If you have a soft spot for delicate, melt-in-your-mouth treats that carry a hint of something truly special, you are going to love this Italian Soft Almond Cookies with Cherries Recipe. These cookies combine the nutty richness of almond flour with the bright zing of lemon zest and the sweet jewel-like surprise of a candied cherry nestled right in the center. They come together quickly and effortlessly, offering a crispy-soft texture that feels like a warm hug with every bite. Whether you’re baking for a cozy afternoon coffee or a festive celebration, this recipe will quickly become one of your favorites to share and savor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering just a handful of simple, pantry-friendly ingredients is all it takes to make these irresistible Italian Soft Almond Cookies with Cherries Recipe. Each one plays a crucial role—from providing that signature soft texture to infusing subtle citrus brightness and a touch of elegant almond flavor.
- Almond flour: The foundational ingredient that gives these cookies their tender, grainy bite and rich nuttiness.
- Granulated sugar: Adds balanced sweetness and helps with the cookie’s structure.
- Lemon zest: Brings a lively, fresh aroma that brightens the whole cookie.
- Egg whites: Used to bind the ingredients while keeping the cookies wonderfully soft.
- Almond extract: Enhances the almond flavor, making each bite deeply satisfying.
- Powdered sugar: Coats the cookies in a delicate sugary shell that crisps up beautifully.
- Candied cherries: Adds a pop of color, sweetness, and a festive touch right in the center of every cookie.
How to Make Italian Soft Almond Cookies with Cherries Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a cookie sheet with parchment paper. This simple setup ensures your cookies bake evenly and come off the tray effortlessly without sticking, creating the perfect base for shaping your dough.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients and Flavor
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the almond flour, granulated sugar, and freshly grated lemon zest. This blend of dry ingredients not only delivers the cookie’s texture but also layers in aroma and sweetness, preparing the palate for the soft batter that will follow.
Step 3: Add Egg Whites and Almond Extract
Pour in the egg whites and almond extract, then stir gently but thoroughly with a fork or spatula. The mixture should come together with no dry patches visible, signaling a sticky and cohesive dough that will hold its shape perfectly as the cookies bake.
Step 4: Knead and Shape the Dough
Lightly knead the dough with your hands to ensure everything sticks well. The consistency will be soft, sticky, and just slightly grainy from the almond flour—a good sign you’re on the right track. Pinch off 22 equal pieces and roll each into a smooth ball.
Step 5: Coat and Add Cherries
Roll each dough ball generously in powdered sugar, then place it spaced out on the cookie sheet. Nestle a candied cherry gently into the center of each cookie, pressing just enough so it stays put without flattening the dough. This step gives the cookies their iconic look and a beautiful burst of flavor with every bite.
Step 6: Bake and Cool
Bake the cookies for exactly 10 minutes. Keep an eye out—they shouldn’t brown but will hold their original pale color and shape. Let them cool completely on the baking tray to allow the crisp outer shell to set while the inside remains irresistibly soft and tender.
How to Serve Italian Soft Almond Cookies with Cherries Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra touch of elegance, dust these cookies with a little extra powdered sugar just before serving or sprinkle some finely chopped toasted almonds around your serving platter. These simple finishes add a beautiful crunch contrast and a festive look that invites guests to dive right in.
Side Dishes
This Italian Soft Almond Cookies with Cherries Recipe pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of espresso, rich cappuccino, or even a sweet dessert wine like Moscato. The bitterness or sweetness of these drinks complements the cookie’s almond and cherry notes perfectly, creating a harmonious flavor experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange the cookies in small decorative tins or on pretty platters lined with parchment paper for gifting or parties. You can even stack them between sheets of wax paper in a glass jar to showcase the colorful cherries. Serving with a small bowl of fresh whipped cream or mascarpone on the side adds a creamy element and turns this treat into an elegant bite-sized dessert.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can keep these cookies fresh for up to a week by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. Make sure they are completely cooled before storing to prevent any moisture buildup that could soften their delightful outer shell.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, these almond cookies freeze beautifully. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring to a freezer-safe container or bag. When you’re ready, simply thaw at room temperature for a few hours and enjoy their soft, chewy perfection all over again.
Reheating
To refresh your cookies after storage or freezing, warm them gently in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes. This will lightly crisp up the exterior while keeping the centers soft and chewy, as if they were freshly baked.
FAQs
Can I substitute almond flour with regular flour?
While you could try, almond flour is essential to the soft texture and nutty flavor that defines this recipe. Regular flour will result in a different texture and taste, likely less tender and without the distinctive almond character.
Are these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, since the recipe uses almond flour instead of wheat flour, these cookies are naturally gluten-free, making them a great treat for those with gluten sensitivities.
Can I use fresh cherries instead of candied cherries?
Fresh cherries have a lot of moisture which could affect the dough’s consistency and baking time. Candied cherries are recommended because they add sweetness and hold their shape well during baking.
What if I don’t have almond extract?
Almond extract enhances the nutty flavor profoundly, but if you don’t have it on hand, you can omit it or substitute with a small amount of vanilla extract, which will provide a different yet still pleasant flavor.
Why do the cookies stay soft instead of crunchy?
The combination of almond flour and egg whites creates a tender, moist crumb. Baking at a moderate temperature and for a short time sets the outside while leaving the inside soft, which is exactly what makes this Italian Soft Almond Cookies with Cherries Recipe so special.
Final Thoughts
Embracing the charm of this Italian Soft Almond Cookies with Cherries Recipe feels like welcoming a sweet piece of tradition into your kitchen. With its gorgeous simplicity and delightful flavors, it’s a recipe you’ll want to turn to again and again, whether for daily indulgences or special occasions. Give it a try—you’ll quickly see why it becomes a cherished favorite among friends and family.
Print
Italian Soft Almond Cookies with Cherries Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 22 cookies
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Delight in these Italian soft almond cookies with cherries featuring a tender, slightly grainy texture highlighted by almond flour and a hint of lemon zest. Sweetened with granulated sugar and topped with candied cherries, these cookies are lightly dusted in powdered sugar, baked to perfection for a soft center and delicate outer shell, making them an irresistible treat for all occasions.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups almond flour
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 lemon (zested)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
Wet Ingredients
- 2 egg whites (from large eggs)
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
Topping
- 22 candied cherries (100 g or 3.5 ounces)
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cookie sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a bowl, combine the almond flour, granulated sugar, and finely grated lemon zest. This mixture forms the flavorful base of your cookies.
- Add wet ingredients: Incorporate the egg whites and almond extract into the dry mix. Stir thoroughly with a fork or spatula until you achieve a uniform, moist dough free of dry spots.
- Knead the dough: Lightly knead the dough to ensure all ingredients are well combined. The dough should be soft, sticky, and slightly grainy due to the almonds.
- Form cookie balls: Tear off 22 even portions of dough, rolling each into a ball. Then, roll each ball generously in powdered sugar to coat.
- Arrange and top: Place the sugar-coated dough balls onto the lined cookie sheet. Press one candied cherry into the center of each ball, nesting it securely without flattening the cookie.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10 minutes. The cookies should not brown; they will look nearly identical to their pre-baked state when removed from the oven.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool completely on the baking sheet. This step helps the outer shell to set while maintaining a soft, tender center.
- Store: Keep the cooled cookies in an airtight container for up to 7 days to preserve freshness and texture.
Notes
- Do not overbake; the cookies should remain pale and soft inside.
- Ensure egg whites are well incorporated to bind the almond flour mixture.
- You can substitute candied cherries with glacé cherries if preferred.
- For a stronger almond flavor, consider toasting the almond flour lightly before mixing.
- These cookies are best enjoyed within a week for optimal freshness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
