Buttery Cherry Almond Shortbread Cookies Recipe for Sweet Bliss

Soft, buttery cherry almond shortbread cookies dance between sweet and crumbly textures that enchant every palate.

Delicate crumbs melt seamlessly with vibrant cherry bits nestled throughout the delectable treat.

Almond essence whispers elegant undertones against the classic shortbread base.

Crisp edges provide a satisfying crunch that contrasts beautifully with tender middles.

Seasonal ingredients bring warmth and comfort to this timeless classic.

Home bakers can effortlessly craft these mouthwatering delights with simple pantry staples.

We invite you to experience the magic of these irresistible cookies that promise to delight and surprise.

Cherry Almond Cookies With Buttery Texture

• Quick and Easy Delight: Effortlessly whip up these delectable cherry almond shortbread cookies with minimal prep time and simple ingredients.
• Flavor Explosion: Indulge in a perfect balance of sweet maraschino cherries, nutty almonds, and rich coconut that creates a mouthwatering taste sensation in every bite.
• Family-Friendly Baking: Perfect for introducing kids to baking, these cookies offer a fun, stress-free cooking experience that brings everyone together in the kitchen.
• Versatile Treat: Ideal for various occasions like afternoon tea, holiday gatherings, or as a homemade gift that impresses friends and family with minimal culinary skills required.

Cherry Almond Shortbread Cookies Ingredient Collection

• Butter, Sugar: Rich base for creating a tender, sweet shortbread cookie with a delicate crumb.
• All-Purpose Flour, Baking Powder, Salt: Essential dry ingredients that provide structure and gentle rise to the cookies.

• Maraschino Cherries, Almond Extract, Cherry Extract: Vibrant flavor agents that bring a sweet and nutty profile to the shortbread.

• Sweetened Flaked Coconut, Sliced Almonds, Turbinado Sugar: Added ingredients that provide extra texture, crunch, and visual appeal to the cookies.

Cherry Almond Cookie Baking Instructions

Step 1: Whip Up the Creamy Base

In a spacious mixing bowl, blend softened butter and sugar until they transform into a light, cloud-like mixture.

• Chopped maraschino cherries
• Almond extract
• Cherry extract

Mix until the ingredients dance together evenly.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Salt

Slowly introduce the dry mixture into the butter blend, stirring until a smooth dough forms.

Step 3: Embrace the Coconut Magic

Gently fold sweetened flaked coconut into the dough, ensuring an even distribution.

Roll the dough into small, delicate balls or elegant discs, each about one inch wide.

Arrange these little treasures on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Step 4: Add Delightful Toppings

Sprinkle each cookie with a generous scattering of sliced almonds and a touch of turbinado sugar.

This will create a tantalizing crunch and sparkle.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Warm your oven to 350°F.

Slide the cookie sheet inside and bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges turn a beautiful golden hue.

Step 6: Cool and Indulge

Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for a few moments.

Transfer them to a wire rack, allowing them to cool completely before savoring their delightful flavors.

Shortbread Cookie Tips with Cherry Almond Charm

• Use exact measurements for flour and butter to ensure consistent cookie texture and prevent dry or crumbly results.
• Refrigerate the prepared dough for 30 minutes before shaping to help cookies maintain their form and develop richer flavors.
• Drain maraschino cherries thoroughly and pat dry with paper towels to prevent excess moisture from affecting cookie consistency.
• Experiment with different nuts like pistachios or walnuts instead of almonds to create unique flavor variations and personal touches.
• Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, separating layers with parchment paper to maintain their delicate texture.

Store Cherry Almond Shortbread Cookies

• Store cooled cookies in an airtight container, layered between parchment paper, for up to 5 days to maintain freshness and prevent crumbling.
• Pack cookies in a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag, separating layers with wax paper, and freeze for 2-3 months for longer preservation.
• Remove frozen cookies from the freezer and let them sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving to restore their original texture.
• Warm cookies briefly in a preheated oven at 300°F for 3-5 minutes to revive their crisp edges and bring back that fresh-baked taste.

Cherry Almond Cookies Pairings

• Sip Sweet Cherry Cocktail: Pair these delightful cookies with a refreshing cherry-infused cocktail like a cherry martini or a cherry bourbon smash for an elegant adult treat.
• Creamy Vanilla Accompaniment: Serve alongside a smooth vanilla bean ice cream or a rich vanilla custard to complement the almond and cherry flavors, creating a luxurious dessert experience.
• Tea Time Perfection: Match these shortbread cookies with a light, floral tea like Earl Grey or a delicate white tea to enhance the subtle cherry and almond notes, making for a sophisticated afternoon snack.
• Dessert Wine Delight: Enjoy with a glass of sweet dessert wine such as a Moscato or a late harvest Riesling, which will beautifully highlight the cookie's fruity and nutty undertones.

Raspberry Marshmallow Pie with No-Bake Swaps

• Gluten-Free Almond Cherry Cookies: Replace all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend and almond flour for a celiac-friendly version.
• Vegan Cherry Coconut Cookies: Substitute butter with coconut oil, use vegan sugar, and swap eggs with ground flaxseed mixture to create a plant-based alternative.
• Low-Sugar Cherry Shortbread: Use stevia or monk fruit sweetener instead of regular sugar, reduce overall sweetness while maintaining delicious cherry-almond flavor profile.
• Dairy-Free Cherry Cookies: Utilize dairy-free margarine or coconut butter as a butter replacement, keeping the same rich texture and taste for lactose-intolerant individuals.

FAQs

• What gives these cookies their unique flavor?

The combination of maraschino cherries, almond extract, and cherry extract creates a bold, fruity taste that sets these shortbread cookies apart from traditional recipes.

• Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just ensure the blend is suitable for baking to maintain the cookie’s texture.

• How do the ingredients work together in this recipe?

The butter provides richness, cherries add sweetness and color, coconut gives texture, and almonds contribute a nutty crunch that complements the soft, buttery base.

• Are these cookies good for special occasions?

Absolutely! The vibrant red cherries and elegant almond topping make these cookies perfect for holidays, tea parties, or as a delightful homemade gift.

Cherry Almond Shortbread Cookies Recipe

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4.7 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

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Description

Sweet cherry almond shortbread cookies blend Mediterranean elegance with classic bakery charm. Crumbly, buttery edges and rich fruit notes create a delightful treat you cannot resist.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup sweetened flaked coconut

Fruit and Flavor Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup maraschino cherries, chopped
• 1 teaspoon almond extract
• 1/2 teaspoon cherry extract

Finishing Ingredients:

• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup sliced almonds (for topping)
• 2 tablespoons turbinado sugar (for topping)

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Instructions

1. Combine softened butter and sugar in a spacious mixing bowl, whipping until the mixture becomes airy and pale, creating a smooth base for the cherry-almond delicacy.
2. Gently fold chopped maraschino cherries, almond extract, and cherry extract into the creamed mixture, ensuring even distribution of vibrant flavors throughout the dough.
3. In a separate vessel, sift together all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt, creating a light and uniform dry ingredient blend.
4. Slowly incorporate the dry ingredient mixture into the butter mixture, stirring carefully to maintain a consistent texture without overmixing.
5. Delicately introduce sweetened flaked coconut, stirring until the coconut is perfectly integrated into the cookie dough, adding a subtle tropical nuance.
6. Form the dough into petite spheres or delicate discs, approximately one inch in diameter, positioning them methodically on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
7. Embellish each cookie with a sprinkle of sliced almonds and a light dusting of turbinado sugar, creating a crunchy, crystalline exterior.
8. Warm the oven to 350°F (175°C), preparing a perfect baking environment for the cookies.
9. Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven, allowing the cookies to transform for 10-12 minutes until the edges acquire a gentle golden hue.
10. Remove from the oven and let the cookies rest briefly on the baking sheet, then transfer to a wire cooling rack to achieve complete cooling and optimal texture.

Notes

• Swap maraschino cherries with dried cherries for a more natural, intense flavor profile and reduce added sugars.
• Toast sliced almonds before sprinkling to enhance their nutty aroma and create a deeper, more complex taste.
• Use gluten-free flour blend for a celiac-friendly version without compromising the delicate texture and delightful crumb.
• Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking to prevent spreading and maintain the cookies’ precise shape and elegant appearance.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 45 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg