Maraschino Cherry Almond Cookies are a festive, flavorful treat that brings together the sweet, fruity flavor of maraschino cherries with the nutty richness of almonds. These cookies are soft and chewy, with a slightly crisp edge, making them the perfect dessert for any occasion. Whether you’re preparing for a holiday party, a family gathering, or just a simple snack, these cookies offer a delightful combination of sweet and nutty flavors. The vibrant red maraschino cherries not only enhance the flavor but also add a beautiful pop of color to each cookie, making them as visually appealing as they are delicious. With their perfect balance of sweetness and texture, Maraschino Cherry Almond Cookies are sure to become a new favorite in your baking repertoire.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon almond extract
• 1/2 cup chopped maraschino cherries, drained and patted dry
• 1/4 cup sliced almonds, for garnish

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg and almond extract, and continue to beat until well combined.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
5. Gently fold in the chopped maraschino cherries, being careful not to overmix and break up the fruit.
6. Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Press a few sliced almonds on top of each cookie for garnish.
7. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Nutrients

Approximate nutritional information per cookie (assuming 24 cookies):
• Calories: 150 kcal
• Total Fat: 9 g (Saturated Fat: 5 g)
• Cholesterol: 25 mg
• Sodium: 75 mg
• Carbohydrates: 18 g (Sugars: 12 g)
• Protein: 1 g

The Appeal of Maraschino Cherries in Baking

Maraschino cherries have long been a favorite in both classic and modern baking. They are known for their bright red color, sweet flavor, and slightly tangy bite. While these cherries are often used to top cakes, ice cream sundaes, or cocktails, they are also a wonderful ingredient in cookies, adding moisture and color, while infusing the batter with a subtle fruity sweetness.

Almonds: A Nutty Twist to Classic Cookies

Almonds are another key ingredient in Maraschino Cherry Almond Cookies, adding not only flavor but texture as well. The nutty crunch of almonds contrasts perfectly with the soft, chewy texture of the cookie dough, creating a more complex eating experience. Almonds also bring a natural sweetness, which complements the tartness of the maraschino cherries and the buttery flavor of the dough.

The Texture: Soft, Chewy, and Buttery

What sets Maraschino Cherry Almond Cookies apart from other cookies is their delightful texture. The dough, which is rich in butter, creates a soft, chewy interior that melts in your mouth with every bite. This buttery base perfectly complements the maraschino cherries and sliced almonds, which add a slightly chewy and crunchy texture, respectively.

Perfect for Any Occasion

Maraschino Cherry Almond Cookies are an incredibly versatile treat that works well for nearly any occasion. Whether you’re celebrating a holiday, hosting a party, or just looking to bake something special for a family gathering, these cookies will add a festive touch to your spread. The vibrant color of the maraschino cherries gives them a cheerful appearance, making them perfect for seasonal events like Christmas, Valentine’s Day, or summer picnics.

Baking Tips for Success

Baking these cookies is relatively straightforward, but there are a few tips that can help ensure they turn out perfectly every time.

1. Use cold butter
   To achieve the right texture, it’s important to use cold butter in the dough. Cold butter creates small pockets of fat in the dough, which helps the cookies hold their shape and develop a tender, crumbly texture. This is especially important when making cookies that are supposed to have a soft, chewy interior.
2. Don’t overmix the dough
   Overmixing the dough can lead to tough cookies. When mixing the ingredients, stop as soon as everything is just combined. Overmixing will incorporate too much air into the dough, which can cause the cookies to spread too much and lose their softness.
3. Chill the dough
   If you’re making the dough ahead of time, it’s a good idea to chill it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before baking. Chilling the dough helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much while baking, ensuring they hold their shape.
4. Evenly distribute the cherries
   When mixing the maraschino cherries into the dough, make sure they are evenly distributed. Be gentle when mixing so that the cherries don’t get crushed, but be sure they’re well incorporated throughout the dough for uniform flavor in each bite.
5. Watch the baking time
   The key to perfectly baked Maraschino Cherry Almond Cookies is not overbaking them. Keep an eye on them while they bake and take them out of the oven as soon as the edges start to turn golden. They will continue to cook slightly once removed from the oven due to residual heat, so it’s important not to leave them in too long to avoid making them too hard.

Serving and Storing Maraschino Cherry Almond Cookies

Once baked, these cookies should be allowed to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before being transferred to a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling on the baking sheet allows them to firm up slightly, making them easier to handle without breaking.

These cookies are best enjoyed fresh, but they can also be stored for later enjoyment. Once completely cooled, place the cookies in an airtight container to maintain their softness. They will stay fresh for up to a week at room temperature. If you want to extend their shelf life, they can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. For longer storage, these cookies freeze well. Simply place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about 2 hours. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container, and they can be stored in the freezer for up to three months. To thaw, just let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes before enjoying.

Conclusion

Maraschino Cherry Almond Cookies are a delightful combination of sweetness, nuttiness, and a hint of festive charm. Whether you’re baking them for a special occasion or just as a treat to enjoy during the week, these cookies will undoubtedly become a favorite in your baking repertoire. The addition of maraschino cherries not only enhances the flavor but also adds a pop of color, while the almonds provide a lovely crunch that complements the soft, chewy texture of the shortbread-like base.