White Chocolate Cherry Almond Shortbread Cookies

Indulging in the sweet and tart flavors of White Chocolate Cherry Almond Shortbread Cookies is like taking a bite of bliss. These delicious cookies are perfect for any occasion, whether you’re celebrating a special event or simply treating yourself on a cozy afternoon. With creamy white chocolate, juicy cherries, and a hint of almond, each bite is a delightful experience that transports you to a world of flavor.

In this recipe, you’ll find a combination of textures and tastes that make these cookies truly irresistible. The buttery shortbread base provides a crumbly yet tender texture, while the white chocolate adds a luxurious creaminess and the cherries offer a burst of fruity goodness. So, let’s dive into why you’ll love these cookies and how to create them in your own kitchen.

Reasons to Love White Chocolate Cherry Almond Shortbread Cookies

There are countless reasons to fall in love with these delightful cookies:

• Rich Flavor Combination: The pairing of white chocolate and cherries creates a perfect balance of sweetness and tartness.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: These cookies are ideal for holiday gatherings, family celebrations, or simply as a sweet treat for yourself.
• Simple Ingredients: Using basic pantry staples and a few special additions, you can whip up these cookies with ease.
• Beautiful Presentation: With the addition of sprinkles or edible glitter, these cookies can be a stunning addition to any dessert table.
• Make Ahead: These cookies can be prepared in advance, making them a perfect choice for busy bakers.

The Essentials

To make your White Chocolate Cherry Almond Shortbread Cookies, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 1/2 cup maraschino cherries, drained and finely chopped (reserve 2 tablespoons of liquid from cherries)
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 cup cold butter, cut into cubes
• 12 ounces white chocolate baking squares with cocoa butter, finely chopped
• 2 teaspoons almond extract
• 2 drops red food coloring
• 2 teaspoons shortening
• White nonpareils, sprinkles, and/or red edible glitter (optional)

What You’ll Need (Gear)

Before you start baking, make sure you have the following gear on hand:

• Mixing Bowls: A set of various sizes for mixing your cookie dough.
• Electric Mixer: For creaming the butter and sugar together.
• Baking Sheets: To place your cookies on while they bake.
• Parchment Paper: To line your baking sheets for easy cleanup.
• Cookie Scoop: For evenly sized cookies.
• Cooling Rack: To cool your cookies after baking.

White Chocolate Cherry Almond Shortbread Cookies: From Prep to Plate

Now, let’s get to the step-by-step process of making these delightful cookies.

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cookies bake evenly.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and sugar until well combined.

Step 3: Creaming the Butter

In another bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the cold butter until it’s light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes.

Step 4: Combine Mixtures

Gradually add the dry mixture to the creamed butter, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make your cookies tough.

Step 5: Add Flavor

Stir in the chopped maraschino cherries, almond extract, and reserved cherry liquid. If you desire a lovely pink hue, add 2 drops of red food coloring and mix until combined.

Step 6: Melt the White Chocolate

Melt the finely chopped white chocolate and shortening together in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until smooth.

Step 7: Incorporate Chocolate

Pour the melted white chocolate into the cookie dough and mix until fully incorporated.

Step 8: Scoop the Cookies

Using a cookie scoop, drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto prepared baking sheets, leaving space between each cookie to allow for spreading.

Step 9: Bake

Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.

Step 10: Cool and Decorate

Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack. If desired, decorate the cookies with white nonpareils, sprinkles, or red edible glitter while they are still warm.

Adaptations for Special Diets

If you have specific dietary needs, here are some adaptations you can make:

• Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
• Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free butter and white chocolate alternatives.
• Lower Sugar: Reduce the sugar content or use a sugar substitute.
• Vegan: Replace butter with vegan butter and ensure that the white chocolate is dairy-free.

Errors to Dodge

When making your White Chocolate Cherry Almond Shortbread Cookies, keep these common pitfalls in mind:

• Overmixing: This can lead to tough cookies instead of tender shortbread.
• Incorrect Butter Temperature: Make sure your butter is cold for the best texture.
• Not Chilling the Dough: If your dough feels too soft, chill it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before baking.
• Skipping the Parchment Paper: This can lead to sticking and uneven baking.

Freezer-Friendly Notes

These cookies can be made ahead of time and stored for later enjoyment:

• Freezing Dough: Roll the cookie dough into logs, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, slice and bake directly from frozen, adding a couple of minutes to the baking time.
• Freezing Baked Cookies: Place cooled cookies in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Questions People Ask

Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries?

Yes, you can use fresh cherries, but be sure to pit and finely chop them. Keep in mind that the flavor will be different, and you may need to adjust the sugar based on the sweetness of the cherries.

How can I make these cookies more chocolatey?

For a more intense chocolate flavor, consider adding chocolate chips or chunks to the dough along with the cherries.

What’s the best way to store these cookies?

Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze them as mentioned above.

Can I decorate these cookies differently?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different types of sprinkles, icing, or even a drizzle of dark chocolate for a beautiful finishing touch.

Next Up in Your Queue

If you love these cookies, you’ll also want to try these delightful recipes:

• No Churn Cherry Garcia Ice Cream
• Fresh Cherry Cheesecake Ice Cream Bars
• Creamy White Chocolate Raspberry Tart

Wrap-Up

Creating White Chocolate Cherry Almond Shortbread Cookies is a rewarding process that leads to delicious results. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just to satisfy your sweet tooth, these cookies will surely impress. With their delicate flavor and beautiful presentation, they are the perfect addition to any dessert spread.

So, gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and get ready to fill your kitchen with the delightful aroma of freshly baked cookies. Enjoy every crumb!