Sweet Cherry Almond Cookies With a Chewy Center

Cherry Almond Cookies are soft, tasty cookies that mix bright cherry flavor with warm almond taste. These cookies are popular because they are sweet, chewy, and perfect for holiday cookie trays, for sharing with friends, or for any time you want a cozy treat. Some recipes use maraschino cherries so you get juicy, sweet bursts of red fruit in every bite.

When I bake these cookies, my kitchen smells like almonds and cherries together. They are not too hard to make, and even kids can help with shaping and mixing. If you enjoy fun cookie ideas like Hot Cocoa Meringue Cookies, these cherry almond cookies add a bold fruity twist. They also pair nicely with classics like Mexican hot chocolate cookies when you are making a big holiday cookie board.

These cookies have just the right balance between chewy texture and soft flavor. The almond extract boosts the nuttiness, while the cherry adds freshness. Ready in a little over an hour, they are a go-to cookie for many families.

Why Cherry Almond Cookies Are So Good

Many cookie recipes focus on just one flavor, but these cherry almond cookies combine two favorites in one bite. The almond flavor is warm and nutty. The cherries add sweetness and color. Together they make a cookie that feels extra special.

These cookies are also great because they can be chewy or soft based on how long you bake them. Some people like them with white chocolate chips mixed in. Others prefer simple almond flavor and cherry bits only. No matter your choice, these cookies are both fun and comforting.

They are perfect for holidays, school events, cookie exchanges, and weekend baking sessions with family.

Ingredients You Will Need

Here are the ingredients for soft, tasty cherry almond cookies. Make sure cherries are drained and dry before adding them so cookies do not get soggy.

For the Cookie Dough

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar packed
• 2 large eggs at room temperature
• 2 teaspoons almond extract
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 and 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 to 1 cup maraschino cherries chopped and dried
• 1/2 cup sliced or chopped almonds

Optional Add-Ins

• 1 cup white chocolate chips (for a sweeter twist)
• Extra sliced almonds for topping

Using both almond extract and vanilla gives a richer flavor, and chopping cherries small helps spread flavor throughout the cookie without big wet spots.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the oven and baking sheets

Heat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This helps the cookies bake evenly and makes cleanup easy.

Step 2: Mix the dry ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Make sure they are well mixed. This keeps the dough even and helps the cookies rise just right.

Step 3: Cream the butter and sugars

In a large bowl, add the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat them until the mixture looks light and creamy. This usually takes about two minutes.

Step 4: Add eggs and extracts

Add the eggs one at a time to the butter and sugar mix. Beat after each egg so they blend well. Then add the almond extract and vanilla extract. Mix slowly until the batter looks smooth.

Step 5: Combine wet and dry ingredients

Slowly add the flour mixture into the wet ingredients. Stir just until all the flour is mixed in and you have a soft dough. Avoid mixing too much at this point or the cookies can get tough.

Step 6: Fold in cherries and almonds

Gently fold in the chopped cherries and almonds. If using white chocolate chips, add them now too. Fold slowly so the cherries stay intact and the nuts and chips spread evenly.

Step 7: Scoop the cookie dough

Use a cookie scoop or a spoon to drop rounded spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets. Leave about two inches of space between each cookie since they will spread a little.

Step 8: Bake the cookies

Place the trays in the oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes. The edges should be lightly golden while the centers stay soft. Do not overbake or the cherries can dry out.

Step 9: Cool before serving

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for five minutes. Then move them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them firm up and keeps them soft inside.

These steps make sure your cherry almond cookies come out soft, flavorful, and perfectly textured every time.

Texture and Flavor You Can Expect

These cookies have a soft and tender center with a slight chew. The almonds give a gentle crunch, and the cherries add sweet, chewy bites. If you use white chocolate chips, the sweetness becomes creamier, but you can leave them out if you prefer a fruit-forward flavor.

The outside edges should feel slightly crisp, while the inside stays soft. When you take a bite, you should taste almond, cherry, and sweet cookie dough all at once.

Helpful Tips for Better Cookies

Dry the cherries well before adding them so cookies do not get soggy.
Do not over mix the dough once flour is added or cookies can be tough.
Chill the dough if warm before baking so they hold shape.
Use pure almond extract for richer flavor.
Spacing on the tray helps them bake evenly and not stick.

These tips help ensure your cookies bake perfectly every time.

Fun Variations You Can Try

Add white chocolate chips for a creamier and sweeter cookie.
Use dried cherries instead of maraschino for a more intense cherry taste.
Add lemon zest for a bright citrus kick.
Swap sliced almonds with chopped pecans for a slightly different nutty flavor.

Each variation brings out something new while keeping the cookie base easy and fun.

How to Store Cherry Almond Cookies

Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. If you need to keep them longer, place them in the fridge for up to one week. You can also freeze baked cookies by putting them in a freezer safe box for up to two months. Thaw them at room temperature before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use dried cherries instead of maraschino cherries?
Yes. Dried cherries have a stronger fruit taste and less moisture, which keeps cookies soft without sogginess.

Why did my cookies spread too much?
This can happen if the dough is too warm or if too much sugar is used. Chilling the dough briefly before baking helps them keep their shape.

Does almond extract make a big difference?
Yes. Pure almond extract gives the cookies a rich nutty flavor that makes them stand out.

A Sweet Ending to Every Day

Cherry Almond Cookies are a warm and satisfying treat you can make any time. The sweet cherries, nutty almonds, and soft cookie texture make these a favorite for families and friends. Whether you serve them for holidays or just for a cozy snack with milk or cocoa, they always feel special.

If you like exploring cookies with unique flavor twists, you may also enjoy Hot Cocoa Meringue Cookies for a light chocolate treat or Mexican Hot Chocolate Cookies when you want something bright and festive.