Italian Cherry Almond Cookies (Dairy-Free & Gluten-Free)

These Italian Cherry Almond Cookies are a delightful treat that combines the natural sweetness of maraschino cherries with the rich, nutty flavor of almond flour. The combination of almond extract and lemon zest adds a refreshing and aromatic twist to these cookies, while the chewy texture offers a satisfying bite. Perfect for those with dietary restrictions, this recipe is both dairy-free and gluten-free, making it accessible to a wider audience without sacrificing flavor. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply craving a homemade treat, these cookies are sure to become a new favorite. With their elegant appearance and burst of cherry sweetness, they make for an irresistible addition to any cookie jar or dessert platter. These cookies are simple to make, requiring only a few pantry staples, and they can be enjoyed by everyone—whether or not they have food sensitivities. Whether served at a holiday gathering or as an everyday snack, these cookies are bound to impress with their combination of almond flavor, bright citrus, and sweet cherry centers.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Naturally Gluten-Free and Dairy-Free

These cookies are naturally gluten-free and dairy-free, making them a perfect choice for those with gluten or dairy sensitivities, without compromising on flavor.

2. Simple Ingredients

With just a few basic ingredients—almond flour, sugar, and eggs—this recipe is easy to prepare and requires no special ingredients or complicated techniques.

3. Unique Flavor Profile

The combination of almond extract, lemon zest, and maraschino cherries creates a flavorful cookie that’s both sweet and aromatic, with a perfect balance of tartness from the cherries.

4. Chewy and Delicious Texture

Almond flour provides a moist, chewy texture, making each bite tender and satisfying without being too heavy.

5. Customizable Toppings

While maraschino cherries are the traditional choice, you can easily swap them for other types of cherries or even dried fruit to create different flavor variations.

Ingredients

• 2 ¼ cups almond flour
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• Zest from 1 small lemon
• 2 egg whites (from 2 large eggs)
• ¾ teaspoon almond extract
• ¾ cup powdered sugar
• 18 maraschino cherries (or Luxardo cherries), drained and patted dry

Variations

This recipe is highly customizable and can be adapted based on your preferences or what you have on hand. Here are a few ideas:

• Cherry Substitution: While maraschino cherries are traditional, you can use fresh cherries or dried cherries for a different flavor profile.
• Citrus Twist: Try substituting lemon zest with orange zest for a sweeter, citrusy variation.
• Almond Flour Alternatives: If you don’t have almond flour, you can use finely ground cashew flour or coconut flour, though it may slightly alter the texture.
• Add-ins: For added texture and flavor, you can incorporate finely chopped pistachios, dark chocolate chips, or a sprinkle of sea salt on top before baking.

How to Make Italian Cherry Almond Cookies

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the almond flour, granulated sugar, and lemon zest. Stir until well combined.

Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk the egg whites and almond extract until frothy. Add the egg white mixture to the dry ingredients and mix until a dough forms. It should be slightly sticky but easy to handle.

Step 4: Form the Cookies

Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of the dough and roll them into balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

Step 5: Press the Cherries

Gently press one maraschino cherry into the center of each dough ball. Lightly press the dough around the edges to secure the cherry.

Step 6: Coat with Powdered Sugar

Roll each cookie in powdered sugar, making sure they are fully coated. This step will create a delicate, crackled appearance as they bake.

Step 7: Bake

Bake the cookies for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the cookies have set. Be sure to keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking, as almond flour cookies can brown quickly.

Step 8: Cool and Serve

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy!

Tips for Making Italian Cherry Almond Cookies

• Egg Whites: Ensure that your egg whites are whipped until frothy, as this will help create a light, airy texture in the cookies.
• Don’t Overmix: Once the dough comes together, stop mixing. Overmixing can result in denser cookies.
• Press the Cherries Gently: When placing the cherries on top of the cookies, be gentle. Pressing too hard can cause the cherries to sink into the dough too much.
• Powdered Sugar Coating: The powdered sugar coating creates a beautiful crackled effect as the cookies bake, so don’t skip this step!

How to Serve Italian Cherry Almond Cookies

These Italian Cherry Almond Cookies can be served as a sweet treat for afternoon tea, a snack with your morning coffee, or a festive addition to your holiday cookie tray. The maraschino cherries add a pop of color, making these cookies perfect for celebrations. Pair them with a refreshing glass of iced tea or a rich espresso for an Italian-inspired dessert experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4-5 days. They will maintain their chewy texture and flavor for several days.

Freezing

These cookies freeze well. After they’ve cooled completely, place them in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. To thaw, simply let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving.

Reheating

To reheat, place the cookies in a warm oven (around 250°F/120°C) for 5-7 minutes. This will help restore their softness and freshness.

FAQs

1. Can I use regular flour instead of almond flour?

This recipe is designed specifically for almond flour. If you need a substitute, you might try gluten-free all-purpose flour, though it may alter the texture.

2. Can I use another type of extract?

Yes, you can substitute almond extract with other extracts like vanilla or hazelnut for a different flavor.

3. Can I make these cookies without the cherries?

While the cherries provide color and sweetness, you can leave them out or replace them with dried fruit, like cranberries or apricots.

4. Are these cookies suitable for someone on a paleo diet?

These cookies are dairy-free and gluten-free, but since they contain sugar, they may not be considered fully paleo.

5. How do I know when the cookies are done baking?

The cookies will be golden on the edges, and the centers will have set but still appear soft. They will firm up as they cool.

6. Can I make these cookies vegan?

Yes, you can replace the egg whites with aquafaba (the liquid from canned chickpeas) or flax eggs to make these cookies vegan.

7. Can I use frozen cherries instead of maraschino cherries?

Yes, you can use frozen cherries, but be sure to thaw and dry them thoroughly before placing them on the dough to prevent excess moisture.

8. Can I add chocolate chips to the dough?

Yes, chocolate chips would pair nicely with the almond flavor and cherries. Just fold them into the dough before forming the cookies.

9. Can I reduce the sugar?

You can reduce the granulated sugar slightly if you prefer a less sweet cookie, but keep in mind that the cookies may not hold together as well without enough sugar.

10. Can I make the dough in advance?

Yes, you can make the dough ahead of time. Wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate it for up to 2 days before baking.

Conclusion

These Italian Cherry Almond Cookies are the perfect combination of light, chewy, and slightly sweet, with a lovely almond flavor and a touch of citrus. Their dairy-free and gluten-free qualities make them suitable for a wide range of dietary needs, while the maraschino cherries add a colorful and flavorful touch. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion, a holiday gathering, or simply craving a sweet snack, these cookies are sure to impress. With their simple ingredients and easy preparation, they’re a delightful treat anyone can enjoy.

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