The Best Vegan Cherry Almond Cookies Easy Recipe

Craving a cookie that’s both utterly delicious and completely vegan?

You’re in the right place! These Vegan Cherry Almond Cookies are not only incredibly easy to make, but they’re also guaranteed to impress with their delightful flavor and satisfyingly chewy texture. Get ready to experience pure cookie perfection, guilt-free!

Why You’ll Love It

• These cookies are bursting with the perfect balance of sweet cherries and nutty almonds.
• They are surprisingly easy to whip up, even for beginner bakers.
• The texture is amazing – soft and chewy with a slight crispness around the edges.
• They’re completely vegan, making them a great treat for everyone to enjoy.
• They’re perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a casual snack or a special gathering.

What Makes This Recipe Unique?

What sets these Vegan Cherry Almond Cookies apart is the use of almond extract which intensifies the nutty notes, perfectly complementing the sweet and tart dried cherries. We’ve also created a recipe that nails that perfect chewy texture without any eggs or dairy. You won’t believe they are vegan!

Ingredient List

• 1 cup (225g) vegan butter, softened
• ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
• ¼ cup (50g) packed light brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon almond extract
• 2 tablespoons unsweetened almond milk
• 2 ¼ cups (280g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (120g) dried cherries, roughly chopped
• ¾ cup (100g) slivered almonds

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the softened vegan butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add the vanilla extract, almond extract, and almond milk. Mix well.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
6. Fold in the chopped dried cherries and slivered almonds.
7. Drop rounded tablespoons of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving some space between each cookie.
8. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are set.
9. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Optional Toppings/Variations

These cookies are delicious as they are, but feel free to add a drizzle of melted vegan chocolate over the cooled cookies for extra decadence. You could also consider adding a sprinkle of flaky sea salt to enhance the flavors.

Expert Tips

• Make sure your vegan butter is softened, not melted, for the best cookie texture.
• Don’t overmix the dough, which can lead to tough cookies. Mix until just combined.
• Use parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
• Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack. They will continue to set up.
• For a more intense almond flavor, lightly toast the slivered almonds before adding them to the dough.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• Can I use fresh cherries instead of dried? While fresh cherries can be used, dried ones are recommended because they won’t add extra moisture to the dough, ensuring the correct texture of the cookies. If using fresh, be sure to chop them finely and pat them dry before incorporating.
• Can I substitute almond extract? Yes, you can substitute vanilla extract but the almond extract is what really sets these apart. Start with a small amount and taste.
• How should I store the cookies? Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or in the freezer for longer storage.
• Can I freeze the cookie dough? Yes, you can freeze the cookie dough in balls on a baking sheet, and then transfer them to a freezer bag. When ready to bake, simply add a few extra minutes of bake time.
• Can I use a different type of nut? Absolutely! Feel free to substitute the slivered almonds with chopped pecans, walnuts, or even macadamia nuts to change up the flavor and texture profile.

Variations and Customization Options

Want to make these cookies your own? Here are a few ideas:

• Chocolate Chip Cherry Almond: Add ½ cup of vegan chocolate chips for a decadent twist.
• Citrus Zest: Incorporate the zest of one orange or lemon for a bright, aromatic flavor.
• Spiced Cherry Almond: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, comforting taste.

Serving Suggestions

These Vegan Cherry Almond Cookies are perfect on their own with a cup of tea or coffee. They’re also a wonderful addition to a dessert platter, or a delightful treat to bring to a potluck or gathering. Enjoy them any time of day!

Conclusion

These Vegan Cherry Almond Cookies are not only a delight to eat but also a joy to make. They’re simple, flavorful, and versatile enough to cater to different preferences. So, go ahead and try this recipe, and be sure to share your beautiful cookie photos! Don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter for more delicious plant-based recipes.