Leave a couple of inches between cookies for spreading.
- Bake for about 12 to 15 minutes, or until the edges turn golden. You’ll know your almond cherry cookies are ready when they have a slight crispness on the outside but stay soft inside.
- Remove from the oven and let your almond cherry cookies cool on the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
Your kitchen will smell amazing while these almond cherry cookies bake. Sometimes I catch my husband sneaking a sniff even before they’re out!
Here’s where I used to mess up my almond cherry cookies: not toasting the almonds first. Now that I always do this, my cookies have extra flavor without any bitterness.
While your almond cherry cookies bake, you can tidy up the kitchen or get the coffee ready for a cozy snack time.
If your almond cherry cookies look a bit uneven, don’t worry—they’ll still taste delicious. These are homemade, after all!
This recipe also reminds me of the delicious cherry almond biscotti recipe on Living Sweet Moments. Both desserts bring that same cherry almond joy to the table.
Serving Ideas
My family loves almond cherry cookies warm with a glass of milk or an afternoon cup of tea. Everyone reaches for seconds when these almond cherry cookies come out alongside a good conversation or family game night.
These almond cherry cookies pair wonderfully with light spreads like cream cheese or honey butter to balance the sweetness and chewiness. For a special touch, sprinkle a few sliced almonds on top after baking.
They’re perfect for those nights when you want something satisfying but not too heavy—a little treat that makes everyone smile. I often bring almond cherry cookies to school events or share with neighbors.
Presentation tip: arrange your almond cherry cookies on a simple white plate with a small bowl of extra dried cherries alongside. It looks festive and invites everyone to sample more.
Leftovers keep well in an airtight container on the counter for 3 to 4 days, or freeze them for longer storage. If you freeze almond cherry cookies, thaw at room temperature to keep their soft texture.
If you’re interested in trying another almond cherry dessert, these cherry almond cookie bars are worth a try for a more substantial snack. You’ll find them easy to share and perfect for picnics.
When family and friends try my almond cherry cookies, they often compare them to cherry almond pastry treats they’ve had at bakeries—but homemade and better for cozy home vibes.
For variety, I’ve tried adding a bit of cinnamon or swapping cherries for dried cranberries with great success. It’s fun to play around!
If your family loves this, they’ll also enjoy the chocolate cherry almond biscotti from My Baking Addiction, which adds a chocolatey twist to this classic combo.
Your Questions Answered
Can I make this almond cherry cookies ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough a day in advance and refrigerate it. When you’re ready, just scoop and bake fresh almond cherry cookies. This works perfectly for busy schedules.
What if I don’t have almond extract for my almond cherry cookies?
You can swap vanilla extract instead, but the almond flavor is the star here, so I recommend getting almond extract to really enjoy the full taste. You can find it easily at grocery stores.
How do I store leftover almond cherry cookies?
Store your almond cherry cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay fresh for several days and you can freeze extras for up to a month.
Are these almond cherry cookies gluten-free?
Not as written, but you can substitute gluten-free flour blends to make these almond cherry cookies gluten-free. Just be sure to choose a blend with xanthan gum for texture.
Can I use fresh cherries in almond cherry cookies?
Dried cherries work best. Fresh cherries contain a lot of moisture which can affect dough texture and baking time.
Do you toast the almonds for the almond cherry cookies?
Yes! Toasting almonds enhances their flavor and adds a nice crunch that balances the tart cherries.
Can I make this almond cherry cookies vegan?
You can try using a flax egg instead of the egg, and swap butter for vegan butter. Texture will be a little different, but it’s a great option if you’re avoiding animal products.
What’s the difference between almond cherry cookies and cherry almond biscotti?
Biscotti are twice-baked, crisp cookies great for dunking, while almond cherry cookies are softer and chewier. Both have that cherry almond flavor that we love.
For more recipe ideas, check out this gluten-free vegan and paleo cherry almond biscotti recipe for another way to enjoy cherry and almond flavors.
The Final Word
This almond cherry cookies recipe has earned its place in my collection because it’s a family favorite that balances simplicity with flavor. Every time I make it, it brings smiles and a bit of sweetness to our mealtime routine.
My Almond Cherry Cookies Tips:
– Always toast your almonds first for the best crunch and flavor.
– Don’t overmix your dough to keep your almond cherry cookies tender.
– Use pure almond extract – it makes a huge difference in the final taste.
Variations I’ve tried with success include adding cinnamon for warmth, incorporating white chocolate chips for extra sweetness, and making cherry almond cookie bars for a festive crowd-pleaser. My kids love the cinnamon version, while my husband is a fan of the white chocolate chip twist.
I encourage you to make this almond cherry cookies recipe your own by adjusting the add-ins or subtly shifting sweetness levels to fit your family’s taste buds. I hope your family loves this as much as mine does and finds joy sharing these cookies around your table.
If you want to try something a little different but just as delicious, give our gingerbread crinkle cookies a whirl or maybe the strawberry crunch cookies for a fruity twist. Special occasion? Check out the twisted Christmas cookies recipe as a festive complement.
Making almond cherry cookies isn’t just about baking—it’s about creating moments, turning simple ingredients into memories, and enjoying the sweetness of family moments together. You’ve got this!
Almond Cherry Cookies
Delight in these chewy Almond Cherry Cookies that combine the nutty flavor of almonds with the sweet tartness of dried cherries for a perfect snack or dessert.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup chopped almonds
- 1/2 cup dried cherries, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
- In a separate large bowl, cream the softened butter with brown and granulated sugars until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture and beat until combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in the chopped almonds and dried cherries evenly into the dough.
- Drop tablespoon-sized portions of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown.
- Remove from oven and let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
For a richer flavor, toast the almonds lightly before adding them to the dough, or substitute dried cranberries for cherries for a different tart twist.