Cherry Almond Shortbread Cookies Recipe

Indulge in the delightful combination of cherries and almonds with these scrumptious cherry almond shortbread cookies. Perfect for a sweet snack or a charming gift, these cookies are buttery, tender, and filled with the tangy sweetness of cherries and the nutty flavor of almonds. Keep reading to learn how to make these delicious treats from scratch, and bring a touch of elegance to your cookie platter.

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What are Cherry Almond Shortbread Cookies?

Cherry almond shortbread cookies are a type of buttery, crumbly cookie that features the flavors of sweet cherries and rich almonds. These cookies are made with a traditional shortbread dough, which is typically comprised of butter, sugar, and flour, and they are enhanced with chopped cherries and almond extract for added flavor. The result is a deliciously tender cookie that melts in your mouth with every bite.

Ingredients List for Cherry Almond Shortbread Cookies

To make a batch of delightful cherry almond shortbread cookies, you will need the following ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon almond extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup dried cherries, chopped
• ½ cup sliced almonds, toasted and chopped
• Extra powdered sugar for dusting (optional)

Substitutions and Variations

If you want to customize your cherry almond shortbread cookies or don't have all the ingredients on hand, here are some substitutions and variations you can try:

• Butter: For a dairy-free option, use vegan butter or margarine.
• Powdered Sugar: Substitute with granulated sugar if needed, though the texture may vary slightly.
• Dried Cherries: Use fresh or frozen cherries, but make sure to pat them dry thoroughly to avoid excess moisture. You can also use dried cranberries or raisins for a different flavor.
• Almonds: Swap with other nuts like pecans, walnuts, or hazelnuts. Alternatively, use almond flour for a more pronounced almond flavor.
• Extracts: You can use cherry extract instead of almond extract for a stronger cherry flavor or add a hint of orange or lemon zest for a citrusy twist.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Making cherry almond shortbread cookies is simple and rewarding. Follow these steps for perfect cookies every time:

How to Cook Cherry Almond Shortbread Cookies: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Preheat the Oven:

• Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.

1. Cream the Butter and Sugar:

• In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy, using an electric mixer on medium speed.

1. Add Extracts:

• Mix in the vanilla extract and almond extract until well combined.

1. Combine Dry Ingredients:

• In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt. Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined.

1. Fold in Cherries and Almonds:

• Gently fold in the chopped dried cherries and toasted, chopped almonds until evenly distributed throughout the dough.

1. Shape the Dough:

• Divide the dough into two portions. Shape each portion into a log about 1.5 inches in diameter. Wrap the logs in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or until firm.

1. Slice and Bake:

• Once the dough is firm, remove it from the refrigerator. Using a sharp knife, slice the logs into ¼-inch thick rounds. Place the rounds on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart.

1. Bake:

• Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Remove from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

1. Dust with Powdered Sugar (Optional):

• Once the cookies are completely cool, you can dust them lightly with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness and a festive look.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To ensure your cherry almond shortbread cookies turn out perfectly, avoid these common mistakes:

• Overmixing the Dough: Mix just until the ingredients are combined to avoid tough cookies. Overmixing can lead to a dense texture.
• Using Warm Butter: Make sure the butter is softened, not melted, to maintain the correct texture of the dough.
• Skipping Refrigeration: Chilling the dough is essential for easy slicing and to help the cookies maintain their shape while baking.
• Overbaking: Shortbread cookies should be lightly golden around the edges. Overbaking can cause them to become too dry and lose their tender texture.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Presenting your cherry almond shortbread cookies beautifully can make them even more appealing. Here are some tips for serving and presentation:

How to Serve Cherry Almond Shortbread Cookies

• With Tea or Coffee: These cookies pair perfectly with a cup of tea or coffee for a delightful afternoon treat.
• As Part of a Cookie Platter: Include them in a holiday cookie platter along with other varieties of cookies for a festive presentation.
• Gift Packaging: Wrap the cookies in decorative tins, boxes, or cellophane bags tied with a ribbon for a charming homemade gift.

Presentation Ideas for Cherry Almond Shortbread Cookies

• Decorative Plate: Arrange the cookies on a decorative plate or a tiered serving tray for an elegant display.
• Seasonal Touch: Add a seasonal touch by sprinkling colored sugar or edible glitter on top of the cookies before baking.
• With Fresh Garnishes: Garnish the serving plate with fresh cherries or sprigs of mint for a pop of color.

Cherry Almond Shortbread Cookies Recipe Tips

To make the best cherry almond shortbread cookies, keep these tips in mind:

• Toasting Almonds: Toasting the almonds enhances their flavor. Spread them on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, or until lightly golden and fragrant.
• Uniform Slices: Use a sharp knife and make sure the dough logs are firm for clean, even slices.
• Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or freeze them for longer storage. They also make excellent make-ahead treats.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use fresh cherries in this recipe?

A: Yes, you can use fresh cherries, but be sure to pit and chop them finely. Pat them dry thoroughly to avoid adding too much moisture to the dough.

Q: How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?

A: Chilling the dough thoroughly before slicing and baking helps prevent the cookies from spreading. Additionally, using parchment paper or a silicone baking mat can help the cookies maintain their shape.

Q: Can I make the dough ahead of time?

A: Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before slicing and baking.

Q: What if I don’t have almond extract?

A: You can omit the almond extract or replace it with an equal amount of vanilla extract or another flavor extract of your choice.

Q: Are these cookies gluten-free?

A: To make gluten-free cherry almond shortbread cookies, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking.

Conclusion

Cherry almond shortbread cookies are a delightful and elegant treat that combines the buttery goodness of shortbread with the sweet-tart flavor of cherries and the nutty richness of almonds. With easy-to-follow instructions and helpful tips, you can create these delicious cookies to enjoy with your loved ones or to give as thoughtful homemade gifts. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake a batch of these delightful cookies that everyone will adore!

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