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Almond Cherry Cookies

Soft, melt-in-your-mouth almond cookies topped with a glossy pink maraschino cherry glaze. The perfect festive treat for holidays or tea time.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 24 Cookies
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American, Holiday
Calories: 180
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Cookie Dough
  • 1 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg room temperature
  • 1.5 tsp almond extract
  • 0.5 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2.5 cups all-purpose flour
  • 0.5 tsp baking powder
  • 0.5 tsp baking soda
  • 0.5 tsp salt
  • 0.5 cup maraschino cherries finely chopped and patted dry
Cherry Glaze
  • 1.5 cups powdered sugar sifted
  • 3 tbsp maraschino cherry juice from the jar
  • 0.5 tsp almond extract
  • 1-2 tbsp milk as needed for consistency
  • red sprinkles for garnish

Equipment

  • Stand mixer or hand mixer
  • Baking sheets
  • Wire cooling rack
  • Cookie scoop

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, cream together softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
  3. Add egg, almond extract, and vanilla extract. Beat until smooth and combined.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  5. Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined.
  6. Gently fold in the chopped maraschino cherries by hand.
  7. Scoop dough into 1-inch balls and place on baking sheet 2 inches apart. Flatten slightly with palm.
  8. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until tops are set and bottoms are lightly golden. Do not overbake.
  9. Cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
  10. Whisk powdered sugar, cherry juice, and almond extract for the glaze. Add milk until smooth and pourable.
  11. Spoon glaze over cooled cookies and immediately top with sprinkles. Let set before serving.

Notes

Ensure cherries are very dry before adding to dough to prevent color bleeding.