Cranberry Almond Cookies
Delightful cranberry almond cookies feature a buttery, sweet flavor with tart cranberries and crunchy almonds, perfect for festive gatherings or a sweet treat anytime.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream butter and sugar until fluffy.
- Add egg and beat well.
- Blend in almond extract.
- In a separate bowl, combine flour, salt, cranberries, and chopped almonds.
- Gradually mix dry ingredients into wet ingredients until well combined.
- Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until golden brown.
- Allow cookies to cool on a wire rack before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using brown sugar instead of white sugar. You can substitute the almonds with walnuts or pecans for a different texture. Ensure your butter is at room temperature for easier creaming with sugar. If you want a little zest, add a pinch of orange zest to the dough. Keep an eye on the baking time as ovens vary.
Serving Suggestions
These cranberry almond cookies are delightful on their own or paired with a cup of tea or coffee. For a festive touch, serve them alongside Betty Maloney'S Fruit Salad during holiday gatherings. You can also crumble them over vanilla ice cream for a delicious dessert. They make excellent gifts when packaged in decorative boxes.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, place them in the refrigerator for up to two weeks or freeze them in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. To enjoy them warm, reheat in the oven at 300°F for a few minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cranberry Almond Cookies contains roughly 218 calories, with 5g protein, 17g carbohydrates, and 16g fat. It is a good source of dietary fiber (11% of the Daily Value) and protein (10% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 3g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?
While you can use fresh cranberries, they will add moisture and a tart flavor that may alter the cookie's texture. Dried cranberries are recommended for sweetness and consistency. If using fresh, consider increasing the sugar slightly and adjusting the baking time.
What can I use instead of almond extract?
If you don't have almond extract, you can substitute it with vanilla extract for a different flavor profile. However, keep in mind that it will not replicate the distinctive taste of almond. For a nuttier taste, consider using hazelnut extract if available.
How do I make these cookies gluten-free?
To make gluten-free cranberry almond cookies, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. Ensure that all other ingredients, such as baking powder and any mix-ins, are also gluten-free. This will help maintain the texture and taste of the cookies.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).