Cherry Almond Cookies | Simple, Sweet & Irresistible Treats

There’s something about pink-flecked cookies that just feels like a love note baked into every bite. These Cherry Almond Cookies are soft, sweet, and a little nostalgic perfect for Valentine’s Day or any cozy afternoon when you want something special cooling on the counter.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These cookies blend almond and cherry flavors in the most comforting way. The dough includes cream cheese for an extra tender texture, while maraschino cherries add juicy, chewy bits of color. They bake quickly, chill beautifully, and freeze well, making them a stress-free treat for gifting or parties. Plus, they’re naturally pretty no fancy decorating needed.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Key Ingredients and What They Do

Maraschino cherries: Provide sweetness, color, and a subtle cherry tang. Dry them well so they don’t add excess moisture.
Almond and vanilla extracts: Create that signature cherry–almond scent and balance the flavors.
Cream cheese: Adds richness and helps cookies stay soft.
Butter: Keeps the texture tender and adds flavor depth.
Flour, baking powder, salt: Provide structure and lift.
White chocolate drizzle (optional): Adds a creamy, decorative finish for extra Valentine’s charm.

Full Ingredient List

• 1 (10-ounce) jar maraschino cherries, with 1–2 tablespoons juice reserved
• 1¾ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter, room temperature
• 4 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg, room temperature
• 1 teaspoon almond extract
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup white chocolate melting wafers (optional)

How to Make Cherry Almond Cookies

Prepare the Cherries and Dry Ingredients

Drain and chop cherries into small pieces. Spread them on paper towels to dry. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.

Make the Dough

In a large bowl, beat butter and cream cheese until smooth and fluffy. Add sugar and continue beating until light and airy. Mix in the egg, almond extract, vanilla extract, and 1 tablespoon of cherry juice for subtle flavor or 2 tablespoons if you prefer a stronger cherry taste. Gradually add the dry ingredients on low speed until just combined. Gently fold in the dried cherries.

Chill, Scoop, and Bake

Cover the bowl and chill the dough for at least 1 hour. When ready, preheat the oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Scoop the dough into 2-tablespoon portions, spacing them 2 inches apart. Bake for about 10 minutes, until edges turn lightly golden. Cool the cookies on the pan for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Optional White Chocolate Drizzle

If using, melt white chocolate wafers in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring until smooth. Drizzle over cooled cookies using a piping or plastic bag. Let them set until firm.

Expert Tips for Perfect Cookies

Dry the cherries completely moisture can change the texture. Avoid overbaking, since the cookies continue to bake a little as they cool. Keep butter and cream cheese at room temperature for easy mixing. If you prefer, replace the drizzle with tinted icing or top with sliced almonds. For a fun variation, stir in white or semi-sweet chocolate chips for an extra layer of flavor.

Storage, Freezing, and Make-Ahead Notes

Store at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to 6. Freeze baked cookies for 2–3 months in an airtight container, or freeze unbaked dough balls for up to 2 months just add a minute or two to the bake time. Always thaw cookies at room temperature to keep their soft texture.

Serving Suggestions

These cookies look lovely on Valentine’s dessert platters or alongside Cherry Cobbler Muffins for Valentine’s dessert trays. They pair beautifully with tea, coffee, or cocoa. Try tinting the white chocolate drizzle pink for a festive twist, or serve them with Simple Cherry Cake for romantic occasions. Each cookie has about 119 calories, with a soft, sweet almond flavor and chewy cherry bits that make every bite irresistible.

FAQs

More Such Recipes

• Cherry Crumble Pie with a buttery almond crust
• Easy Cherry Pie Bars for Valentine’s Day sweets
• Caramel Apple Cookies with soft centers
• Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars with festive drizzle
• Strawberry Lemonade Whipped Drink for pink-themed treats

Conclusion

These Cherry Almond Cookies bring together color, flavor, and joy in one sweet little bite. They’re festive enough for Valentine’s Day but easy enough for any weekend bake. Mix, chill, bake, and drizzle that’s all it takes to create cookies that look as lovely as they taste. For more inspiration, find dessert ideas on Pinterest and join the community on Facebook.

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