Soft Cream Cheese Cherry Almond Cookies
why make this recipe
Soft Cream Cheese Cherry Almond Cookies are a delightfully sweet treat that combines the rich flavors of cream cheese and butter with the tartness of maraschino cherries. The addition of almond extract gives these cookies a unique twist that makes them stand out. Perfect for any occasion, these cookies are not only tasty but also easy to make. Everyone will love their soft texture and delicious flavor!
how to make Soft Cream Cheese Cherry Almond Cookies
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup maraschino cherries, chopped
- 1/2 cup white chocolate, melted
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, beat together the cream cheese, butter, and sugar until creamy.
- Mix in the vanilla and almond extracts.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix until just combined.
- Gently fold in the chopped maraschino cherries.
- Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto a lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Allow to cool.
- Drizzle melted white chocolate over the cooled cookies before serving.
how to serve Soft Cream Cheese Cherry Almond Cookies
These cookies are best served fresh or within a day or two for optimal softness. They can be enjoyed on their own or can be served with a glass of milk or a cup of coffee. For special occasions, you might consider placing them on a decorative plate to impress your guests.
how to store Soft Cream Cheese Cherry Almond Cookies
To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay soft for up to a week. If you want to store them for a longer period, you can also freeze them. Just make sure to wrap them tightly before placing them in the freezer. Thaw them at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy!
tips to make Soft Cream Cheese Cherry Almond Cookies
- Always use softened cream cheese and butter for better mixing.
- Don’t overmix the dough once you add the flour to keep the cookies soft.
- For a fun twist, try adding some chopped nuts for added crunch.
- Make sure to chop the cherries well so they distribute evenly in the cookies.
variation
For a different flavor profile, you can substitute the maraschino cherries with other fruits like blueberries or diced strawberries. Additionally, you can experiment with other types of extracts, such as coconut or hazelnut, to create your personalized cookie flavor.
FAQs
1. Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
Yes, you can use low-fat cream cheese, but it may slightly change the texture of the cookies.
2. What can I use instead of maraschino cherries?
You can use other fruits like dried cranberries or chopped strawberries if you prefer.
3. Can I use dark chocolate instead of white chocolate?
Absolutely! Dark chocolate will give the cookies a richer flavor that pairs nicely with the sweetness.
Soft Cream Cheese Cherry Almond Cookies
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delightfully sweet cookies that combine cream cheese, butter, and the tartness of maraschino cherries, with a unique twist of almond extract.
Ingredients
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup maraschino cherries, chopped
- 1/2 cup white chocolate, melted
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, beat together the cream cheese, butter, and sugar until creamy.
- Mix in the vanilla and almond extracts.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix until just combined.
- Gently fold in the chopped maraschino cherries.
- Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto a lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Allow to cool.
- Drizzle melted white chocolate over the cooled cookies before serving.
Notes
These cookies are best served fresh. Store in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain softness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
