Name: Almond Cherry Cookies with Cherry Frosting and Surprises Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 9 min
Total time: 24 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ¾ cup slivered almonds, ground; 1 cup butter, softened; ¾ cup powdered sugar, divided; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour; ¼ teaspoon salt; 8 ounces maraschino cherries, halved (reserve juice); 1 teaspoon maraschino cherry juice; Red decorating sugar, for sprinkling; 2 cups powdered sugar; 1 tablespoon maraschino cherry juice; 1 teaspoon almond extract; 2-3 tablespoons milk

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 42 reviews

If you have a soft spot for cookies that are both delightfully tender and bursting with flavors, then you absolutely must try this Almond Cherry Cookies with Cherry Frosting and Surprises Recipe. Imagine sinking your teeth into a buttery almond cookie that’s glazed with luscious cherry frosting, only to be surprised by a hidden cherry right in the center. It’s a joyful treat that plays with textures and tastes, capturing the essence of sweet almonds and the vibrant burst of cherry in every bite. This recipe isn’t just a cookie; it’s a little moment of happiness you can make from scratch at home.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A top-down view of various baking ingredients arranged neatly on a white marbled surface: two sticks of butter wrapped in paper at the top left, a small clear glass bowl of bright red maraschino cherry juice near the center, a small white bowl filled with coarse red decorating sugar to the left, and a small brown bowl full of slivered almonds at the center bottom. Measuring spoons holding almond extract, vanilla extract, and salt are laid out in a row, with a small glass cup of milk nearby. At the top right, a brown bowl piled high with white powdered sugar contrasts with a small white bowl of shiny red maraschino cherries at the bottom right. A square white bowl filled with all-purpose flour sits at the bottom left. The layout is clean and organized, with all ingredients clearly visible. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Each ingredient in this recipe is simple yet crucial, working together to create that perfect balance of flavors, textures, and colors. From the rich almond base to the bright cherry glaze, every element has a role in making these cookies truly special.

Ground silvered almonds: Provides that distinctive almond flavor and a tender, slightly nutty crumb.
Butter (softened): Gives the cookies their melt-in-your-mouth richness and keeps them soft.
Powdered sugar (divided): Sweetens delicately and keeps the texture smooth, especially in the frosting.
Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth to the cookie dough’s flavor profile.
All-purpose flour: The structure base of the cookies, helping them hold their shape while remaining tender.
Salt: Enhances all the sweet and nutty notes, balancing the flavors beautifully.
Maraschino cherries (halved): The delightful surprise hidden inside each cookie, with reserved juice for extra flavor.
Maraschino cherry juice: Infuses the frosting and dough with that unmistakable cherry essence.
Red decorating sugar: Adds sparkle and a festive touch to the finished cookies.
Almond extract: Paired with the cherry frosting to elevate and intertwine the nutty and fruity notes.
Milk: Adjusts the frosting to just the right consistency for dipping.

How to Make Almond Cherry Cookies with Cherry Frosting and Surprises Recipe

Step 1: Preparing Your Oven and Ingredients

Start by preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures a hot environment so your cookies bake evenly and develop that slight golden edge. Meanwhile, gather all your ingredients so you’re fully ready for mixing—this little prep saves a lot of time and keeps the process fun.

Step 2: Cream the Butter, Sugar, and Vanilla

In a large bowl, blend your softened butter with half of the powdered sugar and the vanilla extract. Mixing these first creates a smooth, creamy base that the rest of your dough ingredients will combine into—a key step for ensuring soft, tender cookies.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together your all-purpose flour, salt, and ground almonds. This dry mix adds the structure and nutty flavor to your dough. A good whisk helps distribute everything evenly so you don’t get pockets of salt or almond lumps.

Step 4: Form the Cookie Dough

Gently mix the dry ingredients into the butter mixture until just combined. Then, using about one tablespoon of dough at a time, press a small pit into the center. Place half a maraschino cherry inside each pit, and carefully fold the dough over the cherry to form a ball. This step is where the surprise inside these Almond Cherry Cookies with Cherry Frosting and Surprises Recipe truly shines—it’s like giving your cookie a sweet little secret.

Step 5: Bake the Cookies

Place your cookie balls on parchment paper-lined baking sheets and gently flatten them slightly. Bake for 8 to 9 minutes, just until the edges turn a pale golden brown. Be careful not to overbake; you want that soft-centered, buttery texture that invites a tender bite.

Step 6: Prepare the Cherry Frosting

While the cookies cool on a wire rack, mix together powdered sugar, maraschino cherry juice, almond extract, and enough milk to get a smooth dipping consistency. This cherry frosting is the perfect bright, sweet glaze that crowns each cookie beautifully.

Step 7: Frost and Decorate

Dip the tops of your cooled cookies into the frosting, flip them over onto the rack, and sprinkle generously with red decorating sugar. This adds a festive sparkle and a tiny hint of crunch.

How to Serve Almond Cherry Cookies with Cherry Frosting and Surprises Recipe

Garnishes

A light dusting of powdered sugar or a few extra whole maraschino cherries alongside the plated cookies adds charm and hints at the flavors inside. You can even scatter some sliced almonds around the serving tray to enhance the nutty theme visually.

Side Dishes

Serve these Almond Cherry Cookies with a cup of hot tea, fresh brewed coffee, or a glass of cold milk for a comforting and satisfying pairing. They are also fantastic alongside a light fruit salad or a simple scoop of vanilla ice cream to balance the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, arrange the cookies on a tiered dessert stand surrounded by fresh cherries and almond blossoms if available. You can also package them individually in clear cellophane bags tied with a cherry red ribbon for delightful edible gifts that showcase the fun surprise inside.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. The cherry frosting stays smooth and delicious, and the cookies maintain their soft texture. Just be sure to store them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.

Freezing

If you want to make these Almond Cherry Cookies with Cherry Frosting and Surprises Recipe in advance, freeze the unbaked cookie dough balls on a parchment-lined tray. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Bake directly from frozen by adding a couple of extra minutes to baking time. Alternatively, freeze baked cookies (frosted or unfrosted) wrapped tightly for similar storage longevity.

Reheating

To warm up cookies, pop them in the microwave for about 10 seconds or heat briefly in a 300°F oven. This will revive that fresh-from-the-oven softness and slightly melt the frosting for irresistible gooeyness.

FAQs

Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino?

Fresh cherries are lovely but won’t provide the same classic sweetness and bright cherry juice needed for the frosting and inside the cookie. If you prefer fresh, consider adding a bit of cherry jam or syrup to mimic that flavor.

How important is the almond extract in the frosting?

The almond extract really makes the frosting special by tying the almond flavor in the cookie dough together with the cherry notes. It’s a small amount but highly impactful for a luscious, well-rounded taste.

Can I substitute the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour?

Yes, gluten-free all-purpose blends can work, but results may vary slightly in texture. Choose a blend designed for baking and consider adding a binding agent if the dough feels too crumbly.

What if I don’t have red decorating sugar?

No worries! You can use finely crushed freeze-dried strawberries, a tiny sprinkle of cinnamon sugar, or even finely chopped red candies to add that festive touch on top of the frosting.

Is this recipe suitable for making during holidays?

Absolutely. The vibrant red frosting and hidden cherry surprises make these cookies perfect festive treats—great for holiday parties, cookie exchanges, or as thoughtful homemade gifts.

Final Thoughts

Making these Almond Cherry Cookies with Cherry Frosting and Surprises Recipe is such a joyful experience, and the rewards are simply irresistible. Every bite brings a smile with its soft almond texture and unexpected cherry burst. Whether it’s a regular day that needs brightening or a special occasion to celebrate, these cookies are sure to make those moments sweeter. Give them a whirl—you’ll soon find they’re one of your favorite go-to sweets to share with friends and family.