Welcome to lovewithrecipes.com, where we’re delighted to share with you our delightful recipe for Cherry Almond Shortbread! 🍒🌰 This European-inspired treat brings together the buttery goodness of shortbread with the sweet tang of cherries and the crunch of almonds, making it an irresistible addition to any dessert table, especially during the festive Christmas season. And the best part? It takes less than 30 minutes to whip up a batch of these delectable cookies, making them perfect for those last-minute cravings or unexpected guests.
Cherry Almond Shortbread
Cook Time: 7 minutes
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 22 minutes
Yield: 60 cookies
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened
- 2/3 cup brown sugar
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornflour
- 1 cup dried cherries, chopped
- 1 cup almonds, finely chopped
Instructions:
-
Cream butter and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This step is crucial for achieving that melt-in-your-mouth texture that’s characteristic of shortbread cookies.
-
Add remaining ingredients: Gradually add in the all-purpose flour and cornflour, mixing until well combined. Then, fold in the chopped dried cherries and almonds, distributing them evenly throughout the dough.
-
Work into butter mixture: Using your hands or a spatula, work the flour mixture into the butter mixture until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough cookies rather than tender shortbread.
-
Shape into rolls: Divide the dough into 4 equal portions, and shape each portion into a log about 1 1/2 inches in diameter. This shaping step not only helps create uniform cookies but also makes it easier to slice the dough later on.
-
Chill: Wrap each dough log tightly in waxed paper or plastic wrap, then chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or until firm. Chilling the dough not only makes it easier to slice but also helps the cookies retain their shape during baking.
-
Slice and bake: Preheat your oven to 200°C (approximately 400°F). Once the dough is thoroughly chilled, unwrap each log and slice into 1/4 inch thick rounds. Place the rounds on an ungreased baking sheet, spacing them about an inch apart to allow for spreading.
-
Bake: Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake for 6-7 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies begin to turn golden brown. Keep a close eye on them as shortbread can quickly go from perfectly baked to overdone.
-
Cool and enjoy: Once baked, transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. These Cherry Almond Shortbread cookies are best enjoyed with a cup of tea or coffee, or packaged up as thoughtful gifts for friends and family.
So there you have it – a simple yet sensational recipe for Cherry Almond Shortbread that’s sure to impress! Whether you’re baking up a batch for a holiday gathering or simply treating yourself to a cozy night in, these buttery, nutty, and fruity cookies are guaranteed to delight your taste buds. Happy baking! 🍪✨
