If you're on the hunt for a delightful treat that's sure to impress, look no further than Cherry Almond Shortbread Cookies. These cookies combine the rich, buttery flavor of traditional shortbread with the sweet and tangy taste of maraschino cherries and the aromatic hint of almond. Perfect for any occasion, whether it's a holiday gathering, a tea party, or just a sweet indulgence at home, these cookies are guaranteed to become a favorite. Read on to discover the magic behind making these irresistible Cherry Almond Shortbread Cookies.

What are Cherry Almond Shortbread Cookies?
Cherry Almond Shortbread Cookies are a delectable variation of classic shortbread cookies. They are characterized by their crumbly, melt-in-your-mouth texture and their unique blend of flavors. The addition of maraschino cherries provides a burst of sweetness and a pop of color, while the almond extract enhances the overall taste with a subtle nutty note. These cookies are not only delicious but also visually appealing, making them an excellent choice for festive occasions.
Ingredients List for Cherry Almond Shortbread Cookies
Before you start baking, gather the following ingredients:
- ¾ cup (12 Tbsp; 170g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- ⅔ cup (134g) granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon almond extract
- 1 Tablespoon (15ml) maraschino cherry juice
- 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled)
- 16 maraschino cherries (drained and chopped)
- Optional: 4 ounces white chocolate for drizzling or dipping
Substitutions and Variations
Feel free to experiment with different ingredients to suit your preferences or dietary needs. For a dairy-free version, substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative. If you prefer a more intense almond flavor, you can increase the almond extract to 1 teaspoon. For a touch of elegance, consider adding a drizzle of melted dark chocolate instead of white chocolate, or mix in some chopped nuts like almonds or pistachios for added texture.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Let's dive into the process of making these delightful cookies. Follow these steps for perfect Cherry Almond Shortbread Cookies:

How to Cook Cherry Almond Shortbread Cookies: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes using an electric mixer.
- Add the Extracts and Cherry Juice: Mix in the pure vanilla extract, almond extract, and maraschino cherry juice. Continue to beat until well combined.
- Incorporate the Flour: Gradually add the all-purpose flour to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough.
- Fold in the Cherries: Gently fold in the chopped maraschino cherries, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Shape the Cookies: Using a small cookie scoop or a tablespoon, scoop out portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Flatten the Dough Balls: Use the bottom of a glass or your hand to gently flatten each dough ball to about ½ inch thick.
- Bake the Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers may still look slightly underbaked, but they will firm up as they cool.
- Cool the Cookies: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Optional: Add White Chocolate: If you choose to add white chocolate, melt it in a microwave-safe bowl in 20-second increments, stirring after each interval until smooth. Drizzle or dip the cooled cookies with the melted white chocolate, then let them set on the wire rack.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Cherry Almond Shortbread Cookies, it's important to avoid some common pitfalls. Firstly, ensure your butter is properly softened to room temperature for easy creaming. Overmixing the dough can lead to tough cookies, so mix just until combined. Also, be cautious with the baking time; overbaking will result in dry, crumbly cookies instead of the desired melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Serving and Presentation Tips
How you serve and present your Cherry Almond Shortbread Cookies can elevate the entire experience. Here are some ideas to make them look as good as they taste:
How to Serve Cherry Almond Shortbread Cookies
Serve these cookies with a cup of hot tea or coffee for a delightful afternoon treat. They also pair wonderfully with a glass of cold milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert. Arrange them on a beautiful platter for a festive touch during holidays or special occasions.
Presentation Ideas for Cherry Almond Shortbread Cookies
For a visually stunning presentation, consider the following ideas:
- Drizzle with White Chocolate: As mentioned earlier, a drizzle of white chocolate adds a touch of elegance.
- Dust with Powdered Sugar: Lightly dusting the cookies with powdered sugar can give them a festive look.
- Use Decorative Plates: Serve the cookies on decorative plates or trays that match the occasion, such as red and green plates for Christmas or floral designs for a spring tea party.
Cherry Almond Shortbread Cookies Recipe Tips
Here are some additional tips to ensure your Cherry Almond Shortbread Cookies turn out perfectly:
- Chill the Dough: If your kitchen is warm, you might find the dough too soft to handle. Chilling the dough for about 30 minutes before shaping can help.
- Uniform Size: For even baking, try to make all the cookies the same size and thickness.
- Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. You can also freeze them for longer storage; just thaw at room temperature before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries? Fresh cherries have a higher moisture content, which can affect the texture of the cookies. Maraschino cherries are recommended for the best results.
- Can I make the dough in advance? Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 2 days. Let it come to room temperature before shaping and baking.
- Can I add nuts to the recipe? Absolutely! Chopped almonds or pistachios can be a great addition for extra crunch and flavor.
- How do I store the cookies? 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.
- What if I don't have almond extract? You can substitute with an equal amount of additional vanilla extract, though the almond flavor will be less pronounced.
Conclusion
Cherry Almond Shortbread Cookies are a delightful blend of buttery shortbread, sweet maraschino cherries, and aromatic almond extract. They are easy to make and perfect for any occasion. With the right ingredients and a bit of careful attention to the process, you can create a batch of these delicious cookies that will impress your friends and family. So, gather your ingredients and get baking – these cookies are sure to become a favorite in no time!
PrintCherry Almond Shortbread Cookies Recipe
Indulge in the delightful Cherry Almond Shortbread Cookies, a perfect blend of buttery shortbread, maraschino cherries, and a touch of almond extract.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- ¾ cup (12 Tbsp; 170g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- ⅔ cup (134g) granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon almond extract
- 1 Tablespoon (15ml) maraschino cherry juice
- 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled)
- 16 maraschino cherries (drained and chopped)
- optional: 4 ounces white chocolate
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the vanilla extract, almond extract, and maraschino cherry juice to the butter mixture, and mix until combined.
- Gradually add the all-purpose flour, mixing until the dough comes together.
- Fold in the chopped maraschino cherries.
- Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Flatten each ball slightly with the bottom of a glass or your hand.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Optional: Melt the white chocolate and drizzle over the cooled cookies for added sweetness.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Ensure butter is softened to room temperature for best results.
- Optional white chocolate drizzle adds an extra layer of flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 20mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
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