Cherry Almond Cookies {No Chill}

Soft, chewy, and bursting with flavor, these Cherry Almond Cookies {No Chill} are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a gathering, celebrating a holiday, or simply craving a sweet treat, this easy cookie recipe delivers. Made with maraschino cherries and melted butter, these cookies come together quickly without the need to chill the dough. Enjoy the delightful combination of cherry and almond flavors in every bite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: No chilling required means you can enjoy fresh cookies in no time.
• Bursting with Flavor: The combination of maraschino cherries and almond extract creates a unique taste that stands out.
• Versatile Treat: Perfect for parties, picnics, or just a cozy night in with your favorite movie.
• Chewy Texture: Each cookie is soft and chewy, making them hard to resist!
• Simple Ingredients: Made from kitchen staples, you can whip these up anytime.

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools makes cookie-making easier and more enjoyable. Here are some essential items you’ll need to bake your Cherry Almond Cookies.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mats
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients efficiently while preventing spills.
• Baking sheets: Provides a sturdy base for baking cookies evenly.
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mats: Prevents sticking and ensures easy cleanup.

Ingredients

Soft, chewy and chock full of cherries and almond. You will love this NO CHILL bakery style cookie recipe because the quick and easy dough comes together with maraschino cherries and melted butter.

For the Cookies

• 1 – 12 ounce jar maraschino cherries, diced small and patted dry (340g)
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted (113g)
• ¾ cup granulated sugar (150g)
• ¼ cup brown sugar (50g)
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon pure almond extract
• 2 teaspoons maraschino cherry juice
• 1 teaspoon vinegar
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour (220g)

How to Make Cherry Almond Cookies {No Chill}

Step 1: Prepare the Cherries

Remove the maraschino cherries from their juice (remove the stems if they have them) and place on a layer or two of paper towels. Then slice each cherry in half and then each half into 6 pieces (giving you 12 small pieces per cherry). Move the sliced cherries onto another paper towel. Once all the cherries are in small pieces, blot them dry with another paper towel and set aside.

Step 2: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare two sheet pans with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Set these aside for later use.

Step 3: Mix Butter and Sugars

In a medium to large bowl, melt the butter (½ cup/113g). Add both sugars (¾ cup/150g granulated and ¼ cup/50g brown) into the bowl. Whisk until fully incorporated.

Step 4: Add Egg and Flavorings

Add the egg (1 large), almond extract (1 teaspoon), cherry juice (2 teaspoons), and vinegar (1 teaspoon). Whisk until combined thoroughly.

Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients

Sprinkle the baking soda (½ teaspoon) and kosher salt (½ teaspoon) over the mixture. Stir well before adding flour (1 ¾ cups/220g). Stir until just a little bit of flour remains. Fold in the chopped dried maraschino cherries gently.

Step 6: Portion Out Dough

Use about 2 tablespoons of dough per cookie (a size 30 scoop works well) and place onto prepared baking sheets. Space them about 2 inches apart; you should get about 18 cookies.

Step 7: Bake the Cookies

Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are set. Allow cookies to rest on the pan for 2 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. If they haven’t flattened as much as desired, bang the pan on the counter once or twice. Use a large round cutter to “scoot” cookies into perfectly round shapes if needed.

How to Serve Cherry Almond Cookies {No Chill}

Cherry Almond Cookies {No Chill} are delightful treats that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a quiet afternoon, these cookies are versatile and can be paired with different accompaniments.

With Milk

• A classic pair! Enjoy these cookies with a cold glass of milk for a comforting treat.

Ice Cream Sandwiches

• Use two cookies to sandwich your favorite ice cream flavor. The cherry almond flavors combined with creamy ice cream make for an indulgent dessert.

Coffee or Tea

• These cookies complement the rich flavors of coffee or tea perfectly. Take a moment to relax and enjoy them as a midday snack.

Fruit Platter

• Serve the cookies alongside a fresh fruit platter. Their sweetness pairs beautifully with tart fruits like berries or citrus.

Dessert Board

• Create a dessert board featuring these cookies, chocolate-covered strawberries, and other sweets for an attractive presentation at parties.

How to Perfect Cherry Almond Cookies {No Chill}

To ensure your Cherry Almond Cookies {No Chill} turn out perfectly every time, follow these simple tips.

• Use patted dry cherries: Make sure your maraschino cherries are well-dried before adding them to the dough. This prevents excess moisture and helps the cookies hold their shape.
• Don’t overmix: When incorporating the flour, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies instead of soft and chewy ones.
• Space them properly: Leave adequate space between each cookie on the baking sheet. This allows them to spread evenly as they bake.
• Monitor baking time: Keep an eye on the cookies as they bake. Remove them from the oven when the edges are set but the centers are still slightly soft for that perfect chewy texture.

Best Side Dishes for Cherry Almond Cookies {No Chill}

Cherry Almond Cookies {No Chill} can be enhanced with several delightful side dishes that complement their flavors beautifully. Here are some suggestions:

1. Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits adds brightness and balances the sweetness of the cookies.
2. Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and fresh berries for a nutritious side that pairs well with the cookie’s rich flavor.
3. Cheese Platter: Include assorted cheeses with crackers for a savory contrast to the sweet cookies, making for an interesting snack spread.
4. Chocolate Fondue: Melted chocolate served with fruits and marshmallows offers a fun dipping experience alongside your cookies.
5. Nut Mix: A bowl of roasted mixed nuts adds crunch and protein, providing a satisfying contrast to the soft texture of the cookies.
6. Tea Cake: A light tea cake can serve as an elegant pairing, making it perfect for afternoon tea or special occasions.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Cherry Almond Cookies {No Chill}, avoiding common mistakes can help ensure your cookies turn out perfect every time.

• Not drying the cherries: If you skip drying the maraschino cherries, your dough may become too wet, leading to cookies that spread too much. Always pat the cherries dry with paper towels before adding them to the mix.
• Measuring flour incorrectly: Using too much flour can make your cookies dense and dry. Make sure to spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off for accuracy.
• Overmixing the dough: Overmixing can toughen your cookies. Mix just until combined, and fold in the cherries gently to keep them soft and chewy.
• Ignoring oven temperature: An oven that’s too hot or not hot enough will affect baking time and texture. Use an oven thermometer to ensure accurate temperature settings for perfect cookies.
• Not spacing cookies properly: If you place the cookie dough too close together, they may merge while baking. Space them at least 2 inches apart on the baking sheet for uniform shapes.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Cherry Almond Cookies {No Chill} in an airtight container.
• They can be kept in the refrigerator for up to one week.

Freezing Cherry Almond Cookies {No Chill}

• Place cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
• Transfer frozen cookies to a freezer bag or container for up to three months.

Reheating Cherry Almond Cookies {No Chill}

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F, place cookies on a baking sheet, and warm for 5-8 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat one cookie at a time on medium power for about 10-15 seconds until warm.
• Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat; add cookies for a minute or two until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions regarding Cherry Almond Cookies {No Chill}.

Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino?

Yes, you can use fresh cherries, but keep in mind they must be pitted and diced small. Adjust sweetness as needed since fresh cherries are less sweet than maraschinos.

How do I know when my cookies are done?

The edges should be set, and the tops may look slightly underbaked. They will firm up as they cool on the pan.

Can I customize these Cherry Almond Cookies {No Chill}?

Absolutely! You can add chocolate chips, nuts, or even swap almond extract for vanilla extract for a different flavor profile.

What if my cookie dough is too sticky?

If your dough feels overly sticky, try adding a tablespoon of flour at a time until it reaches a manageable consistency without compromising flavor.

Final Thoughts

Cherry Almond Cookies {No Chill} are delightful treats that blend sweet cherries with rich almond flavor. Their quick preparation makes them ideal for any occasion. Feel free to customize by adding chocolate chips or spices to suit your taste. Try this recipe today and enjoy these deliciously chewy cookies!