As the holiday season approaches, I find myself drifting back to the sweet memories of baking with my grandmother. The kitchen would fill with the scent of butter and sugar, and the air was always a delightful mix of laughter and flour dust. One of my favorite recipes from those cherished moments is for Cherry Almond Shortbread Cookies. Each bite is a homage to the classic shortbread but with a fruity twist that brings a radiant pop of red to the dessert table. The combination of creamy butter, nutty almonds, and vibrant cherries is nothing short of magical. Trust me, these cookies will become your new festive staple!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple and quick to make—perfect for last-minute holiday baking!
• Buttery, crumbly texture that melts in your mouth.
• Rich almond flavor paired with the tartness of cherries creates a delightful contrast.
• Versatile enough to enjoy year-round, not just for the holidays.

Ingredients

Gathering the right ingredients is half the fun! Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (remember, room temperature butter helps create that beautiful creamy texture!)
• ¾ cup powdered sugar (for that sweet, melt-in-your-mouth goodness)
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (the more real the better—skip the imitation!)
• 1 teaspoon almond extract (trust me, this is where the magic happens)
• 2 cups all-purpose flour (make sure to spoon and level for accuracy)
• ½ teaspoon salt (to enhance all those lovely flavors)
• 1 cup dried cherries, roughly chopped (they add that sweet and tangy note!)
• ½ cup sliced almonds (for extra crunch and nuttiness)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now, let’s get baking! Follow these simple steps, and your kitchen will soon smell like pure bliss:

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This helps avoid any sticky situations later on!
2. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and powdered sugar together until light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes. Enjoy that buttery aroma!
3. Add in the vanilla and almond extracts. Mix until just combined. Just a whiff of that almond flavor will take you back to cozy kitchens!
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Gradually add this to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; otherwise, you might end up with a dense cookie instead of the delightful crumbly texture we’re after.
5. Fold in the chopped cherries and sliced almonds. This is where the fun begins! The vibrant colors and textures will make your dough look so inviting.
6. Using a tablespoon, scoop out dough and roll it into balls (about 1 inch in diameter), then place them on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them a couple of inches apart.
7. Gently press each ball down with the back of a fork or your fingers to flatten slightly. Don’t forget to give them a little love!
8. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Your kitchen will be filled with mouthwatering smells—this is the moment we’ve been waiting for!
9. Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Patience is key here!

Pro Tips & Variations

Feel like mixing things up? Here are some playful twists and tricks to enhance your baking experience:

• Add a sprinkle of orange zest for a citrusy kick that pairs beautifully with the tart cherries.
• Try using different nuts! Pecans or walnuts can add a delightful twist.
• If you’re a chocolate lover, consider adding mini chocolate chips to the dough for an indulgent treat.
• For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free blend—just make sure it contains xanthan gum for the right texture.

Serving Suggestions

Now that your Cherry Almond Shortbread Cookies are ready, let’s think about how to enjoy them! I love serving these with a warm cup of tea or coffee, as the heat of the beverage perfectly complements the buttery cookies. They also make for a wonderful holiday gift! Simply stack them in a festive tin and tie it with a ribbon. Perfect for friends, neighbors, or anyone who appreciates a homemade treat!

Storage Tips

No need to worry about your cookies going stale! Here’s how to store them:

• Refrigerate: Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week. Just make sure they are completely cooled before sealing.
• Freeze: You can freeze these cookies for up to three months! Simply layer them in a freezer-safe container, placing parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
• Reheat: If you prefer your cookies warm, pop them in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5-7 minutes until they’re just warmed through.

FAQs

Can I use fresh cherries instead of dried cherries?

While fresh cherries are delicious, they contain more moisture, which might affect the texture of your cookies. Dried cherries provide a concentrated flavor and help keep the dough from becoming too wet. If you truly want to use fresh cherries, make sure to chop and pat them dry first, but the results won’t be quite the same.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough a day in advance and keep it in the refrigerator. Just let it soften for a few minutes at room temperature before shaping and baking. This is a great way to get ahead during the busy holiday season!

What if I don’t have almond extract?

No worries! You can simply increase the vanilla extract for an all-vanilla cookie or use hazelnut extract for a unique twist. Just remember, the almond flavor is quite special in this recipe!

Can I skip the nuts altogether?

Of course! If you have nut allergies or just prefer not to use them, feel free to leave them out. You might consider adding an extra tablespoon of dried fruit to keep the texture nice and balanced.

How should I serve these cookies?

These cookies are delightful on their own, but for extra indulgence, you could drizzle them with a simple glaze made of powdered sugar and milk or pair them with festive cheeses and fruits for a lovely holiday platter.

Conclusion

I hope you’re as excited to make these Cherry Almond Shortbread Cookies as I am! They’re a fantastic way to spread holiday cheer, or to simply treat yourself. I would love to hear how yours turn out! Leave a comment below and let me know your favorite ways to enjoy these cookies. Happy baking, my dear friend! May your home be filled with warmth, laughter, and the irresistible scent of freshly baked treats this holiday season!

Delicious Cherry Almond Shortbread Cookies Holiday Favorite

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• Author: antaki
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 24 cookies 1x

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Description

Indulge in cherry almond shortbread cookies a sweet buttery treat perfect for the holidays Try this festive favorite for your celebrations

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

1 cup unsalted butter, softened

¾ cup powdered sugar

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1 teaspoon almond extract

2 cups all-purpose flour

½ teaspoon salt

1 cup dried cherries, roughly chopped

½ cup sliced almonds

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Instructions

Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and powdered sugar together until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).

Add in the vanilla and almond extracts and mix until just combined.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Gradually add this to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined.

Fold in the chopped cherries and sliced almonds.

Using a tablespoon, scoop out dough and roll it into balls (about 1 inch in diameter), and place them on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them a couple of inches apart.

Gently press each ball down with the back of a fork or your fingers to flatten slightly.

Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

A sweet and buttery holiday favorite, these Cherry Almond Shortbread Cookies are perfect for festive occasions and beyond. Enjoy the delightful combination of creamy butter, nutty almonds, and vibrant cherries in every bite.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24 cookies
• Calories: 120
• Sugar: 6g
• Fat: 7g
• Carbohydrates: 14g
• Fiber: 0.5g
• Protein: 1g

Keywords: shortbread, cookies, holiday baking, Cherry Almond Shortbread, festive cookies