Cherry Almond Shortbread Cookies | Easy & Delicious Recipe

There’s something magical about baking cookies that look as joyful as they taste. Picture this: buttery shortbread dotted with pink cherry bits and golden almonds, filling the kitchen with a warm, nutty aroma. These Cherry Almond Shortbread Cookies are sweet, festive, and ready to steal the spotlight on your Valentine’s Day dessert table. They’re easy, pretty, and simply delicious just 10 minutes to prep, then chill, slice, and bake your way to buttery bliss.

Why You’ll Love These Cherry Almond Shortbread Cookies

These cookies have everything to adore. They’re buttery yet crisp around the edges, with soft bursts of sweet cherry and a hint of almond that feels cozy and special. Their pink-and-gold specks make them perfect for Valentine’s Day, but honestly, they’re welcome at any celebration. The best part? You can make the dough ahead, chill it, then slice and bake whenever you’re ready. They’re simple, elegant, and great for gifting.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient brings something special here. Butter gives richness and that melt-in-your-mouth texture. Powdered sugar keeps the shortbread tender instead of grainy. Almond extract adds that unmistakable nutty aroma, while a pinch of salt keeps it balanced. The maraschino cherries bring color and sweetness just remember to pat them dry well to prevent soggy dough. Sliced almonds add crunch and toasty flavor. You can also swap in dried cherries for a less sweet, chewy bite.

How to Make Cherry Almond Shortbread Cookies

It’s a simple three-step process: make the dough, chill the dough, then slice and bake.

Make the Dough

Start by creaming butter and powdered sugar together until light and fluffy. Mix in almond extract and salt. Slowly add the flour, stirring just until the dough comes together. Then fold in the chopped, dried cherries and almonds. This dough is rich and buttery, so if it feels soft, that’s okay chilling will firm it up later. To keep it from turning soggy, make sure the cherries are as dry as possible before adding them.

Chill the Dough

Shape the dough into a log about 2 inches thick. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until solid. Chilling helps the dough slice neatly and keeps the cookies from spreading too much. If you find the dough too soft to cut, just chill it longer. Use a serrated knife for smooth, even rounds.

Slice and Bake

Once firm, preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Slice the chilled dough into ¼-inch rounds and set them on parchment-lined baking sheets. Bake 13–15 minutes until the edges turn lightly golden. Let them cool on the sheet for a few minutes, then transfer to a rack. Each cookie has about 125 calories, 9 grams of fat, and 10 grams of carbs a small, sweet indulgence worth every bite.

Expert Tips for Perfect Shortbread Every Time

• Always dry the cherries well paper towels work best.
• If the dough feels crumbly, gently knead it with your hands until it holds together.
• Chill the dough long enough for clean cuts and neat slices.
• Freeze baked cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
• Watch the oven closely near the end; the cookies should be pale with golden edges.

Variations and Substitutions

Try dried cherries instead of maraschino for a deeper flavor. Drizzle the baked cookies with white chocolate for a romantic touch. Want something even more festive? Cut the dough into heart shapes before baking. You can also add an extra drop of almond extract for a stronger nutty note. Or, for a full cherry-themed dessert spread, pair these with the Cherry Crumble Pie with classic cherry flavors for your dessert spread.

Storage and Make-Ahead Instructions

Keep your Cherry Almond Shortbread Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They’ll stay crisp and buttery. For longer storage, freeze the baked cookies for up to 3 months or freeze the dough log to bake later. This makes them perfect for holiday prep or last-minute baking gifts.

More Such Recipes

• Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars for a fruity, dessert-table favorite
• Chocolate Pumpkin Cupcakes as a festive Valentine’s treat twist
• Cherry Cobbler Muffins Recipe for more sweet cherry inspiration
• Easy Cherry Pie Bars Recipe to pair with cherry almond cookies
• Cherry Clafoutis Recipe as a charming baked cherry dessert
• Cherry Pie Bites – easy and romantic for Valentine’s Day

Conclusion

These Cherry Almond Shortbread Cookies bring buttery comfort and bright cherry cheer to any day, especially Valentine’s Day. Each bite feels cozy, festive, and filled with homemade love. Share them with friends, gift them in a tin, or enjoy them warm with tea. However you serve them, they’ll bring smiles all around. You can find more ideas and share your results with me on Pinterest or Facebook.

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