Cherry Almond Shortbread Cookies

Ah, Cherry Almond Shortbread Cookies—where buttery, melt-in-your-mouth shortbread meets the sweet-tart magic of cherries and the warm, nutty flavor of almonds. These little cookies are everything you want in a treat: rich, slightly crisp, and full of comforting flavors that make you want to go back for just one more (and then one more after that). Plus, they’re simple enough to make, but fancy enough to impress anyone you share them with. Trust me, these will quickly become a favorite!

Whether you’re making them for a special occasion like Valentine’s Day, or just as an indulgent treat to enjoy with your afternoon coffee, these cookies will bring a little sweetness to any moment. They’re delicate, flavorful, and just the right amount of sweet. You’ll fall in love with every bite.

Why You’ll Love Cherry Almond Shortbread Cookies

Here’s why you’ll fall head over heels for these cookies:

Buttery Goodness: The shortbread base is rich and buttery, with that perfect melt-in-your-mouth texture. It’s simple but so satisfying!

Crisp with a Tender Center: These cookies have a crisp exterior with a soft, tender center. They’re perfectly balanced, offering a little crunch without being too dry.

Sweet & Tart Combo: The cherries bring just the right amount of tartness, and the almonds add a warm, nutty depth of flavor. It’s a combo that makes each bite feel like a treat.

Easy to Make: With just a handful of ingredients, these cookies come together effortlessly. There’s no complicated technique—just mix, shape, bake, and enjoy.

Perfect for Gifting: These cookies look as good as they taste, so they’re perfect for gifting during the holidays, for a special occasion, or just to share with loved ones.

Ingredients

These Cherry Almond Shortbread Cookies are made with ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. Here’s what you’ll need:

Butter

The base of all good shortbread cookies. It gives them that rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Make sure to use unsalted butter for the best results.

Flour

All-purpose flour is the foundation of the dough, giving the cookies structure and that wonderful shortbread texture.

Powdered Sugar

A touch of powdered sugar makes these cookies wonderfully soft and slightly sweet, without being overly sugary.

Almond Extract

This is the key to bringing that subtle nutty flavor to the cookies. Almond extract adds depth and complements the cherries beautifully.

Chopped Dried Cherries

The tartness of dried cherries adds a chewy surprise in every bite. They give these cookies their fruity punch and pair perfectly with the almonds.

Slivered Almonds

To really bring out the almond flavor, slivered almonds are gently folded into the dough. They add a slight crunch and extra nuttiness.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s get to baking these beautiful little treats!

Cream the Butter and Sugar

Start by creaming together your softened butter and powdered sugar until it’s light and fluffy. This step is crucial for getting that delicate, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Take your time and make sure it’s well combined.

Add the Flour and Almond Extract

Gradually mix in your all-purpose flour until the dough starts to come together. Add the almond extract for that nutty, aromatic flavor. Keep mixing until the dough is smooth and cohesive.

Fold in the Cherries and Almonds

Now, fold in the chopped dried cherries and slivered almonds. This will give your cookies those chewy, fruity bursts and a bit of crunch from the almonds.

Shape the Dough

Roll the dough into small balls—about 1 inch in diameter—then place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Gently press them down with a fork or your fingers to flatten them slightly. If you want to add a little extra flair, you can press a whole cherry or some additional slivered almonds on top of each cookie for decoration.

Bake the Cookies

Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 12-15 minutes or until the edges are just golden. Keep an eye on them as oven temperatures can vary. These cookies are best when they’re slightly golden but still soft in the center.

Cool and Enjoy!

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. The waiting part is tough, but it’s worth it. Once they’ve cooled, enjoy with a cup of tea, coffee, or just on their own!

Nutrition Facts

Here’s an estimate of the nutrition breakdown for each cookie:

• Servings: 24 cookies
• Calories per serving: 130
• Total Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Cholesterol: 20mg
• Sodium: 35mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 18g
• Dietary Fiber: 1g
• Sugars: 9g
• Protein: 1g

(Note: nutritional information is an estimate and will vary based on specific ingredients used.)

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Bake Time: 12-15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

How to Serve Cherry Almond Shortbread Cookies

While these cookies are delicious on their own, here are a few ideas for serving them:

With a Hot Drink: These cookies are perfect with a warm cup of tea or coffee. The rich buttery flavor and almond notes pair beautifully with your favorite warm beverage.

As Part of a Cookie Platter: Add these cookies to your cookie platters for parties, holidays, or gatherings. They add color, texture, and a lovely burst of flavor among other treats.

Gift Them: These cookies make a beautiful homemade gift. Package them in a cute box or jar, and you’ve got yourself a thoughtful present that anyone will love.

With a Dollop of Whipped Cream: For a more indulgent treat, try pairing them with a little whipped cream on the side, or serve them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Additional Tips

Here are a few extra tips to make your Cherry Almond Shortbread Cookies even more fabulous:

Use Room Temperature Butter: For the best texture, make sure your butter is softened to room temperature before you begin. It makes creaming the butter and sugar much easier and helps create a smooth dough.

Substitute Fresh Cherries: If you want to use fresh cherries instead of dried, be sure to chop them finely and dry them out a bit by placing them in a paper towel to absorb excess moisture before adding to the dough. Fresh cherries will give you a juicier, less chewy texture.

Customize the Nuts: Feel free to experiment with other nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, if almonds aren’t your thing. They’ll still add a lovely crunch and depth of flavor to your cookies.

Chill the Dough: If you find the dough a bit too soft to work with, chill it for about 30 minutes before rolling into balls. This will help the cookies keep their shape during baking.

Make a Double Batch: These cookies are so delicious, you may want to make extra. They freeze beautifully, so you can save some for later. Just store in an airtight container and thaw them when you’re ready for another batch!

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use fresh cherries instead of dried?
A1: Yes, fresh cherries work well, but you’ll need to chop them finely and dry them out a bit first. Fresh cherries release moisture, so make sure to blot them with a paper towel before adding them to the dough.

Q2: How do I store these cookies?
A2: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. You can also freeze them for longer storage.

Q3: Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
A3: Yes! You can swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure to check the texture and adjust if necessary.

Q4: How long should I bake these cookies?
A4: Bake them for 12-15 minutes, until the edges are golden. They’re best when they’re slightly golden around the edges but soft in the center.

Q5: Can I add more flavor to the cookies?
A5: Absolutely! You can try adding a pinch of cinnamon or vanilla extract to enhance the flavor. Just be careful not to overpower the delicate cherry and almond combo.

Q6: Can I double the recipe?
A6: Yes, you can double the recipe! Just be sure to adjust the baking time accordingly if you’re baking multiple sheets of cookies at once.

Q7: Can I freeze the dough?
A7: Yes, you can freeze the dough. Simply roll the dough into balls, freeze them on a baking sheet, and then transfer them to a freezer bag. When you’re ready to bake, just bake from frozen, adding a minute or two to the baking time.

Q8: How can I make the cookies more festive?
A8: You can drizzle the cookies with white or dark chocolate for an extra touch of sweetness. Or, try adding some red or green sprinkles for a fun pop of color!

Q9: Can I use regular sugar instead of powdered sugar?
A9: Powdered sugar gives these cookies a lighter, melt-in-your-mouth texture, so it’s best to use that. Regular sugar may alter the texture slightly.

Q10: Can I add other fruits to the dough?
A10: Yes! You can experiment with other dried fruits like cranberries or blueberries. Just keep in mind that the moisture level might change slightly with different fruits.

Conclusion

These Cherry Almond Shortbread Cookies are the ultimate combination of buttery, sweet, and slightly tart, with that perfect crunch from the almonds. They’re easy to make, and they taste just as good as they look. Whether you’re treating yourself or gifting them to someone special, they’re guaranteed to make every moment a little sweeter. Enjoy!

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