We’ve always been fans of shortbread’s buttery charm, and our Cherry and Almond Shortbread Recipe brings a fresh twist with tart cherries and crunchy almonds for a delightful treat.
This classic bake draws from British traditions yet adds a modern flair that’s perfect for cozy afternoons or holiday gatherings.
It’s simple to whip up and packs incredible flavor making it a must-try in your kitchen.
Ingredients
In our Cherry and Almond Shortbread recipe, we start by assembling fresh, high-quality ingredients that bring out the buttery texture, tart cherry bursts, and nutty almond crunch for a truly irresistible treat.
Dry Ingredients
- All-purpose flour: 2 cups, sifted to ensure a light and airy dough
- Granulated sugar: ½ cup, for a subtle sweetness that balances the tart cherries
- Sliced almonds: ½ cup, toasted and roughly chopped for added crunch and nutty flavor
Wet Ingredients
- Unsalted butter: 1 cup (2 sticks), softened at room temperature to cream smoothly
- Almond extract: 1 teaspoon, for a bold almond essence that enhances the overall aroma
Add-Ins
- Dried cherries: ½ cup, pitted and chopped to infuse tartness without overwhelming the shortbread base
- Salt: ¼ teaspoon, to heighten the flavors and create a perfect balance
This selection ensures our recipe remains simple yet flavorful, using everyday items in the order they integrate into the preparation.
Equipment Needed
Now that we’ve gathered our key ingredients like all-purpose flour, sliced almonds, and dried cherries for our Cherry and Almond Shortbread, let’s turn our attention to the essential tools. Having the right equipment ensures we achieve that perfect butter-crunchy texture and nutty flavor with minimal fuss.
We recommend preparing the following items to make the process smooth and efficient:
- Mixing Bowls: Two medium-sized bowls for separating and combining dry and wet ingredients—such as flour and butter—to maintain precision in our recipe.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: A set of standard measuring cups and spoons for accurately portioning ingredients like granulated sugar and almond extract, which helps deliver consistent results every time.
- Electric Mixer or Whisk: A hand mixer or stand mixer for creaming butter and sugar, or a sturdy whisk if we’re going manual, to create that light, airy dough signature to Cherry and Almond Shortbread.
- Baking Sheet: A rimmed baking sheet lined with parchment paper to evenly bake the shortbread and prevent sticking, ensuring golden-brown edges without any mess.
- Rolling Pin: For rolling out the dough to an even thickness, which is crucial for uniform baking and that irresistible crisp bite.
- Cooling Rack: A wire rack to let the baked shortbread cool properly, allowing flavors like tart cherries and crunchy almonds to set and intensify.
- Oven: A standard oven preheated to the required temperature for baking—this is our key tool to transform simple ingredients into a delightful treat.
- Knife or Cookie Cutter: A sharp knife for slicing the dough into portions or a cookie cutter for shaped pieces, making it easy to serve our Cherry and Almond Shortbread at gatherings.
With these tools in hand, we’re all set to move seamlessly into the preparation steps.
Instructions
Now that we have our ingredients measured and our tools prepared, let’s create this irresistible Cherry and Almond Shortbread with its buttery texture, tart cherry bursts, and nutty almond crunch. We guide you through each step for flawless, homemade results.
Prepare Ingredients
Before we begin mixing, we ensure all components are prepped for smooth assembly. Start by chopping 1 cup of dried cherries into small pieces to distribute their tangy flavor evenly throughout the dough. Next, toast ½ cup of sliced almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes until golden and fragrant—this step enhances their nutty aroma and adds a delightful crunch. Measure out 2 cups of all-purpose flour, ½ cup of granulated sugar, 1 cup of unsalted butter (softened to room temperature), 1 teaspoon of almond extract, and a pinch of salt, arranging them in order of use to streamline our process.
Make the Dough
With ingredients ready, we mix the dough to achieve that signature shortbread tenderness. In a large mixing bowl, cream 1 cup of unsalted butter and ½ cup of granulated sugar together using an electric mixer on medium speed for about 2 minutes until light and fluffy—this creates a rich, buttery base that melts in your mouth. Add 1 teaspoon of almond extract and mix for another 30 seconds to infuse a subtle, aromatic essence. Gradually incorporate the 2 cups of all-purpose flour and pinch of salt, stirring with a wooden spoon until just combined, then fold in the chopped dried cherries and toasted sliced almonds for a burst of tartness and crunch. Knead gently on a lightly floured surface for 1 minute until the dough forms a cohesive ball, being careful not to overwork it to maintain its tender crumb.
Shape and Bake
We shape and bake the dough to lock in its flavors and achieve golden perfection. Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Roll the dough into a log about 2 inches in diameter, or press it into an 8-inch square pan for even slices. Slice the log into ½-inch thick rounds or cut the square into bars, placing them on the prepared sheet with 1 inch of space between each for proper rising. Bake in the center of the oven for 18-22 minutes until the edges turn a light golden brown and the tops firm up, filling your kitchen with the irresistible scent of warm almonds and cherries. This step ensures a crisp exterior with a soft, buttery interior that pairs perfectly with tea.
Cool and Store
After baking, we cool the shortbread to set its texture and preserve its freshness for enjoyment. Remove the baking sheet from the oven and transfer the shortbread to a cooling rack immediately, allowing it to rest for at least 10 minutes until completely cool—this prevents sogginess and enhances the snap when bitten. For storage, place the cooled pieces in an airtight container at room temperature, where they stay fresh for up to 1 week, or freeze them for up to 3 months for later treats. Pro tip: Layer with parchment paper to avoid sticking, ensuring each piece retains its perfect, nutty crunch.
Tips and Variations
We love sharing ways to refine and personalize our Cherry and Almond Shortbread recipe, drawing from our years of baking expertise to help you achieve even better results. Building on the preparation steps we’ve outlined, these tips address common challenges while variations spark creativity for new flavors and adaptations.
Essential Tips for Success
To ensure your Cherry and Almond Shortbread turns out with that perfect buttery crunch and nutty aroma, follow these practical pointers:
- Ingredient Swaps: If almonds are unavailable, substitute with equal amounts of chopped pecans or walnuts for a similar crunch without altering the recipe’s core texture.
- Flavor Enhancement: Toast the sliced almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes until golden to intensify their nutty essence and complement the tart cherries’ vibrant burst.
- Dough Handling: Chill the dough log in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before slicing and baking to prevent spreading and maintain even, golden edges.
- Baking Precision: Monitor the oven temperature closely—overbaking can dry out the shortbread, so remove it when the edges are lightly browned for that ideal tender interior.
- Storage and Freshness: Keep baked shortbread in an airtight container at room temperature; it retains its crispness for up to 7 days or freezes well for up to 3 months, preserving the delightful almond and cherry notes.
Creative Variations
Experiment with these adaptations to tailor our Cherry and Almond Shortbread to your preferences, whether you’re aiming for dietary tweaks or seasonal twists:
- Gluten-Free Version: Replace all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free blend to accommodate gluten sensitivities while keeping the dough’s signature crumbly consistency.
- Fruit Infusions: Swap dried cherries for an equal volume of dried cranberries or blueberries to introduce tangy or sweet variations that highlight different fruit profiles alongside the almonds.
- Nut-Free Option: Omit almonds entirely and add extra vanilla extract or incorporate sunflower seeds for crunch, ensuring the shortbread remains allergen-friendly yet flavorful.
- Spiced Upgrades: Incorporate ½ teaspoon of cinnamon or cardamom into the dry ingredients for a warm, aromatic twist that pairs beautifully with the cherries’ tartness during holiday bakes.
- Shape and Size Changes: Instead of slicing into logs, press the dough into a square pan and cut into bars for easier serving, or use cookie cutters for festive shapes that add visual appeal to your gatherings.
| Aspect | Recommendation | Duration/Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Storage Method | Airtight container at room temperature | Up to 7 days for optimal freshness |
| Freezing | Wrap tightly in plastic and foil | Up to 3 months; thaw at room temperature |
| Almond Substitute | Pecans or walnuts | Use equal volume to maintain texture |
| Cherry Substitute | Dried cranberries or blueberries | Equal volume for flavor variety |
Conclusion
We’re thrilled you’ve followed along with our Cherry and Almond Shortbread recipe
It’s a simple way to add joy to your baking routine and create memorable moments
Give the variations a go and let us know how yours turns out—we’re sure it’ll become a favorite in your kitchen
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cherry and Almond Shortbread?
Cherry and Almond Shortbread is a buttery British-inspired treat with tart dried cherries and crunchy almonds for a modern twist. It’s perfect for cozy afternoons or holidays, offering an easy recipe with exceptional flavor and texture that’s simple to make at home.
What ingredients are needed for the recipe?
You’ll need all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, sliced almonds, unsalted butter, almond extract, dried cherries, and a pinch of salt. These everyday items create a simple yet flavorful dough, categorized into dry and wet components for easy prep.
What equipment is required to make it?
Essential tools include mixing bowls, measuring cups and spoons, an electric mixer or whisk, a baking sheet with parchment paper, a rolling pin, a cooling rack, a preheated oven, and a knife or cookie cutter. These help achieve the perfect buttery-crunchy texture.
How do I prepare Cherry and Almond Shortbread?
Start by prepping ingredients like chopping cherries and toasting almonds. Cream butter and sugar, add almond extract, then mix in flour, salt, cherries, and almonds. Shape the dough into a log or press into a pan, slice, bake until golden, and cool on a rack for the best results.
Can I customize the recipe?
Yes, swap almonds for pecans or walnuts, or use gluten-free flour for dietary needs. Try cranberries or blueberries instead of cherries, add spices like cinnamon, or make it nut-free with sunflower seeds. Always chill the dough before baking to prevent spreading and enhance texture.
How should I store the shortbread?
Store cooled shortbread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or freeze for up to three months. This keeps its buttery texture fresh; just thaw at room temperature before enjoying. Always monitor for staleness and use quality containers.