Name: Cherry Almond Cookies {No Chill} Recipe
Prep time: 12 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 24 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 - 12 ounce jar maraschino cherries*, diced small and patted dry (340g); ½ cup unsalted butter, melted (113g); 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon pure almond extract; 2 teaspoons maraschino cherry juice; 1 teaspoon vinegar**; ¾ cup granulated sugar (150g); ¼ cup brown sugar (50g); ½ teaspoon baking soda; ½ teaspoon kosher salt; 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour (220g)

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Get ready to fall in love with these delightful Cherry Almond Cookies {No Chill} Recipe—an absolute gem when you want a quick, effortless treat bursting with bright cherry flavor and a warm almond aroma. This recipe skips the lengthy chilling step, making it perfect for those moments when you crave fresh-baked cookies without the wait. The combination of sweet, juicy maraschino cherries and the subtle nuttiness of almond creates a cookie that’s chewy yet tender, crisp on the edges, and perfectly balanced. Whether it’s a cozy afternoon snack or a lovely gift, these cookies are sure to become a new favorite in your baking repertoire.

Ingredients You'll Need

A flat lay of baking ingredients on a white marbled surface featuring ten separate containers. Starting top left, there is a clear bowl filled with bright yellow melted unsalted butter. To the right, a small white bowl holds soft, loose brown sugar. Below that, a small clear glass bowl contains deep pink maraschino cherry juice. In the center, a scalloped white bowl is filled with white granulated sugar. Below that, a large clear bowl contains white all-purpose flour. To the left, a small fluted silver cup has a small amount of almond extract. Next to it is a clear glass bowl with vinegary liquid. A white large egg sits to the right of the vinegar. Below the egg, a small fluted silver cup contains white baking soda. To its left, a small bowl with a white interior holds bright red maraschino cherries. A small pile of kosher salt is between the baking soda and the vinegar cup. The light is soft and even. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients are refreshingly simple but thoughtfully chosen to create the perfect texture and flavor for your Cherry Almond Cookies {No Chill} Recipe. Each element plays a role, from the rich melted butter that keeps the cookies tender, to the maraschino cherry pieces that add bursts of juicy sweetness and a pop of color. Let’s break down what you’ll need to gather before baking.

Maraschino cherries (12-ounce jar): Dice small and pat dry to prevent soggy dough and ensure even distribution of cherry flavor.

Unsalted butter (½ cup, melted): Adds richness and moisture, helping the cookies melt in your mouth.
Granulated sugar (¾ cup): Sweetens and contributes to the cookie’s light crisp edge.
Brown sugar (¼ cup): Brings a hint of caramel depth and chewiness to the cookie.

Large egg (1): Acts as a binder and adds tenderness.
Pure almond extract (1 teaspoon): Infuses a fragrant nuttiness that perfectly complements the cherries.
Maraschino cherry juice (2 teaspoons): Enhances the natural cherry flavor without any artificial taste.

Vinegar (1 teaspoon): A subtle acidity that balances sweetness and reacts with baking soda for perfect rise.
Baking soda (½ teaspoon): Helps the cookies spread and develop a tender crumb.
Kosher salt (½ teaspoon): Elevates flavors, ensuring the sweetness isn’t cloying.

All-purpose flour (1 ¾ cups): Provides structure while letting the cookies stay soft and tender.

How to Make Cherry Almond Cookies {No Chill} Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Cherries

Start by draining the maraschino cherries completely, removing any stems, and then slicing each cherry into twelve tiny pieces. This might seem like extra work, but trust me, those tiny bursts of cherry in every bite are worth it. Pat them dry carefully with paper towels to avoid adding too much moisture to the dough, which helps keep the cookie texture just right.

Step 2: Preheat and Prep

Set your oven to 350°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. This handy step reduces cleanup and prevents the cookies from sticking, letting them bake evenly on the tray.

Step 3: Mix Butter and Sugars

In a medium-to-large bowl, melt the butter, then whisk in the granulated and brown sugars until completely combined. This mixture sets the stage for a luscious cookie with just the right sweetness level—no grainy sugar bits here, just smooth, creamy goodness.

Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients

Now, whisk in the egg, almond extract, cherry juice, and vinegar. The almond extract is a total game changer here, adding that signature scent and subtle flavor that pairs beautifully with the cherries. The vinegar might seem unexpected, but it works magic by reacting with the baking soda to give a tender crumb.

Step 5: Incorporate Dry Ingredients and Cherries

Sprinkle the baking soda and kosher salt over the wet mix, stir well, then gradually add the flour. Mix gently until just a tiny bit of flour remains visible—you don’t want to overwork the dough. Finally, fold in the chopped cherries carefully to ensure they don’t break down too much but are evenly distributed.

Step 6: Scoop and Bake

Use about 2 tablespoons of dough per cookie and drop onto your prepared pans, leaving about 2 inches between each. This recipe yields approximately 18 cookies. Pop them in the oven for 10 to 12 minutes until the edges set but the centers remain soft and inviting.

Step 7: Finish and Shape

Once baked, let the cookies sit on the pan for a couple of minutes to firm up slightly. If you want perfectly round cookies, a gentle tap on the counter followed by shaping with a large round cutter will do the trick. Then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely and enjoy that heavenly aroma filling your kitchen.

How to Serve Cherry Almond Cookies {No Chill} Recipe

A woman’s hand holds a stack of five round cookies, each about the same size with a golden-brown color. The cookies have visible red chunks scattered throughout, creating a speckled look. The texture of the cookies appears soft and slightly bumpy, with a light crisp edge. The background features a white marbled texture with a blurry stack of similar cookies on a white plate. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For an extra special touch, sprinkle a few finely sliced almonds or a dusting of powdered sugar over the cooled cookies. This adds a delicate crunch and elegant appearance that complements the soft chew of the cookie itself.

Side Dishes

Pair these cookies with a cup of your favorite tea, especially a light green or herbal tea that won’t overpower the cherry and almond notes. Alternatively, a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a glass of cold milk is a classic and comforting combination.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange your Cherry Almond Cookies {No Chill} Recipe on a pretty serving platter with fresh whole cherries or almonds as decoration for a festive look. For gifting, stack a few in a clear cellophane bag tied with a red or pink ribbon—it’s the perfect homemade treat that feels thoughtful and luxurious.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your leftover cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and flavorful for up to 4 days, making them an easy grab-and-go treat.

Freezing

If you want to make a batch ahead of time, freeze the dough balls on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a zip-top bag. When ready to bake, simply place frozen dough on a pan and add a minute or two to the baking time. This way, you can enjoy fresh cookies whenever the craving hits.

Reheating

To reheat your Cherry Almond Cookies {No Chill} Recipe, warm them in a preheated 300°F oven for 3–5 minutes to restore that freshly-baked warmth and softness. Avoid microwaving, as it can make them tough or rubbery.

FAQs

Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries?

While fresh cherries are wonderful, they contain more moisture, which could affect the texture of the cookies. Maraschino cherries provide sweetness and flavor without adding extra liquid, making them ideal for this recipe.

Why is there no chilling time in this Cherry Almond Cookies {No Chill} Recipe?

This recipe is designed for convenience without sacrificing taste or texture. The melted butter and specific ingredient ratios allow the dough to bake perfectly without resting, saving you precious time.

Can I substitute almond extract with vanilla extract?

Vanilla extract will certainly work and create a lovely cookie, though you’ll miss out on that distinctive nutty aroma that sets this recipe apart. If you’re not licensed to almond, vanilla is a great fallback.

How do I prevent the cherries from sinking to the bottom?

Drying the cherries thoroughly before folding them in helps prevent sinking. Also, make sure to fold gently and use just enough flour to maintain a sturdy dough capable of holding the mix-ins evenly.

Will these cookies stay soft or become crunchy?

These cookies are meant to have a slightly crisp edge with a soft and chewy center, thanks to the balance of sugars and fats. If you prefer crunchier cookies, bake a minute or two longer but watch carefully to avoid drying them out.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about whipping up a batch of Cherry Almond Cookies {No Chill} Recipe that feels effortless yet so rewarding. This recipe combines speedy preparation with incredible flavor, so you can treat yourself and your loved ones anytime the craving strikes. Give it a try—you’ll be amazed at how quickly these become a staple in your cookie collection!

Cherry Almond Cookies {No Chill} Recipe

Ingredients You'll Need