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Christmas Morning Punch Recipe

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4.4 from 65 reviews

These Almond Cherry Cookies are buttery, tender treats with a delightful cherry center, topped with a sweet almond-flavored frosting and red decorating sugar for a festive touch. Perfect for holiday gatherings or anytime you crave a deliciously nutty and fruity cookie.

Ingredients

Cookies

  • ¾ cup slivered almonds, ground
  • 1 cup butter, softened
  • ¾ cup powdered sugar, divided
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 8 ounces maraschino cherries, halved (1 jar), juice reserved
  • 1 teaspoon maraschino cherry juice
  • Red decorating sugar

Frosting

  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 Tablespoon maraschino cherry juice
  • 1 teaspoon almond extract
  • 2-3 Tablespoons milk

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to get it ready for baking the cookies.
  2. Mix Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, ¾ cup powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
  3. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, salt, and ground slivered almonds to evenly distribute the dry ingredients.
  4. Make Cookie Dough: Gradually combine the dry ingredient mixture into the butter mixture, mixing until a dough forms.
  5. Shape Cookies with Cherries: Using about 1 tablespoon of dough, create a small pit in the center and place a halved maraschino cherry in it. Fold the dough over the cherry to form a ball, then place it on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Slightly flatten each cookie dough ball.
  6. Bake the Cookies: Bake at 375°F for 8 to 9 minutes, or until the edges start to turn golden brown. Remove from the oven and transfer cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.
  7. Prepare the Frosting: In a small bowl, mix together 2 cups powdered sugar, 1 tablespoon maraschino cherry juice, and 1 teaspoon almond extract. Add 2 to 3 tablespoons of milk as needed to achieve a dipping consistency.
  8. Frost the Cookies: Dip the tops of cooled cookies into the frosting, flip them over and place back on the wire rack. Immediately sprinkle with red decorating sugar for a festive finish.

Notes

  • Ensure the butter is softened to room temperature for easier mixing.
  • Do not overbake the cookies; they should just start to turn golden at the edges for a tender texture.
  • Adjust frosting milk quantity to get the right consistency for dipping cookies without dripping off too much.
  • Use parchment paper or silicone mats to prevent cookies from sticking to the baking sheet.
  • Chilling the dough is optional but can help with handling if the dough is too sticky.

Find it online: https://forkoria.com/christmas-morning-punch-recipe/