Cherry-Almond Refrigerator Cookies

Cherry-Almond Refrigerator Cookies

  • 1 Hour 15 Minutes Prep3 Hours 30 Minutes Total
  • 60 Servings
  • 80 Calories per Serving
Looking for a tasty holiday dessert? Then check out these cherry-almond cookies that can be made ahead of time.

Ingredient List

  • 1/2 cup slivered almonds
  • 1 cup butter or margarine, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1 egg
  • 1 teaspoon almond extract
  • 2 1/2 cups Gold Medal™ all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup chopped red candied cherries

Preparation

  1. Sprinkle almonds in ungreased heavy skillet. Cook over medium heat 5 to 7 minutes, stirring frequently until nuts begin to brown, then stirring constantly until nuts are light brown. Cool 10 minutes. In food processor, process almonds until finely chopped; set aside.
  2. In large bowl, beat butter, granulated sugar and brown sugar with electric mixer on medium speed until smooth and creamy. Add egg and almond extract; beat on medium speed until smooth. On low speed, beat in flour, baking powder and salt until dough forms. Stir in cherries and chopped almonds.
  3. Form dough into 2 (8-inch) logs. Wrap in plastic wrap or waxed paper. Refrigerate at least 2 hours.
  4. Heat oven to 375°F. Cut dough into 1/8- to 1/4-inch slices. On ungreased cookie sheets, place slices 2 inches apart.
  5. Bake 7 to 9 minutes or until edges start to turn golden brown. Cool 1 minute; remove from cookie sheets to cooling racks.

Tips

  • These are ideal holiday cookies. You can keep the logs of dough in the refrigerator up to 2 weeks and bake them as you need fresh cookies. Or double-wrap them and freeze up to 1 month.
  • Add an elegant look to these cookies by piping with powdered sugar drizzle. It is quick and easy if you line up rows of cookies so you can just pipe along a long row. Separate the cookies slightly as they set so they don’t stick together.

Nutrition Information

Daily Values (Amount per serving)

Total Fat 3 1/2g 6%, Saturated Fat 2g 10%, Cholesterol 10mg 4%, Sodium 60mg 2%, Potassium 20mg 1%, Total Carbohydrate 12g 4%, Dietary Fiber 0g 0%, Vitamin A 2%, Vitamin C 0%, Calcium 0%, Iron 0%, Vitamin D 0%, Vitamin E 0%, Thiamin 2%, Riboflavin 2%, Niacin 0%, Vitamin B6 0%, Folic Acid 0%, Vitamin B12 0%, Pantothenic Acid 0%, Phosphorus 0%, Magnesium 0%, Zinc 0%, Selenium 4%, Copper 0%, Manganese 4%

Other Nutrients (Amount per serving)

Calories 80, Calories from Fat 35, Trans Fat 0g, Monounsaturated Fat 1g, Polyunsaturated Fat 0g, Soluble Fiber 0g, Insoluble Fiber 0g, Sugars 7g, Protein 1g, Beta-Carotene 0%, Omega-3 0g, Carbohydrate Choice 1, Starch 1/2, Fruit 0, Other Carbohydrate 1/2, Skim Milk 0, Low-Fat Milk 0, Milk 0, Vegetable 0, Very Lean Meat 0, Lean Meat 0, Medium-Fat Meat 0, High-Fat Meat 0, Fat 1/2, Fruits 0c, Vegetables 0c, Grains 0oz-eq, Meat & Beans 0oz-eq, Dairy 0c, Fats & Oils 1tsp