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Almond Cherry Cookies

Irresistible Almond Cherry Cookies for Festive Moments

These Almond Cherry Cookies are a delightful combination of buttery almond flavor and sweet cherries, ideal for festive occasions.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 9 minutes
Cooling Time 30 minutes
Total Time 54 minutes
Servings: 24 cookies
Course: Desserts
Cuisine: American
Calories: 120

Ingredients
  

For the Cookies
  • 3/4 cup Slivered Almonds Can substitute with finely chopped walnuts or pecans.
  • 1 cup Butter Softened; using unsalted helps control salt levels.
  • 3/4 cup Powdered Sugar Can be replaced with granulated sugar for a different sweetness.
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract Almond extract can be a delicious substitute.
  • 2 1/4 cups All-purpose Flour Can substitute with a gluten-free flour blend.
  • 1/4 teaspoon Salt Feel free to use sea salt as a substitute.
  • 8 ounces Maraschino Cherries Halved; fresh cherries in season can be used.
For the Frosting
  • 1 cup Powdered Sugar Creates a sweet and creamy texture for decorating.
  • 2 tablespoons Maraschino Cherry Juice Can be substituted with milk.
  • 1/2 teaspoon Almond Extract Optional, but lovely to include.
  • 1-2 tablespoons Milk Adjust as needed for frosting consistency.
For Decorating
  • Red Decorating Sugar Optional but highly recommended for a festive touch.

Equipment

  • Mixing Bowl
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment Paper
  • Whisk

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line your baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Cream together butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until light and fluffy.
  3. In a separate bowl, combine flour, salt, and slivered almonds. Gradually add to the wet mixture, mixing until smooth.
  4. Scoop dollops of dough, create small pits, and place half a maraschino cherry in each. Enclose the cherry and flatten slightly.
  5. Bake cookies for 8 to 9 minutes until edges are golden but centers remain soft. Cool completely on a wire rack.
  6. Whisk together powdered sugar, cherry juice, and almond extract, adding milk until desired consistency is reached.
  7. Dip cookie tops in frosting and sprinkle with red decorating sugar. Allow frosting to set.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cookieCalories: 120kcalCarbohydrates: 15gProtein: 1gFat: 6gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 20mgSodium: 40mgPotassium: 35mgFiber: 0.5gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 250IUCalcium: 15mgIron: 0.5mg

Notes

Ensure butter is room temperature for easier blending. Don't overbake cookies for a chewy center. Chill dough for extra chewiness if desired. Use precise flour measuring to avoid dryness. Opt for fresh cherries for better flavor.

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