If you’re looking for a festive, beautiful cookie that comes together in under 30 minutes, these Quick Almond Cherry Cookies are exactly what you need. Soft, buttery cookies are loaded with almond extract and studded with bright red maraschino cherries, creating a classic flavor combination that’s been a holiday favorite for generations. These cookies are incredibly easy to make—no chilling required—and they bake up soft and tender with a gorgeous pop of color from the cherries that makes them perfect for cookie trays, gift boxes, or any holiday gathering.
The almond and cherry pairing is timeless and delicious, with the sweet, nutty almond flavor complementing the fruity brightness of the cherries beautifully. Plus, these cookies look absolutely stunning on a platter with their golden edges and jewel-toned cherry centers.
Complete Ingredient List (Makes 36-40 cookies)
This version is easy to double for larger batches.
For the Almond Cherry Cookies
- 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1½ teaspoons almond extract
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 36-40 maraschino cherries, drained and patted dry
- ½ cup sliced almonds (optional, for topping)
For the Almond Glaze (Optional)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons milk
- ¼ teaspoon almond extract
Step-By-Step Instructions
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 10-12 minutes per batch
Total time: About 30-40 minutes
Servings: 36-40 cookies
Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
Make sure to drain your maraschino cherries well and pat them completely dry with paper towels. Any moisture on the cherries will make the cookies spread or become soggy.
Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl or stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the room temperature butter and granulated sugar together on medium speed for 2-3 minutes until light and fluffy. The mixture should look pale and creamy.
Add the egg, almond extract, and vanilla extract and beat until fully combined and smooth.
Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
Add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture and mix on low speed until just combined. The dough should be soft and slightly sticky but hold together well. Don’t overmix or the cookies will be tough.
Shape the Cookies
Scoop the dough using a tablespoon or small cookie scoop (about 1½ tablespoons of dough per cookie) and roll into balls. Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Gently press your thumb or the back of a small spoon into the center of each dough ball to create an indentation. Place one drained cherry in each indentation, pressing it in slightly so it sits securely in the dough. If using sliced almonds, press a few around each cherry for extra decoration.
Bake
Bake for 10-12 minutes, until the cookies are set and just starting to turn golden brown around the edges. The centers should still look soft and pale. Don’t overbake or they’ll become dry.
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 2-3 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Add Glaze (Optional)
If using the almond glaze, whisk together the powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons of milk, and almond extract in a small bowl. Add more milk as needed to reach a drizzling consistency.
Once the cookies are completely cool, drizzle the glaze over the tops, avoiding the cherry centers so they stay visible. Let the glaze set for about 15 minutes before serving or storing.
Tips for the Best Almond Cherry Cookies
Pat the cherries completely dry before using them—this is crucial to prevent spreading and soggy cookies. For more intense almond flavor, increase the almond extract to 2 teaspoons. If you want a softer cookie, slightly underbake them by 1-2 minutes. Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or freeze for up to 3 months. For a festive twist, use green maraschino cherries for some of the cookies to create a Christmas color palette.
Variations and Customizations
For a chocolate version, add ½ cup mini chocolate chips to the dough. Make them extra fancy by dipping the bottoms in melted white or dark chocolate after baking. Add ½ cup chopped almonds to the dough for extra texture and nutty flavor. For a citrus twist, add 1 teaspoon of orange or lemon zest to the dough. Replace the cherries with chocolate kisses or other candies for different occasions. For a coconut version, add ½ cup sweetened shredded coconut to the dough and roll the cookies in coconut before baking.
Nutrition Snapshot (Per Cookie)
These cookies provide energy from butter and flour, with protein from the egg and almonds. The cherries add a small amount of natural fruit flavor and color. You can lighten them slightly by using less butter or making smaller cookies, though these are meant to be a special treat for celebrations.
Why This Works So Well for TikTok and Pinterest
The Quick Almond Cherry Cookies are incredibly photogenic with their bright red cherry centers against the golden cookie base, making them pop on camera. The simple thumbprint technique is satisfying to watch in time-lapse videos, and the “perfect for holidays” angle taps into seasonal content that performs well year-round (Christmas, Valentine’s Day, Easter). For Pinterest, focus on festive flat-lay shots showing the cookies arranged on holiday platters with greenery or seasonal decorations, or close-ups highlighting the glossy cherry and optional almond glaze. The classic, retro appeal of these cookies also resonates with viewers looking for nostalgic family recipes.
Serve these beautiful cookies on a festive platter, package them in clear bags tied with ribbon for holiday gifts, or arrange them on a dessert table alongside other classic treats. Once you try them, you’ll understand why these quick, gorgeous cookies have been a holiday favorite for generations and continue to delight cookie lovers of all ages.
