Cherry Almond Shortbread Cookies
Nothing brings more joy to my household than the sweet, buttery aroma of freshly baked Cherry Almond Shortbread Cookies wafting through the kitchen. These cookies have become a staple in our home—especially during the holidays—but they’re honestly perfect year-round. I first made them on a whim, looking for a recipe that balanced classic shortbread simplicity with a little extra flair. The chewy bits of dried cherries and the subtle crunch of slivered almonds were an instant hit! They’re not overly sweet, making them ideal with a morning cup of coffee or an afternoon tea. And let me tell you—these cookies are addictive. My kids love helping me cut the dough into perfect rounds, and my husband sneaks extras when he thinks I’m not looking! What I love most is how versatile they are; you can gift them, serve them at gatherings, or simply enjoy them yourself on a cozy evening. The love and laughter in the kitchen while making these cookies make this recipe truly special.
Questions I Often Get Asked About This Recipe
Can I use fresh cherries instead of dried?
Dried cherries are recommended for their concentrated flavor and chewy texture, but fresh cherries can be used if chopped finely and patted dry to prevent excess moisture.
Do I need to chill the dough?
Yes! Chilling the dough is crucial for achieving the perfect crumbly texture and preventing the cookies from spreading too much while baking.
Can I substitute almonds for another nut?
Absolutely! Walnuts, pecans, or pistachios are great alternatives that complement the cherries beautifully.
Can I freeze the dough?
Yes, you can freeze the dough for up to three months. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and thaw it in the fridge before baking.
Are these cookies gluten-free?
This recipe uses regular flour, but you can substitute it with a gluten-free 1:1 baking flour for a gluten-free version.
What You Need to Make Cherry Almond Shortbread Cookies
Ingredients:
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
½ cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
½ cup dried cherries, chopped
¼ cup slivered almonds, toasted
½ teaspoon salt
Special Tools:
Mixing bowls
Hand or stand mixer
Parchment paper
Rolling pin
Cookie cutter
How to Make Cherry Almond Shortbread Cookies
Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the vanilla extract and mix well.
Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the flour and salt to the butter mixture. Stir until the dough begins to come together.
Add Cherries and Almonds: Gently fold in the chopped dried cherries and slivered almonds until evenly distributed.
Chill the Dough: Form the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
Roll and Cut: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about ¼-inch thickness. Use a round cookie cutter to cut out shapes and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Bake: Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Bake the cookies for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
Cool and Enjoy: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips for Making the Best Cherry Almond Shortbread Cookies
Toast Your Almonds: Toasting the almonds enhances their flavor and adds a delightful crunch.
Use High-Quality Butter: The flavor of shortbread heavily relies on the butter, so splurge on the good stuff!
Don’t Overmix: Overworking the dough can make the cookies tough instead of tender.
Chill Again After Cutting: If your kitchen is warm, chill the cut cookies for 10 minutes before baking to maintain their shape.
Add a Drizzle: For extra indulgence, drizzle the cooled cookies with melted white or dark chocolate.
Reader Reviews
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “These cookies were a huge hit at my office holiday party! Everyone asked for the recipe.”
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Loved the flavor, but mine spread a bit more than I expected. Next time, I’ll chill the dough longer.”
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Perfect with my morning coffee. The cherries add such a nice tangy sweetness!”
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “I made these for a bake sale, and they sold out in minutes. Definitely keeping this recipe!”
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “My kids loved helping me make these. Such a fun and delicious recipe!”
Printable Recipe
Cherry Almond Shortbread Cookies
These buttery Cherry Almond Shortbread Cookies are a delightful blend of tangy dried cherries and crunchy almonds, perfect for any occasion. Simple to make, they’re great for sharing or savoring on your own.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup dried cherries, chopped
- ¼ cup slivered almonds, toasted
- ½ teaspoon salt
- Special Tools:
- Mixing bowls
- Hand or stand mixer
- Parchment paper
- Rolling pin
- Cookie cutter
Instructions
- Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the vanilla extract and mix well.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the flour and salt to the butter mixture. Stir until the dough begins to come together.
- Add Cherries and Almonds: Gently fold in the chopped dried cherries and slivered almonds until evenly distributed.
- Chill the Dough: Form the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Roll and Cut: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about ¼-inch thickness. Use a round cookie cutter to cut out shapes and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Bake the cookies for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Cool and Enjoy: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Check Out Some Of Our Other Recipes / Crafts
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If You Enjoyed This Recipe, Please Share!
Nothing brings people together quite like homemade cookies. If you enjoyed this recipe, I’d love for you to share it with your friends and family. Post a picture of your Cherry Almond Shortbread Cookies on social media, tag me, and use the hashtag #BakingWithJoy! Sharing recipes is a way to spread love, one cookie at a time.
