Almond Maraschino Cherry Cookies for Sweet Surprises

Last Updated on February 12, 2026 by Kacper Recipes Team

There s a moment in every baking adventure that feels like pure joy, and for me, it s the vibrant splash of maraschino cherries nestled inside delicate almond cookies. This Almond Maraschino Cherry Cookies recipe is a delightful find that transforms a simple afternoon into something truly special. The nutty aroma of ground almonds wafting through my kitchen is like a warm embrace, inviting friends and family to gather around for a treat that sings of nostalgia and celebration.

In just under 30 minutes, you can whip up these elegant cookies that boast a shortbread-like texture, inviting pink glaze, and a hidden surprise that bursts with sweetness. Whether it s for a busy weeknight dessert or a festive holiday platter, these cookies are sure to impress with their beautiful appearance and delightful flavors. Let s dive in and make this exquisite treat together!

Why are Almond Maraschino Cherry Cookies irresistible?

Unique Flavor Combination: The pairing of rich almond and sweet maraschino cherries creates a flavor profile that truly delights the palate.

Quick and Easy: With just 30 minutes needed from prep to bake, these cookies fit perfectly into your busy schedule.

Versatile Treat: Whether you re hosting a gathering or simply seeking a cozy evening snack, these cookies are an ideal choice for any occasion.

Visual Appeal: The vibrant pink glaze adds a pop of color, making them not just tasty but also visually stunning for your dessert table.

Surprise Center: The hidden cherry surprise within adds an unexpected burst of flavor, sure to leave everyone wanting more!

Almond Maraschino Cherry Cookies Ingredients

For the Cookie Dough
Unsalted Butter (1 cup) Provides richness and tenderness; use dairy-free butter for a vegan option.
Powdered Sugar ( ¾ cup) Adds sweetness and contributes to the cookie s delicate texture.
Vanilla Extract (1 tsp) Enhances the overall flavor profile beautifully.
Almond Extract ( ½ tsp) Essential for a classic almond flavor; recommended for an authentic taste.
All-Purpose Flour (2 cups) Gives structure to the cookies; can substitute with gluten-free flour if needed.
Finely Ground Slivered Almonds ( ¾ cup) Contributes nutty complexity and chewy texture; almond flour works well too.
Salt ( ¼ tsp) Balances the sweetness of the cookie.
Maraschino Cherries (about 24, halved and patted dry) Provides a sweet surprise center while ensuring minimal moisture in the dough.

For the Glaze
Powdered Sugar (1 cup) Sweetness for the final topping; makes the glaze delightful.
Maraschino Cherry Juice (1 2 tbsp) Adds color and flavor to the glaze, enhancing the cherry experience.
Milk or Cream (1 2 tsp, as needed) Adjusts glaze consistency for perfect drizzling.

For Decoration
Optional Red Sanding Sugar/Sprinkles Decorative topping that adds visual appeal and extra sweetness.

These Almond Maraschino Cherry Cookies will bring smiles and sweetness to any occasion!

How to Make Almond Maraschino Cherry Cookies

1. Prepare Oven: Preheat your oven to 375 °F (190 °C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper. This step ensures perfectly baked cookies and easy cleanup what s not to love?

2. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the unsalted butter and powdered sugar together until the mixture becomes pale and fluffy. This process should take about 2-3 minutes. Don t forget to mix in the vanilla and almond extracts!

3. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, finely ground slivered almonds, and salt. Gradually mix this dry mixture into the butter mixture until just combined, making sure not to overwork the dough.

4. Shape Cookies: Scoop approximately 1 tablespoon of dough, flatten it into a disc, and place a maraschino cherry half in the center. Wrap the dough around to form a ball, ensuring the cherry is nicely hidden inside.

5. Bake: Arrange the shaped cookies onto your prepared baking sheets and lightly press down on the tops. Bake in the preheated oven for 8-9 minutes; they should be set but not browned.

6. Cool: Allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack. This step is crucial for maintaining their tender texture!

7. Glaze and Decorate: In a bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar with cherry juice and milk until smooth for the glaze. Dip or drizzle this over your cooled cookies and sprinkle with optional red sanding sugar for that festive touch.

Optional: Serve with a cup of Earl Grey tea for a delightful pairing!

Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

What to Serve with Almond Maraschino Cherry Cookies?

Indulging in these delightful treats opens the door to a world of flavor pairings that elevate your cookie experience.

• Earl Grey Tea: The floral notes of Earl Grey complement the almond-rich cookies perfectly, creating a soothing afternoon treat.
• Creamy Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream offers a creamy contrast to the crunchy almond texture, making every bite feel luxurious.
• Dark Roast Coffee: The robust flavors of dark roast coffee balance the sweetness of the cookies, creating a comforting texture that ties your dessert experience together.
• Fresh Fruit Salad: Light and refreshing, a fruit salad with berries and citrus brings a bright contrast that allows the cookie s charm to shine.
• Sparkling Cider: Effervescent and crisp, sparkling cider enhances the celebratory feel of these cookies perfect for gatherings or special occasions.
• Chocolate Covered Strawberries: Juicy strawberries dipped in rich chocolate add a touch of romance to your dessert spread while harmonizing fantastically with the flavors of the cookies.
• Chai Latte: The warming spices in a chai latte create an aromatic pairing that beautifully offsets the sweet cherry surprise hiding inside the cookies.
• Milk: There s nothing quite like a classic glass of cold milk, which not only helps to wash down the cookies but also enhances their nutty flavors.
• Lemon Sorbet: This zesty sorbet acts as a palate cleanser, offering a refreshing contrast that revitalizes your taste buds between bites of sweet cookie goodness.
• Mini Cheesecakes: Serving mini cheesecakes alongside these cookies brings a rich and creamy texture, creating a delightful dessert tower that invites guests to indulge.

Expert Tips for Almond Maraschino Cherry Cookies

• Cherries Matter: Ensure maraschino cherries are thoroughly patted dry before adding to the dough. Excess moisture can lead to soggy cookies.

• Pulse Control: When grinding slivered almonds, use short pulses to avoid turning them into almond butter. You want texture, not paste.

• Watch the Oven: Keep a close eye on baking time. Cookies should remain pale; browning indicates they are overbaked.

• Chill if Soft: If the cookie dough feels too soft, chill the shapes for 10 minutes before baking to maintain their form.

• Cool Before Glazing: Wait until the cookies are completely cool before applying the glaze for the best set and visual appeal.

Almond Maraschino Cherry Cookies Variations

Feel free to personalize these delightful cookies with your own flavor preferences and dietary needs!

• Nut-Free: Replace ground almonds with an equal amount of all-purpose flour for a nut-free cookie option. This alteration still keeps the texture fluffy and satisfying.

• Dairy-Free: Use a dairy-free butter alternative and substitute milk with almond milk for a vegan-friendly treat. Your cookies will still taste rich without compromising flavor!

• Cherry Substitute: If maraschino cherries aren t available, dried tart cherries soaked in syrup make a delicious alternative, offering a slightly different but equally delightful sweetness.

• Gluten-Free: Swap all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour mix for a gluten-free version that everyone can enjoy. Just ensure the blend contains a binding agent for best results!

• Less Sweet: Omit the glaze and simply dust cookies with powdered sugar and a hint of cinnamon instead. This creates a more subdued sweetness that complements the almond flavor beautifully.

• Chocolate Delights: Add chocolate chips or chunks for a contrasting flavor burst; fold them into the dough for a rich chocolatey twist! This addition will elevate the cookie experience to a whole new level.

• Exotic Spice: Enhance the flavor profile with a pinch of cardamom or cinnamon in the dough. This will infuse your cookies with delightful warmth and spice, perfect for those cozy afternoons.

• Lemon Zest: For a refreshing twist, stir in a teaspoon of lemon zest. This brightens the overall flavor, counterbalancing the sweet cherries with a burst of citrusy goodness.

How to Store and Freeze Almond Maraschino Cherry Cookies

• Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days to maintain freshness and flavor.

• Fridge: If you prefer a slightly firmer texture, you can refrigerate the cookies for up to 1 week; just be sure to keep them in a sealed container to prevent drying out.

• Freezer: Unbaked dough can be frozen for up to 3 months. Simply scoop into balls, freeze on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to an airtight container.

• Reheating: To enjoy cookies warm, reheat in an oven at 350 °F (175 °C) for about 5 minutes. This will restore their tenderness and enhance the delightful flavors of the Almond Maraschino Cherry Cookies.

Make Ahead Options

These Almond Maraschino Cherry Cookies are an excellent choice for meal prep aficionados! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance; simply scoop the dough into balls and refrigerate them on a baking sheet. To maintain the cookies quality, ensure the maraschino cherry halves are well-dried to prevent excess moisture. When you re ready to bake, just pop them in the oven directly from the fridge without thawing this will ensure they come out just as delicious. If you prefer, you can also freeze the unbaked dough for up to 3 months. Once baked, allow them to cool completely and glaze just before serving for that perfect touch of sweetness!

Almond Maraschino Cherry Cookies Recipe FAQs

How do I select the best maraschino cherries for my cookies?
Absolutely! When choosing maraschino cherries, look for those that are vibrant in color and have a firm texture. Avoid any that show signs of excessive mushiness or dark spots, as these can indicate they are past their prime. Patted dry cherries will ensure your cookie dough stays consistent and not overly wet.

How can I store my Almond Maraschino Cherry Cookies?
To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. If you want to chill them for enhanced texture, they can last for up to a week in the fridge just make sure they re sealed tightly to avoid drying out.

Can I freeze the unbaked cookie dough?
Absolutely! You can freeze the unbaked dough for up to 3 months. Here s how to do it:

1. Scoop the dough into balls and place them on a lined baking sheet.
2. Freeze them until firm (about 1-2 hours).
3. Then transfer the balls to an airtight container or a freezer bag. Label it with the date, and you ll be ready to bake whenever you wish!

What should I do if my cookie dough feels too soft?
Very good question! If your dough is too soft to shape, chill it in the refrigerator for about 10-15 minutes. This will firm it up and make it easier to work with. Avoid overworking the dough, as this can lead to a tougher cookie.

Are these cookies safe for those with nut allergies?
If you re looking for a nut-free version, I recommend substituting the finely ground slivered almonds with an equal amount of all-purpose flour. This alteration allows you to enjoy the same delightful cookie without the inclusion of nuts. Always double-check any ingredient labels to ensure no cross-contamination occurs.

How long does the glaze take to set?
Once you ve glazed your cookies, allow them to set for about 30 minutes at room temperature. This waiting time will give your glaze the chance to firm up nicely, enhancing both the texture and look of your Almond Maraschino Cherry Cookies!