![Cranberry-Almond Cookies](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.southernliving.com/thmb/w23ocEoN9c0fieCtIotTrGdz5uc=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/almond-cookies-sl-257660-x_1_0-c158f5b9f9aa403187c9a2e33e76017f.jpg)
Studded with fresh cranberries and toasted almond slices and flavored with almond extract, these tasty drop cranberry cookies are a snap to make. They go from the mixing bowl to your plate in just 20 minutes, perfect for satisfying sudden homemade dessert cravings or last-minute bake sale requests.
Because they are made with everyday pantry ingredients, Cranberry-Almond Cookies are a great year-round cookie jar staple, but we especially love them around the holidays because the cranberries add a festive splash of red to any Christmas cookie tin. Plus, the recipe makes three and a half dozen cookies, so you'll have plenty for cookie exchanges, parties, and gift-giving, and more than a few leftover for yourself!
While the recipe is delicious as-is, it's also very adaptable if you would like to change it up a bit. Add a little orange zest to the batter for a bright note that works well with the cranberries and almonds. Or lose the cranberries completely and replace them with raisins or chopped dried apricots.
The slivered almonds can be replaced with chopped pecans, walnuts, or pistachios (for red-and-green Christmas cookies). To tone down the almond flavor, you can swap out the almond extract for vanilla extract. However you choose to make these delightfully easy cookies, we know you'll love them.
Ingredients
-
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
-
3/4 cup granulated sugar
-
3/4 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
-
1/2 tsp. almond extract
-
2 large eggs
-
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
-
1 tsp. baking powder
-
1 tsp. salt
-
2 cups chopped fresh cranberries
-
1 cup slivered almonds, toasted
Directions
-
Beat butter at medium speed with an electric mixer until creamy; gradually add sugars, beating well. Add almond extract and eggs, beating until blended.
-
Combine flour, baking powder, and salt; gradually add to butter mixture, beating at low speed until blended after each addition. Stir in cranberries and almonds. Drop by rounded tablespoonfuls onto ungreased baking sheets.
-
Bake at 375° for 9 to 11 minutes. Remove to wire racks to cool.
Make-Ahead Tip
Freeze baked cookies up to 6 months.