Print

Almond Cherry Cookies

Almond Cherry Cookies - featured image

These Almond Cherry Cookies are festive, tender, and easy to make, featuring a nutty almond base, tart dried cherries, and a glossy almond icing. Perfect for holiday gatherings, gifting, or cozy afternoons, they come together quickly with simple pantry ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (120g) almond flour
  • 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour (or gluten-free blend)
  • 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/2 teaspoon pure almond extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 2/3 cup (100g) dried cherries, chopped
  • For the Icing:
  • 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 23 tablespoons milk (dairy or non-dairy)
  • 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
  • Optional Garnishes:
  • Chopped roasted almonds
  • Extra dried cherries
  • Festive sprinkles or edible glitter

Instructions

  1. Prep your ingredients: Measure out all ingredients. Chop dried cherries into small pieces. Line baking sheet with parchment paper or silicone mat.
  2. Cream the butter and sugar: In a large bowl, beat softened butter with granulated sugar until pale and fluffy (2–3 minutes).
  3. Add egg and extracts: Beat in egg, almond extract, and vanilla extract until smooth.
  4. Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together almond flour, all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
  5. Mix dough: Gradually add dry ingredients to wet, mixing on low until mostly combined. Fold in chopped dried cherries. If dough is too dry, add a teaspoon of milk.
  6. Shape cookies: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions and roll into balls. Place on lined baking sheet, spacing 2 inches apart. Flatten gently.
  7. Bake: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes, until edges are set and centers are just soft.
  8. Cool: Let cookies rest on baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to cooling rack.
  9. Make the icing: Mix powdered sugar with 2–3 tablespoons milk and almond extract until thick but pourable.
  10. Ice the cookies: Once cool, drizzle or spread icing over each cookie. Top with chopped almonds, extra cherries, or sprinkles before icing sets.
  11. Set and serve: Let icing set for at least 30 minutes (or refrigerate for 10 minutes). Enjoy fresh or store as directed.

Notes

For gluten-free cookies, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. For vegan, substitute butter with vegan margarine and use a flaxseed egg. Dough can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 2 days. If icing is too thin, add more powdered sugar; if too thick, add a splash of milk. Cookies can be frozen before icing for up to 2 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: almond cherry cookies, holiday cookies, iced cookies, festive cookies, easy cookie recipe, Christmas cookies, nutty cookies, dried cherry cookies