This is my first time making shortbread cookies. I had never really had much interest… as you know, Sugar Cookies are my specialty. I thought, what could be better than a Sugar Cookie? After mowing through a box of Girl Scout Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookies, I got addicted to that crumbly, sandy texture of shortbread. Combine that with, Valentine’s Day and a craving for the Cherry Almond Cupcakes I made last Spring… boom, Cherry Almond Shortbread Heart Cookies are born!
These not too sweet, crumbly, buttery, sophisticated cookies are the perfect adult cookie. They have a delicate texture and flavor that overly decadent cookies (think double chocolate chunk…) can’t match. The addition of dried cherries gives a touch or red and tartness that is magical! And like most good things in life, they are simple. Only a couple of ingredients. No leavening, no eggs. Just a classic and simple cookie.
Package these in cellophane bags with a ribbon and give them to your lady friends or serve them with coffee for dessert at your next bridge party. They are ‘that’ kind of cookie.
Cherry Almond Shortbread
classic cookies with a cherry twist
3/4 pound unsalted butter, room temperature
1 cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon almond extract
3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups small diced dried cherries
In a mixer, cream together butter and sugar for 3 minutes. Add vanilla and almond. Slowly stir in flour and salt. Mix until mixture begins to come together into a ball. Add diced cherries. Dump the mixture onto a floured surface and form into a disk. Wrap in plastic wrap and chill for 20 minutes (if you have time). Roll out the dough to 1/4 inch (I like them thick) and cut into shapes. Bake at 350 degrees on a silpat or parchment lined baking sheet for 18-20 minutes, until the edges brown just slightly.
Another Cherry Almond Recipe… Cherry Almond Cupcake Recipe
Essentials:
Parchment Paper (my new favorite for easy clean up!)