Name: Cherry Almond Shortbread Cookies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon almond extract; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup chopped dried cherries; 1/4 cup sliced almonds; Powdered sugar for dusting

Why You’ll Love Cherry Almond Shortbread Cookies Recipe

These cookies are rich, crumbly, and delicately sweet—everything you love about traditional shortbread with an added burst of flavor and texture. The almond extract enhances the nutty taste, while the cherries provide a pleasant tartness that balances the buttery dough. They’re easy to make, require minimal ingredients, and store beautifully. Ideal for gift-giving, afternoon tea, or festive cookie platters.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

unsalted butter, softened
granulated sugar
almond extract
all-purpose flour
chopped dried cherries
sliced almonds
powdered sugar, for dusting

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Cream the butter and sugar in a large mixing bowl until light and fluffy.
Add almond extract and mix until well combined.
Gradually add the flour to the mixture, stirring until just incorporated.
Fold in the chopped dried cherries and sliced almonds gently.
Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place on prepared baking sheets. Flatten slightly with your palm.
Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
Cool on baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Dust with powdered sugar once completely cooled.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields about 24 cookies.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Bake time: 12–15 minutes
Cooling time: 10–15 minutes
Total time: Approximately 45 minutes

Variations

Chocolate Chip Version: Swap cherries with mini chocolate chips for a decadent twist.
Glazed Topping: Drizzle with a simple powdered sugar glaze instead of dusting.
Coconut Almond: Add 1/4 cup of shredded coconut for a tropical spin.
Cranberry Swap: Substitute dried cherries with dried cranberries for a tangier bite.
Thumbprint Style: Press a small indentation in the center and fill with cherry preserves before baking.

Storage/Reheating

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
For longer storage, freeze the baked cookies (without powdered sugar) in a freezer-safe container for up to three months.
To serve, let frozen cookies thaw at room temperature and dust with powdered sugar before enjoying.
No reheating is necessary, but you can warm them briefly in a 300°F (150°C) oven for a freshly-baked feel.

FAQs

What kind of cherries work best for this recipe?

Dried cherries are ideal because they offer a chewy texture and concentrated flavor without adding excess moisture.

Can I use almond flour instead of all-purpose flour?

No, almond flour will change the texture too much and make the cookies too crumbly. Stick with all-purpose flour for best results.

Can I use salted butter?

Yes, but reduce the added salt in the recipe or omit it entirely, as salted butter already includes it.

Are these cookies gluten-free?

Not as written, but you can use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend designed for baking.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can refrigerate the dough for up to 2 days. Let it sit at room temperature for about 10–15 minutes before shaping and baking.

How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?

Ensure your butter is softened, not melted. Also, chilling the dough for 15–20 minutes before baking can help control spreading.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely. This recipe scales well. Just make sure to bake in batches or use multiple baking sheets.

What’s the best way to chop dried cherries?

Use a sharp knife and a little flour to prevent sticking, or lightly oil the blade before chopping.

Should I toast the almonds first?

Toasting is optional but enhances the nutty flavor. Toast them lightly in a dry pan or oven before adding to the dough.

Do these cookies need to be stored in the fridge?

No, room temperature storage in an airtight container is sufficient, unless your kitchen is particularly warm.

Conclusion

Cherry Almond Shortbread Cookies combine the classic buttery richness of shortbread with the vibrant flavors of almond and cherry. Simple to prepare and elegant enough for any occasion, they’re bound to become a favorite in your cookie repertoire. Whether you’re baking for a party, gifting, or just treating yourself, these cookies deliver charm and flavor in every bite.