Why You’ll Love This Cherry Almond Cookies
Imagine baking something delicious in just minutes, without the wait of chilling dough, and still ending up with those soft, chewy cookies everyone craves. This recipe for cherry almond cookies fits right into that dream, making it ideal for busy days when you want a treat fast. You’ll find it brings together the perfect mix of sweet cherries and nutty almonds for a flavor that feels both comforting and exciting.
One of the best parts is how easy it is to whip up, even if you’re new to baking. With simple steps and ingredients you might already have, these cookies turn out great every time. For home bakers, busy parents, students, or anyone wanting a quick snack, this recipe adds a fun twist to your routine without any extra hassle.
Beyond taste, these cookies pack a bit of goodness from the cherries and almonds. They’re full of natural flavors that can make your snack time healthier, perfect for diet-conscious folks. Whether you’re baking for family or just yourself, this recipe adapts to what you have on hand and keeps things light and enjoyable.
Jump to:
- Why You’ll Love This Cherry Almond Cookies
- Essential Ingredients for Cherry Almond Cookies
- How to Prepare the Perfect Cherry Almond Cookies: Step-by-Step Guide
- Scooping and Baking the Cookies
- Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your Cherry Almond Cookies
- Mastering Cherry Almond Cookies: Advanced Tips and Variations
- How to Store Cherry Almond Cookies: Best Practices
- FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Cherry Almond Cookies
- Can I substitute almond flour for all-purpose flour in cherry almond cookies?
- What type of cherries should I use for cherry almond cookies?
- Can I add white chocolate to cherry almond cookies?
- How should I store cherry almond cookies to keep them fresh?
- Can I make cherry almond cookies gluten-free?
- Cherry Almond Cookies
- Ingredients
- Instructions
- Last Step:
- Notes
- Nutrition
- Did you make this recipe?
Essential Ingredients for Cherry Almond Cookies
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making these cherry almond cookies turn out just right. This list pulls together everything you need for a batch that’s both tasty and simple. I’ll break it down so you can see exactly what goes into each cookie.
- 1 12-ounce jar of maraschino cherries diced small and patted dry (340g)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter melted (113g)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar (150g)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar (50g)
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon pure almond extract
- 2 teaspoons maraschino cherry juice
- 1 teaspoon vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour (220g)
For swaps, try using salted butter and skipping the kosher salt, or mix all-purpose flour with almond flour to change things up. This keeps the recipe flexible for different needs, like if you’re aiming for a nuttier taste or adjusting for what’s in your kitchen.
How to Prepare the Perfect Cherry Almond Cookies: Step-by-Step Guide
Getting started with these cherry almond cookies couldn’t be simpler, and you won’t need to chill the dough at all. First, preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and get your baking sheets ready. This step sets the stage for even baking and helps everything come together smoothly.
Begin by removing the cherries from their juice, dicing them into small pieces, and patting them dry to remove excess moisture. This keeps your cookies from getting too soggy. Next, melt the butter and whisk it with both sugars until well mixed, creating that sweet base you’ll love.
Add the egg, almond extract, cherry juice, and vinegar, then whisk again to blend everything nicely. Stir in the baking soda and salt, followed by the flour, mixing just until combined. Gently fold in the chopped cherries to keep their shape and add that burst of flavor.
Scooping and Baking the Cookies
Now, scoop 2 tablespoons of dough per cookie onto your baking sheets, spacing them 2 inches apart. Slide them into the oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, until the edges are set but the centers stay soft. Once done, let the cookies rest on the pan for 2 minutes before moving them to a wire rack to cool.
If your cookies don’t flatten as much as you’d like, give the pan a gentle tap or shape them while they’re still warm. The whole process takes about 20 minutes to prepare and 12 minutes to bake, totaling around 32 minutes. Each cookie packs about 175 calories, with 6g total fat, 3g saturated fat, 0g trans fat, 2g unsaturated fat, 24mg cholesterol, 84mg sodium, 30g carbohydrates, 1g fiber, 20g sugar, and 2g protein, making around 18 cookies in all.
For a fun variation, you can add extras like chocolate chips. If you’re looking for more quick baking ideas, check out our no-bake energy bites recipe for another easy option that fits into your busy schedule.
Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your Cherry Almond Cookies
Making these cherry almond cookies work for your diet is straightforward with a few smart swaps. You can adjust for different needs while keeping the taste intact. For instance, use salted butter and leave out the kosher salt if that’s what you have on hand.
Another option is to combine all-purpose flour with almond flour for a richer flavor and texture. If you’re going vegan, think about plant-based butter and egg substitutes. These changes let you enjoy the cookies no matter your preferences, from gluten-free to low-sugar versions.
- Replace almond extract with vanilla for a milder taste.
- Use gluten-free flour blends to make the recipe suitable for those avoiding gluten.
- Swap sugars for alternatives like honey or a natural sweetener if you’re watching calories.
Protein and Main Component Alternatives: Try oat flour or chickpea flour in place of some all-purpose flour for added protein. Vegetable, Sauce, and Seasoning Modifications: Switch vanilla extract for almond to boost the nutty notes, or add spices like cinnamon for warmth.
Mastering Cherry Almond Cookies: Advanced Tips and Variations
Once you get the basics down, you can take your cherry almond cookies to the next level with some pro tips. For better control over how they spread, chill the dough briefly, though this recipe skips that step for speed. This helps lock in flavors and gives you that perfect shape.
Flavor variations are endless try adding orange zest for a citrus kick or dipping the cookies in dark chocolate once they’re cool. Presentation tips include topping them with a light dusting of powdered sugar or toasted almond slices. For make-ahead options, prepare the dough ahead and freeze portions so you can bake fresh batches anytime.
Tips for success include preparing the cherries to remove moisture, using a cookie scoop for uniform size, and avoiding overbaking to keep that soft texture. Optionally, add chocolate chips or more almond flour for extra variety. If you enjoy simple treats, our mini-muffin pancake bites offer another fun idea for your baking adventures.
How to Store Cherry Almond Cookies: Best Practices
Keeping your cherry almond cookies fresh is easy with the right storage methods. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week to hold onto that soft chewiness. This way, you can grab one whenever you need a quick pick-me-up.
For longer keeping, place cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then move to a freezer-safe container; they’ll last up to three months. When you’re ready to eat, warm them at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes to bring back that fresh-baked feel. Meal prep considerations mean you can bake in batches for convenient snacks throughout the week.

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Cherry Almond Cookies
Can I substitute almond flour for all-purpose flour in cherry almond cookies?
What type of cherries should I use for cherry almond cookies?
Can I add white chocolate to cherry almond cookies?
How should I store cherry almond cookies to keep them fresh?
Can I make cherry almond cookies gluten-free?

Cherry Almond Cookies
🍒 Cherry Almond Cookies combine delicious maraschino cherries and almond extract for a flavorful cookie without the wait.
🍪 This recipe requires no chilling of the dough, making it quick and convenient to enjoy fresh, soft cookies anytime.
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: About 18 cookies
Ingredients
– 1 12-ounce jar of maraschino cherries diced small and patted dry (340g)
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter melted (113g)
– 3/4 cup granulated sugar (150g)
– 1/4 cup brown sugar (50g)
– 1 large egg
– 1 teaspoon pure almond extract
– 2 teaspoons maraschino cherry juice
– 1 teaspoon vinegar
– 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
– 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour (220g)
Instructions
1-Getting started with these cherry almond cookies couldn’t be simpler, and you won’t need to chill the dough at all. First, preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and get your baking sheets ready. This step sets the stage for even baking and helps everything come together smoothly.
2-Begin by removing the cherries from their juice, dicing them into small pieces, and patting them dry to remove excess moisture. This keeps your cookies from getting too soggy. Next, melt the butter and whisk it with both sugars until well mixed, creating that sweet base you’ll love.
3-Add the egg, almond extract, cherry juice, and vinegar, then whisk again to blend everything nicely. Stir in the baking soda and salt, followed by the flour, mixing just until combined. Gently fold in the chopped cherries to keep their shape and add that burst of flavor.
4-Now, scoop 2 tablespoons of dough per cookie onto your baking sheets, spacing them 2 inches apart. Slide them into the oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, until the edges are set but the centers stay soft. Once done, let the cookies rest on the pan for 2 minutes before moving them to a wire rack to cool.
5-If your cookies don’t flatten as much as you’d like, give the pan a gentle tap or shape them while they’re still warm. The whole process takes about 20 minutes to prepare and 12 minutes to bake, totaling around 32 minutes. Each cookie packs about 175 calories, with 6g total fat, 3g saturated fat, 0g trans fat, 2g unsaturated fat, 24mg cholesterol, 84mg sodium, 30g carbohydrates, 1g fiber, 20g sugar, and 2g protein, making around 18 cookies in all.
Last Step:
Please leave a rating and comment letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business to thrive and continue providing free, high-quality recipes for you.Notes
🍒 Properly dry cherries to prevent excess moisture which can affect cookie texture.
🍪 Use a cookie scoop for uniform cookie size and even baking.
⏲️ Avoid overbaking to keep cookies soft and tender; watch closely in the final minutes.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 175 kcal
- Sugar: 20 g
- Sodium: 84 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 24 mg






