Cherry Almond Cookies – Soft, Sweet & Irresistible Treats

There’s something special about baking cookies that look like little love letters. These Cherry Almond Cookies fill the kitchen with a sweet, nutty aroma that feels perfect for Valentine’s Day. Soft, chewy, and blushing with cherry-pink bits, they’re ready in just over half an hour no chilling, no stress, just pure joy from oven to heart.

Why You’ll Love These Cherry Almond Cookies

These cookies are the definition of easy baking. You only need one bowl, no mixer, and absolutely no chill time. The result? Soft centers, golden edges, and bright cherry pieces that pop with flavor. They bake in just 10–12 minutes, yield around 18 cookies, and are ideal for sharing on Valentine’s Day or any cozy afternoon. Their flavor a mix of buttery almond and maraschino cherry feels both classic and festive.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Key Baking Ingredients and Their Roles

Melted butter gives these cookies a rich flavor and soft texture. Granulated sugar keeps them crisp on the edges, while brown sugar adds moisture and depth. The egg binds everything smoothly, and almond extract enhances that warm, nutty aroma. Cherry juice brings color and gentle sweetness. A teaspoon of vinegar helps react with baking soda, creating a light, chewy crumb. Salt balances every flavor, keeping sweetness in check.

Cherries and Almond Add-Ins

Maraschino cherries work best here because they hold their color and have a candy-like taste that fits the almond notes. Be sure to chop and dry them well too much moisture can make cookies spread too much. Avoid fresh cherries since their flavor is more tart and watery. For a little extra fun, you can mix in ½ cup of chocolate chips. That blend of cherry, chocolate, and almond makes each bite taste like a sweet celebration.

Simple Ingredient Swaps and Adjustments

If you want a touch of nuttiness, swap part of the flour for almond flour. Use 1¼ cups plus 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour and ½ cup almond flour. If you only have salted butter, skip the added salt. Either white or apple cider vinegar works perfectly. For slightly puffier cookies, add 1 extra tablespoon of flour small adjustments can make a big difference in texture.

How to Make Cherry Almond Cookies Step-By-Step

Prepare the Cherries and Mix the Wet Ingredients

Start by chopping your maraschino cherries into small pieces and blot them completely dry using paper towels. This step keeps your cookies from becoming too soft or greasy. Next, melt the butter in a large bowl. Whisk in the granulated and brown sugars until smooth and glossy. Add the egg, almond extract, cherry juice, and vinegar. Mix until everything comes together into a silky, pink-tinted batter. This base smells incredible a mix of butter and almond that hints at what’s to come.

Combine the Dry Ingredients and Fold in Cherries

Sprinkle the baking soda and salt right into your wet mixture and stir gently. Then add the flour, folding it in until just combined. Avoid overmixing, as that can make your cookies tough. Once the dough looks uniform, fold in the dried cherry pieces. Each spoonful of dough should have a bright cherry pop running through it.

Portion, Bake, and Shape

Scoop 2 tablespoons of dough per cookie (a size 30 scoop works best) and place them 2 inches apart on lined baking sheets. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes until the edges are set but the centers still look soft. Let the cookies rest on the pan for 2 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. For perfectly round cookies, lightly tap the pan or use a round cutter to “scoot” them into shape while still warm.

Tips for Soft, Chewy, and Evenly Shaped Cookies

Always dry the cherries well before mixing them in. Measure flour correctly by spooning and leveling too much flour can make cookies dense. Use parchment paper for even baking and easy cleanup. A size 30 cookie scoop gives consistent size and texture. Avoid overbaking since the centers continue cooking on the sheet. Shape cookies while warm to achieve neat, bakery-style rounds.

Serving Ideas for Valentine’s Day

These cookies already look romantic with their pink cherry bits, but you can make them even more festive. Arrange them in heart-shaped boxes or pair them with a cup of hot cocoa or Whipped pink lemonade for a Valentine’s Day drink. For dessert platters, serve them alongside Simple cherry cake recipe for festive occasions or Cherry clafoutis for a romantic dessert idea. The pink hues make every table look cheerful and full of love.

How to Store and Freeze

Store baked cookies at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze them in layers separated by parchment for up to 3 months. If freezing unbaked dough, scoop into balls first, freeze until solid, and store airtight. Bake directly from frozen at 350°F, adding just 1 minute to the bake time. To keep moisture, cool completely before sealing.

More Such Recipes

• Cherry crumble pie with a buttery crust
• Easy cherry pie bars for Valentine’s Day treats
• Caramel apple cookies with a chewy texture
• Maple glazed apple blondies for sweet holidays

Conclusion

These Cherry Almond Cookies are soft, buttery, and filled with bright cherry sweetness a perfect way to celebrate love or brighten any afternoon. With their no-chill, one-bowl method, they’re quick enough for busy days and special enough for gifting. Whether you serve them warm from the oven or wrap them up for someone sweet, they always bring smiles. For more baking inspiration, follow along on Pinterest or connect through Facebook.

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