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Almond Cherry Cookies

Almond Cherry Cookies are classic, melt-in-your-mouth butter cookies infused with almond flavor and finished with a sweet maraschino cherry on top. With their tender texture, subtle almond aroma, and festive appearance, these cookies are a timeless favorite for Christmas baking, holiday cookie platters, and homemade edible gifts. Simple ingredients and an easy preparation make them perfect for both beginner and experienced bakers looking for a traditional holiday cookie that never goes out of style.
Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time10 minutes
Chilling Time1 hour
Total Time1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 36

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

Instructions

  • Cream together the butter and confectioners’ sugar until light and fluffy.
  • Add the beaten egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract; mix well.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, salt, baking soda, and cream of tartar.
  • Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and mix until combined.
  • Cover the dough and refrigerate for 1 hour.
  • Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • Roll dough into small balls and place on a baking sheet.
  • Bake for 8–12 minutes, depending on cookie size, until lightly golden.
  • While cookies bake, pat cherries dry and cut in half.
  • Cool cookies on a rack and gently press a cherry half into the center of each cookie.

Notes

Ingredient Substitutions

  • Use almond flour for ¼ cup of the flour for extra almond flavor.
  • Swap maraschino cherries for candied cherries if preferred.

Make-Ahead

  • Dough can be refrigerated up to 48 hours.
  • Baked cookies store well for up to 5 days.

Serving Variations

  • Dust lightly with powdered sugar.
  • Drizzle with white chocolate for extra elegance.

Avoid Mistakes

  • Don’t skip chilling the dough—it prevents spreading.
  • Pat cherries dry to avoid soggy cookies.