Cherry-Almond Balls
📜 Collection: Gail Collection | ✍️ Attribution: Unknown | 📂 Category: Desserts A classic holiday cookie featuring a whole candied cherry wrapped inside a tender, buttery almond shortbread dough. These delightful little bites are baked and then rolled in powdered sugar while still warm.
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Inactive / Chill Time | Yield / Servings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25 mins | 20 mins | None | 5 dozen cookies |
🔪 Key Equipment
- large mixing bowl
- electric mixer
- baking sheet
- wire cooling rack
Ingredients
| Measurements | Ingredients | Prep / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 3/4 Cup | Butter | softened |
| 1/3 Cup | Sifted Confectioners’ Sugar | for dough |
| 1 Teaspoon | Vanilla Extract | None |
| 1/4 Teaspoon | Salt | None |
| 2 Cups | Sifted All-Purpose Flour | None |
| 1/2 Cup | Finely Chopped Almonds | None |
| 60 | Whole Candied Cherries | approx. 5 dozen |
| As needed | Additional Sifted Confectioners’ Sugar | for rolling |
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Dough
- Preheat your oven to 325°F.
- In a large bowl, cream together the 3/4 cup butter, 1/3 cup confectioners’ sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 1/4 teaspoon salt until light and fluffy.
- On low speed, gradually add the 2 cups all-purpose flour and 1/2 cup almonds; mix well until a firm dough forms.
Step 2: Assemble and Bake
- Take a teaspoon of dough and flatten it in your hand. Place one whole candied cherry in the center.
- Wrap the dough around the whole candied cherry, completely enclosing it, and roll it into a smooth ball.
- Place the balls on an ungreased baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes until the cookies are set but not browned.
Step 3: Finish
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes until handleable.
- While still warm, roll each ball in additional sifted confectioners’ sugar until well coated, then place on a wire rack to cool completely.
💡 Make-Ahead & Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week or freeze for up to three months.
Original Recipe Scan
