Thumbprint-Style Almond Cherry Cookies are soft, buttery almond cookies with a sweet pink glaze and a bright maraschino cherry sitting right in the center, giving them a classic Christmas look and a pop of color that feels fun and festive. They remind me of holiday baking days when decorating cookies made the kitchen feel cheerful, and every cookie looked like a tiny Christmas ornament. The tender almond flavor, smooth glaze, and shiny cherry center make Thumbprint-Style Almond Cherry Cookies perfect for holiday parties, gifting, cookie trays, and cozy Christmas moments with family and friends.
INGREDIENTS
1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
2/3 cup powdered sugar
1 large egg yolk
1 tsp almond extract
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 tsp salt
24 maraschino cherries (drained and patted dry)
For the glaze:
1 cup powdered sugar
2–3 tbsp maraschino cherry juice
1/4 tsp almond extract (optional)
Red sprinkles (optional)
Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Beat the softened butter and powdered sugar together until light, creamy, and fluffy. This creates the melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Step 2: Add the egg yolk, 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 smooth and easy to roll.
Step 5: Scoop 1-inch portions of dough and roll them into smooth balls. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Step 6: Gently press a small well into the center of each dough ball using your thumb or the back of a teaspoon, creating the thumbprint shape.
Step 7: Chill the shaped cookies for 10–20 minutes to help them hold their shape during baking.
Step 8: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the cookies for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden while the tops stay pale and soft.
Step 9: Transfer the cookies to a wire rack and let them cool completely before glazing.
Step 10: Make the glaze by mixing powdered sugar, cherry juice, and almond extract until smooth. Adjust thickness as needed.
Step 11: Spoon or spread a small circle of glaze into the center of each cookie, filling the thumbprint.
Step 12: Place one dried maraschino cherry gently on top of the glaze and press lightly so it sticks. Add sprinkles if desired and let the glaze set before serving.
Variations
• Use green sprinkles for a Christmas theme
• Add lemon or orange zest to the dough
• Make mini bite-size cookies
• Dip edges in white chocolate
• Use chocolate cherries for a richer flavor
COOKING NOTES
• Dry cherries well to prevent moisture
• Chill dough to help cookies keep shape
• Press gently to avoid cracking the dough
• Don’t overbake; pale cookies stay soft
• Let cookies cool before glazing
Serving suggestions
• Add to Christmas cookie trays
• Package in gift tins or bags
• Serve with coffee, cocoa, or tea
• Use for cookie swaps or parties
• Display as festive table treats
Tips
• Smooth dough cracks before baking
• Use powdered sugar for softer texture
• Roll cookies evenly for even baking
• Use parchment paper for easy cleanup
• Let glaze dry fully before stacking
Prep Time / Cooking Time / Total Time
Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus chilling)
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 32 minutes (plus chilling)
Nutritional Information
(Per cookie, based on 24 cookies)
Calories: ~110
Fat: 6g
Carbohydrates: 14g
Sugar: 9g
Protein: 1g
FAQs
Why did my cookies crack when I pressed them?
- Press slowly and gently, and if cracks form, smooth them with your fingers before baking.
Can I skip the glaze?
- Yes, but the glaze adds sweetness and helps the cherry stick to the top.
Why did my cookies spread?
- The dough may not have been chilled long enough; chilling helps hold shape.
Can I use fresh cherries?
- Fresh cherries release more juice, so maraschino cherries work best.
Can I make them ahead?
- Yes, bake 1–2 days ahead and store in an airtight container.
Conclusion
Thumbprint-Style Almond Cherry Cookies are festive, colorful, and full of sweet almond flavor with a fun cherry topping that makes them stand out on any Christmas dessert table. They’re simple to make, pretty to serve, and perfect for gifting, parties, and family celebrations. The soft cookie base, glossy glaze, and bright cherry center create a cheerful holiday treat that feels classic and nostalgic, and once you share them, they’re the kind of recipe people remember and ask for every Christmas season.
