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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
Instructions
- Preparation: Cream softened butter, powdered sugar, salt, and almond extract in a large mixing bowl until smooth and uniformly blended.
- 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.
- 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.
- Preheating: Set oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- 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.
- 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