Cherry Almond Shortbread Cookies

Get ready to fall in love with these Cherry Almond Shortbread Cookies—each bite is buttery, crisp, and filled with a pop of juicy cherry and the sweet, nutty aroma of almond. They’re a perfect balance of flavors that will have you reaching for more, one cookie at a time. Whether you’re enjoying a quiet afternoon with a cup of tea or making a batch to share during the holidays, these cookies are sure to bring comfort and joy. Trust me, you’re going to adore these little treats!

Why You’ll Love Cherry Almond Shortbread Cookies

Here’s why this recipe is guaranteed to become a favorite:

• Buttery Perfection: The shortbread texture is everything—crisp, tender, and just the right amount of buttery goodness.
• Bright and Fruity: Sweet, dried cherries add a burst of flavor, while the almond extract adds depth and warmth.
• Easy to Make: This dough comes together quickly and doesn’t require any special techniques. Just mix, shape, and bake!
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re baking for the holidays, a special event, or just because, these cookies fit right in. They’re fancy enough for gifting but simple enough for any day.
• Customizable: If cherries aren’t your thing, you can swap them for other dried fruits like cranberries or apricots. You can also add a bit of zest if you want to play with citrusy flavors.

Ingredients

Here’s what you need to make these irresistible cookies:

Butter: The foundation of every great shortbread cookie. It gives these cookies their rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the cookies without making them too sugary. Powdered sugar also helps achieve that perfect melt-in-your-mouth crumb.

Flour: The essential dry ingredient that forms the structure of your shortbread. It provides the base for the buttery, delicate texture.

Almond Extract: Adds that signature almond flavor that pairs perfectly with the cherries. A little goes a long way!

Dried Cherries: These plump, tangy bits of fruit are the star here. Their chewiness balances out the crisp shortbread perfectly.

Salt: A pinch of salt enhances the sweetness and balances the flavors. Don’t skip it!

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s get baking and make these dreamy cookies:

1. Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. This will take about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer. The lighter and fluffier the butter-sugar mix, the more tender your cookies will be!

2. Add Almond Extract and Flour

Mix in the almond extract. Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until the dough comes together. The dough will be soft and slightly crumbly—that’s perfect!

3. Fold in the Cherries

Gently fold in the dried cherries until they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough. You don’t want to overmix, or the cherries might break apart.

4. Shape the Cookies

Roll the dough into a log shape, about 1 ½ inches in diameter. If you prefer, you can also roll the dough into small balls and flatten them gently. Once shaped, wrap the dough log in plastic wrap and chill it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to firm it up.

5. Slice and Bake

After chilling, slice the dough log into rounds about ¼ inch thick and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.

6. Cool and Serve

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a couple of minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy them with a cup of tea, coffee, or just on their own—they’re irresistible either way!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 18
Calories per serving: 150

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Chill Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 57 minutes

How to Serve Cherry Almond Shortbread Cookies

These cookies are delicious as-is, but here are a few ideas to make your cookie experience even more special:

• With a Hot Beverage: Pair these cookies with a hot cup of tea, coffee, or hot chocolate. The almond and cherry flavors complement the warmth of your drink perfectly.
• On a Cookie Platter: Serve these cookies as part of a beautiful cookie platter at a holiday party or get-together. Their delicate beauty will add a touch of elegance to the spread.
• Gifting: Package these cookies in a cute jar or tin with a ribbon and you’ve got a perfect homemade gift for friends or family.
• With a Fruit Compote: If you want to elevate the cherry flavor, serve these cookies with a spoonful of cherry compote or preserves for an extra burst of fruitiness.

Additional Tips

Here are a few tips to make sure your shortbread cookies turn out perfect:

• Chill the Dough: Don’t skip the chilling time! It helps the dough firm up, making it easier to slice and ensuring the cookies hold their shape while baking.
• Use Room Temperature Butter: For the best texture, make sure your butter is softened, not melted. This will help you achieve that light, tender shortbread consistency.
• Cut Uniformly: To ensure even baking, slice your dough into uniform pieces. You can use a sharp knife or even a bench scraper to get nice, even rounds.
• Customize with Other Fruits: If cherries aren’t your thing, feel free to swap them for dried cranberries, apricots, or even chopped dates. You can also experiment with adding a bit of orange zest for a citrus twist.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
A1: Yes! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Make sure to use a blend that works well in baking.

Q2: How do I store these cookies?
A2: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months—just thaw them at room temperature before serving.

Q3: Can I use fresh cherries instead of dried?
A3: Fresh cherries have too much moisture, which can affect the texture of the dough. It’s best to stick with dried cherries for this recipe, but if you really want to use fresh cherries, make sure to chop and dry them thoroughly before using.

Q4: Can I make the dough ahead of time?
A4: Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just slice and bake when you’re ready!

Q5: Can I add nuts to the dough?
A5: Absolutely! Chopped almonds or pecans would be a lovely addition to these cookies. Just fold them in with the cherries for an extra crunch.

Q6: How can I make these cookies a little sweeter?
A6: If you prefer a sweeter cookie, you can add a little extra powdered sugar to the dough, or drizzle a bit of melted chocolate over the cooled cookies.

Q7: What can I do if the dough is too crumbly?
A7: If the dough is too crumbly to come together, try adding a tablespoon of milk or water at a time until the dough holds its shape.

Q8: Can I roll the dough into shapes other than a log?
A8: Yes! If you prefer, you can roll the dough out on a lightly floured surface and use cookie cutters to cut shapes. Just be sure to chill the dough before rolling for easier handling.

Q9: How do I know when the cookies are done?
A9: The cookies should be lightly golden at the edges. Don’t let them brown too much; they will continue to firm up as they cool.

Q10: Can I drizzle these cookies with chocolate?
A10: Yes, a drizzle of dark or white chocolate would complement the cherry and almond flavors beautifully. Just melt the chocolate and drizzle over the cooled cookies.

Conclusion

These Cherry Almond Shortbread Cookies are everything you want in a cookie—delicate, buttery, and bursting with sweet cherry and almond flavor. They’re perfect for any occasion, easy to make, and sure to impress everyone who tries them. Whether you’re baking them for yourself or sharing with loved ones, these cookies are sure to become a new favorite. Happy baking!

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