Cherry Almond Cookies

Soft cream cheese cherry almond cookies are a delightful treat that combine the sweet and tart flavors of maraschino cherries with the rich taste of cream cheese. These cookies are perfect for any occasion, from holiday gatherings to casual get-togethers. Their tender texture and a hint of almond make them truly special, especially when topped with a simple drizzle of white chocolate.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make – With straightforward steps, even novice bakers can whip up these delightful cookies.
• Festive Flavors – The combination of cherry and almond is both classic and festive, perfect for celebrations.
• Versatile Treat – Ideal for cookie exchanges, parties, or just a sweet snack at home.
• Creamy Texture – The addition of cream cheese gives these cookies a soft, tender bite that melts in your mouth.
• Beautiful Presentation – A drizzle of white chocolate not only adds flavor but also makes these cookies visually appealing.

Tools and Preparation

To prepare these cherry almond cookies, gather your tools ahead of time. Having everything on hand will make the baking process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer
• Medium bowl
• Cookie scoop
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer – This tool makes it easy to cream butter and cream cheese together until fluffy.
• Cookie scoop – Using a cookie scoop ensures uniform cookie sizes for even baking.
• Baking sheet – A sturdy baking sheet is essential for properly baking the cookies without burning them.

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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 (12-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 into bite-sized pieces. Place them on a plate lined with paper towels to dry.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and fine sea salt until well mixed.

Step 3: Cream Wet Ingredients

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

Step 4: Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients

1. Slowly mix in the dry ingredients on low speed until just combined.
2. Gently fold in the chopped cherries.
3. Chill the dough for at least 1 hour.

Step 5: Bake Cookies

Preheat your oven to 375℉. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat:
1. Using a medium cookie scoop (about 2 tablespoons), portion out the dough onto the prepared baking sheet.
2. Bake for about 10 minutes or until edges begin to turn golden brown.
3. Allow cooling on the pan for a couple of minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.

Step 6: Drizzle with White Chocolate (Optional)

To top your cookies:
1. Microwave white chocolate melting wafers in intervals of 30 seconds while stirring in between until melted.
2. Transfer melted chocolate into a plastic bag (or piping bag), snip off one corner, and drizzle over cooled cookies.
3. Let sit until chocolate firms up.

Enjoy your delicious Cherry Almond Cookies!

How to Serve Cherry Almond Cookies

Cherry almond cookies are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you are hosting a party or having a cozy night in, these cookies can be served to elevate any occasion.

With a Glass of Milk

• Enjoying these cookies with a cold glass of milk is a classic pairing that enhances the flavors and adds creaminess.

As Part of a Dessert Platter

• Arrange cherry almond cookies alongside other sweets like brownies and fruit tarts for an enticing dessert platter that impresses guests.

With Coffee or Tea

• Serve the cookies with your favorite coffee or tea. The nutty almond flavor complements both beverages perfectly, making for a relaxing afternoon treat.

As Party Favors

• Wrap individual cookies in clear bags tied with ribbon to create charming party favors that guests will love taking home.

Crumbled Over Ice Cream

• For an extra indulgent dessert, crumble the cookies over vanilla ice cream. The combination of flavors and textures will delight your taste buds.

How to Perfect Cherry Almond Cookies

Perfecting your cherry almond cookies can make all the difference in taste and texture. Here are some tips to keep in mind.

• Chill the Dough: Chilling the cookie dough for at least an hour helps to firm it up, resulting in thicker, chewier cookies.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Ensure your butter and cream cheese are fresh and at room temperature for better blending and texture.

• Don’t Overmix: When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix until just combined to maintain tender cookies.

• Adjust Baking Time: Keep an eye on the baking time; overbaking can lead to dry cookies. Aim for golden edges while keeping the centers soft.

• Experiment with Add-ins: Feel free to add nuts or different types of chocolate chips for added flavor and crunch.

Best Side Dishes for Cherry Almond Cookies

Cherry almond cookies not only shine on their own but can also be complemented by several delicious side dishes. Here are some great options:

1. Fresh Fruit Salad
   A refreshing fruit salad made with seasonal fruits adds brightness and balances the sweetness of the cookies.

2. Yogurt Parfait
   Layer Greek yogurt with granola and fresh cherries for a creamy, crunchy side that pairs well with dessert.

3. Cheese Platter
   A selection of cheeses can provide savory contrast, making cherry almond cookies even more enjoyable as part of a balanced spread.

4. Chocolate Dipped Strawberries
   These sweet treats bring an elegant touch and enhance the dessert experience with their rich flavor.

5. Nut Mix
   A simple mix of almonds, walnuts, and dried cherries offers a crunchy side that echoes the cookie’s flavors beautifully.

6. Vanilla Pudding
   Smooth vanilla pudding is a lovely companion that provides creaminess while enhancing the overall dessert experience.

7. Caramel Sauce
   Drizzling caramel sauce over each cookie adds richness and makes each bite even more decadent.

8. Herbal Tea Selection
   Serve a variety of herbal teas to cleanse the palate between bites of sweet cherry almond goodness.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Cherry Almond Cookies, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes that can affect the outcome. Here are some to watch out for:

• Not drying the cherries: Failing to dry the maraschino cherries can lead to overly wet dough. Always drain and let them dry on paper towels before using.
• Skipping the chilling step: Chilling the dough helps the cookies maintain their shape while baking. Don’t skip this step; refrigerate for at least an hour.
• Overmixing the dough: Overmixing can make cookies tough instead of soft. Mix until just combined to keep them tender.
• Incorrect oven temperature: Make sure your oven is preheated correctly. An inaccurate temperature can lead to undercooked or burnt cookies.
• Not using parchment paper: Baking directly on a sheet can result in sticking. Always line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats for easy removal.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

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

Freezing Cherry Almond Cookies

• Freeze cookies in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months.
• For best results, freeze them in single layers separated by parchment paper.

Reheating Cherry Almond Cookies

• Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F and heat cookies for about 5-7 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat one cookie at a time for about 10-15 seconds until warmed through.
• Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat, covering it with a lid for about 1-2 minutes until warmed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Cherry Almond Cookies:

Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries?

Yes, you can use fresh cherries! Just pit and chop them into small pieces, but be aware they may add more moisture.

How do I know when my Cherry Almond Cookies are done?

The edges should be slightly golden, while the centers remain soft. They will firm up as they cool.

Can I customize the flavors in Cherry Almond Cookies?

Absolutely! You can add chocolate chips, different extracts, or even nuts to enhance their flavor.

What should I do if my cookie dough is too sticky?

If your dough is too sticky after mixing, try adding a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches a workable consistency.

Final Thoughts

These Cherry Almond Cookies are not only festive but also incredibly versatile. With their tender texture and delightful cherry bursts, they make for an excellent treat any time of year. Don’t hesitate to customize them with additional ingredients like nuts or different extracts to suit your taste!