If there’s a cookie that embodies both cheerful nostalgia and sophisticated flavor, it’s these Almond Cherry Cookies. Imagine biting into a buttery, tender cookie, revealing a sweet maraschino cherry hiding at the center, all topped with a glossy cherry-almond glaze and a sprinkle of festive red sugar. These pretty little cookies don’t just look the part for special occasions—they taste so heavenly, you’ll find yourself making excuses to whip up a batch any time of year. With simple, pantry-friendly Almond Cherry Cookies, each step brings out the warm aromas and vibrant colors that turn everyday baking into pure joy.

Almond Cherry CookiesIngredients Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be amazed at how a handful of thoughtfully chosen Almond Cherry CookiesIngredients can create such charming treats. Each ingredient shines in its own way, contributing either flavor, texture, or eye-catching color that brings these cookies to life.

Slivered almonds (3/4 cup, ground): These subtle, nutty almonds add gentle crunch and a rich base to the dough—be sure to pulse them finely for the best texture!
Butter (1 cup, softened): Softened butter infuses the cookies with heavenly richness and gives that irresistible melt-in-your-mouth crumb.
Powdered sugar (3/4 cup + 2 cups): Powdered sugar disappears seamlessly into the dough, sweetening both the cookies and the dreamy cherry glaze.
Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Just a splash enhances the flavors and ties everything together.
All-purpose flour (2 1/4 cups): Flour keeps everything tender but sturdy enough to hide a cherry surprise inside each cookie.
Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Don’t skip this! A dash brings out the nutty almond notes and balances the sweetness.
Maraschino cherries (8 ounces, halved, reserve 1 tsp juice): These classic cherries infuse color and a burst of sweet-tart flavor—plus, their juice is gold for the glaze.
Red Decorating Sugar: For magical sparkle and a pop of color that turns every cookie into a celebration.
Maraschino cherry juice (1 tablespoon): Reserved from the jar, this juice tints the glaze a cheerful pink and deepens the cherry flavor.
Almond extract (1 teaspoon): Intensifies the almond aroma—a little goes a long way in that luscious frosting.
Milk (2-3 tablespoons): Add enough to make your glaze wonderfully dippable and glossy.

How to Make Almond Cherry Cookies

Step 1: Prepare the Dough Base

Start by preheating your oven to 375 degrees F so it’s nice and hot when your cookies are ready to bake. In a large bowl, mix together the softened butter, 3/4 cup powdered sugar, and vanilla until light, creamy, and blended. This creates that luxurious base that makes Almond Cherry Cookies so delightful.

Step 2: Combine the Almond Cherry Cookies

In a separate bowl, stir together the flour, ground slivered almonds, and salt. This flour-almond blend ensures the dough bakes up tender yet sturdy, with nutty undertones that pair perfectly with the cherries. Gradually mix the dry Almond Cherry Cookies into the butter mixture until everything is just combined and the dough feels soft but not sticky.

Step 3: Shape and Fill the Cookies

Scoop out a tablespoon of dough for each cookie—no need to be exact, but try to keep them similar for even baking. Press a small pit in the center of each portion, nestle in half of a maraschino cherry, then fold the dough up and around it to form a ball, sealing that cherry treasure inside. Place the dough balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet and gently flatten them to encourage even baking and a classic shape.

Step 4: Bake

Pop the cookies in your preheated oven and bake for 8 to 9 minutes. You’re looking for edges that just start to turn golden—you don’t want to overbake or they’ll lose that dreamy softness. Let them cool on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack; this keeps the hidden cherry juicy and the crumb tender.

Step 5: Glaze and Decorate

While the cookies cool, whisk together 2 cups powdered sugar, 1 tablespoon reserved cherry juice, 1 teaspoon almond extract, and just enough milk to make the glaze smooth and easily dippable. Dip each cookie top into the glaze, then flip them right side up on the rack. While the frosting is still wet, shower them with red decorating sugar for a sparkling finish—this is where Almond Cherry Cookies truly look (and taste) festive!

How to Serve Almond Cherry Cookies

Garnishes

For a little extra flair, add a few extra slivered almonds or even a tiny piece of cherry on top of each frosted cookie before the glaze sets. The red sprinkle is gorgeous, but a touch of extra almond or cherry doubles down on the flavors and makes them look bakery-perfect.

Side Dishes

These cookies are fabulously showy on a holiday dessert tray or at a tea party. Arrange them with chocolate-dipped biscotti, lemon bars, or buttery shortbreads for an elegant spread. A pot of freshly brewed coffee or herbal tea is the only thing you’ll need to turn snack time into a real occasion.

Creative Ways to Present

Think outside the cookie tin! Try stacking a few cooled cookies in clear cellophane bags tied with a cherry-red ribbon for unforgettable edible gifts. For parties, serve them nestled in mini cupcake liners on a tiered stand, or scatter them around a centerpiece of fresh cherries and almonds.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once frosted, place any leftover Almond Cherry Cookies in an airtight container, layering parchment or wax paper between each layer to protect the glaze and sugar. They’ll stay tender and fresh for up to five days at cool room temperature.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze Almond Cherry Cookies! For best results, freeze them unfrosted: layer cooled cookies in a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment. When ready to serve, thaw at room temperature before adding glaze and decorations for that just-made look and texture.

Reheating

While these cookies are lovely at room temperature, if you prefer a just-baked bite, reheat unfrosted cookies for a few seconds in the microwave or a low oven. Add the glaze after reheating to keep it smooth and glossy. Frosted cookies are best enjoyed as-is, straight from the tin!

FAQs

Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries?

You can, but maraschino cherries deliver that distinctive pop of color and sweetness. Fresh cherries work in a pinch, just pit and halve them—but the cookies will be less sweet and might not be quite as vibrant.

What if I don’t have slivered almonds?

No worries! Any blanched almond will do, just pulse them in a food processor until fine. Try not to use almond flour, which can make the cookies denser—texture is key in Almond Cherry Cookies.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes! Simply wrap the dough tightly in plastic and refrigerate for up to 48 hours. Let it come to room temperature a bit before shaping so it’s easy to work with and seals around the cherries perfectly.

Is there a substitute for almond extract?

If you’re out of almond extract, you can use a splash of amaretto liqueur for a grown-up twist or even skip it. The cookies will still be fantastic, but that signature almond-cherry combo is what makes Almond Cherry Cookies so addictive!

How do I get the glaze perfectly smooth?

Add the milk slowly, whisking constantly, until the glaze is just thin enough to dip but thick enough to set in a silky layer. Sifting the powdered sugar beforehand guarantees a lump-free, professional finish every time.

Final Thoughts

These Almond Cherry Cookies are pure happiness in each bite—a cookie you’ll reach for when you want to delight, impress, or just treat yourself. Baking them is more than a recipe; it’s a joyful ritual you’ll want to share. Dive in, enjoy every cherry-studded morsel, and make these a new favorite to share with everyone you love!

Almond Cherry Cookies

★★★★★

4.9 from 13 reviews

Author: lilan
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: Makes about 24 cookies 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Delight your taste buds with these irresistible Almond Cherry Cookies. A perfect blend of almond goodness and sweet cherries, these cookies are sure to become a family favorite.

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.

In a large bowl, mix together butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla until blended.

1. In a separate bowl, combine flour, salt, and almonds.

Blend dry ingredients into the butter mixture.

1. To form a cookie, take a tablespoon of dough, make a pit in the middle, place half of a cherry in the pit, then fold the dough over the cherry to form a ball of cookie dough.

Place on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet and flatten slightly.

1. Bake at 375 degrees for 8-9 minutes or until the edges are just starting to turn golden brown.

Remove from the oven and cool.

1. In a small bowl, mix together powdered sugar, cherry juice, and almond extract for the frosting.

Add enough milk to achieve a dipping consistency.

Dip the tops of the cookies in the icing, flip over, place on a wire rack, and sprinkle with red sugar.

Notes

You can customize the cookie size by adjusting the amount of dough used for each cookie.
Store the cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American