Almond Cherry Cookies are soft, buttery Christmas cookies with a whole maraschino cherry hidden inside and a pretty pink glaze on top that makes them look festive and fun for the holidays. They remind me of those cheerful baking moments when cutting into a cookie felt like a sweet surprise and the bright cherry center made everyone smile. The almond flavor, tender cookie dough, and juicy cherry filling make Almond Cherry Cookies perfect for gifting, parties, and holiday dessert trays.
INGREDIENTS
1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
3/4 cup powdered sugar
1 large egg
1 tsp almond extract
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 tsp salt
24 maraschino cherries (drained and patted very dry)
Red sprinkles (optional)
For the glaze:
1 cup powdered sugar
2–3 tbsp maraschino cherry juice
1/4 tsp almond extract (optional)
Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Beat the softened butter and powdered sugar together in a large bowl until light, creamy, and fluffy. This creates the soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Step 2: Add the egg, almond extract, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and fully combined.
Step 3: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
Step 4: Slowly add the dry mixture to the butter mixture and mix until a soft dough forms. The dough should be thick but easy to roll.
Step 5: Pat the maraschino cherries completely dry with paper towels to prevent the dough from becoming wet.
Step 6: Scoop 1–1 1/2 tablespoon portions of dough and flatten each piece slightly in your hand.
Step 7: Place one cherry in the center of the dough and wrap the dough around it, rolling gently into a smooth ball so the cherry is fully sealed inside.
Step 8: Place the dough balls onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Step 9: Chill the shaped cookies in the refrigerator for 15–20 minutes to help them hold their shape while baking.
Step 10: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 11–13 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly golden and the tops stay pale.
Step 11: Let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack.
Step 12: Make the glaze by mixing powdered sugar, cherry juice, and almond extract until smooth.
Step 13: Dip the tops of the cooled cookies into the glaze or spoon it over the top, then add red sprinkles if desired. Let the glaze set before serving.
Variations
• Dip half the cookie in white chocolate
• Add finely chopped almonds to the dough for crunch
• Use green sprinkles for a Christmas look
• Add orange zest for a citrus twist
• Make mini bite-size versions for parties
COOKING NOTES
• Dry cherries very well to prevent soggy dough
• Seal the dough completely around the cherry to avoid leaking
• Chill dough balls before baking to maintain shape
• Don’t overbake; cookies should stay soft and pale
• Let cookies cool fully before glazing
Serving suggestions
• Serve on Christmas cookie platters
• Package in tins for gifting
• Pair with hot cocoa or coffee
• Use as a festive party dessert
• Add to holiday cookie boxes
Tips
• Use powdered sugar for a softer cookie texture
• Roll dough evenly for consistent baking
• If dough cracks, smooth it with your fingers before baking
• Use parchment paper for easy cleanup
• Allow glaze to set fully before stacking
Prep Time / Cooking Time / Total Time
Prep Time: 25 minutes (plus chilling)
Cook Time: 13 minutes
Total Time: 38 minutes (plus chilling)
Nutritional Information
(Per cookie, based on 24 cookies)
Calories: ~120
Fat: 6g
Carbohydrates: 15g
Sugar: 10g
Protein: 1g
FAQs
Why did my cookies crack while wrapping the cherry?
- The dough may be too cold or too dry; warm it slightly in your hands and smooth cracks before baking.
Why did the cherry leak out?
- The dough may not have been sealed tightly around the cherry, so make sure the cherry is fully covered.
Can I skip the glaze?
- Yes, the cookies are delicious plain, but the glaze adds color and sweetness.
Can I use fresh cherries?
- Fresh cherries release more moisture, so maraschino cherries work best.
Can I freeze the cookies?
- Yes, freeze baked cookies for up to 2 months and thaw before serving.
Almond Cherry Cookies are the kind of holiday treat that brings a little surprise to every bite, with their soft buttery dough on the outside and a sweet cherry hiding inside. The pretty pink glaze and red sprinkles make them look festive and cheerful, and the almond flavor gives them a cozy, old-fashioned Christmas charm. They’re fun to make, easy enough for beginners, and special enough for holiday parties, gift boxes, and family gatherings. These cookies also hold up well for travel and gifting, making them perfect for sharing with friends, neighbors, or coworkers. Whether you serve them fresh on a Christmas dessert table or include them in a homemade cookie box, Almond Cherry Cookies are guaranteed to stand out and bring smiles. Once you bake them for the holidays, they’re the kind of recipe people remember and request year after year.
