Almond Maraschino Cherry Cookies
Almond Maraschino Cherry Cookies are buttery, shortbread-style cookies made with ground almonds and a hidden maraschino cherry center, then finished with a sweet pink glaze. These nostalgic cookies are tender, elegant, and perfect for holidays, cookie exchanges, or afternoon tea.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 9 minutes
- Total Time: 29 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Desserts
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
**Cookie Dough**
Unsalted butter, softened – 1 cup
Powdered sugar – ¾ cup
Vanilla extract – 1 teaspoon
Almond extract – ½ teaspoon
All-purpose flour – 2 cups
Finely ground slivered almonds – ¾ cup
Salt – ¼ teaspoon
**Filling**
Maraschino cherries, halved and patted dry – about 24 halves
**Glaze**
Powdered sugar – 1 cup
Maraschino cherry juice – 1–2 tablespoons
Milk or cream – 1–2 teaspoons, as needed
**Optional Topping**
Red sanding sugar or sprinkles
Instructions
**Prepare the Oven**
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
**Cream Butter and Sugar**
In a large bowl, cream butter and powdered sugar for about 2 minutes until pale and fluffy. Mix in vanilla and almond extracts.
**Add Dry Ingredients**
Whisk flour, ground almonds, and salt in a separate bowl. Gradually mix into butter mixture on low speed until just combined.
**Shape Cookies**
Scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough and flatten into a small disc. Place a cherry half in the center and wrap dough around it, rolling into a smooth ball.
**Bake**
Place cookies on prepared sheets and gently press tops slightly. Bake for 8–9 minutes until set but not browned.
**Cool**
Let cookies cool completely on a wire rack before glazing.
**Glaze and Decorate**
Whisk powdered sugar with cherry juice and a little milk to form a pourable glaze. Dip or drizzle over cookies and sprinkle with red sugar if desired. Allow glaze to set before serving.
Notes
• Pat cherries very dry to prevent excess moisture in the dough.
• Grind slivered almonds using short pulses to avoid almond butter.
• Cookies should stay pale; browning indicates overbaking.
• If dough feels too soft, chill shaped cookies for 10 minutes before baking.
• Glaze sets best when cookies are fully cooled.
Find it online: https://pinchofwarmthbakes.com/almond-maraschino-cherry-cookies/