Few treats can make an ordinary day feel special quite like a freshly baked cookie. If you’re a fan of rich, indulgent flavors with a hint of fruit and nutty undertones, the Cherry Almond Cookies will quickly become your go-to recipe. These cookies combine the creaminess of butter and cream cheese with the sweet-tart pop of maraschino cherries and the subtle, nutty aroma of almond extract. A drizzle of white chocolate adds a final flourish, making them as beautiful as they are delicious.
Baking these cookies is both rewarding and comforting. The dough is easy to mix, and chilling it allows flavors to meld, ensuring a soft, tender bite. The maraschino cherries at the center of each cookie create a delightful surprise, while the white chocolate drizzle turns them into a dessert worth sharing—or savoring entirely by yourself. Perfect for holiday treats, special occasions, or a weekend baking project, these cookies balance sweetness, creaminess, and chewy texture in every bite.
Recipe Overview
Cherry Almond Cookies are soft, rich cookies with a creamy dough base, maraschino cherries nestled in the center, and a decadent white chocolate drizzle. Sweet, slightly tangy, and nutty, they’re ideal for cookie swaps, dessert platters, or just an indulgent snack with coffee or tea.
Ingredients & Instructions
Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1 egg
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 20 ounces maraschino cherries, drained and patted dry
- ½ cup white chocolate chips
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line cookie sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats for even baking and easy cleanup.
2. Mix the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, cream cheese, and brown sugar. Beat until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Add the egg, salt, almond extract, and vanilla extract, and continue mixing until well incorporated.
Gradually add the flour to the wet mixture, stirring until a soft, cohesive dough forms.
Tip: Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure all ingredients are evenly mixed.
3. Chill the Dough
Cover the dough and refrigerate for several hours. Chilling firms up the dough, making it easier to scoop and ensuring the cookies bake evenly without spreading too much.
4. Shape the Cookies
Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to form 1-inch balls of dough. Place them on the prepared cookie sheet, leaving a bit of space between each. Press a small well in the center of each ball to hold the cherry.
Nestle a maraschino cherry into each indentation, gently pressing it into the dough.
5. Bake
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for approximately 12 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are set. Allow them to cool completely on a wire rack before adding any toppings.
6. Drizzle White Chocolate
Melt the white chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl, heating in 15–20 second intervals and stirring until smooth. Transfer the melted chocolate into a small plastic bag, snip off a tiny corner, and drizzle it artistically over the cooled cookies. Let the chocolate set completely before serving.
Tip: For extra flair, sprinkle a few finely chopped almonds on top of the drizzle before it hardens.
Baking Tips & Variations
1. Flavor Enhancements
- Swap half of the white chocolate for milk chocolate for a richer taste.
- Add a pinch of cinnamon to the dough for a warm, spicy note.
2. Cherry Options
- Maraschino cherries work best for sweetness and texture, but try maraschino cherries packed in juice or glacé cherries if desired.
3. Texture Tweaks
- For chewier cookies, slightly underbake by 1-2 minutes.
- For crispier edges, flatten the dough balls a bit before baking.
4. Make Ahead
- Dough can be made a day in advance and kept in the fridge.
- Cookies store well in an airtight container at room temperature for 3–4 days, or freeze baked cookies for up to 2 months.
5. Presentation
- Drizzle white chocolate in zigzags or spirals for an elegant look.
- Dust lightly with powdered sugar for festive occasions.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair these cookies with a warm cup of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate.
- Include them on dessert platters for parties or holidays—they’re visually striking and crowd-pleasing.
- Wrap a few cookies in parchment for homemade gifts—they travel well and delight any recipient.
Cherry Almond Cookies combine creamy, buttery dough with sweet cherries and a nutty almond aroma, finished with a luscious white chocolate drizzle. They’re visually stunning, indulgently soft, and easy enough to make for special occasions or simple weekend baking. Each bite delivers a perfect balance of richness, sweetness, and texture, making them irresistible. Once you try this recipe, they’ll quickly become a favorite in your baking rotation—cookies that are as beautiful as they are delicious.
FAQs
1. Can I make these cookies dairy-free?
Yes, substitute vegan butter and cream cheese alternatives, and ensure your white chocolate is dairy-free.
2. Do the cookies need to be chilled?
Chilling the dough helps maintain the shape and prevents excessive spreading.
3. Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino?
Yes, but fresh cherries contain more moisture; pit and slightly dry them before use.
4. How do I store these cookies?
Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days, or freeze baked cookies for up to 2 months.
5. Can I skip the white chocolate drizzle?
Absolutely, though the drizzle adds sweetness and visual appeal.
Soft and chewy Cherry Almond Cookies with maraschino cherries, almond flavor, and white chocolate drizzle. Perfect for holidays, gifts, or everyday indulgence.