There’s something about the holiday season that brings out the baker in all of us. The sweet aroma of cookies fresh out of the oven has a way of making a house feel like home. If you’re searching for a new cookie recipe to impress your friends and family, these Almond Cherry Cookies are the perfect choice. With their buttery almond flavor, bursts of juicy maraschino cherries, and festive appearance, they’re guaranteed to be a hit at your next gathering—or any time of year!

These cookies are the ultimate combination of flavor and texture. The rich almond base creates a soft, chewy cookie that’s complemented by the slight crunch of almond slivers on top. The addition of chopped maraschino cherries not only adds a pop of sweetness but also gives the cookies a cheerful splash of color, making them ideal for Christmas cookie platters, Valentine’s Day treats, or simply an indulgent afternoon snack.

These cookies are delightful on their own, but pairing them with a hot cup of tea or a frothy cappuccino takes the experience to the next level. For a holiday twist, serve them with a glass of eggnog or mulled wine.

WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS ALMOND CHERRY COOKIES

These Almond Cherry Cookies are a delightful blend of nutty almond flavor and bursts of sweet, tangy cherries. They’re incredibly soft with a melt-in-your-mouth texture, making them perfect for any occasion. The beautiful red cherries add a festive touch, while the simple recipe ensures you’ll have a batch ready in no time. Perfect with coffee or as a holiday treat!

INGREDIENTS FOR ALMOND CHERRY COOKIES

Cookies:

• Ground Silvered Almonds: Adds a nutty flavor and texture to the cookies.
• Butter: Softened for easy creaming and a rich, buttery taste.
• Powdered Sugar: Provides a smooth and sweet base for the dough.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor with a warm, sweet aroma.
• All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of the cookie dough.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors.
• Maraschino Cherries: Adds a sweet and tangy center to the cookies; juice is used in frosting for added flavor.
• Red Decorating Sugar: A festive topping for added color and crunch.

Frosting:

• Powdered Sugar: Creates a sweet, smooth frosting.
• Maraschino Cherry Juice: Adds flavor and a soft pink hue to the frosting.
• Almond Extract: Intensifies the almond flavor in the frosting.
• Milk: Adjusts the consistency for dipping the cookies.

HOW TO MAKE THIS ALMOND CHERRY COOKIES

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 2: In a large bowl, mix butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until creamy and well-blended.

Step 3: In a separate bowl, combine flour, salt, and ground almonds. Gradually blend this dry mixture into the butter mixture until a dough forms.

Step 4: Take a tablespoon of dough and create a small pit in the center. Place half a maraschino cherry in the pit, then fold the dough over the cherry to form a smooth ball.

Step 5: Arrange the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet. Slightly flatten each ball.

Step 6: Bake for 8–9 minutes, or until the edges are just beginning to turn golden brown. Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool completely.

Step 7: In a small bowl, mix powdered sugar, maraschino cherry juice, and almond extract for the frosting. Gradually add milk until the frosting reaches a dipping consistency.

Step 8: Dip the tops of the cooled cookies into the frosting. Place them on a wire rack and immediately sprinkle with red decorating sugar. Allow the frosting to set before serving.

STORAGE OPTIONS

You’ve baked a delicious batch of Almond Cherry Cookies—crispy on the outside, chewy on the inside, and packed with nutty almond flavor and bursts of sweet cherries. But what if you’re not planning to devour them all in one sitting (though I wouldn’t blame you if you did)? Here’s how to keep these cookies as fresh as the day you made them!

Refrigerator Storage

For short-term storage, keep your cookies fresh in the refrigerator. Simply place them in an airtight container, layering parchment paper between each cookie to prevent sticking. They’ll stay perfect for up to 1 week. This method is ideal if you love a slightly chilled, chewy bite to your cookies (trust me, it’s a texture lover’s dream).

Freezer Storage

Need to save some for later or stock up for the holidays? The freezer is your best friend. Once the cookies have completely cooled, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container, making sure to squeeze out as much air as possible. These cookies will stay fresh for up to 3 months in the freezer!

When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw them at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes—or pop them in the microwave for a few seconds for that freshly-baked warmth.

VARIATIONS AND SUBSTITUTIONS

• Cherry Swap: Use dried cranberries, chopped maraschino cherries, or fresh raspberries for a fruity twist.
• Nutty Alternatives: Substitute almonds with pecans, walnuts, or pistachios for a different flavor profile.
• Flavor Boost: Add almond extract or swap vanilla for a more pronounced nutty taste.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use almond flour or a gluten-free baking mix instead of regular flour.
• Dairy-Free: Replace butter with coconut oil or vegan margarine.

These Almond Cherry Cookies aren’t just a dessert—they’re a celebration of simple, classic flavors with a festive flair. Whether you’re baking them for a holiday party, a bake sale, or a cozy night in, they’re bound to become a favorite in your recipe collection.

Bake a batch of these cookies, and watch them disappear faster than you can say “holiday spirit”! Have you tried this recipe? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below!

SAVE THIS RECIPE TO YOUR FAVORITE PINTEREST BOARD!

Almond Cherry Cookies

Print Pin Rate

Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes minutes

Servings: 12

Ingredients

• Cookies:
• 3/4 cup slivered almonds ground
• 1 cup butter softened
• 3/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 8 ounces jar maraschino cherries halved (reserve 1 teaspoon juice)
• Red decorating sugar
• Frosting:
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 tablespoon maraschino cherry juice
• 1 teaspoon almond extract
• 2 –3 tablespoons milk

Instructions

• Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• Prepare Dough:
• In a large mixing bowl, cream together butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
• In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, salt, and ground almonds. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the butter mixture until fully incorporated.
• Form Cookies:
• Take a tablespoon of dough and form a small pit in the center. Place half a maraschino cherry in the pit, then fold the dough around it to form a ball.
• Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet and gently flatten them slightly.
• Bake:
• Bake for 8–9 minutes or until the edges are just starting to turn golden brown.
• Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on a wire rack.
• Make Frosting:
• In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, maraschino cherry juice, and almond extract. Add milk, one tablespoon at a time, until the frosting reaches a dipping consistency.
• Decorate Cookies:
• Dip the tops of the cooled cookies into the frosting, then place them back on the wire rack.
• Sprinkle with red decorating sugar and allow the frosting to set before serving.