Description
These Almond Cherry Cookies are soft, buttery cookies with a maraschino cherry hidden inside, topped with a cherry glaze and red decorating sugar—perfect for holidays or special occasions.
Ingredients
- 1 cup slivered almonds
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 18 maraschino cherries, halved
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
- 2 tablespoons maraschino cherry juice
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
- 1–2 tablespoons milk
- Red decorating sugar (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a food processor, pulse the slivered almonds until finely ground.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and 1 cup powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
- Mix in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, ground almonds, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Take about 1 tablespoon of dough and flatten it slightly in your hand. Place a halved maraschino cherry in the center and wrap the dough around it, rolling it into a ball.
- Place the dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 12–14 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly golden. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- For the glaze, in a small bowl, whisk together 1 cup powdered sugar, maraschino cherry juice, almond extract, and enough milk to achieve a drizzling consistency.
- Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cookies and sprinkle with red decorating sugar, if desired.
Notes
- Use almond flour as a substitute for slivered almonds if desired.
- Dough can be prepared ahead and refrigerated for up to 2 days.
- Adjust glaze consistency by adding milk gradually.
- Store in airtight container up to 5 days or freeze unglazed cookies for up to 3 months.
- Decorate with colored sugar for festive flair.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 30mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
