Name: Easy Almond Cherry Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 9 min
Total time: 24 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3/4 cup slivered almonds, ground; 1 cup butter, softened; 3/4 cup powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 8 ounces jar maraschino cherries, halved (reserve 1 teaspoon juice); 2 cups powdered sugar; 1 tablespoon maraschino cherry juice (reserved); 1 teaspoon almond extract; 2–3 tablespoons milk; Red decorating sugar (for sprinkling)

Jump to Recipe

If you are on the lookout for a delightful treat that magically balances nutty richness with a burst of sweet, fruity brightness, then this Easy Almond Cherry Cookies Recipe is just the thing to try. These cookies bring together the toasty crunch of ground almonds and the playful pop of maraschino cherries, all wrapped up in a tender, buttery dough crowned with a smooth, cherry-kissed glaze. They’re not just beautiful to look at with their snowy white frosting and sparkling red sugar—they are absolutely irresistible to bite into. Whether you’re gearing up for a holiday celebration or just craving an elegant homemade snack, these cookies are sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire.

A stack of three light beige cookies with a crumbly texture is shown on a white plate with a thin brown rim. Each cookie layer is separated by smooth, shiny pink frosting, with a glossy red cherry placed on top of the frosting between the cookies, and one cherry crowns the stack on the top cookie's frosting. The background and surface feature a white marbled texture, adding a clean and soft look to the image. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

With just a handful of straightforward ingredients, this recipe lets the natural flavors shine. Each component serves a purpose: almonds add crunch and aroma, cherries bring juiciness and color, while the powdered sugar frosting offers the perfect sweet finishing touch. Here’s what you’ll need to get started on these delicious cookies.

Slivered almonds, ground: Toasty and nutty, freshly ground almonds give the cookies a wonderful texture and depth of flavor.
Butter, softened: Creamy butter forms the tender base of the dough, ensuring every bite is rich and melt-in-your-mouth.
Powdered sugar: Used twice here, it sweetens the dough subtly and creates a silky frosting that hardens perfectly.
Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and rounds out the flavors beautifully with its comforting aroma.
All-purpose flour: The sturdy backbone of the cookie dough, giving structure without heaviness.
Salt: Just a pinch to enhance all the sweetness and balance the flavor.
Maraschino cherries, halved: Juicy and bright, they bring vibrant color and a burst of sweetness inside and on top of each cookie.
Red decorating sugar: Adds sparkle and a festive pop of color to the frosted cookies.
Maraschino cherry juice: Infuses the frosting with subtle cherry flavor and a lovely tint.
Almond extract: Enhances the almond notes and makes the glaze taste wonderfully fragrant.
Milk: Helps achieve that perfect frosting texture that clings just right.

How to Make Easy Almond Cherry Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Preheat Oven

Kick things off by heating your oven to a warm 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to make sure your cookies bake evenly without sticking, setting the stage perfectly for a flawless batch.

Step 2: Prepare Dough

In a big bowl, blend your softened butter with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and luscious—it’s like creating a creamy canvas for your cookies! In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and ground almonds, then slowly fold those dry ingredients into your buttery mixture. This combination forms a richly textured dough that’s fragrant and tender, ready to be shaped.

Step 3: Form Cookies

Here’s the fun part—scoop out a generous tablespoon of dough and gently create a small well in the center. Nestle a halved maraschino cherry into this space, then carefully wrap the dough around the cherry and roll it into a neat ball, completely enclosing the juicy surprise inside. Arrange these dough balls on your parchment-lined sheet and press them down just a little to shape. Each cookie is a hidden gem waiting to be uncovered after baking.

Step 4: Bake the Cookies

Pop the tray into your preheated oven and bake for about 8 to 9 minutes. You’re aiming for the edges to turn just a delicate golden brown while the cookies stay soft in the center. Once done, set them aside on a wire rack to cool completely—this step is key to getting the frosting just right.

Step 5: Make Frosting

While your cookies cool, whisk together powdered sugar, the reserved teaspoon of maraschino cherry juice, and almond extract in a bowl. Gradually add milk one tablespoon at a time until the frosting reaches a thick, dippable consistency that will coat your cookies beautifully without dripping off. This cherry-almond glaze adds a sparkling sweetness that perfectly complements each bite.

Step 6: Decorate Cookies with Easy Almond Cherry Cookies Recipe Frosting

Dip the top of each cooled cookie into your luscious frosting, then place it back on the wire rack and sprinkle generously with red decorating sugar. This step adds festive color and a satisfying slight crunch. Let the frosting set and harden to achieve that perfect finished look before serving or storing.

How to Serve Easy Almond Cherry Cookies Recipe

The image shows a white plate filled with soft round cookies, each having two layers. The bottom layer is a light beige cookie with a slightly cracked, textured surface. On top of each cookie is a smooth, pale pink frosting layer that looks creamy. At the center of the frosting, there is a shiny, bright red cherry with a glossy texture. Two cookies are stacked in the middle, showing the bottom cookie’s pink frosting with the cherry visible between the layers. The plate is placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For an extra touch of charm, sprinkle a few sliced almonds or tiny edible flowers alongside the red decorating sugar. You could also add a delicate drizzle of melted white chocolate over the frosting for a more decadent presentation that will take these cookies from delightful to show-stopping.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair beautifully with a warm cup of tea or coffee, making them a wonderful accompaniment to afternoon gatherings or cozy breakfasts. For a festive spread, serve alongside a bowl of fresh seasonal berries or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream to balance the almond and cherry flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange your Easy Almond Cherry Cookies Recipe on a decorative tiered plate to create a stunning dessert centerpiece. Wrapping them individually in clear cellophane tied with a red ribbon also makes for charming homemade gifts. You could even sandwich two cookies together with a bit of cherry jam or cream cheese spread for an indulgent twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, where they will stay fresh and tender for up to five days. Be sure the frosting has fully set to avoid stickiness, and place parchment paper between cookie layers to prevent sticking.

Freezing

You can freeze these cookies before frosting for up to three months. Just shape the dough balls and freeze them on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready to enjoy, bake them straight from frozen by adding an extra minute or two to the baking time, and then frost once cooled.

Reheating

If you prefer your cookies slightly warm, gently heat them in a low oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes. Avoid microwaving as this can soften the frosting too much. Warmed cookies bring out the almond flavor beautifully and soften the cherry center deliciously.

FAQs

Can I substitute almonds with another nut?

While almonds bring a unique crunch and aroma, you can use finely chopped or ground pecans or walnuts for a different but still delicious twist. Just be mindful of changing the texture slightly.

Is it necessary to use maraschino cherries?

Maraschino cherries add a lovely sweetness and bright color, but if you don’t have them on hand, dried cherries or glacé cherries can work too. Just adjust the frosting by reserving juice accordingly or omitting it.

What makes this an easy almond cherry cookies recipe?

The recipe’s straightforward steps, minimal ingredient list, and simple decorating process all come together to make it easy for even beginner bakers. The fun of enclosing cherries and dipping in frosting keeps it satisfying yet approachable.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes! Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free baking flour blend. Make sure the blend you use contains xanthan gum or another binder to mimic the texture of wheat flour for best results.

How long does the frosting take to set?

At room temperature, the frosting will typically harden within 30 to 45 minutes. For quicker setting, place the cookies in the refrigerator for about 15 to 20 minutes before serving.

Final Thoughts

What makes this Easy Almond Cherry Cookies Recipe truly special is how effortlessly it combines simple ingredients into something that tastes like a festive celebration in every bite. I can’t wait for you to try baking these cookies yourself—they’re sure to bring a smile to your face and warmth to your kitchen. Whether shared with friends or savored solo with a cuppa, these cookies are a joyful treat that’s as delightful to make as to eat.