Soft Almond Cherry Cookies

Bakery-Style Cookies with a Tender Crumb and Bright Cherry Flavor

Soft Almond Cherry Cookies are the kind of treat that feels nostalgic and elegant at the same time. They combine the gentle sweetness of almonds with the fruity pop of cherries, creating a cookie that’s soft, aromatic, and incredibly satisfying.

Unlike crisp cookies, these are designed to stay tender in the center with lightly golden edges. The almond extract adds depth without overpowering, while cherries bring both sweetness and chew. They’re perfect for holiday trays, afternoon coffee, or anytime you want a cookie that feels just a little special.


What Makes These Cookies So Soft

The secret lies in:

  • Creamed butter for air and tenderness
  • A careful balance of flour and fat
  • Minimal baking time to prevent dryness

The result is a cookie that stays soft for days.


Ingredients

  • 2¼ cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • ¼ cup powdered sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1½ teaspoons almond extract
  • ½ cup dried cherries, chopped
  • ¼ cup sliced almonds
  • Optional: powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
  3. In a large bowl, cream butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
  4. Beat in egg and almond extract until fully incorporated.
  5. Gradually add dry ingredients, mixing just until combined.
  6. Fold in chopped dried cherries and sliced almonds gently.
  7. Scoop dough into rounded tablespoons and place 2 inches apart on prepared baking sheets.
  8. Bake for 11–13 minutes, until edges are lightly golden but centers remain soft.
  9. Cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
  10. Dust with powdered sugar once completely cooled, if desired.

Flavor Variations & Add-Ins

  • Chocolate Cherry Almond: Add white chocolate chips
  • Holiday Style: Use red and green candied cherries
  • Extra Almond: Sprinkle almond slices on top before baking

Storage Tips

Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. These cookies also freeze beautifully for up to 2 months.


Soft Almond Cherry Cookies

Tender, bakery-style cookies infused with almond flavor and studded with sweet cherries.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 27 minutes
Servings: 24 cookies
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 140

Ingredients
  

Cookie Dough
  • 2.25 cups all-purpose flour
  • 0.5 tsp baking powder
  • 0.25 tsp salt
  • 0.75 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 0.75 cup granulated sugar
  • 0.25 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 egg large
  • 1.5 tsp almond extract
  • 0.5 cup dried cherries chopped
  • 0.25 cup sliced almonds

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Hand mixer
  • Baking sheet
  • Wire rack

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F and prepare baking sheets.
  2. Whisk flour, baking powder, and salt together.
  3. Cream butter and sugars until fluffy. Add egg and almond extract.
  4. Mix in dry ingredients, then fold in cherries and almonds.
  5. Bake cookies until edges are lightly golden and centers are soft.

Notes

Do not overbake for best soft texture. Cookies firm up slightly as they cool.

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