Cherry Almond Refrigerator Cookies

Looking for a tasty holiday dessert? Then check out these cherry almond cookies that can be made ahead of time. ...MORE + LESS -

1/2 cup (125 mL) slivered almonds

1 cup (250 mL) butter or margarine, softened

1 cup (250 mL) granulated sugar

1/2 cup (125 mL) packed brown sugar

1 egg

1 tsp (5 mL) almond extract

2 1/2 cups (625 mL) all-purpose flour

1 1/2 tsp (7 mL) baking powder

1/2 tsp (2 mL) salt

1 cup (250 mL) chopped red candied cherries

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1

Sprinkle almonds in ungreased heavy skillet. Cook over medium heat 5 to 7 minutes, stirring frequently until nuts begin to brown, then stirring constantly until nuts are light brown. Cool 10 minutes. In food processor, process almonds until finely chopped; set aside.
2

In large bowl, beat butter, granulated sugar and brown sugar with electric mixer on medium speed until smooth and creamy. Add egg and almond extract; beat on medium speed until smooth. On low speed, beat in flour, baking powder and salt until dough forms. Stir in cherries and chopped almonds.
3

Form dough into 2 (8-inch) logs. Wrap in plastic wrap or waxed paper. Refrigerate at least 2 hours.
4

Heat oven to 375ºF. Cut dough into 1/8- to 1/4-inch slices. On ungreased cookie sheets, place slices 2 inches apart.
5

Bake 7 to 9 minutes or until edges start to turn golden brown. Cool 1 minute; remove from cookie sheets to cooling racks.

Make Ahead: These are ideal holiday cookies. You can keep the logs of dough in the refrigerator up to 2 weeks and bake them as you need fresh cookies. Or double-wrap them and freeze up to 1 month.
Make It Special: Add an elegant look to these cookies by piping with powdered sugar drizzle. It is quick and easy if you line up rows of cookies so you can just pipe along a long row. Separate the cookies slightly as they set so they do not stick together.