Italian Cherry Almond Cookies

If you’ve ever craved a cookie that balances just the right amount of sweetness with a delightful crunch and a burst of fruity tartness, these Italian Cherry Almond Cookies are exactly what you need. Combining the rich flavor of roasted almonds with the vibrant zing of tart cherries, this recipe turns simple ingredients into something truly special. Each bite offers a crisp texture and a sweet-tart harmony that feels both comforting and sophisticated—perfect for any occasion where you want to impress without stress. Discover the perfect blend of tart cherries and crunchy almonds in these Italian Cherry Almond Cookies—crispy, sweet, and utterly irresistible!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Authentic Italian flavors: This recipe captures a classic Mediterranean combination loved for generations.
• Perfectly crisp texture: Every cookie offers a satisfying crunch that isn’t dry or crumbly.
• Easy to make: Simple steps with straightforward ingredients make it accessible for all skill levels.
• A beautiful balance of flavors: The tartness of cherries combined with earthy almonds creates a delightful contrast.
• Great for any occasion: Whether it’s a holiday gift or a casual coffee treat, these cookies always impress.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in the Italian Cherry Almond Cookies recipe plays a vital role, contributing to both taste and texture. From the sweetness of sugar to the crunch of almonds and the chewiness of dried cherries, these simple, well-chosen components come together to create unforgettable cookies.

• All-purpose flour: Provides the structure needed for the crisp texture.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough without overpowering the other flavors.
• Almond flour: Adds a rich, nutty flavor that enhances the almond crunch.
• Dried tart cherries: Infuse a natural tartness and chewiness into each cookie.
• Slivered almonds: Contribute extra crunch and a toasty almond aroma.
• Unsalted butter: Brings richness and helps create the perfect crisp edges.
• Egg white: Binds the ingredients without making the cookies dense.
• Almond extract: Intensifies the almond flavor and pairs beautifully with cherries.
• Baking powder: Offers a slight lift for a tender bite.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.

Variations for Italian Cherry Almond Cookies

Feel free to customize these Italian Cherry Almond Cookies to suit your personal preferences or dietary needs. The recipe adapts easily, letting you add twists or substitutes without losing its signature charm.

• Chocolate chips addition: Mix in semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips for a chocolaty surprise.
• Gluten-free option: Substitute all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free blend.
• Honey or maple syrup: Replace part of the granulated sugar for a hint of natural sweetness.
• Orange zest infusion: Add fresh orange zest for a citrusy brightness paired with almonds.
• Vegan swap: Use coconut oil instead of butter and flax eggs in place of whole eggs.

How to Make Italian Cherry Almond Cookies

Step 1: Prepare the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, almond flour, baking powder, and salt. Set this mixture aside to ensure even distribution of leavening agents, which helps your cookies have a consistent texture.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a larger bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. This step is key to achieving that crispy yet tender crumb that defines Italian Cherry Almond Cookies.

Step 3: Add Egg White and Almond Extract

Mix in the egg white and almond extract into the butter mixture until fully incorporated. The egg white sharpens the cookie’s structure while almond extract brings an unmistakable fragrance reminiscent of Italian baking traditions.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients. Be careful not to overmix — just stir until combined, which keeps your cookies light and crisp.

Step 5: Stir in Cherries and Almonds

Gently fold in the dried tart cherries and slivered almonds, making sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough. These add the signature bursts of tart flavor and a satisfying crunch.

Step 6: Shape and Bake

Using a tablespoon or small cookie scoop, place dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them about two inches apart. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 12-15 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden and cookies are crisp to the touch.

Step 7: Cool and Enjoy

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This ensures they set up perfectly with a delightful crunch.

Pro Tips for Making Italian Cherry Almond Cookies

• Room temperature ingredients: Always use softened butter and eggs at room temperature to get a smooth, creamy dough.
• Don’t overmix: Overworking the dough can cause dense cookies rather than crisp ones.
• Fresh almonds: Toast slivered almonds lightly in a pan to enhance their natural nutty flavor.
• Use quality cherries: Dried tart cherries with no added sugar offer the best flavor contrast.
• Bake in batches: If baking multiple trays, rotate halfway for even browning.
• Storage tip: Store cooled cookies in an airtight container to maintain their crispness.

How to Serve Italian Cherry Almond Cookies

Garnishes

Sprinkle a light dusting of powdered sugar or drizzle melted dark chocolate on top for an elegant touch. A sprinkle of chopped roasted almonds can also elevate the presentation and add extra crunch.

Side Dishes

Pair these cookies with a cup of espresso, rich hot chocolate, or an herbal tea like chamomile or mint to complement the sweet and nutty flavors perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange the cookies on a festive platter paired with fresh fruit slices such as oranges or pears for a sophisticated dessert table. You can also sandwich them with almond butter or mascarpone for a decadent treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store Italian Cherry Almond Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Keep a slice of bread in the container to help maintain freshness and prevent them from becoming stale.

Freezing

Place baked and cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about an hour. Once frozen, transfer them to a zip-top bag or airtight container, where they’ll keep well for up to 3 months.

Reheating

To restore crispness, warm frozen cookies in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 5 minutes. Avoid microwaving as it may make them chewy or soggy.

FAQs

Can I use fresh cherries instead of dried cherries?

Fresh cherries contain a lot of moisture, which can affect the cookie texture, making them softer and less crisp. It’s best to stick with dried tart cherries for the classic crunch and flavor.

Are these cookies gluten-free?

Classic Italian Cherry Almond Cookies use all-purpose flour, which contains gluten. To make them gluten-free, substitute with a gluten-free flour blend and verify other ingredients are gluten-free.

Can I substitute almond extract with vanilla extract?

Yes, you can swap almond extract for vanilla extract, but keep in mind it will change the flavor profile. The cookies will still be delicious but less nutty.

How long do these cookies stay fresh?

When stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature, these cookies stay fresh and crisp for up to 5 days.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! Store the dough in the fridge, tightly wrapped, for up to 48 hours before baking to deepen the flavors and make baking more convenient.

Final Thoughts

Italian Cherry Almond Cookies are a true celebration of vibrant flavors and simple indulgence. Their crispy texture combined with the sweet and tart harmony makes them a standout treat for anytime you want to share a little joy. Give this recipe a try, and watch how quickly they become your new favorite cookie to bake and share!

Related Posts

• Gingerbread Oatmeal Cookies
• Soft-Baked M&M Cookies
• Pumpkin Churro

Print