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Italian Cherry Almond Cookies

Italian Cherry Almond Cookies
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Italian Cherry Almond Cookies combine the rich, nutty flavor of roasted almonds with the vibrant tartness of dried cherries to create a perfectly crisp, sweet, and slightly tart cookie. Easy to make with simple ingredients, these authentic Italian-inspired cookies feature a satisfying crunch and a beautiful balance of flavors, ideal for any occasion.

Ingredients

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Dry Ingredients

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup almond flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg white
  • 1 teaspoon almond extract

Add-ins

  • 1/2 cup dried tart cherries
  • 1/2 cup slivered almonds

Instructions

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

Notes

  • Use softened butter and egg whites at room temperature to ensure a smooth, creamy dough.
  • Do not overmix the dough to avoid dense cookies; fold ingredients gently.
  • Toast slivered almonds lightly for enhanced nutty flavor.
  • Opt for dried tart cherries without added sugar for best flavor balance.
  • Rotate baking trays halfway through baking for even browning.
  • Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, placing a slice of bread inside to maintain freshness.

Nutrition

Keywords: Italian cookies, cherry almond cookies, almond cookies, dried cherry cookies, crunchy cookies, gluten-free cookies option

Find it online: https://lillysplate.com/italian-cherry-almond-cookies/