Late one night, after a long day of testing flavors, I found myself eagerly experimenting in my kitchen, chasing that perfect sweet treat with a bold twist. That’s when I stumbled upon Almond Cherry Cookies. The mix of tart cherries and rich almonds danced on my taste buds in a way I hadn’t expected. These cookies weren’t just a snack—they were a flavor celebration that turned an ordinary night into something magical!
Friends who popped by during my late-night taste tests gave me that look. You know the one—the surprise followed by a smile that says, “Wow, what is this?” That reaction totally fired me up. It’s my favorite part of creating homemade cherry cookies that feel familiar but bring a surprise kick to every bite. This Almond Cherry Cookies recipe quickly became a go-to for game nights, potlucks, or just when I needed to treat myself. If you’ve ever swooned over cherry almond biscotti or thought almond flour cookies were only dry health snacks, you’re in for a treat today!
This almond cherry dessert turns simple ingredients into something special. The balance of sweet and tart with a nutty crunch makes it a standout. Plus, it’s gluten-free cherry almond cookies friendly, which means everyone can join in the happy dance around your table. Fellow food lovers, get ready to fall in love with these Almond Cherry Cookies. They’ll brighten your kitchen, impress your friends, and maybe, just maybe, become your new obsession!
If you’re curious about mixing comfort food with a twist or want an easy weeknight winner, stay with me—I’m about to share the magic that makes these cookies impossible to resist! And for more cherry almond delights, check out this classic chocolate cherry cream pie that hits all the cozy notes, too.
Ingredients You Need
Here’s the Almond Cherry Cookies ingredient list that’s all about bold flavors that actually come together perfectly!
- 1 1/2 cups almond flour (I love how this gives the cookies a tender, nutty texture while keeping it gluten-free)
- 1/2 cup dried cherries, roughly chopped (you can grab these at your regular grocery store or health food aisle)
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds (adds that crunch I adore)
- 1/2 cup coconut sugar (this almond cherry dessert loves the subtle caramel notes from coconut sugar)
- 1 large egg (adds binding without weighing things down)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted (try substituting with coconut oil if you want a dairy-free option – I do this all the time in my Almond Cherry Cookies)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (pure vanilla is a total game-changer here)
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
If you don’t have dried cherries, no worries! You can swap with dried cranberries or even chopped fresh cherries if you’re feeling adventurous. I’ve made this almond cherry dessert on rushed weeknights, so I usually pre-chop the cherries and almonds ahead of time and store them in the fridge. This way, I’m ready to whip up these Almond Cherry Cookies anytime the mood strikes. For keeping them fresh, I store leftovers in an airtight container for up to a week. If you want an alternate twist, adding a sprinkle of cinnamon or a pinch of cardamom gives the cookies a warm spin that’s unforgettable.
If you want to add extra oomph to your Almond Cherry Cookies, I love tossing in a handful of mini chocolate chips. It’s like a cherry almond biscotti got a chocolate hug. For inspiration, check how others bring out bold cherry flavors with stuffed variations like these Stuffed Cherry Amaretti Cookies for a decadent take!
Let’s Make Some!
1. First things first: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Get that heat going because this is where the magic starts happening with your Almond Cherry Cookies!
2. In a medium bowl, whisk the almond flour, baking soda, and salt together. Mixing these dry ingredients evenly helps the flavor spread perfectly.
3. Now, in another bowl, combine the melted butter, coconut sugar, egg, and vanilla extract. Your kitchen will start smelling heavenly—this Almond Cherry Cookies phase always makes me smile!
4. Slowly mix the dry ingredients into the wet until just combined. Don’t overdo it—your cookie dough should feel a bit soft and sticky but manageable.
5. Fold in the chopped dried cherries and sliced almonds gently. This helps keep the texture balanced and those bursts of cherry goodness intact.
6. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Use a tablespoon or cookie scoop to drop dough balls spaced evenly apart—remember, these Almond Cherry Cookies spread a little but keep their shape.
7. Bake for 10-12 minutes. In my kitchen, this timing gives me that perfect chewy center with crunchy edges. Your sense of smell will confirm when it’s ready—the sweet almond and cherry aroma is irresistible!
8. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to finish cooling. If your Almond Cherry Cookies look a bit soft right out of the oven, no worries—they’ll firm up as they cool.
9. Once cooled, dive right in or store in your airtight container. They’re fantastic fresh but also great for taking along to potlucks or family gatherings where they disappear fast!
For some Almond Cherry Cookies shortcuts, you can prep the dough the night before and refrigerate it. Baking fresh cookies the next day will feel like a cozy weekend treat any evening of the week! And if you adored the cherry almond biscotti vibe, making these while sipping your favorite tea transforms any snack time into a little celebration.
If you want to get fancy, sprinkle extra sliced almonds or a dusting of powdered sugar right before serving, especially if you’re sharing these beauties at your next game night.
How to Serve Up This!
People literally do happy dances when this Almond Cherry Cookies hits the table with a fresh cup of coffee or a cozy herbal tea. I love serving these for weekend brunch spreads or as a sweet finish to casual dinner parties.
Pair these almond cherry dessert gems with goat cheese or mascarpone spread for a delightful balance of creamy and tart. The rich almond flour cookies flavor bursts wonderfully against smooth, tangy cheese. A drizzle of honey or a touch of sea salt on top takes the flavor to a whole new level of cozy.
This Almond Cherry Cookies recipe is perfect for:
- Game nights where quick finger food is king
- Potlucks where you want to show up with a unique homemade cherry cookie everyone remembers
- Gifting in a pretty tin during holidays (pro tip: add cherry almond biscotti for a beautiful cookie duo!)
Leftovers? Transform them into a layered dessert by crumbling cookies over yogurt with fresh fruit, or turn them into homemade ice cream sandwiches with vanilla bean gelato.
If you love this fusion flavor, you’ll want to explore the classic chocolate cherry almond biscotti for an extra crunchy treat. And for more amazing weeknight winners that don’t sacrifice on taste, check out my oatmeal raisin cookies — these recipes really make any meal special!
Serving these Almond Cherry Cookies always brings joy and lots of smiles around my table.
FAQs:
Q: Will kitchen newbies succeed with this Almond Cherry Cookies?
A: Absolutely! This recipe is super straightforward. Mixing almond flour and dried cherries is forgiving, and even if your dough looks a little messy, the cookies come out delicious and satisfying.
Q: What if I mess up my Almond Cherry Cookies?
A: No worries! I once swapped coconut sugar for brown sugar and got a slightly denser cookie that my family loved. Baking is flexible—taste always wins!
Q: Can I prep Almond Cherry Cookies ahead for busy weeknights?
A: Definitely! Make the dough in advance and refrigerate. Baking fresh cookies when you want them makes for an easy flavor adventure after work.
Q: Are these gluten-free cherry almond cookies?
A: Yes, since they use almond flour instead of regular flour, they are naturally gluten-free which is perfect for friends avoiding gluten.
Q: Can I swap dried cherries for fresh?
A: Fresh cherries work if you chop and remove pits, but they add moisture so bake time might be a bit longer. Dried cherries bring consistent sweetness and texture.
Q: How do I store Almond Cherry Cookies to keep them fresh?
A: Store in an airtight container at room temp for up to a week. You can freeze baked cookies for longer—just thaw before eating!
Q: What gives these Almond Cherry Cookies their bold flavor?
A: The mix of toasted almonds and tart dried cherries! Plus, coconut sugar adds deep caramel notes. It’s a flavor combo that hits all the happy spots.
For more sweet cherry treats with bold flavor, check this cherry almond date cookie recipe for sharing. And if you want a new twist, try layering these cookies into a dessert plate alongside a rich cherry pie like my chocolate cherry cream pie for an unforgettable finish!
Conclusion:
These Almond Cherry Cookies bring me so much joy because they blend sweet and tart with a satisfying crunch that feels like a warm hug in cookie form. They show me that comfort food doesn’t have to be plain—bold flavors and simple ingredients shine together when you’re open to a little kitchen magic!
My Almond Cherry Cookies Flavor Secrets:
- Using almond flour for a tender, nutty base that’s naturally gluten-free
- Adding coconut sugar for depth without overpowering the cherries
- Tossing in sliced almonds for that perfect crunch in every bite
I’ve tested versions with mini chocolate chips for a sweet boost, swapped almond slices for pistachios for a colorful twist, and even baked a batch with added orange zest for a fresh, lively note.
For holiday gifts, the classic almond cherry dessert wins hearts, while the chocolate chip version is my go-to when I can’t decide between sweet and tart. Every batch I bake reminds me that you can trust your taste buds and enjoy the process without fuss.
I can’t wait for you to try these Almond Cherry Cookies and make your own happy kitchen memories! For more flavor-packed sweets, swing by and check out my vibrant lemon raspberry cookies for your next weekend baking session. Keep the bold flavors flowing, fellow food lovers—your kitchen adventure awaits!
Ready for your next flavor adventure? Dive into these Almond Cherry Cookies today and watch every bite bring a little happy dance to your table!
Almond Cherry Cookies
Delight in these chewy Almond Cherry Cookies, featuring a perfect balance of nutty almonds and sweet-tart cherries for a wholesome treat.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup chopped almonds
- 1/2 cup dried cherries, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in the chopped almonds and dried cherries evenly.
- Drop tablespoon-sized scoops of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes or until the edges are golden brown.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
For extra crunch, toast the almonds lightly before adding them to the dough or swap dried cherries with cranberries for a different fruity flavor.