There’s nothing quite like the joy of baking that fills your kitchen with warmth and anticipation, and these Soft Cream Cheese Cherry Almond Cookies are a testament to that feeling. Picture this: as you whip together rich cream cheese, tangy cherry preserves, and crunchy almonds, the delightful aroma begins to swirl around, instantly lifting your spirits. These cookies aren’t just another treat; they blend the unique flavors of sweet cherries with the subtle nutty crunch, making each bite a delightful surprise.
I discovered this recipe while hunting for a dessert that would impress my friends at our last get-together, and let me tell you, it was a hit! They’re so easy to make and perfect for any occasion, from cozy family gatherings to sophisticated soirées. In just 30 minutes, you can create a batch of cookies that not only looks fabulous but also packs a flavor punch that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Let’s dive into the sweet simplicity of these Soft Cream Cheese Cherry Almond Cookies!
Why You'll Love This Soft Cream Cheese Cherry Almond Cookies
- These Soft Cream Cheese Cherry Almond Cookies are incredibly easy to whip up, making them a perfect choice for both novice and seasoned bakers alike.
- The harmonious blend of sweet cherries and nutty almonds adds an unforgettable flavor that will delight your taste buds.
- Their beautiful presentation makes them a showstopper at any gathering, attracting attention before anyone even takes a bite.
- Plus, with a total time of just 30 minutes from prep to oven, you can serve your friends and family a delicious homemade treat without spending all day in the kitchen.
Soft Cream Cheese Cherry Almond Cookies Ingredients
Baking these cookies has never been easier!
For the Cookie Dough
- All-purpose flour – for dreamy texture and sturdy structure.
- Baking powder – helps the cookies rise beautifully.
- Unsalted butter – adds richness and a soft, tender crumb.
- Cream cheese – provides a creamy, delightful contrast to the cherry preserves.
- Granulated sugar – balances the flavors with sweetness.
- Brown sugar – infuses a hint of caramel and moisture.
- Large eggs – binds everything together while adding richness.
- Vanilla extract – enhances the overall flavor profile of the cookies.
- Salt – a pinch elevates the sweetness and flavor complexity.
For the Flavor Boost
- Cherry preserves – the star ingredient that brings sweetness and tartness to every bite!
- Sliced almonds – adds a satisfying crunch and nutty flavor that complements the cherry preserves.
How to Make Soft Cream Cheese Cherry Almond Cookies
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), ensuring it’s hot enough to give your cookies that perfect golden edge. Line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and simplify cleanup.
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Cream together the softened butter and cream cheese in a large bowl, mixing in the granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Beat until the mixture is smooth and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
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Whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl. Gradually combine this dry mix with your wet ingredients, mixing gently until just blended to maintain a soft cookie texture.
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Fold in the cherry preserves and sliced almonds with a spatula. This adds delightful pockets of sweetness and crunch throughout the cookie dough, making every bite special.
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Scoop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the lined baking sheets, spacing them about two inches apart to allow for spreading as they bake.
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Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are golden brown while keeping the centers soft. Allow them to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to wire racks; this helps them set perfectly.
Optional: Drizzle with melted chocolate for an extra decadent touch!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Soft Cream Cheese Cherry Almond Cookies?
Experience the sweet magic of creating a memorable meal by complementing these delightful cookies with the perfect pairings.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy texture and sweet flavor of vanilla ice cream create a luscious contrast to the soft cookies.
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Hot Chocolate: A warm cup of rich hot chocolate enhances the experience, making each cookie taste even cozier.
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Cherry Compote: Drizzling some cherry compote over your cookies brings out the fruity notes while adding an extra burst of flavor.
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Coffee or Espresso: The robust, slightly bitter notes of coffee balance the sweetness, making it an ideal pairing for afternoon treats.
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Almond Milk: A glass of smooth almond milk not only complements the nutty flavor but also adds a refreshing touch.
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Honey Drizzle: A light drizzle of honey atop your cookies brings a glorious sweetness, enhancing the cherry and cream cheese flavors.
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Dark Chocolate Dipping Sauce: For an indulgent touch, consider dipping cookies in warm dark chocolate. It makes each bite an irresistible treat!
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Fresh Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad adds a splash of color and a burst of freshness that perfectly contrasts the sweet cookies.
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Lemonade or Iced Tea: Chilling drinks like lemonade or iced tea provide a refreshing balance to the richness of your cookies.
These pairings will elevate your dessert experience to new heights, whether you’re entertaining guests or savoring a sweet night in!
How to Store and Freeze Soft Cream Cheese Cherry Almond Cookies
Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to keep them soft and fresh.
Fridge: For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 1 week. Let them come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
Freezer: Freeze baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag or container for up to 3 months.
Reheating: To enjoy those delightful flavors again, reheat your Soft Cream Cheese Cherry Almond Cookies in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5 minutes.
Soft Cream Cheese Cherry Almond Cookies Variations
Feel free to explore creative twists and dietary adaptations to make these cookies uniquely yours!
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Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend for accessible deliciousness. Watch the cookies shine just as beautifully!
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Nut-Free: Omit the sliced almonds or replace with sunflower seeds for a crunchy texture without nuts. Your guests with nut allergies will appreciate the thoughtful alteration.
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Fruit Fusion: Swap cherry preserves for raspberry or peach preserves to give the cookies a fresh fruity vibe. Each variation can bring a completely new flavor profile that excites the palate.
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Chocolate Drizzle: Melt dark or white chocolate and drizzle over cooled cookies for an extra decadent treat. The rich chocolate pairs beautifully with the bright flavors of the cherries.
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Citrus Zest: Add a teaspoon of lemon or orange zest to the dough for a refreshing citrus infusion. It will brighten the cookies and add an unexpected wake-up call to your taste buds.
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Spiced Up: A sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg in the dough gives a warm, comforting flavor. Perfect for cozy gatherings or holiday celebrations!
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Coconut Twist: Incorporate shredded coconut into the dough for a tropical flair and chewier texture. This vibrant twist will give the cookies an exciting dimension and a hint of sweetness.
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Heated Kick: Mix in a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder for an unexpected heat that contrasts beautifully with the sweetness. The adventure in flavor will surprise and delight at every bite!
Make Ahead Options
These Soft Cream Cheese Cherry Almond Cookies are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance. Simply follow the recipe up to the point of scooping the dough onto the baking sheets, then cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate it. This helps maintain the cookies’ soft texture and flavor. Alternatively, you can bake the cookies and store them in an airtight container for up to 3 days at room temperature. When you’re ready to indulge, enjoy them as is or warm them slightly in the oven for that fresh-baked taste. Either way, these cookies will be just as delicious and rewarding!
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For Soft Cream Cheese Cherry Almond Cookies, ensure your butter and cream cheese are softened to room temperature for easy mixing and a smoother dough.
- Avoid overmixing the cookie dough when combining the dry ingredients to maintain a tender texture; mix just until incorporated.
- When folding in the cherry preserves and almonds, use a gentle motion to prevent breaking up the preserves and almonds too much.
- Keep an eye on your cookies during the last few minutes of baking; they are ready when the edges are golden but the centers still look soft, as they will continue to firm up while cooling.
Soft Cream Cheese Cherry Almond Cookies Recipe FAQs
How do I select the best cherries for my cookie recipe?
Absolutely! When choosing cherries for your Soft Cream Cheese Cherry Almond Cookies, look for firm, plump cherries that have a vibrant red color. Avoid any with dark spots or wrinkled skin. If using preserves, opt for a high-quality brand with real fruit for the best flavor.
How should I store my cookies to keep them fresh?
Very! To keep your Soft Cream Cheese Cherry Almond Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to extend their shelf life, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. Just let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes before enjoying.
Can I freeze these cookies? If so, how?
You can absolutely freeze your cookies! To freeze your Soft Cream Cheese Cherry Almond Cookies, first arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer the cookies to a freezer bag or an airtight container with parchment between layers to prevent sticking. They will keep well for up to 3 months! When you’re ready to indulge again, just thaw at room temperature or reheat in the microwave for that fresh-baked taste.
What should I do if my cookies turn out too flat?
If your Soft Cream Cheese Cherry Almond Cookies spread too much during baking, check that your butter wasn’t too warm and ensure you measured your flour accurately—too little can cause spreading. Also, chilling the dough for about 30 minutes before baking can help maintain their shape!
Are these cookies suitable for people with nut allergies?
While I just love the nuttiness of the sliced almonds in this recipe, you can easily modify it for those with nut allergies. Just leave out the sliced almonds altogether or substitute with a seed (like sunflower seeds) for a similar crunch without the nuts.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, you can! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend which works well in most baking recipes. Just be sure your baking powder is gluten-free as well, and you’ll have delicious Soft Cream Cheese Cherry Almond Cookies that everyone can enjoy!
Soft Cream Cheese Cherry Almond Cookies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Cream together the softened butter and cream cheese, then mix in the granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
- Whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl. Gradually combine with wet ingredients, mixing gently until just blended.
- Fold in cherry preserves and sliced almonds with a spatula.
- Scoop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the baking sheets, spacing them about two inches apart.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are golden brown while keeping the centers soft.
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