Name: Almond Cherry Cookies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup almond flour; 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon almond extract; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 cup chopped dried cherries; 1/2 cup sliced almonds

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Hello there! If you’re anything like me, the kitchen is your happy place where you can create something magical with just a few simple ingredients. Today, we’re diving into a delightful treat that combines the nutty goodness of almond flour with the sweet-tart charm of dried cherries. Yep, you guessed it – we are making Almond Cherry Cookies! These cookies are not just a yummy snack, but each bite is a warm hug that takes you back to simpler, sweeter days. So, grab your apron and let’s get baking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

What makes Almond Cherry Cookies so special? Well, for starters, they strike a perfect balance of flavors and textures. The almond flour makes these cookies soft yet slightly chewy, while the dried cherries add a juicy burst of flavor. It’s like a love letter to your taste buds wrapped in a sweet little cookie. Plus, they’re incredibly easy to whip up, making them a perfect dessert for any occasion from casual family gatherings to cozy evenings at home.

Another bonus? These cookies are so versatile! You can enjoy them as a post-dinner treat or with your afternoon coffee. The nutty aroma and sweet cherry flavor will fill your kitchen with a cozy vibe, making it hard to resist grabbing just one more.

Step-by-Step: Making Almond Cherry Cookies

Ready to create some magic in your kitchen? Let’s jump right into making these scrumptious Almond Cherry Cookies!

Ingredients:

1 cup almond flour
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 large egg
1 teaspoon almond extract
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup chopped dried cherries
1/2 cup sliced almonds

Directions:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Add in the egg, almond extract, and vanilla extract, and mix until well combined.
In another bowl, whisk together the almond flour, all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
Stir in the chopped cherries and sliced almonds until evenly distributed.
Drop spoonfuls of the cookie dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
Remove from the oven and let cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

And just like that, you’ve created a batch of delightful cookies!

Best Ways to Serve Almond Cherry Cookies

Now that your Almond Cherry Cookies are fresh out of the oven, how should you serve them? Honestly, you can’t go wrong here.

Classic Pairing: A warm cookie paired with a glass of cold milk is a timeless delight. The milk perfectly complements the nutty and fruity flavors.
Coffee Companion: Enjoy these cookies with your morning coffee or afternoon tea. The flavors of almond and cherry will elevate your cozy home moments.
Dessert Platter: Arrange cookies on a beautiful plate and serve them as part of a dessert platter during family gatherings or brunch. You can even drizzle some melted chocolate over them for an extra touch!

Storage Tips for Almond Cherry Cookies

Want to keep your cookies fresh for days? Here’s how to store them properly:

Cool Completely: Make sure your cookies are completely cool before storing them, as this prevents condensation and keeps them from becoming soggy.
Airtight Container: Place your cookies in an airtight container. This will keep them fresh for up to a week on the counter.
Freezing: If you want to keep them longer, you can also freeze the cookies. Just place them in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet, freeze for a couple of hours, and then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep well for up to three months!
Reheating: When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply pop them in a warm oven for a few minutes to regain that freshly-baked texture.

Expert Tips for Perfect Almond Cherry Cookies

Before you rush off to bake, here are a few tips to ensure your cookies come out perfect every time:

Softened Butter: Make sure your butter is only softened and not melted. Overly melted butter will result in a denser texture.
Cherries and Nuts: Feel free to adjust the amount of cherries and almonds based on your preference. A little more nutty crunch or a bit more fruity sweetness won’t hurt!
Do Not Overmix: When combining dry and wet ingredients, be careful not to overmix. Mixing until just combined keeps your cookies tender.
Chill the Dough: If you have the time, chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking can enhance the flavors and improve cookie consistency.

Delicious Variations of Almond Cherry Cookies

Looking to switch things up with your Almond Cherry Cookies? Here are some fun variations to consider:

Dark Chocolate Chips: Add in some dark chocolate chips for a decadent twist. The rich chocolate against the almond and cherry flavors is simply divine.
Coconut Flakes: Mix in unsweetened coconut flakes to introduce a tropical element to your cookies.
Orange Zest: Adding a teaspoon of fresh orange zest can brighten the flavors and give them a lovely citrus note.
Gluten-Free Option: If you’re looking for a gluten-free version, you can simply use more almond flour and skip the all-purpose flour.

FAQs

1. Can I substitute fresh cherries for dried cherries?

While fresh cherries are delicious, they can make the cookies too moist. Stick with dried cherries for this recipe to maintain the right texture.

2. Can I use margarine instead of butter?

Yes, you can use margarine instead of butter. Just make sure it’s a high-quality brand for the best results!

3. How do I know when the cookies are done baking?

Look for lightly golden edges and a set center. The cookies may appear soft, but they will continue to firm up as they cool.

There you have it! Almond Cherry Cookies are not only a delight to make but will surely brighten up your day. Enjoy each bite and share them with loved ones, because life’s too short not to savor sweet moments. Happy baking!