We’ve always been smitten with the buttery crunch of shortbread cookies, and our Cherry Almond version adds a delightful twist that’ll have you reaching for seconds. Picture the perfect blend of tart cherries and nutty almonds in every bite—it’s a simple yet irresistible treat that elevates the classic.
Originating from Scottish traditions, we’ve modernized this recipe with fresh flavors that make it ideal for holidays or casual snacking. Join us as we guide you through baking these crowd-pleasers in your own kitchen.
Ingredients
For our Cherry Almond Shortbread Cookies, we select high-quality ingredients that deliver a butter-rich texture with the perfect balance of tart cherries and nutty almonds. Below, we list them in the order we use them during preparation, including specific measurements and any prep notes for accuracy.
- Unsalted butter, 1 cup (softened to room temperature for easy creaming)
- Granulated sugar, ½ cup (fine texture ensures even sweetness)
- All-purpose flour, 2 cups (sifted to avoid lumps and promote a tender crumb)
- Almond extract, 1 teaspoon (pure extract for authentic nutty flavor)
- Dried cherries, ½ cup (chopped coarsely to distribute tartness evenly throughout the dough)
- Slivered almonds, ½ cup (lightly toasted for enhanced crunch and flavor, then cooled before adding)
- Salt, ¼ teaspoon (added to balance sweetness and highlight the almond notes)
This combination ensures our cookies boast a golden-brown edge and irresistible aroma, making them a standout treat for any occasion.
Instructions
We guide you through baking our irresistible Cherry Almond Shortbread Cookies step by step ensuring a perfect balance of buttery crunch and nutty flavors. Let’s transform those high-quality ingredients into golden-brown delights ready for any occasion.
Prepare the Dough
First we cream the base to achieve that signature shortbread texture. In a large mixing bowl beat 1 cup of softened unsalted butter with 1/2 cup of granulated sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed for about 2-3 minutes until light and fluffy. This creates a smooth airy mixture that forms the foundation of our cookies.
Next add the dry ingredients and flavors. Gradually mix in 2 cups of all-purpose flour and 1/4 teaspoon of salt until just combined. Then stir in 1 teaspoon of almond extract for that nutty essence followed by 1/2 cup of chopped dried cherries and 1/2 cup of slivered almonds. Gently fold these in to distribute evenly without overworking the dough ensuring the cherries and almonds provide bursts of tartness and crunch in every bite.
Chill the Dough
Chilling firms up the dough for easier shaping and enhances the flavors. Shape the dough into a log about 2 inches in diameter and wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to 24 hours. This step allows the butter to solidify giving our cookies their melt-in-your-mouth texture and intensifying the almond and cherry aromas.
Shape the Cookies
Once chilled we form the cookies for even baking. Unwrap the dough log and slice it into 1/4-inch thick rounds using a sharp knife. Place the rounds on a parchment-lined baking sheet spacing them about 1 inch apart. If desired press a few extra slivered almonds on top for added visual appeal and crunch. This shaping process ensures uniform cookies with golden-brown edges that highlight the tart cherry centers.
Bake the Cookies
Baking brings out the irresistible aroma and texture. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the cookies on the middle rack for 12-15 minutes or until the edges turn a light golden brown. Watch closely in the last few minutes to prevent over-baking as this preserves the buttery softness and nutty flavor. The result is cookies with a delightful contrast of crisp edges and tender centers.
Cool and Store
Cooling sets the cookies for the best texture. Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the cookies cool on the sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents them from breaking and allows the flavors to settle.
For storage keep the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week or freeze for up to 3 months. If freezing place them in a single layer in a freezer-safe bag and thaw at room temperature when ready to enjoy maintaining their fresh cherry almond goodness.
Make-Ahead Instructions
One of the joys of our Cherry Almond Shortbread Cookies recipe is how easily it adapts to busy schedules—we can prepare components in advance to save time without sacrificing that signature buttery crunch and nutty almond essence. This approach lets us enjoy fresh-baked treats whenever we need them, perfect for holidays or spontaneous snacking.
Preparing the Dough Ahead
To get a head start, we recommend making the dough up to 3 days in advance. Follow these steps for optimal results:
- Mix the dough as directed: After creaming the butter and sugar, incorporate the flour, almond extract, dried cherries, slivered almonds, and salt until just combined. This ensures the flavors meld beautifully.
- Shape and chill: Form the dough into a log or divide it into portions, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap. Refrigerate it immediately to firm up the texture, enhancing the cookies’ tender centers and golden-brown edges.
- Store properly: Place the wrapped dough in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 2 months. Freezing preserves the tart cherry brightness and prevents over-softening.
Baking from Make-Ahead Dough
When you’re ready to bake, thawing and shaping is straightforward:
- If frozen, transfer the dough to the refrigerator overnight to thaw slowly—this maintains the dough’s integrity and avoids any loss of flavor.
- Once thawed or chilled, slice the log into uniform rounds as per the original instructions.
- Bake at 350°F for 12-15 minutes until the edges turn a perfect golden brown, releasing that irresistible almond-scented aroma.
Storing Baked Cookies
- Room temperature storage: Keep cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. They retain their crisp texture and flavor best in a cool, dry spot.
- Freezing baked cookies: Flash-freeze the baked and cooled cookies on a baking sheet for 1 hour, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. This method locks in the cherries’ tartness and prevents sogginess.
| Storage Method | Duration | Key Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerated Dough | Up to 3 days | Thaw in fridge before use |
| Frozen Dough | Up to 2 months | Slice while still firm |
| Room Temperature Cookies | Up to 1 week | Use airtight container |
| Frozen Cookies | Up to 3 months | Thaw at room temperature |
Conclusion
We’re thrilled you’ve followed along with our Cherry Almond Shortbread Cookies recipe
It’s a versatile treat that adds a special touch to any gathering
Baking these brings joy and simplicity to your kitchen
Give it a try and make it your new favorite tradition
Frequently Asked Questions
What ingredients are needed for Cherry Almond Shortbread Cookies?
The key ingredients include 1 cup unsalted butter, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon almond extract, 1/2 cup dried cherries, 1/2 cup slivered almonds, and a pinch of salt. These high-quality items create a buttery, nutty flavor with a tart cherry twist for perfect texture and taste.
How do I make Cherry Almond Shortbread Cookies?
Start by creaming butter and sugar until fluffy. Mix in flour, almond extract, cherries, almonds, and salt to form dough. Chill for at least 1 hour, shape into rounds, and bake at 350°F for 12-15 minutes until golden. Cool on a rack for the best results. This Scottish-inspired recipe yields about 24 cookies in under 30 minutes of active prep.
Can I prepare the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the dough up to 3 days in advance and store it in the fridge, or freeze it for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw in the fridge overnight, slice, and bake at 350°F. This method ensures fresh, flavorful cookies with minimal effort, perfect for busy schedules or holidays.
How should I store the baked Cherry Almond Shortbread Cookies?
Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week to keep them fresh and crisp. For longer storage, freeze in a sealed bag for up to 2 months; thaw at room temperature. Proper storage maintains their buttery texture and delightful almond-cherry flavor.
What makes this Cherry Almond Shortbread recipe special?
This recipe blends Scottish origins with a modern twist, featuring a buttery crunch from high-quality ingredients like tart cherries and nutty almonds. It’s versatile for holidays or casual snacking, with a simple process that delivers golden edges and tender centers, making it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
Are there any tips for the best results when baking?
For optimal texture, chill the dough thoroughly to prevent spreading. Use uniform shapes for even baking, and avoid overmixing to keep cookies tender. Bake on parchment paper at 350°F and let them cool completely. These steps ensure a perfect balance of flavors and a fresh aroma every time.