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This almond maraschino cherry cookies recipe delivers a delightful blend of nutty richness and sweet cherry bursts in every bite. Perfectly crumbly with a glossy glaze and festive red accents these cookies have become my weekend baking ritual especially when I want to share something special with friends.
I first made these during a holiday gathering and everyone kept reaching for seconds They have quickly become an essential cookie in my collection
Gather Your Ingredients
- Unsalted butter softened: provides a creamy base so cookies stay tender choose high quality for best flavor
- Powdered sugar: sweetens and contributes to a smooth texture use finely ground for even mixing
- All-purpose flour: the structure of these cookies opt for unbleached for a cleaner taste
- Salt: enhances flavors do not omit even in sweets
- Ground almonds: add a rich nuttiness that complements the cherries pick fresh ground or grind your own for best aroma
- Vanilla extract: deepens the overall flavor select pure extract
- Almond extract: intensifies the almond note use sparingly as it is potent
- Maraschino cherries: the star of the filling choose good quality bright cherries drained well to avoid excess moisture
- Milk or cream: needed for the glaze to achieve the right consistency
- Red sanding sugar or sprinkles: optional for festive decoration
How to Make It
- Prepare the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit or 190 degrees Celsius and line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugar:
- In a large bowl beat softened unsalted butter with powdered sugar for about 2 minutes until the mixture is pale and fluffy This step is crucial for that airy texture Mix in vanilla and almond extracts for layered flavor.
- Combine Dry Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl whisk together all-purpose flour ground almonds and salt This ensures an even distribution of ingredients and prevents clumps.
- Mix Dry Ingredients into Butter Mixture:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients into the butter mixture mixing on low speed just until combined Overmixing can make cookies tough so stop as soon as no flour streaks remain.
- Shape Cookies:
- Take a small amount of dough flatten it in your palm place a maraschino cherry in the center and wrap the dough around it forming a ball Press lightly to secure the cherry and set cookies on the lined baking sheet spacing them to prevent spreading into each other.
- Bake Cookies:
- Place the tray in the oven and bake for 30 to 45 minutes or until edges are lightly golden The baking time will depend on your oven and cookie size so start checking around 30 minutes.
- Cool the Cookies:
- Remove the baking sheets and let cookies cool on them for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely This prevents breakage.
- Glaze and Decorate:
- Mix powdered sugar with milk or cream one teaspoon at a time until you reach a thick but pourable glaze Coat each cookie with a thin layer and add red sanding sugar or sprinkles immediately for a charming festive look.
My favorite ingredient has to be the ground almonds which bring a toasted nutty depth that lifts this cookie above your standard sugar cookie. I remember baking these with my grandmother who always insisted on using fresh ground almonds fresh out of the bag adds a fragrance that fills the whole kitchen.
Flavor Boosters
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature They remain fresh for about 5 days To keep longer freeze cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container.
Serving Suggestions
These cookies shine alongside tea or a cup of hot coffee and pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert. Their pretty look makes them perfect for holiday platters or gifting.
Creative Twists
For a winter twist add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough or glaze during colder months. Swap the cherries for fresh berries in summer for a lighter feel.
These cookies have become a festive essential and mastering the technique ensures perfect results every time.
Common Questions About This Recipe
- → What type of flour is used in these cookies?
All-purpose flour is used to create a tender and sturdy cookie dough.
- → How can I achieve the best texture in these cookies?
Creaming the butter and sugar well until fluffy ensures a light and soft cookie texture.
- → Is it necessary to use maraschino cherries whole or chopped?
Maraschino cherries can be chopped or used whole depending on your preference to distribute flavor evenly.
- → Can I substitute the almond extract for another flavor?
Vanilla extract can be used as an alternative, but almond extract enhances the nutty profile of the cookies.
- → What is the purpose of the glaze on these cookies?
The powdered sugar glaze adds sweetness and a slight sheen, complementing the almond and cherry flavors.