Irresistible Coconut Almond Cherry Shortbread Cookies: Your New Favorite Recipe

Prepare to fall in love with these delightful Coconut Almond Cherry Shortbread Cookies! Each bite offers a tender, buttery texture perfectly complemented by bursts of sweet cherry flavor. This exceptional almond shortbread cookie recipe combines the juiciness of maraschino cherries with the subtle sweetness of coconut and the satisfying crunch of sliced almonds, creating a truly heavenly treat that stands out from the ordinary.

These exquisite cherry shortbread cookies are more than just a dessert; they’re an experience. With their rich flavors and inviting aroma, they are destined to become your next go-to recipe for any occasion. The vibrant cherry pieces create an exciting contrast with the mellow coconut and nutty almonds, ensuring every cookie is a masterpiece of taste and texture. Forget generic store-bought options; this homemade delight offers a unique flavor profile that’s simply unparalleled.

Crafting the Perfect Cherry Almond Coconut Shortbread Cookies at Home

Unlike the cookies you might find in a pre-packaged grocery store aisle, these Cherry Almond Coconut Shortbread Cookies boast a homemade charm that’s surprisingly easy to achieve. You don’t need exotic ingredients or advanced baking skills to whip up a batch of these extraordinary shortbreads. With just a few pantry staples like a jar of maraschino cherries, a bottle of almond extract, and some sweetened coconut flakes, you’re well on your way to creating these incredible slice-and-bake cookies.

While the recipe does call for a crucial dough chilling period, don’t let that deter you. A little patience is truly rewarded, as this step is key to developing the rich flavors and achieving that signature tender shortbread texture. The anticipation only makes the first bite more satisfying! These unique cookies are a masterful blend of complementary flavors and textures – the chewiness of coconut, the crispness of almonds, and the soft, buttery base with bursts of cherry. Try them today and discover just how utterly delicious and rewarding homemade shortbread can be.

Why These Almond Cherry Shortbread Cookies Deserve a Spot in Your Kitchen

If you need more reasons to dive into this distinct almond cherry shortbread cookie recipe, here are a few compelling points that highlight why these cookies will surely become a household favorite:

• Effortlessly Simple to Master: Despite their gourmet appearance, these cookies are surprisingly easy to make. Don’t let the beautiful photos intimidate you; the process is straightforward and comes together quickly. While they do require some inactive time for chilling, the active preparation is minimal, making them accessible for bakers of all skill levels. The incredible results are certainly worth the little effort required!
• Unforgettable Flavor Combination: The flavor profile of these coconut almond cherry shortbread cookies is truly remarkable and will leave a lasting impression. The sweet, tangy cherry perfectly mingles with the subtle, creamy coconut, all underscored by the distinct, nutty almond. This harmonious blend creates a complex yet comforting taste that’s far from ordinary, making each bite an incredibly delicious experience.
• Common, Accessible Ingredients: One of the many benefits of this recipe is that most of the ingredients are likely already staples in your pantry. You’ll find common baking essentials like all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, salt, and baking powder. This means you’re often halfway to whipping up a batch of these delightful treats without a special trip to the grocery store, making spontaneous baking sessions a breeze.

Essential Ingredients for Your Coconut Almond Cherry Shortbread Cookies

Creating these rich, tender shortbread cookies starts with high-quality ingredients. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need:

Butter: You will need 1 cup of unsalted butter, softened to room temperature. This is crucial for achieving that signature tender, rich, and buttery texture. If you only have salted butter on hand, you can use it, but be sure to omit the additional 1/4 teaspoon of salt requested in the recipe to prevent the cookies from becoming too salty.

Sugar: We use 1/2 cup of granulated sugar for the cookie dough, which provides the perfect level of sweetness without being overwhelming. For an extra touch of sparkle and a delightful textural crunch on top, a sprinkle of turbinado sugar before baking is highly recommended.

Maraschino Cherries: Adding 1/4 cup of chopped maraschino cherries ensures delightful bursts of sweet and tangy flavor in every single bite. Their vibrant color also adds a beautiful visual appeal to the cookies. Make sure they are well-drained and patted dry before chopping to prevent excess moisture in the dough.

Almond Extract: For a wonderful depth of flavor that complements the almonds and cherries, 1 teaspoon of almond extract is essential. This extract truly brings out the nutty notes and enhances the overall aroma.

Cherry Extract (optional): While optional, including 1/2 teaspoon of cherry extract can significantly intensify the cherry flavor in the dough, making it even more pronounced and enjoyable for true cherry lovers.

Flour: The structural foundation of these delicious almond shortbread cookies is 2 cups of all-purpose flour. It provides the necessary bulk and texture. For best results, measure your flour by weight or using the spoon-and-level method to avoid over-packing, which can lead to dry, dense cookies.

Baking Powder: To give these shortbread cookies a slight lift and a tender crumb as they bake, 1 teaspoon of baking powder is included. This helps create a wonderfully light, yet rich, texture.

Salt: A mere 1/4 teaspoon of salt is added to balance and enhance all the incredible flavors within these cookies. Remember, if you opted for salted butter, you might want to reduce or completely omit this measurement.

Coconut Flakes: Incorporating 1 cup of sweetened coconut flakes introduces a delightful chewiness and an additional layer of sweetness. The tropical note of coconut marries beautifully with the cherry and almond, adding fantastic texture.

Sliced Almonds: For a beautiful presentation and an extra layer of crunch, 1 cup of sliced almonds will be sprinkled on top of the cookies before baking. Not only do they add visual appeal, but they also contribute a lovely nutty flavor and texture to the finished product.

How to Make Your Own Cherry Almond Coconut Shortbread Cookies

Follow these simple steps to create perfect Coconut Almond Cherry Shortbread Cookies:

Preparing the Cookie Dough

In a large mixing bowl, using either an electric hand mixer or a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar. Beat them on medium speed until the mixture becomes visibly light, fluffy, and pale in color. This process incorporates air, which contributes to the cookies’ tender texture.

Next, add the almond extract and, if you’re using it, the cherry extract. Mix again on low speed until the extracts are fully incorporated and the fragrant aromas begin to develop.

Now, it’s time for the dry ingredients. Gradually add the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to the wet mixture. Mix on low speed, being careful not to overmix, until a soft, cohesive dough just begins to form. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.

Finally, gently fold in the chopped maraschino cherries and the sweetened coconut flakes. Continue to mix until all these delightful inclusions are evenly distributed throughout the dough. You want to see vibrant specks of cherry and flakes of coconut in every part of the dough.

Chilling the Dough for Perfect Shortbread

Divide the prepared dough in half. Lay out two separate pieces of wax paper or parchment paper. Place one half of the dough onto each piece of paper. Using your hands, gently form each portion of dough into an even, approximately 8-inch long log. Aim for a uniform thickness to ensure consistent baking.

Carefully wrap each dough log tightly in its wax paper. Transfer the wrapped logs to the refrigerator to chill for a minimum of 4 hours, or ideally, overnight. This chilling period is crucial: it firms up the butter, prevents spreading during baking, and allows the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in that classic tender shortbread texture.

Baking Your Delicious Shortbread

Once your dough has thoroughly chilled and you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 300 degrees F (150 degrees C).

Retrieve the chilled cookie dough logs from the refrigerator. Unwrap them carefully. Using a sharp knife, slice each dough log into uniform 1/4-inch thick rounds. Consistency in thickness is key for even baking.

Arrange the cookie slices on baking sheets lined with parchment paper, ensuring they are spaced at least 2 inches apart to allow for proper air circulation during baking.

If desired, lightly sprinkle the tops of each cookie with turbinado sugar for an added crunch and shimmer, and press a few extra slices of almonds onto each cookie for enhanced flavor and aesthetic appeal.

Place the baking sheets into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are just beginning to turn a pale golden color. Shortbread cookies are meant to be light in color, so avoid over-browning them.

Allow the freshly baked cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes to firm up before carefully transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve and enjoy these delicious homemade shortbread cookies!

Expert Tips for Perfect Cherry Almond Shortbread

• Measure Flour Accurately: Too much flour can result in dry, crumbly cookies. Use a kitchen scale for precision, or lightly spoon flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a straight edge.
• Don’t Overmix: Once the flour is added, mix until just combined. Overmixing develops gluten, leading to tougher cookies.
• Soften Butter Properly: Your butter should be soft enough to indent with a finger but not melted. This ensures it creams properly with the sugar, creating a light and airy dough.
• Consistent Slices: When slicing the chilled dough, aim for uniform 1/4-inch thickness. This ensures all cookies bake evenly and have a consistent texture.
• Patience with Chilling: The chilling time is non-negotiable for shortbread. It allows the butter to firm up, preventing the cookies from spreading too much in the oven, and deepens the flavors.
• Even Baking: Bake cookies one sheet at a time for the most even results. If baking multiple sheets, rotate them halfway through.

How Long Do Coconut Shortbread Cookies Last?

These delicious Coconut Almond Cherry Shortbread Cookies will maintain their delightful flavor and tender texture for up to 5 days. For optimal freshness, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Ensure they are completely cooled before storing to prevent condensation, which can make them soggy.

Can I Freeze Cherry Shortbread Cookies?

Absolutely! These versatile cookies can be frozen in two ways. You can freeze the dough: simply wrap the dough logs tightly in several layers of plastic wrap and then in foil, and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw the logs slightly in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes, slice, and bake as directed.

Alternatively, you can freeze the baked cookies. Once they are completely cooled, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer the frozen cookies to an airtight freezer-safe container or bag, separating layers with parchment paper. They will keep well for up to 2-3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Can Cherry Almond Shortbread Cookies Be Prepared in Advance?

Yes, preparing these cherry almond shortbread cookies in advance is one of their fantastic benefits! You can make the cookie dough up to a week ahead of time. This not only makes baking on a busy day incredibly convenient but also allows the flavors of the cherry, almond, and coconut to deepen and meld together even further, resulting in an even more flavorful cookie. Simply follow the dough preparation and chilling steps, then store the wrapped logs in the refrigerator until you’re ready to slice and bake.

Frequently Asked Questions About These Shortbread Cookies

Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries?

While maraschino cherries are specified for their vibrant color and distinct flavor, you could experiment with fresh cherries. If using fresh, make sure to pit and chop them finely. You might also want to toss them with a little flour to prevent them from sinking to the bottom of the cookies or releasing too much moisture into the dough.

What if I don’t like coconut?

If coconut isn’t to your taste, you can simply omit the coconut flakes. The cookies will still be delicious with just the almond and cherry flavors. You could also substitute the coconut with an equal amount of finely chopped white chocolate chips or even more sliced almonds for an extra nutty crunch.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

While this recipe uses all-purpose flour, many shortbread recipes adapt well to gluten-free alternatives. You can try a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend that contains xanthan gum. The texture might vary slightly, but they should still be enjoyable. Ensure all other ingredients are also certified gluten-free.

How do I prevent my shortbread from spreading too much?

The most crucial step is adequate chilling time. Ensure your butter is softened but not warm, and strictly adhere to the 4-hour (or overnight) chilling period. Also, avoid placing dough on warm baking sheets; always use cool ones.

Discover More Festive Holiday Recipes!

If you’ve enjoyed this delightful recipe, you’ll love exploring other festive treats. Perfect for holiday gatherings or simply to satisfy your sweet cravings, these recipes are sure to bring joy to your kitchen:

• DOUBLE CHOCOLATE THUMBPRINT COOKIES
• CHRISTMAS GINGERGBREAD COOKIE BITES
• GRINCH THUMBPRINT COOKIES
• CHRISTMAS JELLO SUGAR COOKIE
• CARAMEL THUMBPRINT COOKIES
• CHRISTMAS SUGAR COOKIE BARS
• HOLIDAY SPICED SNICKERDOODLE COOKIES
• PUMPKIN GINGERSNAP COOKIES

These Coconut Almond Cherry Shortbread Cookies truly are a wonderfully soft, tender, and incredibly flavorful treat. This meticulously crafted recipe for almond shortbread cookies features the perfect balance of juicy maraschino cherries, sweet coconut flakes, and a delightful topping of sliced almonds. Whether for a special occasion or a simple indulgence, these homemade shortbread cookies are sure to impress and delight with their exquisite taste and delicate texture.