Description
Soft, buttery cookies loaded with ground almonds and sweet maraschino cherries, topped with red sugar and optional frosting. Perfect for holidays or gifting.
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
- 3/4 cup slivered almonds, ground
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 3/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 8 ounces maraschino cherries, halved (reserve 1 teaspoon juice)
- Red decorating sugar
For the Frosting:
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon maraschino cherry juice
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 2-3 tablespoons milk
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cream butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Add vanilla extract and mix.
- Stir in ground almonds, flour, and salt until dough forms.
- Shape dough into small balls and place on baking sheet. Press slightly and top each with a cherry half. Sprinkle red decorating sugar.
- Bake 12-15 minutes until edges are lightly golden. Cool on wire rack.
- Mix frosting ingredients until smooth and decorate cooled cookies as desired.
Notes
- Pat cherries dry to prevent color bleeding.
- Store in an airtight container to maintain softness.
- Dough can be frozen and baked later.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes