That first bite of a perfect cookie often feels like coming home, doesn’t it? For me, discovering the ultimate chewy almond cherry cookie recipe was a moment of pure bliss. It brought back memories of cozy afternoons and the simple joy of baking something truly special for loved ones, much like sharing a slice of a comforting banana bread cheesecake recipe.
This isn’t just any cookie; it’s a tender, sweet almond-infused delight, each one bursting with tart dried cherries and the delightful crunch of toasted almonds. It quickly became a staple in my kitchen, a recipe I pull out whenever I need a little warmth or want to share a taste of happiness. There’s a magic in how these flavors dance together, creating an irresistible treat for any occasion.
Why you’ll love this Chewy Almond Cherry Cookies with Almond Cherry Cookie Recipe
- **Irresistible Flavor Combination:** These chewy almond cherry cookies offer a perfect balance of sweet almond and tart cherry, creating a flavor profile that’s both classic and uniquely delicious. Every bite is a delightful surprise for your taste buds.
- **Perfect Texture Every Time:** Experience a cookie that’s wonderfully chewy in the center with slightly crispy edges. The inclusion of toasted almonds adds an extra layer of satisfying crunch to the mix.
- **Simple and Straightforward Baking:** With clear, easy-to-follow steps, this almond cherry cookie recipe is accessible for bakers of all skill levels. You’ll have a batch of incredible cookies ready in no time.
- **Versatile for Any Occasion:** Whether you’re filling a cookie jar for everyday enjoyment, preparing a dessert for a holiday gathering, or looking for a thoughtful homemade gift, these cookies fit the bill perfectly. They’re always a crowd-pleaser.
- **Great for Make-Ahead & Freezing:** This recipe is incredibly forgiving and practical, as the cookies store beautifully and can be frozen for later enjoyment. Always have a delicious treat on hand for unexpected guests or cravings.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon almond extract
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup dried cherries, roughly chopped
- ¾ cup chopped almonds, lightly toasted
Directions
Step 1
Almond cherry cookie recipe makes every moment feel satisfying. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
Step 2
In a large mixing bowl, using an electric mixer, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. This step incorporates air, contributing to the cookies’ chewy texture. Remember to scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure everything is well combined.
Step 3
Beat in the large egg until fully incorporated. Then, stir in the pure vanilla extract and almond extract until well combined, ensuring the mixture is smooth and fragrant. The almond extract is key to the distinctive flavor of this almond cherry cookie recipe.
Step 4
In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough cookies.
Step 5
Gently fold in the chopped dried cherries and toasted chopped almonds until evenly distributed throughout the cookie dough. Use a spatula to ensure all ingredients are well incorporated without crushing the cherries too much. This ensures every cookie has a good mix of flavors and textures.
Step 6
Drop rounded tablespoons of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie. These cookies will spread a bit during baking, so adequate spacing is important for even cooking.
Step 7
Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown and the centers are just set. For a chewier cookie, slightly underbake. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them firm up and prevents breakage.
Variations, pairings, and serving ideas
Variations
While the classic chewy almond cherry cookies are utterly perfect as they are, don’t hesitate to experiment with different nuts. Pecans or walnuts can offer a different but equally delightful crunch and flavor profile. Lightly toast them before adding to the dough for enhanced taste.
Consider adding a hint of citrus zest to the dough for an extra bright note. A teaspoon of orange or lemon zest can beautifully complement the tart cherries and sweet almond flavor. This small addition can really elevate the cookie’s complexity.
For a decadent twist, try dipping half of the cooled cookies in melted white chocolate and sprinkling with extra toasted almonds. This adds a beautiful visual appeal and an additional layer of sweetness and creaminess, making them even more indulgent.
Pairings
These chewy almond cherry cookies are fantastic on their own, but they also pair wonderfully with a warm beverage. A mug of hot coffee, a soothing cup of tea, or a glass of cold milk are all excellent companions. The simple creaminess of milk perfectly balances the cookie’s rich flavors.
For a light dessert, serve these cookies alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. The contrasting temperatures and textures create a truly delightful experience. A sprinkle of extra chopped almonds over the ice cream would be a lovely touch.
If you’re looking for a refreshing fruit component to serve with these rich cookies, consider a vibrant winter fruit salad recipe. The freshness of mixed fruits would cut through the sweetness of the cookies beautifully. It’s a perfect way to offer a balanced dessert spread.
Serving ideas
Arrange these vibrant almond cherry cookies on a rustic wooden board or a beautiful ceramic platter for an inviting display. The contrast of the golden cookies with the red cherries and brown almonds is visually appealing. They make a lovely centerpiece for a dessert table.
For gifting, stack a few cookies in a clear cellophane bag, tie with a festive ribbon, and add a handwritten tag. These homemade treats are always appreciated and make a thoughtful present for friends, neighbors, or teachers. Everyone loves a delicious, personal gift.
Consider serving these cookies as part of a brunch spread, alongside fresh fruit and other baked goods. They add a touch of homemade charm and a burst of flavor to any morning gathering. The delightful aroma alone will tempt your guests.
Storage and make-ahead tips
Storage
To keep your chewy almond cherry cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will maintain their delicious flavor and soft, chewy texture for up to one week. Placing a slice of bread in the container can help keep them moist.
If you’ve baked a large batch, you can easily freeze the cooled cookies. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to flash freeze, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. This prevents them from sticking together.
Frozen cookies will stay fresh for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw them at room temperature for a few hours. They’ll taste just as good as freshly baked.
Make-ahead
The cookie dough for this almond cherry cookie recipe can be made ahead of time, which is a fantastic time-saver. Prepare the dough as directed, then cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 3 days. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
When ready to bake, let the dough sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes to soften slightly, making it easier to scoop. You might need to add a minute or two to the baking time if the dough is still quite cold. This flexibility makes holiday baking a breeze.
You can also form the dough into balls and freeze them unbaked. Arrange the dough balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time, for freshly baked cookies on demand.
Common mistakes when making Chewy Almond Cherry Cookies
- **Overmixing the dough:** Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour too much, leading to tough and dry cookies instead of chewy ones. Mix until just combined.
- **Not chilling the dough (if desired):** While not strictly required for this recipe, chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes can prevent spreading and enhance the depth of flavor. Cold dough helps the cookies hold their shape better.
- **Skipping the toasted almonds:** Toasted almonds add a significant depth of flavor and a delightful crunch that raw almonds simply don’t provide. Don’t skip this easy step; it truly elevates the cookie.
- **Overbaking:** Baking these chewy almond cherry cookies for too long will result in a dry, hard texture rather than the desired chewiness. Pull them from the oven when the edges are lightly golden and the centers are just set.
- **Not using parchment paper or silicone mats:** These liners prevent sticking and help the cookies bake evenly. Without them, your cookies might stick and brown unevenly on the bottom.
Final notes
There’s something truly heartwarming about a batch of homemade cookies, and this chewy almond cherry cookie recipe holds a special place in my heart. The combination of sweet almond, tart cherries, and crunchy nuts creates a symphony of flavors and textures that is simply irresistible. They are a delightful treat that brings a smile to anyone’s face.
I encourage you to set aside some time this week to bake these cookies. The aroma that fills your kitchen alone is worth the effort, and the reward of biting into a warm, chewy cookie is unparalleled. They are truly an instant classic that you’ll want to make again and again.
Whether you’re baking for a special occasion, a quiet evening at home, or simply to satisfy a sweet craving, these cookies are a perfect choice. Share them with loved ones, or keep them all to yourself – I won’t tell! Enjoy every delicious bite.
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Chewy Almond Cherry Cookies
Indulge in the irresistible charm of these Chewy Almond Cherry Cookies! Each bite delivers a delightful blend of tender, sweet almond-infused dough studded with tart dried cherries and crunchy toasted almonds. They’re a perfect balance of textures and flavors, making them an instant classic for any cookie jar or special occasion.
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon almond extract
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup dried cherries, roughly chopped
- ¾ cup chopped almonds, lightly toasted
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, using an electric mixer, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
- Beat in the large egg until fully incorporated. Stir in the pure vanilla extract and almond extract until well combined, ensuring the mixture is smooth and fragrant.
- In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Gently fold in the chopped dried cherries and toasted chopped almonds until evenly distributed throughout the cookie dough. Use a spatula to ensure all ingredients are well incorporated without crushing the cherries too much.
- Drop rounded tablespoons of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie. These cookies will spread a bit during baking.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown and the centers are just set. For a chewier cookie, slightly underbake. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
For an extra depth of flavor, lightly toast your chopped almonds in a dry pan over medium heat for 3-5 minutes before adding them to the dough. Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. These cookies also freeze beautifully for up to 3 months!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 105mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg