Almond Cherry Cookies – Buttery, Nutty & Perfectly Chewy!

These Almond Cherry Cookies are a dreamy combination of buttery richness, chewy texture, and a sweet-tart burst from dried cherries. Toasted almonds add a warm nuttiness that perfectly complements the soft, chewy cookie base, making them an irresistible treat for any occasion — from afternoon coffee breaks to holiday cookie platters.

Ingredients (Makes About 24 Cookies)

▢ 1 cup (240 ml) unsalted butter, softened
▢ 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
▢ 2 large eggs
▢ 2 tsp vanilla extract
▢ 2 cups (240 g) all-purpose flour
▢ 1 tsp baking soda
▢ ½ tsp salt
▢ 1 cup (150 g) chopped almonds (toasted for extra flavor)
▢ 1 cup (150 g) dried cherries

Introduction

If you love cookies that balance sweetness with a hint of tang and crunch, these Almond Cherry Cookies are the perfect choice. They deliver a bakery-style chewiness with deep, nutty undertones from toasted almonds and fruity bursts from dried cherries. Each bite tastes like a comforting blend of nostalgia and indulgence — ideal for festive gifting or simply treating yourself.

Preparation Method

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy — about 2–3 minutes.

Step 2: Add Wet Ingredients

Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Mix until the batter is smooth and creamy.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined — do not overmix.

Step 4: Fold in Almonds and Cherries

Gently stir in the toasted chopped almonds and dried cherries until evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Step 5: Shape and Bake

Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges turn lightly golden and the centers remain slightly soft. Allow to cool on the tray for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Tips for Success

1. Toast the almonds in a dry skillet for 3–5 minutes for a richer flavor.
2. Soften the dried cherries by soaking them in warm water for 5 minutes if they’re too firm.
3. Don’t overbake. The cookies should stay soft in the middle for that perfect chewy texture.
4. For extra indulgence, drizzle cooled cookies with white chocolate or almond glaze.
5. Chill the dough for 20 minutes before baking if you prefer thicker cookies.

Variations

1. Chocolate Cherry Almond Cookies: Add ½ cup dark or white chocolate chips.
2. Cherry Coconut Delight: Mix in ¼ cup shredded coconut for tropical sweetness.
3. Spiced Version: Add a pinch of cinnamon or cardamom for cozy holiday flavor.
4. Nut-Free: Replace almonds with sunflower seeds or omit entirely.
5. Glazed Option: Top cooled cookies with a simple almond glaze (powdered sugar + almond extract + milk).

Serving Suggestions

Serve these Almond Cherry Cookies with:

• A warm cup of coffee or black tea
• Vanilla ice cream for a dessert twist
• A festive cookie platter during the holidays

Storage

Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or refrigerate for up to a week. They can also be frozen for up to 2 months — thaw at room temperature before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use fresh cherries instead of dried?
No, fresh cherries add too much moisture. Stick with dried cherries for best texture.

2. Can I substitute almonds with another nut?
Yes, pecans, walnuts, or pistachios work beautifully.

3. Why did my cookies spread too much?
Your butter may have been too soft. Chill the dough slightly before baking next time.

4. Are these cookies freezer-friendly?
Absolutely — both the dough and baked cookies freeze well.

5. Can I make them smaller or larger?
Yes, just adjust baking time accordingly — smaller cookies bake faster, larger ones need an extra 2–3 minutes.

Print

Conclusion

Almond Cherry Cookies combine buttery goodness, nutty crunch, and chewy cherry sweetness into one irresistible treat. Simple to make yet wonderfully elegant, they’re perfect for the holidays or anytime you crave a classic cookie with a gourmet twist.