Introduction
There’s something truly delightful about the combination of almonds and cherries, and when they’re transformed into cookies, magic happens! These Almond Cherry Cookies are not only easy to make, but they also bring a burst of flavor to your palate. With a chewy texture thanks to the almond flour and a sweet-tart zing from the dried cherries, these cookies will fill your kitchen with a warm, inviting aroma. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just because, these cookies are sure to impress!
Ingredients
- 1 cup almond flour
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup dried cherries, chopped
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 27 minutes
Yield: 24 cookies
Directions and Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper, preparing a cozy space for your cookies to bake.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the almond flour, all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt until well combined. This dry mixture will be the foundation of our cookies.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy—about 2-3 minutes of beating will do the trick!
- Next, beat in the egg and vanilla extract into the butter-sugar mixture, mixing until everything is harmoniously combined.
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; we want those cookies to stay tender!
- Gently fold in the chopped dried cherries and sliced almonds, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Using a tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
- Pop the baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden brown and the centers appear set.
- Once baked, allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before carefully transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. The waiting will be worth it!
Notes or Tips
If you’re looking for a little extra sweetness, feel free to drizzle some melted chocolate over the cooled cookies. For a nutty twist, you could also substitute the sliced almonds with chopped walnuts or pecans. Enjoy your baking adventure!
Cooking Techniques
This recipe uses basic baking techniques such as creaming and folding. Creaming butter and sugars together is crucial for incorporating air, resulting in a light texture. Folding in the cherries and almonds prevents breaking up the ingredients, allowing for delightful morsels in every bite!
FAQ
Can I use fresh cherries instead of dried? While fresh cherries could work, they contain more moisture and might alter the texture of the cookies. Stick with dried for best results!
How should I store these cookies? Store your Almond Cherry Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They also freeze beautifully, so feel free to make a double batch!
Conclusion
These Almond Cherry Cookies are the perfect sweet treat to brighten your day or to share with loved ones. With their delightful texture and flavorful ingredients, they capture the essence of home-baked goodness. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and enjoy the simple pleasure of baking these delicious cookies. Happy baking!