Irresistible Cherry Almond Shortbread Cookies Recipe

Crisp cherry almond shortbread cookies bring pure bliss to any afternoon tea or festive gathering.

These delicate morsels capture the essence of comfort and indulgence with minimal ingredients.

Buttery textures meld seamlessly with sweet-tart fruit and nutty undertones, creating an irresistible treat.

Rich, crumbly dough converts simple pantry staples into an elegant dessert experience.

Delicate almond notes complement the bright cherry flavor, offering a sophisticated twist on classic shortbread.

Home bakers can effortlessly craft these mouthwatering cookies with basic culinary skills and a few strategic techniques.

A sprinkle of sliced almonds and a drizzle of glaze elevate these treats from ordinary to extraordinary.

How to Bake Cherry Almond Shortbread Cookies to Perfection

Step 1: Prepare Butter Base

• Unsalted butter
• Powdered sugar
• Salt
• Almond extract

Whip everything until smooth and creamy, creating a dreamy mixture that looks like soft clouds.

Step 2: Blend in Flour

Slowly add all-purpose flour to the butter mixture. Mix on low speed until the dough turns crumbly and looks like soft sandy texture.

Step 3: Fold in Cherry Goodness

Gently stir chopped maraschino cherries into the dough. Make sure cherries are evenly scattered throughout, creating delightful bursts of color and flavor.

Step 4: Shape and Chill Dough

Spread parchment paper on the counter. Roll the dough into a perfect log about 2 inches wide. Wrap tightly in parchment paper. Park the dough in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. This resting time helps develop rich, deep flavors.

Step 5: Prepare Oven

Heat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, creating a cozy landing spot for your cookies.

Step 6: Slice and Arrange

Pull out the chilled dough. Slice into half-inch thick rounds. Place cookies on the prepared baking sheet, giving them space to spread and dance.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the oven. Bake for 12-14 minutes until edges look just set. Watch carefully to avoid overcooking- you want tender, melt-in-your-mouth cookies.

Step 8: Cool and Savor

Let cookies rest on the pan for 2 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy the sweet aroma of freshly baked shortbread filling your kitchen.

Tips for Buttery Texture in Almond Shortbread Cookies

• Chill for Success: Refrigerate the dough for at least an hour to prevent spreading and ensure a perfect, crisp texture during baking.
• Slice with Precision: Use a sharp knife and gentle, even pressure when cutting the cookie log to create uniform, professional-looking shortbread discs.
• Cherry Distribution Trick: Gently pat the chopped maraschino cherries with a paper towel to remove excess moisture, preventing soggy spots in your cookies.
• Prevent Overbaking: Watch cookies closely during the last few minutes of baking; they should have just a hint of golden color around the edges for that classic shortbread melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Storage Wisdom: Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, separating layers with parchment paper to maintain their delicate structure.

Best Way to Store Cherry Almond Cookies Without Drying Out

• Refrigerate: Place cooled cookies in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Freeze: Wrap cookies individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving.
• Restore Crispness: If cookies become soft, reheat in a preheated 300°F oven for 3-5 minutes to restore their original crisp texture.

Beverages and Bites to Pair with Shortbread Cookies

• Pair with Creamy Beverages: Complement the buttery, sweet shortbread with a smooth vanilla latte or a rich hot chocolate. The creamy texture balances the cookie's crumbly nature, creating a delightful taste experience.
• Match with Fruity Wines: Serve these cherry-studded cookies alongside a light, sweet dessert wine like moscato or a fruity rosé. The wine's sweetness enhances the cherry's vibrant flavor and the cookie's delicate almond notes.
• Combine with Nutty Companions: Enjoy with a handful of toasted almonds or a scoop of almond ice cream. The complementary nutty flavors intensify the almond extract in the cookies, making each bite more sophisticated and layered.
• Create a Tea Time Treat: Pair with Earl Grey tea or a chamomile blend. The tea's subtle aromatics and gentle warmth perfectly highlight the shortbread's delicate texture and sweet cherry undertones.

Variations That Put a Spin on Cherry Almond Cookies

• Chocolate Cherry Crunch: Replace half the flour with cocoa powder and sprinkle chopped almonds on top before baking for a rich, nutty chocolate version.
• Lemon Cherry Classic: Add lemon zest to the dough and use dried cherries instead of maraschino for a brighter, tangier shortbread experience.
• White Chocolate Drizzle: After cooling, drizzle melted white chocolate over the cookies and sprinkle crushed toasted almonds for an elegant finish.
• Spiced Cherry Sensation: Mix in ground cinnamon and a pinch of cardamom to the dough for a warm, aromatic twist on the original recipe.

Why Cherry Almond Shortbread Cookies Taste Like a Treat from a Bakery

• Burst of Sweet Cherry Delight: These cookies pack a punch of vibrant maraschino cherry flavor, creating a delightful twist on classic shortbread that transforms an ordinary treat into something extraordinary.
• Melt-in-Your-Mouth Texture Magic: The carefully crafted shortbread base ensures a crumbly, buttery texture that literally dissolves on your tongue, offering a luxurious melt-in-your-mouth experience with each bite.
• Quick and Simple Baking Charm: With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, these cookies are perfect for busy bakers who want a sophisticated dessert without spending hours in the kitchen, making them ideal for last-minute gatherings or sudden sweet cravings.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleasing Treat: These cookies work wonderfully for multiple occasions- from casual afternoon tea to elegant holiday parties, impressing both kids and adults with their beautiful color and irresistible almond-cherry combination.

What You’ll Need to Make Cherry Almond Shortbread Cookies

• Unsalted Butter: Soft and creamy base for rich, tender texture, room temperature ensures smooth mixing.
• Powdered Sugar: Adds delicate sweetness and helps create a melt-in-your-mouth consistency.
• All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and creates classic shortbread crumbly texture.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness.

• Almond Extract: Delivers intense, nutty almond flavor throughout the cookies.
• Maraschino Cherries: Bright, sweet bursts of color and fruity taste, chopped for even distribution.

Cherry Almond Shortbread Cookies Recipe

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4.6 from 25 reviews

• Total Time: 27 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

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Description

Delicate cherry almond shortbread cookies blend European elegance with sweet sophistication. Buttery crumbles melt deliciously, delivering elegant flavor notes that welcome pleasant moments of pure indulgence.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
• ½ cup maraschino cherries (chopped)

Sweeteners and Flavor Enhancers:

• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon almond extract

Seasoning:

• ½ teaspoon salt

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Instructions

1. In a spacious mixing bowl, vigorously blend softened butter, powdered sugar, salt, and almond extract until the mixture transforms into a silky, uniform consistency.
2. Gently fold in all-purpose flour, stirring at a low speed until the dough develops a delicate, crumbly texture.
3. Carefully fold chopped maraschino cherries throughout the dough, ensuring an even distribution of the vibrant red fruit pieces.
4. Transfer the dough onto a sheet of parchment paper, methodically rolling it into a cylindrical shape approximately 2 inches thick.
5. Securely wrap the dough log in parchment paper and refrigerate for a minimum of 60 minutes, allowing the ingredients to solidify and meld flavors.
6. Warm the oven to 350°F, positioning a parchment-lined baking sheet to prepare for cookie formation.
7. Remove chilled dough and slice into precise half-inch rounds, arranging them spaciously on the prepared baking sheet.
8. Bake for 12-14 minutes, watching carefully to achieve golden edges while maintaining a tender interior.
9. Allow cookies to rest briefly on the baking sheet before transferring to a cooling rack, permitting them to reach room temperature and develop a delicate, crumbly texture.

Notes

• Chilling the dough creates a crisp, melt-in-your-mouth texture that transforms ordinary cookies into extraordinary treats.
• Maraschino cherries add vibrant color and unexpected bursts of fruity sweetness that complement the rich, buttery base.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 60 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg