Introduction
At Love With Recipes, we believe that baking is an art that combines tradition, innovation, and a pinch of love. The Cherry Almond Chews are a testament to this philosophy, offering a delightful blend of flavors and textures that will captivate your senses from the very first bite. These cookies are not just a treat but an experience—combining tart maraschino cherries, crunchy pecans, and aromatic almond extract within a soft, coconut-infused dough. Perfect for holiday festivities, especially Christmas, or as an anytime indulgence, these chews are designed to bring joy to every occasion. Their simplicity in preparation allows even novice bakers to create something extraordinary, making them a wonderful addition to your baking repertoire.
Time
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 32 minutes
Needed Equipment
- Mixing bowls: At least two large mixing bowls for creaming and dry ingredients
- Electric hand or stand mixer: For efficient creaming and mixing
- Measuring cups and spoons: For accurate measurement of ingredients
- Rubber spatula: To scrape down the sides of bowls and fold ingredients
- Cookie scoop or rounded teaspoon: For uniform cookie size
- Baking sheets: Preferably non-stick or lined with parchment paper
- Cooling racks: To allow cookies to cool evenly and prevent sogginess
- Oven: Preheated to the correct temperature
- Knife and cutting board: For halving cherries (if not using pre-halved cherries)
- Small bowls: For organizing ingredients like cherries and nuts
Tags
Cookie, Dessert, Christmas Treat, Fruit Cookies, Nut Cookies, Easy Baking, Chewy Cookies, Holiday Baking, Love With Recipes
Serving Size
Each serving is approximately one cookie. The recipe yields about 84 cookies, making it suitable for large gatherings or weekly treats.
Difficulty Level
Easy — Suitable for bakers of all skill levels, including beginners, thanks to straightforward mixing and shaping steps.
Allergen Information
This recipe contains gluten (all-purpose flour), nuts (pecans), and eggs. It also includes cherries, which might be an allergen for some individuals. Be sure to adapt accordingly for allergies or sensitivities.
Dietary Preference
Vegetarian. Not suitable for vegans due to the presence of eggs and dairy (shortening). Can be modified for vegan diets by substituting ingredients accordingly.
Course
Dessert / Snack
Cuisine
American / Holiday Baking
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Shortening | 1 cup | Preferably vegetable shortening for a tender crumb |
| Sugar | 1 cup | Granulated white sugar |
| Brown Sugar | 1 cup | Light or dark, packed |
| Eggs | 3 | Large eggs at room temperature |
| All-purpose Flour | ¾ cup | Sifted for even distribution |
| Baking Soda | 2½ teaspoons | Leavening agent |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon | Enhances flavor |
| Flaked Coconut | 1 cup | Sweetened or unsweetened based on preference |
| Pecans | 1 cup | Chopped coarsely |
| Maraschino Cherries | 2½ cups, halved | Use high-quality, bright red cherries for best flavor and appearance |
| Almond Extract | 1 teaspoon | Pure extract for authentic flavor |
Instructions
Step 1: Preparing the Ingredients
Gather all your ingredients, ensuring they are measured accurately. Bring eggs to room temperature to facilitate better mixing and emulsification. Halve the maraschino cherries carefully, maintaining their shape and avoiding excessive crushing. Chop the pecans into coarse pieces, not too fine, to maximize crunch and texture.
Step 2: Creaming the Shortening and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, combine the shortening, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Using an electric mixer set at medium speed, beat the mixture for approximately 3-4 minutes, or until it becomes light, fluffy, and creamy. This step is crucial, as it creates a smooth base that influences the texture of the final cookies. Scrape down the sides of the bowl periodically with a rubber spatula to ensure even mixing.
Step 3: Incorporating the Eggs
One at a time, add the eggs to the creamed mixture, beating well after each addition. This gradual incorporation helps achieve a uniform, moist dough. The eggs act as binding agents, giving the cookies their tender crumb. Be attentive to the mixture’s consistency; it should appear smooth and slightly glossy after all eggs are added.
Step 4: Adding Flavor
Stir in the teaspoon of pure almond extract. This ingredient imparts a subtle, aromatic nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with the cherries and coconut. Ensure it is evenly distributed throughout the mixture by mixing at a low speed or folding gently with a spatula.
Step 5: Mixing the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Sifting these ingredients helps prevent clumps and ensures even distribution. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed or stirring gently with a spatula, until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix, as this can develop gluten and make the cookies tough.
Step 6: Incorporating the Coconut and Nuts
Fold in the flaked coconut and chopped pecans into the dough using a spatula. The coconut adds moistness and a chewy texture, while the pecans provide a satisfying crunch. Distribute these ingredients evenly throughout the dough, ensuring every bite contains a good mix of flavors and textures.
Step 7: Shaping the Cookies
Using a rounded teaspoon or a cookie scoop, portion out the dough and place it onto prepared baking sheets lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Space each cookie approximately 2 inches apart to allow for spreading during baking. Gently press down each scoop to flatten slightly, which helps them bake evenly.
Step 8: Adding the Cherry Halves
Place a halved maraschino cherry in the center of each cookie, pressing it gently into the dough. This ensures the cherry remains prominent and infuses each bite with fruity sweetness. Be gentle to avoid smashing the cherries entirely, which could cause juice to leak onto the baking sheet.
Step 9: Baking
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the cookies for 12-14 minutes, monitoring closely towards the end. They should be lightly browned around the edges with a slightly soft center. The aroma of cherries, almonds, and coconut will fill your kitchen, signaling that they are nearing perfection.
Step 10: Cooling and Serving
Once baked, remove the baking sheets from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the sheets for about 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to wire racks to cool completely. Cooling prevents sogginess and helps the cookies set perfectly. Serve at room temperature and enjoy the chewy, fruity, nutty goodness.
Preparation Tips
- Ingredient temperature: Use room temperature eggs to ensure a smooth, uniform batter.
- Cherry quality: Use bright, high-quality maraschino cherries for vibrant color and flavor.
- Cookie size: Use a cookie scoop for uniform size, which ensures even baking.
- Spreading: To prevent excessive spreading, do not flatten the dough too much before baking.
- Storage: Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or freeze for longer storage.
Nutritional Information
| Per Serving (1 cookie) | Calories | Total Fat | Saturated Fat | Cholesterol | Sodium | Carbohydrates | Dietary Fiber | Sugar | Protein |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 82.7 kcal | 4 g | 1.3 g | 5 mg | 55.5 mg | 11.3 g | 0.5 g | 8 g | 0.9 g |
Tips and Tricks
- Cherry variation: For a different flavor profile, substitute maraschino cherries with fresh tart cherries or dried cherries rehydrated in juice.
- Nut alternatives: Swap pecans with walnuts, almonds, or hazelnuts based on preference or dietary restrictions.
- Enhancing flavor: Add a splash of vanilla extract or a dash of cinnamon for extra depth.
- Texture adjustment: For crunchier cookies, increase the pecan quantity or extend baking time slightly.
- Presentation: Decorate with a drizzle of white chocolate or sprinkle powdered sugar for visual appeal.
Add-ons
- Mini chocolate chips mixed into the dough for a chocolate-cherry flavor combo.
- Shredded coconut for an extra coconutty punch.
- Chopped dried fruits like apricots or cranberries for added tartness and visual appeal.
- Toasted nuts for enhanced flavor.
Side Dishes
Complement these cookies with a glass of cold milk, a cup of coffee, or a warm spiced tea such as chai or cinnamon-infused black tea. They also pair beautifully with vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.
Improvements
- For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking mix or almond flour.
- Adjust sweetness by reducing sugar or using alternative sweeteners like honey or maple syrup.
- Make vegan by replacing eggs with flaxseed or chia seed eggs and using vegan shortening or coconut oil.
- Experiment with different fruit flavorings or extracts to customize the taste.
Save and Store
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 7 days. For longer storage, freeze in an airtight container or resealable bag for up to 3 months. To re-crisp, warm in a 350°F oven for 5 minutes before serving. Keep cherries and nuts separate if you want to maintain their crunch longer.
FAQ
Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Yes, you can portion out the dough, freeze it on a baking sheet, then transfer to a sealed bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding an extra 2-3 minutes to the baking time.
Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries?
Fresh cherries can be used, but they will release more moisture, which may impact the cookie texture. To prevent sogginess, pit and halve the fresh cherries and pat them dry before adding to the dough.
Is this recipe suitable for gluten-free diets?
While not inherently gluten-free, substituting the all-purpose flour with a certified gluten-free flour blend will make it suitable. Be cautious with processed ingredients and check labels for gluten content.
How can I make these cookies vegan?
Replace eggs with flaxseed or chia seed eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed or chia seed mixed with 3 tablespoons water per egg). Use vegan shortening or coconut oil and ensure cherries and other ingredients are vegan-friendly.
Conclusion
The Cherry Almond Chews from lovewithrecipes.com offer an irresistible combination of fruity tartness, crunchy nuts, and aromatic coconut, all wrapped in a chewy, tender cookie. Their quick preparation, delightful flavors, and versatile nature make them a perfect choice for holiday festivities, special gatherings, or everyday treats. By following the detailed steps and tips provided, you can create bakery-quality cookies that will impress family and friends alike. These cookies not only satisfy sweet cravings but also evoke nostalgic holiday memories, making them a treasured addition to your baking repertoire.
References
Sources include established baking guides such as “The Joy of Baking” by Stephanie Jaworski and “Baking Illustrated” by the Cook’s Illustrated team, which provide foundational techniques and ingredient insights used in developing this detailed recipe.