Almond Cherry Cookies deliver a 12-minute delicious treat.

Almond Cherry Cookies began as a home-baker’s dream: bakery-fresh cookies that fit a busy schedule. I’m a chef who loves simple, reliable recipes you can lean on during hectic weeks. This Almond Cherry Cookies recipe lets you fill trays with soft, fragrant cookies fast enough to share. With almond aroma and bright cherry pops, it feels special yet approachable for busy people. If you crave something that hugs your taste buds and schedule, you’ll be ready to bake.

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

What makes Almond Cherry Cookies Special

Almond Cherry Cookies are my warmth-in-a-batch answer for hectic days. I reach for this recipe when the clock ticks faster than my mixer. The moment the oven wakes up, the kitchen fills with a comforting almond aroma and bright cherry pops that feel like a little celebration in a bite. It’s not just a cookie; it’s a moment you can share in minutes.

Almond Cherry Cookies in a nutty, cozy moment

When I pull the tray from the oven, the scent settles over the room like a cozy blanket. The cherries spark color and chew, while the almond notes whisper of Sunday afternoons. It’s the small ritual I crave after a long day—a sweet hug in every mouthful.

Bakery-style texture you can replicate at home

Here’s the secret: don’t overmix, and bake until the edges turn light gold. The centers stay soft if you keep to 12–14 minutes. Creaming the butter and sugar lightly gives lift, while almond extract outfits the room with fragrance you’d expect from a bakery.

Designed for busy schedules without sacrificing flavor

This recipe fits real-life: simple ingredients, quick assembly, and forgiving timing. Measure once, mix once, bake once, and you’re done. It’s a small victory you can repeat any weeknight without the drama.

Ingredients Almond Cherry Cookies

All the ingredients below are measured for one batch of Almond Cherry Cookies. If you print, exact quantities appear at the bottom of the article.

Almond Cherry Cookies Ingredient Snapshot

• 1½ cups all-purpose flour — base for structure and bite
• ½ tsp baking powder — lightens cookies
• ¼ tsp salt — balances sweetness
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened — tenderness and flavor
• ¾ cup granulated sugar — sweetness and moisture balance
• 1 large egg — binds and adds moisture
• 1 tsp almond extract — pronounced almond aroma
• ½ tsp vanilla extract — rounds the almond flavor
• ¾ cup chopped maraschino cherries, well drained — juicy pockets of color and chew
• ¼ cup sliced almonds — toasted crunch and nutty note

Optional ingredients and substitutions

• Omit the almond extract if sensitive to it; increase vanilla by ¼ tsp
• Use dried cherries or chopped candied cherries if you don’t have maraschino cherries (note texture differences)
• For a dairy-free version, swap in softened coconut oil or a vegan butter and an egg substitute (see variations)
• Printable card tip: exact quantities appear at the bottom of the article for easy printing

How to Make Almond Cherry Cookies

Almond Cherry Cookies Step 1: Preheat and prepare

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment.
• Gather ingredients and measure accurately to ensure even baking.

Almond Cherry Cookies Step 2: Whisk dry ingredients

• In a medium bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt until evenly combined.
• Set this aside for later.

Almond Cherry Cookies Step 3: Cream butter and sugar

• Beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy for bakery-like texture.
• This step takes about 2–3 minutes.

Almond Cherry Cookies Step 4: Add egg and flavorings

• Beat in the egg, almond extract, and vanilla until smooth.
• Scrape the bowl as needed to keep ingredients evenly mixed.

Almond Cherry Cookies Step 5: Combine wet and dry

• Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet ingredients.
• Mix until just combined.

Almond Cherry Cookies Step 6: Fold in cherries and almonds

• Gently fold in drained maraschino cherries and sliced almonds.
• Avoid overmixing to keep cookies tender.

Almond Cherry Cookies Step 7: Scoop, bake, and cool

• Scoop dough onto the prepared sheet, spacing cookies about 2 inches apart.
• Bake 12–14 minutes until edges are lightly golden.
• Cool on the sheet 5 minutes, then transfer to a rack.

Tips for Success

• I use measured scoops for uniform cookies and even bake, so every tray looks the same.
• I drain the cherries well to avoid soggy centers and uneven texture.
• Don’t overmix the dough to keep cookies tender, mixing just until the ingredients come together.
• If the dough is soft, chill 15–20 minutes for easier scooping and cleaner shapes on the sheet.
• Bring butter and eggs to room temperature for stable mixing and a smoother, fluffier batter.

Equipment Needed

• Two medium mixing bowls for wet and dry ingredients; optional hand mixer or stand mixer.
• Measuring cups and spoons, plus a kitchen scale for precision.
• Parchment-lined baking sheet for easy release and quick cleanup.
• Cooling rack for even cooling and crisp edges.
• Spatula for scraping and a scoop or spoon for portions.

Variations

• I swap maraschino cherries for dried cherries in Almond Cherry Cookies for a chewier bite today. The extra chew pairs beautifully with almond flavor.
• I use chopped almonds or swap with pecans in Almond Cherry Cookies for nuttier crunch. Toasting the nuts deepens their flavor.
• I add ½ cup chocolate chips for a chocolate–almond twist that pleases both kids and adults. It’s a crowd-pleaser.
• For dairy-free bakers, I replace butter with margarine or coconut butter and use an egg replacer. Check labels.
• For citrus brightness, I add ¼ tsp orange zest to the wet ingredients and brighten fragrance. A zesty lift elevates the cookies without extra sugar.
• Add a pinch of spice like cardamom or cinnamon to Almond Cherry Cookies for cozy depth. Cardamom adds warmth that lingers softly.
• Try gluten-free 1:1 flour to make Almond Cherry Cookies gluten-friendly; bake time may vary slightly. Keep an eye on edges.
• Chill the dough 30 minutes before scooping or freeze portions for a ready-to-bake stash. It boosts shape and tenderness.

Why You’ll Love This Almond Cherry Cookies

These cookies are my go-to on crazy days. In just 25 minutes, I have warm, bakery-style treats ready to share. The almond aroma makes the whole kitchen feel like a hug, and those maraschino cherries add bright pockets of cheer. They travel well for gifts or trays, so I can tuck them into teacher gifts or office snack boxes. The recipe stays friendly for busy cooks: simple ingredients, quick cleanup, and room to riff with substitutions. It’s comfort you can bake without a kitchen meltdown.

• Quick 25-minute total time makes them great for busy days
• Bakery-style texture with almond aroma and cherry pockets
• Simple pantry ingredients and flexible substitutions
• Crowd-pleasing flavor that travels well for gifts or trays

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with milk or hot tea for a cozy afternoon treat.
• Present on a tiered tray with holiday greens and a sprinkle of chopped almonds.
• Add a small jar of extra cherries or almonds for gifting inspiration.
• Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 3–4 days; freeze for longer.

Make Ahead and Gift-Worthy Almond Cherry Cookies

I love making Almond Cherry Cookies in advance. I can bake from frozen when guests drop by or I need a quick treat. Draping trays with parchment, I scoop and space cookies, then freeze. When ready, bake from frozen and add a few minutes.

Prepare the dough up to 24 hours ahead. Refrigerate in a lined container, then portion and bake when you’re ready. I love labeling the bag with date and bake time.

Gift ideas: stack cookies in cellophane bags with ribbon.

For presentation, add a small bag of extra chopped almonds with a note.

Storing tips keep flavor intact: store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for 3–4 days. Freeze baked cookies for longer storage, or freeze dough for future batches.

Dough can be portioned and frozen as ready-to-bake lumps. Label bags with the date and suggested bake time.

If you’re gifting, write a short serving suggestion on the card. This little extra touch boosts the gift appeal.

Dough can be baked from frozen; add 2–3 extra minutes.

This makes quick gifts or last-minute treats easy.

Label the baking sheet with date for easy rotation.

Keep a spare bag of almonds for topping.

FAQs

Can I substitute maraschino cherries with other dried or fresh cherries?

Yes, you can substitute with dried cherries or fresh cherries. For me, dried cherries give a chewy bite that stays steady with the almond aroma in Almond Cherry Cookies.

Fresh cherries bring brighter sweetness but release more moisture. If you go fresh, pat them dry and consider adding a pinch more flour to keep the dough from spreading.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free or vegan?

Absolutely. I often adapt Almond Cherry Cookies for dairy-free kitchens. I use dairy-free butter or coconut oil and an egg substitute like flax or chia.

Almond and vanilla extracts are usually dairy-free, but always check labels. This keeps the flavor clean while staying friendly to dairy-free needs.

How should I store Almond Cherry Cookies?

Store them at room temperature in an airtight container for 3–4 days. This keeps them soft and flavorful for sharing.

If you need longer storage, freeze baked cookies for 2–3 months, or freeze dough for quick baking later. Label your containers for easy planning.

Can I freeze the cookie dough?

Yes. I often portion and freeze dough in ready-to-bake lumps for Almond Cherry Cookies. It’s my shortcut for busy weeks.

Scoop dough, freeze on a tray, then transfer to a bag. Bake from frozen, adding 2–3 extra minutes if needed.

Final Thoughts

I find myself reaching for Almond Cherry Cookies after a long day, and I bet you do too. They’re a quiet celebration in a simple batch, bakery vibes without the fuss. The almond aroma wraps the kitchen, the cherries pop with color and bite, and the texture stays tender with minimal effort. This recipe travels well, gifts beautifully, and fits into a busy schedule, which is exactly what we need. Bake, share, smile—that’s the rhythm I love. May you savor every crumb, and may these cookies become a dependable friend when time is short and spirits need a lift today.

• Quick 25-minute total time makes them great for busy days
• Bakery-style texture with almond aroma and cherry pockets
• Simple pantry ingredients and flexible substitutions
• Crowd-pleasing flavor that travels well for gifts or trays

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