We’ve always adored the buttery charm of shortbread and our Cherry Almond Shortbread Recipe adds a irresistible twist with tart cherries and crunchy almonds. Originating from simple Scottish roots we’ve modernized it’s perfect for cozy gatherings or a quick treat that feels indulgent yet easy.
This delightful bake combines classic flavors in a way that’s both nostalgic and fresh making it a favorite in our kitchen. Whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned pro you’ll love how straightforward it is to whip up.
Ingredients
In our Cherry Almond Shortbread Recipe, we gather simple yet premium ingredients that blend tart cherries with the nutty crunch of almonds for a delightful treat. To ensure success, we’ll list these ingredients in the order they’re used, with precise measurements and any necessary prep notes for accuracy and ease.
Dry Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour: Sifted to remove lumps, as this forms the base of our shortbread dough.
- ½ cup granulated sugar: Used for sweetness; we recommend fine sugar to help it dissolve evenly during mixing.
- ½ cup almond flour: Ground from blanched almonds; this adds a rich, nutty flavor and texture—ensure it’s finely ground for smooth incorporation.
Wet and Add-Ins
- 1 cup unsalted butter: Softened to room temperature; cut into cubes for easier blending into the dough.
- 1 teaspoon almond extract: Added for an enhanced nutty aroma; stir gently to avoid overpowering the other flavors.
- 1 cup dried cherries: Coarsely chopped to release their tartness; if using fresh, pat dry to prevent excess moisture in the dough.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Provides balance; we use this after combining dry ingredients to enhance overall taste.
- ½ cup sliced almonds: Toasted lightly in a dry pan for extra crunch, reserved for topping the dough before baking.
This selection ensures our recipe remains straightforward and yields about 24 cookies, making it ideal for sharing at gatherings as mentioned earlier.
Required Tools and Equipment
To seamlessly transition from gathering our ingredients for the Cherry Almond Shortbread to the baking process, we need a straightforward set of tools that ensure precision and ease. These essentials help us mix, shape, and bake the dough to achieve that perfect, buttery texture with tart cherries and crunchy almonds.
Essential Baking Tools
We recommend the following tools, organized by their primary function in the recipe. Use bold for key items and italics for important notes to highlight what makes each one crucial.
- Mixing Bowls: Two medium-sized bowls—one for dry ingredients like flour and almond flour, and one for wet components such as butter and sugar—to keep everything organized and prevent cross-contamination.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: A set of standard dry measuring cups (1 cup, ½ cup, etc.) and spoons (1 tsp, 1 tbsp, etc.) for accurate measurements of ingredients like granulated sugar and almond extract, ensuring our shortbread turns out consistent every time.
- Electric Mixer or Stand Mixer: A hand-held or stand mixer with beaters for creaming unsalted butter and sugar until light and fluffy, which is key to the tender crumb in Cherry Almond Shortbread.
- Baking Sheet: A standard rimmed baking sheet (approximately 13×18 inches) lined with parchment paper to evenly bake the dough and prevent sticking, yielding about 24 cookies as mentioned earlier.
- Spatula or Wooden Spoon: A flexible silicone spatula for folding in dried cherries and sliced almonds, or a wooden spoon as a sturdy alternative for stirring without damaging the dough.
- Rolling Pin: A lightweight rolling pin to roll out the dough to an even thickness, making it simple to cut uniform shapes for that classic shortbread appeal.
- Parchment Paper or Silicone Mat: Sheets of parchment paper to line the baking sheet, promoting easy release and a golden-brown finish on our Cherry Almond Shortbread.
- Cooling Rack: A wire rack to cool the baked cookies quickly and evenly, preserving their crunch and flavor for serving at gatherings.
- Oven: A conventional or convection oven preheated to 350°F for baking, as this temperature is optimal for achieving the right balance of crisp edges and soft centers.
By having these tools ready, we can move efficiently into the preparation steps, making our Cherry Almond Shortbread baking experience both enjoyable and successful.
Instructions
Now that we have gathered our ingredients and tools, let’s guide you through preparing our Cherry Almond Shortbread with precise, easy-to-follow steps. We ensure each stage delivers a buttery texture and a harmonious blend of tart cherries and nutty almonds for an irresistible treat.
Prep
First, we start by creaming the unsalted butter and granulated sugar to achieve a light, fluffy base that locks in the rich flavors. In a large mixing bowl, use your electric mixer to beat 1 cup of softened unsalted butter with ½ cup of granulated sugar on medium speed for about 2-3 minutes until pale and creamy—this step is crucial for the shortbread’s signature tender crumb.
Next, add the wet components for depth and aroma. Incorporate 1 teaspoon of almond extract and 1 large egg, mixing on low speed until fully combined, which takes about 1 minute. In a separate bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: 2 cups of all-purpose flour, ½ cup of almond flour, and ¼ teaspoon of salt to ensure even distribution and prevent clumping.
Finally, gently fold in ½ cup of chopped dried cherries and ¼ cup of sliced almonds using a spatula. This step infuses the dough with bursts of tartness and crunch, creating a dough that yields approximately 24 cookies as we blend everything until just combined—overmixing can toughen the texture, so stop as soon as the additions are evenly dispersed.
Shape and Bake
Once the dough is prepped, we shape it to lock in those flavors before baking. Divide the dough in half and roll each portion into a log about 2 inches in diameter on a lightly floured surface, using your rolling pin for smooth edges that promise even baking.
Transfer the logs onto your prepared baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and chill them in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to firm up—this helps maintain shape and enhances the shortbread’s melt-in-your-mouth quality. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while waiting.
Bake the logs in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the edges turn a golden brown, filling your kitchen with the irresistible scent of toasted almonds and sweet cherries. For optimal results, rotate the baking sheet halfway through to ensure uniform baking, resulting in cookies that are crisp on the outside and soft inside.
Cool and Serve
After baking, remove the shortbread from the oven and let it cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to set the structure without crumbling. Transfer the logs to a cooling rack and allow them to cool completely for about 30 minutes, which lets the flavors intensify and the texture firm up for easy slicing.
Once cooled, slice the logs into ½-inch thick pieces using a sharp knife, revealing the beautiful flecks of cherries and almonds. Serve these cookies as a delightful snack or at gatherings, where their nostalgic buttery taste and subtle crunch will impress—pair with tea for a cozy experience or store in an airtight container for up to 5 days to maintain freshness.
Make-Ahead and Storage
To keep our Cherry Almond Shortbread fresh and flavorful, we offer practical tips for preparing ahead and storing properly. This ensures the cookies retain their buttery texture and the delightful tartness of cherries paired with crunchy almonds.
Make-Ahead Tips
We love how this recipe allows for easy preparation in advance, making it ideal for busy schedules or holiday baking. Follow these steps to get ahead without compromising quality:
- Prepare the dough early: After mixing the dough as outlined in our step-by-step instructions, shape it into logs and wrap tightly in plastic wrap or beeswax. This prevents drying and preserves the aromatic almond essence.
- Chill for optimal flavor: Refrigerate the wrapped logs for up to 48 hours. For longer storage, freeze them for up to 3 months—simply thaw in the fridge overnight before baking.
- Bake from chilled or frozen: If baking from the fridge, add 5 minutes to the original bake time for that perfect golden-brown finish. From frozen, extend by 10 minutes and check for doneness to maintain the cookies’ crisp edges and tender center.
Storage Guidelines
Proper storage is key to extending the shelf life of our baked Cherry Almond Shortbread while keeping the sensory appeal intact—from the nutty aroma to the satisfying crunch.
| Storage Method | Duration | Tips for Best Results |
|---|---|---|
| Room Temperature | Up to 5 days | Store in an airtight container at 68–72°F to avoid staleness; place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking and retain the cookies’ delicate almond flavor. |
| Refrigerator | Up to 1 week | Use a sealed container to lock in moisture; this method enhances the cherries’ tart notes but reheat briefly in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes to restore crispness. |
| Freezer | Up to 3 months | Wrap cookies individually in plastic or use freezer-safe bags; defrost at room temperature for 30 minutes to preserve the fresh-baked texture and prevent sogginess. |
By following these guidelines, we ensure your Cherry Almond Shortbread stays as irresistible as the day you baked it, ready for any gathering or snack time.
Conclusion
We’ve loved sharing this Cherry Almond Shortbread recipe with you, as it’s become a staple in our kitchen for its perfect blend of flavors and ease. It’s more than just a treat—it’s a way to bring people together over something homemade and delicious.
Try baking a batch yourself and see how it adds a special touch to your gatherings. We’re confident you’ll enjoy the results and make it your go-to snack.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cherry Almond Shortbread?
Cherry Almond Shortbread is a modern twist on a classic Scottish treat, combining tart dried cherries and crunchy almonds for a nostalgic yet fresh flavor. This simple recipe yields about 24 buttery cookies, perfect for novice and experienced bakers alike, ideal for cozy gatherings or as an indulgent snack.
What ingredients are needed for Cherry Almond Shortbread?
You’ll need dry ingredients like all-purpose flour, almond flour, granulated sugar, salt, dried cherries, and sliced almonds, plus wet ones such as unsalted butter and almond extract. Precise measurements ensure easy preparation, making about 24 cookies that’s great for sharing.
What tools are required to make Cherry Almond Shortbread?
Essential tools include mixing bowls, measuring cups and spoons, an electric mixer, a baking sheet with parchment paper, a spatula or wooden spoon, a rolling pin, and a cooling rack. These help achieve the perfect texture and make the baking process efficient and straightforward.
How do I prepare Cherry Almond Shortbread?
Start by creaming butter and sugar until fluffy, then mix in wet ingredients like almond extract. Combine with dry ingredients, fold in cherries and almonds, shape into logs, chill, and bake until golden brown. Cool and slice into cookies for a delightful treat, ready in under an hour of active time.
Can I make Cherry Almond Shortbread ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the dough in advance and chill or freeze it for up to a month. When ready, bake directly from chilled or frozen state with slight adjustments to time. This makes it convenient for gatherings, ensuring fresh-baked cookies with minimal effort.
How should I store Cherry Almond Shortbread cookies?
Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, in the refrigerator for two weeks, or freeze for up to three months to maintain freshness. Thaw at room temperature before serving to preserve the buttery texture and flavor.