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Soft Cream Cheese Cherry Almond Cookies

Who can resist the charm of cookies that are soft, sweet, and packed with delightful flavors? Soft Cream Cheese Cherry Almond Cookies offer that perfect blend of creamy, fruity, and nutty elements that make every bite memorable. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply craving a comforting treat, these cookies are bound to make your taste buds dance with joy.

Imagine biting into a soft, buttery cookie, where the lusciousness of cream cheese melds beautifully with the sweet tartness of maraschino cherries and a subtle hint of almond. These cookies aren’t just delicious; they also bring a sense of nostalgic warmth, evoking memories of family gatherings and festive occasions. Perfectly drizzled with melted white chocolate, they present not just a treat for the palate but also a feast for the eyes.

Why Make This Recipe

The rich, creamy texture of cream cheese creates a cookie that is not only soft but also wonderfully indulgent.
The cherries and almond extract add a unique twist that sets these cookies apart from standard recipes.
With their visually appealing drizzle of white chocolate, these cookies are perfect for sharing with friends or serving at celebrations.

If you’re searching for a cookie that pleases both the palate and the eye, these Soft Cream Cheese Cherry Almond Cookies are the ultimate choice.

How to Make Soft Cream Cheese Cherry Almond Cookies

Baking may seem intimidating, but this recipe breaks down the process into manageable steps that even a novice can master. Let’s dive into how you can create these deliciously soft cookies in your very own kitchen.

Ingredients

Before we begin the journey of baking, let’s gather our ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to bring these delightful cookies to life:

1 cup cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 egg
1 teaspoon almond extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup maraschino cherries, chopped
1/2 cup white chocolate chips

Now that we have our ingredients, let’s move on to the steps to create these wonderfully soft cookies.

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cookies bake evenly and turn out perfectly golden.
In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and butter. Use an electric mixer and cream the two together until they are smooth and fluffy. This is a crucial step, as it forms the base of your cookie dough.
Gradually add in the granulated sugar. Mix well until it is fully incorporated and gives you a light and airy texture.
Next, beat in the egg and almond extract. These ingredients provide moisture and enhance the flavor of the cookies.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This mixture will help to aerate the dough and ensure that the cookies rise properly.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the cream cheese mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough cookies.
Gently fold in the chopped maraschino cherries, allowing them to distribute evenly throughout the dough.
Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, drop the dough onto ungreased baking sheets, leaving ample space between each cookie. They will spread a bit during baking.
Bake your cookies in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Keep an eye on them, as every oven is different.
While the cookies are cooling on a wire rack, melt the white chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in short bursts of 15 seconds, stirring in between, until smooth.
Drizzle the melted white chocolate over the cooled cookies, allowing it to set. This step adds not only visual appeal but also an extra layer of decadence.

Once cooled, these cookies will be ready for your enjoyment.

Storage Tips for Soft Cream Cheese Cherry Almond Cookies

To keep your cookies fresh and delicious, consider the following storage recommendations:

Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Refrigerate: For longer freshness, refrigerate the cookies for up to 1 week.
Freeze: If you’d like to enjoy them later, freeze the cookies for up to 2 months. Make sure they’re fully cooled, and place parchment paper between layers in an airtight container to prevent sticking.

How to Serve Soft Cream Cheese Cherry Almond Cookies

These delicious cookies are perfect for a variety of occasions. Here are some creative ideas for serving them:

Coffee Companion: Pair these cookies with a warm cup of coffee or tea. The creaminess of the cookie complements the richness of your favorite beverage.
Dessert Platter: Provide a selection of cookies as part of a dessert platter at celebrations, alongside brownies or fruit tarts for variety.
Gifts in a Jar: Layer the cookies in a mason jar for adorable homemade gifts. Make sure to add a cute tag with baking instructions so recipients can recreate the magic.
Picnic Treat: Easy to transport, these cookies make a delightful addition to any outdoor gathering or picnic.

Pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an even more indulgent dessert experience, transforming them into a fabulous ice cream sandwich.

Tips to Make Soft Cream Cheese Cherry Almond Cookies

Here are a few pointers to enhance your baking experience:

Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that your cream cheese and butter are at room temperature for easy mixing and better texture.
Chop Cherries Evenly: To avoid clumping, chop your maraschino cherries into small, uniform pieces.
Don’t Skip the Resting Time: Allow the cookies to cool completely after baking before drizzling with white chocolate. This will make for a neat presentation.

What’s the key to soft cookies?

The combination of cream cheese and butter is essential—it provides moisture and richness, ensuring softness.

Variations or Substitutions

If you’re looking to customize your Soft Cream Cheese Cherry Almond Cookies, consider these variations:

Chocolate Cherry Cookies: Substitute half of the white chocolate chips with dark chocolate chips for a richer flavor profile. The combination of dark chocolate and cherries is a classic!
Nuts for Crunch: Add a 1/2 cup of slivered almonds or chopped pecans to the dough for added texture and a nutty flavor that complements the almond extract beautifully.

FAQs

Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the cookie dough in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before baking. Simply scoop the dough onto the baking sheet when you’re ready to bake.

What can I use instead of maraschino cherries?
If you prefer a different fruit, try using dried cherries or cranberries. Just keep in mind that the overall flavor will differ slightly.

How do I keep them soft?
Store your cookies in an airtight container with a slice of bread or a few apple slices. This helps maintain moisture and keeps the cookies soft and fresh longer.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, you can use a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour. Many blends work wonderfully for cookies without changing the flavor significantly.

Additional Notes

To further boost the enjoyment of your Soft Cream Cheese Cherry Almond Cookies, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for warmth and spice. These subtle flavors can elevate your cookies and make them even more comforting, perfect for chilly days.

And there you have it! Your guide to making Soft Cream Cheese Cherry Almond Cookies is complete. With step-by-step directions, delicious flavor combinations, and storage tips to keep them fresh, you’re all set for an enticing cookie adventure. Enjoy every bite of these delightful treats, whether with family, friends, or just for yourself during a quiet moment at home.

Baking these cookies is more than just a culinary task; it’s an invitation to savor the sweetness of life, one bite at a time. Happy baking!