The Perfect Cherry Almond Shortbread Cookies Recipe for Bakers

Baking cherry almond shortbread cookies brings pure joy to my kitchen adventures.

Sweet cherries peek through buttery layers of crumbly dough.

Almonds add a delightful crunch that makes these treats irresistible.

Crisp edges and soft centers create a perfect texture balance.

Minimal ingredients combine to produce an elegant dessert perfect for afternoon tea.

Simple yet sophisticated, these cookies feel like a warm hug from your favorite bakery.

You’ll want to savor every delicate, melt-in-your-mouth bite of this delectable treat.

Pro Tips for Crispy and Flavorful Cherry Almond Shortbread

• Achieve the right butter consistency by letting it sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before mixing, ensuring a smooth and creamy texture.
• Enhance nutty flavor by lightly toasting slivered almonds in a dry skillet for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
• Refrigerate cookie dough for 30 minutes before baking to help maintain shape and create clean, crisp edges.
• Use the spoon-and-level method when measuring flour to avoid dense, tough cookies by preventing over-packing.
• Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, separating layers with parchment paper to maintain freshness.

Delicious Variations on Cherry Almond Shortbread Cookies

• Gluten-Free Delight: Replace wheat flour with almond or coconut flour for a celiac-friendly version. Ensure all other ingredients remain the same for a similar texture and taste.
• Vegan Cherry Crunch: Swap butter with coconut oil or vegan margarine. Use plant-based powdered sugar and add extra almond extract for depth of flavor.
• Low-Sugar Option: Substitute powdered sugar with stevia or monk fruit sweetener. Reduce the amount of dried cherries and add more toasted almonds for crunch.
• Chocolate Cherry Variation: Drizzle melted dark chocolate over cooled cookies. Sprinkle extra chopped almonds on top for added texture and visual appeal.

Serving Suggestions for Cherry Almond Shortbread Cookies

• Elegant Tea Party Pairing: Serve these delicate cookies alongside a steaming cup of Earl Grey or chamomile tea for a sophisticated afternoon treat.
• Dessert Platter Star: Arrange cookies on a beautiful platter with other bite-sized sweets like chocolate truffles or mini fruit tarts for a stunning dessert presentation.
• Gifting Delight: Package these cookies in a cute mason jar or vintage tin with a ribbon for a homemade gift that shows thoughtful personal touch to friends and family.
• Ice Cream Companion: Crumble these shortbread cookies over vanilla or almond ice cream for a delightful textural contrast and added nutty flavor.

Best Storage Tips for Cherry Almond Shortbread Cookies

• Store cookies in an airtight container between parchment paper layers for up to 5 days. Keep container sealed to maintain freshness and prevent moisture absorption.
• Pack cookies in freezer-safe container with wax paper separating layers. Freeze for maximum 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before serving.
• Place cookies in sealed container away from direct sunlight and heat. Consume within 3-4 days for optimal taste and texture. Keep container in cool, dry area.
• Warm cookies briefly in microwave for 10-15 seconds or place in preheated 300F oven for 2-3 minutes to restore slight crispness and enhance almond and cherry flavors.

FAQs

• Can I use fresh cherries instead of dried cherries?

No, fresh cherries contain too much moisture and will make the dough too wet. Dried cherries work best for maintaining the shortbread’s texture and consistency.

• Is almond extract necessary for the recipe?

While almond extract adds a delicious nutty flavor, you can omit it if you don’t have it. The cookies will still taste great with the toasted almonds providing a nice flavor.

• How do I know when the cookies are properly baked?

Look for lightly golden edges and a set appearance. The cookies should be firm but not darkly browned. They will continue to set as they cool on the baking sheet.

Cherry Almond Shortbread Cookies That Melt in Your Mouth

• Whip Up Festive Delights: These cookies bring a burst of cheerful flavor perfect for holiday gatherings or special celebrations with their vibrant cherry and almond combination.
• Create Stress-Free Baking: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe accessible for bakers of all skill levels, from beginners to experienced home cooks.
• Craft Versatile Treats: Elegant enough for dessert tables yet easy enough for casual snacking, these shortbread cookies work wonderfully as gifts or personal indulgences.
• Customize with Ease: Flexible recipe allows for personalization by adjusting almond or cherry quantities to suit individual taste preferences or dietary needs.

Ingredients to Make Perfect Cherry Almond Shortbread Cookies

• All-Purpose Flour: The primary dry ingredient that creates the classic shortbread texture and structure.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor and balances the sweetness of the cookies.

• Butter: Provides rich flavor and creates the tender, crumbly shortbread texture.
• Powdered Sugar: Adds sweetness and contributes to the delicate, melt-in-your-mouth quality of the cookies.
• Almond Extract: Delivers a deep, nutty flavor that complements the other ingredients.

• Dried Cherries, Toasted Slivered Almonds: Add delightful texture, bursts of fruity tartness, and nutty crunch to the classic shortbread base.

How to Bake Cherry Almond Shortbread Cookies to Perfection

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven and set the temperature to 325°F (165°C).

Get ready to create some delicious magic!

Step 2: Whip Up the Base

Grab a large mixing bowl and blend softened butter with powdered sugar until the mixture becomes light and airy.

Splash in some almond extract for that extra burst of flavor.

Step 3: Blend Dry Ingredients

Gradually introduce flour and salt to your creamy mixture.

Stir until everything comes together smoothly, creating a perfect cookie dough.

Step 4: Fold in Delicious Bits

• Chopped dried cherries
• Toasted slivered almonds

These will give your cookies an incredible texture and flavor burst.

Step 5: Shape the Cookies

Roll the dough into small 1-inch balls.

Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Use the bottom of a glass to gently press down and flatten each cookie slightly.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven.

Bake for 15-18 minutes until the cookie edges turn a beautiful light golden color.

Step 7: Cool and Enjoy

Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes.

Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Get ready to savor these mouthwatering treats!

Cherry Almond Shortbread Cookies Recipe

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4.5 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 38 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

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Description

Delightful cherry almond shortbread cookies blend buttery richness with sweet almond essence and tart cherry accents. Crisp edges and delicate crumb make these treats perfect for afternoon tea or elegant dessert gatherings.

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Ingredients

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Flour and Dry Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Main Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1/2 cup dried cherries, chopped

Nuts and Flavoring:

• 1/4 cup slivered almonds, toasted
• 1 teaspoon almond extract

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven at 325F (165C) with a rack in the middle position.
2. Using an electric mixer, whip butter and powdered sugar until creamy and airy, then incorporate almond extract thoroughly.
3. Gradually fold in flour and salt, mixing until a cohesive dough forms without overmixing.
4. Gently fold chopped dried cherries and toasted slivered almonds into the dough, distributing evenly.
5. Shape the dough into uniform 1-inch spheres, positioning them on a parchment-lined baking sheet with slight spacing between each cookie.
6. Press down gently on each dough ball using the bottom of a flat glass to create a slight disk shape.
7. Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake for 15-18 minutes until edges develop a delicate golden hue.
8. Remove from oven and let cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to stabilize their structure.
9. Transfer cookies to a wire cooling rack, allowing them to cool completely and develop a crisp texture.

Notes

• Toast almonds beforehand to enhance their nutty flavor and add extra crunch to the cookies.
• Use room temperature butter for smoother, more evenly mixed dough that creams more easily.
• Pat dried cherries gently with paper towel to remove excess moisture, preventing soggy cookie texture.
• For gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with almond or gluten-free flour blend to accommodate dietary restrictions.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 18 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 132
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 39 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 17 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 20 mg