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