Perfect Cherry Almond Shortbread Cookies Recipe for Beginners

Buttery, delicate shortbread cookies with cherry almond flavors dance on the edge of sweet perfection.

These delightful treats blend rich, crumbly textures with a subtle nutty essence.

Almonds add a delicate crunch that complements the soft, melt-in-your-mouth cookie base.

Bursts of tart cherries provide a vibrant contrast against the rich, golden dough.

Each cookie promises a delectable balance of classic ingredients and elegant simplicity.

The aroma of freshly baked shortbread will fill your kitchen with warm, inviting notes.

Bake these irresistible cookies and treat yourself to a moment of pure culinary bliss.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 12-14 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 27-29 minutes

Calories: 150 kcal

Servings: 25

Cherry Almond Shortbread Cookies: Full Ingredient List

• Unsalted Butter: Creamy foundation that delivers rich, tender texture and helps bind ingredients smoothly.
• Powdered Sugar: Delicate sweetener that creates a melt-in-your-mouth softness and refined finish.
• Salt: Subtle flavor enhancer that balances the sweetness and brings out deeper taste notes.

• Almond Extract: Intense nutty essence that provides a signature aromatic touch and deepens the cookie's complexity.
• Maraschino Cherries: Vibrant burst of sweet-tart flavor and beautiful ruby-red speckles that add visual and taste excitement.

• All-Purpose Flour: Essential dry ingredient that provides structure, stability, and classic shortbread crumbly texture. Choose unbleached flour for best results and ensure it's fresh and free from clumps.

Baking Tools Needed for Cherry Almond Shortbread Cookies

• Stand Mixer: Perfect for creaming butter and mixing dough smoothly with its paddle attachment.
• Parchment Paper: Essential for wrapping dough log and lining baking sheet, preventing sticking.
• Mixing Bowl: Needed for combining ingredients and preparing cookie dough.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Critical for accurate ingredient measurements.
• Cutting Board: Useful for chopping cherries and shaping dough log.
• Sharp Knife: Helps slice chilled dough into even cookie discs.
• Baking Sheet: Required for baking cookies in the oven.
• Wire Cooling Rack: Allows cookies to cool evenly and crisp up after baking.

Step-by-Step Baking for Cherry Almond Shortbread Cookies

Dreamy Cherry Almond Shortbread

• Butter Bliss

Grab your mixer and whip the butter into a creamy cloud. Add powdered sugar, a pinch of salt, and a splash of almond extract. Mix until everything looks smooth and happy.

• Flour Magic

Softly fold flour into the buttery mixture. The dough will start to look crumbly and delicate, like soft sand at the beach.

• Cherry Surprise

Gently fold chopped cherries into the dough, creating little bursts of color and sweetness throughout.

• Dough Transformation

Roll the dough into a neat log on parchment paper. Wrap it up and let it chill in the refrigerator. This resting time helps the flavors mingle and the texture become perfect.

• Oven Warmth

Heat the oven and line a baking sheet. Slice the chilled dough into delicate rounds, placing them with care on the sheet.

• Golden Moments

Bake until the edges turn a soft golden color. The cookies should look tender and delicate, promising a melt-in-your-mouth experience.

• Cooling Celebration

Let the cookies rest briefly on the pan, then transfer to a cooling rack. Enjoy these little pieces of heaven with a warm cup of tea or coffee.

Cookie Tips & Flavor Swaps for Cherry Almond Shortbread Cookies

• Baking Brilliance: Shortbread Success Tips and Twists
• Butter Magic: Use room temperature butter for smoother mixing and better cookie texture. Cold butter creates lumpy dough that doesn't blend well.
• Cherry Cheat Sheet: Drain maraschino cherries thoroughly on paper towels to prevent excess moisture from making cookies soggy. Pat cherries dry before chopping.
• Freezer Friend: Want make-ahead cookies? Wrap the dough log in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Slice and bake directly from frozen, adding 2-3 extra minutes to baking time.
• Flavor Boost: Experiment with different mix-ins like dark chocolate chips, toasted almonds, or dried cranberries to create your own signature shortbread variation.
• Decoration Delight: Drizzle cooled cookies with melted white chocolate or dust with powdered sugar for an elegant finishing touch that elevates the classic shortbread.

How to Serve Cherry Almond Shortbread Cookies

• Festive Cookie Platter: Arrange these delightful cherry almond shortbread cookies on a beautiful ceramic plate with a sprinkle of powdered sugar, creating an elegant dessert presentation perfect for afternoon tea or holiday gatherings.
• Sweet Dessert Pairing: Serve alongside a warm cup of vanilla chai tea or almond-flavored coffee to complement the rich, buttery shortbread and enhance the cherry's sweet notes, creating a delightful flavor combination.
• Gifting Galore: Package these cookies in a charming mason jar or decorative tin with a ribbon, making them a thoughtful homemade gift for friends, neighbors, or family during special occasions like birthdays or holiday celebrations.
• Garnish and Glam: Top each cookie with a small dollop of whipped cream, a fresh cherry half, or a light drizzle of white chocolate to elevate their visual appeal and add an extra layer of deliciousness.

Cherry Almond Shortbread Cookies: Storage & Planning Advice

• Tasty Cookie Storage Strategies
• Airtight Container Magic: Keep your cherry almond shortbread cookies fresh by storing them in a sealed container at room temperature. These delicate treats will stay delicious for up to 5 days, maintaining their soft texture and rich flavor.
• Freezer Friendship: Want to extend the cookie's lifespan? Wrap individual cookies or the entire log of dough in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Frozen cookies last up to 3 months, ready to thaw and enjoy whenever a sweet craving hits.
• Make-Ahead Meal Prep: Prepare the cookie dough log in advance and refrigerate for up to 3 days before baking. This clever trick lets you have fresh cookies on demand, perfect for unexpected guests or sudden dessert desires.
• Layer Love: When storing multiple cookies, place sheets of parchment paper between each layer to prevent sticking and preserve their delicate shape. This simple technique keeps your cookies looking as beautiful as they taste.

Heavenly Cherry Almond Shortbread Cookies Recipe

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4.7 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 27-29 minutes
• Yield: 25 1x

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Description

Delightful cherry almond shortbread cookies combine sweet cherries with buttery, crumbly shortbread for an elegant dessert. Crisp edges and rich almond flavor make these cookies perfect for afternoon tea or special gatherings.

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Ingredients

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• 2 cups (480 ml) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (227 g) unsalted butter, room temperature
• ½ cup (80 g) maraschino cherries, chopped
• ½ cup (60 g) powdered sugar
• 1 tsp (5 ml) almond extract
• ½ tsp (2.5 g) salt

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Cream softened butter, powdered sugar, salt, and almond extract in a large mixing bowl until smooth and uniformly blended.
2. Dough Formation: Incorporate all-purpose flour at low speed, mixing until the dough achieves a delicate, crumbly consistency. Fold in chopped maraschino cherries, distributing them evenly throughout the mixture.
3. Chilling Process: Roll the dough into a cylindrical log approximately 2 inches thick on parchment paper. Wrap securely and refrigerate for 1 hour to allow flavors to meld and texture to firm.
4. Preheating: Set oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
5. Shaping and Baking: Extract chilled dough and slice into half-inch rounds. Arrange cookies with ample spacing on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 12-14 minutes, monitoring closely to achieve golden edges while maintaining a tender center.
6. Cooling: Let cookies rest momentarily on the baking sheet before transferring to a cooling rack. Allow cookies to reach room temperature, developing their signature delicate, crumbly texture.

Notes

• Butter Temperature Matters: Ensure butter is softened but not melted for the perfect creamy, smooth mixture that blends seamlessly.
• Dough Consistency Check: Look for a crumbly yet cohesive texture when mixing flour, which indicates proper incorporation without overmixing.
• Chilling is Crucial: Refrigerating the dough for at least an hour helps prevent spreading and intensifies the cookie’s rich flavor profile.
• Golden Edge Alert: Watch cookies closely during the last few minutes of baking to achieve that perfect golden-brown edge without overcooking.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12-14 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 25
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 50mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 30mg