Dessert

Almond Cherry Cookies Recipe

ByAiden Wells January 11, 2026January 11, 2026

Introduction

These Almond Cherry Cookies are a delightful treat combining buttery sweetness with a hint of almond and the bright burst of maraschino cherries. Perfect for tea time or sharing with friends, they are easy to make and irresistibly tasty.

The image shows a tray of soft, round cookies, each with a golden-brown color and slightly cracked texture on top. There are two visible layers in each cookie: a thick, smooth cookie base that looks soft and crumbly, and a bright red, shiny cherry placed in the center on top of each cookie. Light dusting of white powdered sugar adds a slightly frosted look on the cookies' surface. The cookies are arranged closely in rows on a white tray with colorful holiday patterns, and the tray sits on a white marbled textured surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 cup butter
1 ½ cups confectioners’ sugar
1 egg (well beaten)
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
½ teaspoon almond extract
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
¼ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon cream of tartar
Maraschino cherries (halved)

Instructions

Step 1: Cream together the butter and confectioners’ sugar until light and fluffy.
Step 2: Add the beaten egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract; mix well.
Step 3: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, baking soda, and cream of tartar.
Step 4: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until combined.
Step 5: Cover the dough and refrigerate for 1 hour.
Step 6: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Step 7: Roll the dough into small balls and place them on a baking sheet.
Step 8: Bake for 8–12 minutes, depending on cookie size, until lightly golden.
Step 9: While the cookies bake, pat the cherries dry and cut them in half.
Step 10: Cool the cookies on a rack and gently press a cherry half into the center of each cookie.

Tips & Variations

Use fresh almonds chopped finely to add extra crunch if you like a nuttier texture.
For a softer cookie, reduce baking time by a minute or two.
Try substituting maraschino cherries with dried cherries or glacé cherries for a different flavor.

Storage

Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. To keep them fresh longer, place parchment paper between layers. Reheat gently in a low oven or microwave for a few seconds if desired.

How to Serve

The image shows five round cookies arranged on a white rectangular tray with a colorful holiday pattern of green pine branches, red berries, and blue leaves. Each cookie is golden brown with a soft, crumbly texture and a glossy, bright red cherry placed in the center on top. The tray is set on a white lace cloth and a white marbled surface in the background, with a few fresh cherries with stems blurred behind the tray. The focus is on the closest cookie, showing its rich texture and shiny cherry clearly. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use diabetic-friendly sugar instead of confectioners’ sugar?

Yes, you can substitute with a powdered sugar alternative suitable for your dietary needs, but texture and sweetness may vary slightly.

Do the cookies need to be refrigerated before baking?

Refrigerating the dough for an hour helps the cookies hold their shape and enhances flavor, but if short on time, you can bake immediately with slightly softer results.