Cherry Almond Snowdrops Recipes

CHERRY-ALMOND SNOWBALLS

Steps:

• Position racks in the upper and lower thirds of the oven and preheat to 350 degrees F. Spread the almonds on a rimmed baking sheet and bake until slightly darkened, about 10 minutes; let cool completely. Transfer to a food processor and pulse until finely ground. Add the flour and pulse to combine.
• Beat the butter in a large bowl with a mixer on medium-high speed until light and fluffy, 3 to 5 minutes. Add 1/2 cup confectioners' sugar, the vanilla and almond extracts, and salt and beat until combined. Reduce the mixer speed to low; add the flour mixture and beat until just incorporated. Cover and refrigerate until slightly firm, about 30 minutes.
• Meanwhile, combine the dried cherries, amaretto and 1 tablespoon water in a small microwave-safe bowl and microwave 30 seconds; set aside until the cherries are plump, about 20 minutes.
• Scoop out a tablespoonful of dough, press a dried cherry into the center, then shape the dough into a ball, enclosing the cherry. Repeat with the remaining dough and cherries and arrange about 1 inch apart on 2 ungreased baking sheets. Bake, switching the position of the pans halfway through, until lightly golden on the bottom, 15 to 20 minutes. Put the remaining 1 cup confectioners' sugar in a large shallow bowl. Let the cookies cool 5 minutes on the baking sheets, then carefully transfer to the bowl with the sugar and gently toss. Transfer to racks to cool completely, then toss in the sugar again.

CHERRY ALMOND CHEWS

Steps:

• In a large bowl, cream shortening and sugars until light and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in extract. Combine flour, baking soda and salt; gradually add to the creamed mixture and mix well. Stir in coconut and nuts if desired. , Drop by rounded teaspoonfuls 2 in. apart onto lightly greased baking sheets. Place a cherry half in the center of each. Bake at 350° for 12-14 minutes or until lightly browned. Remove to wire racks to cool.

CHERRY-ALMOND BALLS

Steps:

• In a small bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add vanilla. Combine flour and salt; gradually add to creamed mixture and mix well. Stir in almonds. , Roll 1 teaspoon of dough around each cherry. Place on greased baking sheets. Bake at 325° for 15-20 minutes or until lightly browned. Remove to wire racks to cool slightly; roll in confectioners' sugar.

CHERRY-ALMOND SNOWBALLS

Steps:

• 1. In a small bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add vanilla. Combine flour and salt, gradually add to creamed mixture, and mix well. Stir in almonds. Roll 1 t. dough around each cherry. Place on greased cookie sheet. Bake at 325 degrees for 15-20 minutes or until lightly browned. Remove to wire rack to cool slightly. Roll in powdered sugar. Makes 5 dozen cookies.

CHERRY-ALMOND SNOW COOKIES

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.
• Combine butter, 1 cup powdered sugar, and white sugar in a large bowl; beat with an electric mixer until creamy. Mix in cherries, amaretto liqueur, cherry juice concentrate, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Beat in ground almonds.
• Combine flour and salt in a separate bowl; add to butter mixture and blend until well combined. Roll dough into 1 1/2-inch balls and place on the prepared baking sheets with room in between, as cookies will expand with baking.
• Bake in the preheated oven until edges are golden, about 20 minutes. Cool on the baking sheets for 10 minutes.
• While cookies are cooling, place remaining 1 cup powdered sugar in a bowl. Coat each cookie in powdered sugar until completely covered. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

CHERRY SNOWBALLS

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350°. Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in water and vanilla. In another bowl, whisk flour, oats and salt; gradually beat into creamed mixture. , Shape 1 tablespoonful of dough around each cherry, forming a ball. Place 2 in. apart on ungreased baking sheets. Bake until bottoms are browned, 18-20 minutes. Remove to wire racks to cool. , Stir together confectioners' sugar and enough milk to reach a smooth dipping consistency. Dip cookies, then roll in coconut. Place on waxed paper; let stand until set.

CHERRY ALMOND PRESERVES

Steps:

• In a stockpot, bring cherries and water to a boil; boil 15 minutes. , Stir in sugar. Bring to a full rolling boil over high heat, stirring constantly. Boil 4 minutes. Stir in pectin. Continue to boil 1 minute, stirring constantly. , Remove from heat; skim off foam. Stir in extract. Ladle hot mixture into 11 hot half-pint jars, leaving 1/4-in. headspace. Remove air bubbles and adjust headspace, if necessary, by adding hot mixture. Wipe rims. Center lids on jars; screw on bands until fingertip tight. , Place jars into canner with simmering water, ensuring that they are completely covered with water. Bring to a boil; process for 10 minutes. Remove jars and cool.