Nestled in the heart of Southern kitchens, Almond Cherry Cookies bring a burst of nostalgia to every bite. As the warm aroma wafts through the air, you can almost hear the laughter of family gathered ’round the table, sharing stories and savoring moments. These delightful treats are the kind of cookies that bridge generations, filling hearts with warmth and memories.
Why make this recipe? There’s something special about melding the sweet, nutty flavor of almond with the bright, juicy touch of maraschino cherries. Not just a cookie, but a delightful reminder of sweet summers and joyous holidays spent with loved ones. Almond Cherry Cookies are perfect for any gathering, be it a cozy family get-together or a festive celebration with friends. Each bite takes you back to simpler times, reminding us all of the love baked into every homemade treat.
How to make Almond Cherry Cookies
Ingredients:
- 1 cup butter
- 1 ½ cups confectioners’ sugar
- 1 egg (well beaten)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon almond extract
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon cream of tartar
- Maraschino cherries (halved)
Directions:
- Cream Together: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and confectioners’ sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, like a cloud on a summer day.
- Mix it Up: Add the well-beaten egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Mix well until all the flavors sing together in harmony.
- Whisk Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, baking soda, and cream of tartar. This is where the magic truly begins.
- Combine Love: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Stir with care until it’s all mixed and combined, just like the way we stir love into our family recipes.
- Chill Time: Cover the dough with a cozy blanket (or just some plastic wrap) and refrigerate it for 1 hour. This step helps those flavors deepen and develop.
- Preheat and Roll: When the hour is up, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll the chilled dough into small balls — imagine making little treasure chests filled with flavor — and place them on a baking sheet.
- Baking Bliss: Bake the cookies for 8–12 minutes, watching closely until they’re lightly golden, just like the golden sun setting over a warm Southern evening.
- Cherry on Top: While the cookies bake, pat the halved maraschino cherries dry with a paper towel, ready to crown each cookie. Once the cookies are cool, gently press a cherry half into the center of each cookie.
How to serve Almond Cherry Cookies
What’s more delightful than presenting these beautiful cookies on a charming plate, dusted lightly with confectioners’ sugar? They’re perfect paired with a cup of sweet tea or a warm glass of milk, inviting everyone to gather ’round and dive into those sweet memories.
How to store Almond Cherry Cookies
To keep those delicious cookies fresh and lovely, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you have any left after a gathering, that is!
Tips to make Almond Cherry Cookies
- Make sure your butter is at room temperature for the fluffiest dough.
- Chill your dough well to ensure a perfect shape and texture.
- Don’t skip the step of patting the cherries dry — this helps prevent excess moisture, ensuring your cookies stay divine.
Variations
Feel free to add a pinch of lemon zest for a citrusy twist or sprinkle in some chopped nuts for added crunch. Each variation tells its own story, just like our families!
FAQs
1. Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries?
Absolutely! If you use fresh cherries, just be sure to pit and chop them finely for the best results.
2. Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Yes! You can wrap the dough tightly and freeze it for up to three months. Whenever you’re ready for a fresh batch, just thaw and bake!
3. Are these cookies gluten-free?
To make Almond Cherry Cookies gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.
As you gather your loved ones to share a plate of these delightful Almond Cherry Cookies, remember that it’s not just about the cookies; it’s about the love, stories, and moments shared in that cozy kitchen. So, light the oven, invite your family, and let the magic of home-cooked goodness weave its way into your hearts. Happy baking!
Almond Cherry Cookies
Ingredients
Method
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and confectioners' sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the well-beaten egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Mix well.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, baking soda, and cream of tartar.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until well combined.
- Cover the dough and refrigerate for 1 hour.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Roll the chilled dough into small balls and place them on a baking sheet.
- Bake the cookies for 8–12 minutes, until lightly golden.
- Once cooled, press a halved maraschino cherry into the center of each cookie.