Heavenly Cherry Almond Shortbread Cookies Recipe for Sweet Bliss

Nestled between sweet memories and culinary creativity, these cherry almond shortbread cookies dance with delightful textures and nostalgic flavors.

Buttery crumbs melt softly against unexpected bursts of fruity brightness.

Almonds add a subtle crunch that whispers comfort in every bite.

Delicate yet robust, this recipe brings simple ingredients together in a harmonious symphony.

Mediterranean-inspired techniques elevate classic shortbread into something magical and irresistible.

Crumbly edges and rich undertones make you dream of leisurely afternoons with coffee.

Tips For Crumbly Cherry Almond Shortbread

• Pat maraschino cherries thoroughly with paper towels to remove excess moisture and prevent soggy cookies.
• Refrigerate the dough for 15-20 minutes before shaping to help cookies maintain their structure and prevent spreading.
• Ensure butter is softened but not melted for perfect creamy texture and even mixing.
• Use a small cookie scoop or tablespoon for consistent, uniform cookies that bake evenly.
• Watch cookies closely after 12 minutes, looking for light golden edges to maintain a tender, soft shortbread texture.

Switch Up Flavors In Shortbread Cookies

• Gluten-Free Cherry Almond Shortbread: Replace all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend and add xanthan gum for better texture.
• Vegan Cherry Almond Cookies: Substitute butter with coconut oil, use plant-based sugar, and replace cherry juice with almond milk.
• Chocolate-Dipped Cherry Shortbread: Dip half of each cooled cookie in dark chocolate instead of white chocolate drizzle for a rich flavor contrast.
• Low-Sugar Cherry Almond Cookies: Use monk fruit sweetener instead of granulated sugar and reduce overall sugar content while maintaining cookie's delicate sweetness.

Serving Cherry Almond Cookies On Special Days

• Sweet Tea Party Pairing: Serve these delightful cherry almond shortbread cookies alongside a refreshing iced tea or hot chamomile tea for an elegant afternoon treat.
• Dessert Platter Presentation: Create a beautiful cookie platter with these cookies, adding sliced almonds and fresh cherries as garnish to enhance visual appeal and flavor complexity.
• Holiday Gift Idea: Package these cookies in cute mason jars or decorative tins with ribbon, making them a perfect homemade gift for birthdays, holidays, or special occasions.
• Decadent Dessert Upgrade: Drizzle melted white chocolate and sprinkle crushed almonds on top to transform these cookies into a more luxurious and gourmet-style sweet bite.

Store Cherry Almond Shortbread For Snacking

• Store cookies in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers for up to 5 days, keeping them fresh and preventing crumbling.
• Wrap cookies individually in plastic wrap, place in freezer-safe container, and store for 2-3 months; thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving.
• Keep cookies in sealed container away from direct sunlight and heat sources, maintaining crisp texture for 3-4 days.
• Add small silica gel packet inside storage container to absorb excess moisture and prevent softening of shortbread texture.

FAQs

• Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries?

No, fresh cherries have too much moisture and will make the dough soggy. Maraschino cherries work best because they’re drained and chopped, maintaining the cookie’s texture.

• How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking?

Chill the dough for 30 minutes before rolling and baking. This helps the butter firm up and prevents excessive spreading, keeping the cookies’ shape intact.

• What if I don't have almond extract?

You can substitute with vanilla extract or leave it out entirely. The almond extract adds depth, but the cookies will still taste delicious without it.

Cherry Almond Shortbread Cookies Sweeten Every Day

• Customize with Ease: Flexible recipe allows adding white chocolate drizzle or adjusting cherry and almond flavors to personal preference.
• Create Memorable Moments: Ideal for family gatherings, holiday parties, or casual weekend baking with kids who can help roll cookie dough balls.
• Beginner Baker Friendly: Straightforward recipe with minimal ingredients and basic mixing techniques makes it accessible for novice home bakers wanting to try something special.

Everything For Cherry Almond Shortbread Cookie Magic

• All-Purpose Flour: The primary dry ingredient that provides structure and texture to the shortbread cookies.
• Butter: A rich, creamy ingredient that creates a soft and tender cookie base.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a crisp cookie texture.

• Vanilla Extract, Almond Extract: Provides deep, complementary flavor notes that enhance the cookie's taste profile.
• Maraschino Cherry Juice: Adds a subtle fruity undertone and helps bind the cookie dough.
• Maraschino Cherries: Introduces bursts of sweet, bright cherry flavor throughout the cookies.

• White Chocolate: An optional topping that adds extra sweetness and visual appeal to the finished cookies.

Steps To Bake Cherry Almond Shortbread Cookies

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cookie removal.

Step 2: Create a Creamy Base

In a large mixing bowl, whip together softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and creates a beautiful pale color.

This process helps incorporate air and creates a tender cookie texture.

Step 3: Add Flavor Boosters

Pour in vanilla extract, almond extract, and maraschino cherry juice.

Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined and the mixture looks smooth and fragrant.

Step 4: Form the Dough

Gradually add all-purpose flour to the wet ingredients.

Stir carefully until the dough comes together, forming a soft and cohesive mixture.

The dough should feel slightly crumbly but able to hold its shape.

Step 5: Incorporate Cherry Chunks

Gently fold chopped maraschino cherries into the dough.

Distribute them evenly to ensure each cookie gets a burst of fruity flavor.

Step 6: Shape the Cookies

Roll the dough into small 1-inch balls using your hands.

Place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie to allow for spreading during baking.

Step 7: Flatten and Prepare

Using the bottom of a glass or your palm, gently press down on each cookie ball to create a slightly flattened shape.

This helps the cookies bake evenly and creates a classic shortbread appearance.

Step 8: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven.

Bake for 12-15 minutes, watching carefully until the edges turn a delicate golden brown.

The cookies should look slightly crisp but not overly dark.

Step 9: Optional Chocolate Drizzle

Once the cookies have completely cooled, melt white chocolate.

Drizzle the melted chocolate over the cookies in a decorative pattern for an extra touch of sweetness and elegance.

Step 10: Cool and Serve

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes.

Transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

This helps them set and develop their signature crumbly texture.

Cherry Almond Shortbread Cookies Recipe

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4.6 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

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Description

Delicate Cherry Almond Shortbread Cookies merge buttery European pastry traditions with sweet-tart cherry essence. Crumbly almond-infused shortbread melts gracefully, inviting you to savor each delightful, elegant bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup (12 tablespoons; 170g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
• 2/3 cup (134g) granulated sugar

Cherry and Almond Ingredients:

• 16 maraschino cherries (drained and chopped)
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) maraschino cherry juice

Flavor Enhancers:

• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 4 ounces (113 grams) white chocolate (optional)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven to 350F (175C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for optimal cookie baking.
2. Using an electric mixer, whip softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes airy and pale.
3. Incorporate vanilla extract, almond extract, and maraschino cherry juice into the butter mixture, blending thoroughly.
4. Gradually introduce all-purpose flour, stirring until a cohesive dough forms.
5. Gently fold chopped maraschino cherries into the cookie dough, distributing evenly.
6. Shape the dough into uniform 1-inch spheres, positioning them approximately 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet.
7. Delicately press down each cookie ball using the bottom of a glass or fingertips to create a slight flattened shape.
8. Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes until cookie edges turn a delicate golden hue.
9. Once cookies have completely cooled, optionally drizzle melted white chocolate across the surface for an extra layer of sweetness.
10. Allow cookies to rest on the baking sheet momentarily before transferring to a wire cooling rack to achieve complete cooling.

Notes

• Gentle pressing prevents dense cookies, so lightly tap each ball to maintain a tender, crumbly texture.
• Drain maraschino cherries thoroughly on paper towels to prevent excess moisture from making cookies soggy.
• For gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a high-quality gluten-free blend that includes xanthan gum for better binding.
• Enhance almond flavor by toasting chopped almonds briefly before adding to dough, which deepens their nutty profile and adds delightful crunch.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 149
• Sugar: 7 g
• Sodium: 16 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 0.4 g
• Protein: 1.5 g
• Cholesterol: 22 mg