Cherry Almond Cookies

Soft cream cheese cherry almond cookies are a delightful treat that combines the sweet and tart flavor of maraschino cherries with the rich creaminess of cheese and butter. These cookies, drizzled with white chocolate, are perfect for holidays, gatherings, or just a cozy night in. Easy to make and even easier to enjoy, they bring a festive touch to any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Festive Flavor: The combination of cherries and almond creates a unique taste that’s perfect for celebrations.
• Simple Preparation: With straightforward steps and common ingredients, these cookies are easy for bakers of any skill level.
• Versatile Treat: Whether you need a dessert for a party or a sweet snack at home, these cookies fit the bill.
• Creamy Texture: The addition of cream cheese makes each bite soft and tender, elevating your cookie experience.
• Eye-Catching Appearance: The white chocolate drizzle adds a beautiful finish that impresses guests.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into making cherry almond cookies, gather your tools to ensure a smooth baking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer
• Medium mixing bowl
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
• Cookie scoop

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer: Ideal for mixing dough evenly and achieving the desired texture without much effort.
• Baking sheet: Provides an essential surface for baking your cookies while ensuring even heat distribution.
• Cookie scoop: Helps portion out uniform cookie sizes, ensuring even baking and presentation.

Ingredients

Soft cream cheese cherry almond cookies with pops of maraschino cherries and a simple white chocolate drizzle. Festive, tender, and so easy to make.

Ingredients:
– 1 (10-ounce) jar maraschino cherries, reserving 1-2 Tablespoons cherry juice
– 1 3/4 cup (255 grams) all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
– 1/2 cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, at room temperature
– 4 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
– 1 cup (200 grams) granulated sugar
– 1 large egg, at room temperature
– 1 teaspoon almond extract
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 cup white chocolate melting wafers, optional

How to Make Cherry Almond Cookies

Step 1: Prepare the Cherries

Drain and chop the maraschino cherries. Place them on a plate lined with paper towels to dry. Chop into bite-sized pieces.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together:
1. 1 3/4 cups flour
2. 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
3. 1/2 teaspoon salt

Step 3: Cream Wet Ingredients

In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment:
1. Cream together the butter and cream cheese on medium speed until fluffy.
2. Gradually add in the sugar on medium-high speed until pale and airy.
3. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
4. Mix in the egg, vanilla extract, almond extract, and reserved cherry juice until fully combined.

Step 4: Combine Mixtures

Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture on low speed until just combined. Fold in the chopped cherries gently. Chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least one hour.

Step 5: Preheat Oven

Preheat your oven to 375℉ (190℃). Line your baking sheet with parchment paper or use a silicone baking mat.

Step 6: Portion Dough

Using a medium cookie scoop (about 2 tablespoons), portion out the dough onto your prepared baking sheet.

Step 7: Bake Cookies

Bake for about 10 minutes or until the edges just begin to turn golden. Let cool on the pan for a couple of minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.

Step 8: Add White Chocolate Drizzle (Optional)

Microwave white chocolate melting wafers in a microwave-safe bowl at intervals of 30 seconds, stirring between each session until melted. Transfer melted chocolate to a plastic bag or piping bag. Snip off one corner and drizzle over cooled cookies. Allow chocolate to set before serving.

Enjoy these delightful cherry almond cookies that are sure to be loved by all!

How to Serve Cherry Almond Cookies

Cherry almond cookies are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether for a festive gathering or a simple family dessert, these cookies pair wonderfully with different accompaniments.

With Coffee or Tea

• Pairing with your favorite coffee or tea enhances the flavors of the cherry and almond in the cookies.

Ice Cream Sandwiches

• Use two cherry almond cookies to create delicious ice cream sandwiches. Choose vanilla or cherry ice cream for an extra treat.

Topped with Fresh Fruit

• Add fresh cherries or berries on top of each cookie for a refreshing twist and a pop of color.

Drizzled with More Chocolate

• For chocolate lovers, drizzle additional melted chocolate over the cookies for an indulgent touch.

As a Dessert Platter

• Present these cookies on a dessert platter alongside other baked goods for a visually appealing spread at parties.

How to Perfect Cherry Almond Cookies

To achieve the best texture and flavor in your cherry almond cookies, consider these helpful tips:

• Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough allows the flavors to meld and gives you thicker cookies.
• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure butter and cream cheese are at room temperature for easier blending and a smoother batter.
• Don’t Overmix: Mix just until combined when adding dry ingredients. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
• Measure Flour Correctly: Spoon flour into your measuring cup and level it off to avoid dense cookies.

Best Side Dishes for Cherry Almond Cookies

These cherry almond cookies complement a variety of side dishes perfectly. Here are some great options to consider:

1. Vanilla Ice Cream: A classic pairing that adds creaminess and balances out the sweetness of the cookies.
2. Fruit Salad: A light and refreshing option that contrasts nicely with the rich flavors of the cookies.
3. Cheese Platter: Serve with mild cheeses like brie or mascarpone for an elegant dessert experience.
4. Chocolate Fondue: Dip pieces of cookie into warm chocolate fondue for a fun twist.
5. Coffee Cake: Pairing with coffee cake makes for a delightful brunch option alongside these sweet treats.
6. Milkshake: Blend up a cherry milkshake to enjoy alongside these flavorful cookies for a nostalgic vibe.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Cherry Almond Cookies, it’s easy to overlook certain details that can affect the final product. Here are some common mistakes to avoid.

• Skipping the chilling step: Chilling the cookie dough allows it to firm up, resulting in a better texture. Don’t skip this step if you want soft, chewy cookies.
• Not measuring ingredients accurately: Baking is a science. Use a kitchen scale or standard measuring cups for precise measurements, especially for flour and sugar.
• Overbaking the cookies: Cookies continue to cook even after being removed from the oven. Keep an eye on them; they should be slightly soft in the center when you take them out.
• Using cold ingredients: Make sure your butter and cream cheese are at room temperature. Cold ingredients won’t blend well, affecting texture and flavor.
• Forgetting to drain cherries: Maraschino cherries contain extra moisture. Drain and dry them properly to prevent soggy cookies.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Place parchment paper between layers of cookies to prevent sticking.

Freezing Cherry Almond Cookies

• Freeze unbaked cookie dough balls for up to 3 months. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag.
• Baked cookies can be frozen for up to 2 months in an airtight container.

Reheating Cherry Almond Cookies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 5 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for 10-15 seconds. Be careful not to overheat as they can become tough.
• Stovetop: Place cookies in a skillet over low heat for a few minutes, covering with a lid to retain moisture.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Cherry Almond Cookies?

Cherry Almond Cookies are soft and tender treats made with cream cheese, maraschino cherries, and almond extract, often topped with white chocolate.

Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino?

Yes, you can use fresh cherries. Just be sure to pit and chop them finely before adding them to the dough.

How do I make Cherry Almond Cookies gluten-free?

To make these cookies gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup.

How long do Cherry Almond Cookies last?

These cookies stay fresh for about 5 days when stored properly at room temperature or up to 2 months if frozen.

Can I add nuts to my Cherry Almond Cookies?

Absolutely! Chopped almonds or walnuts can enhance flavor and texture. Just fold them into the dough along with the cherries.

Final Thoughts

Cherry Almond Cookies are not only delightful but also versatile. You can customize them by adding nuts or using different types of chocolate drizzles. These cookies are perfect for any occasion—try making them today!