Cherry Amaretto Checkerboard Cookies

12 Days of Christmas Cookies: Day 3

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It’s day three of my Twelve Days of Christmas Cookies series, and today’s treat is a blend of elegance and holiday cheer: Cherry Amaretto Checkerboard Cookies. With their vibrant red and golden squares, these cookies look like little edible presents—perfect for the season of giving.

The tangy burst of cherry paired with the rich, almond-infused flavor of amaretto creates a festive twist on a classic buttery cookie. They’re as fun to make as they are to eat, and they’ll add a touch of charm to any cookie platter.

Let’s dive in and bring these checkerboard beauties to life!

Cherry Amaretto Checkerboard Cookies

Recipe by Elise Gangestad
Servings

25-30

Cookies
Prep time

30

minutes
Bake Time

8-10

minutes


A tangy burst of cherry paired with the rich, almond-infused flavor of amaretto creates a festive twist on a classic buttery cookie

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (113 grams)

  • 1/2 cup sugar (100 grams)

  • 1 egg yolk (about 15 grams)

  • 1 teaspoon almond extract

  • 1/2 Tablespoon amaretto

  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (180 grams)

  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder

  • 2 Tablespoons freeze-dried cherries, blended into a powder (I got mine at Trader Joe’s. If you aren’t able to find freeze-dried cherries, freeze-dried strawberries are a great substitute)

  • 1-3 drops of red food coloring (optional)

Directions

  • Cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This will take 1-2 minutes.
  • Beat in the egg yolk, almond extract, and amaretto.
  • Slowly fold in the remaining ingredients except for the cherry powder.
    *If you live in a less humid climate than I do, your dough may be more dry. If your dough is too crumbly, simply at 1-2 Tablespoons of water or milk until it is soft and pliable.
  • Divide the dough into two equal pieces and set one aside.
  • To one half of the dough mix in the cherry powder and red food coloring.
  • Form the dough into two equal size square logs, 2×2 inches tall. Make sure that your logs are as close in size as you can make them.
  • Chill the dough over night.
  • Cut each log into nine equal pieces. Start by cutting each log in thirds and then cut each third into thirds. Keep the pieces in order.
  • Now you will create two new logs from your original two logs. Lay one strip of cherry, one strip of amaretto, then another strip of cherry. Brush a little water between the pieces and gently press them together. Top the three strips with alternating colors, and repeat for the last layer, brushing water between the strips before gently pressing them together.
  • Repeat this with the alternating colors for the second log.
  • Return the dough to the refrigerator for 30 minutes and preheat an oven to 350°F.
  • Slice the cookies into 1/4 inch pieces.
  • Bake for 8-10 minutes. Enjoy!

Notes

     

    Responses

    1. Jessi Avatar

      Hi! I know these are amaretto cookies, but what would you substitute for it? More almond extract?

      1. Elise Gangestad Avatar

        Hello! Yes, I would just add half a teaspoon more of the almond extract if you want to omit the amaretto.

    2. Jade Avatar

      To make ahead, would you freeze at the chilling step? Or after creating the log

      1. Elise Gangestad Avatar

        I would freeze them after creating the log. You could even cut them into cookies before freezing if you want to 🙂

    3. Ash pedigo Avatar

      Hey! Where did you get the freeze dried cherries?

      1. Elise Gangestad Avatar

        I got them from Trader Joe’s. I’ve heard from others that freeze dried strawberries are more available at other stores. If you can’t find freeze dried cherries, freeze dried strawberries will be just as delicious in this recipe! 🙂

    4. Collette Avatar

      Hi! Do you use proper amaretto or amaretto extract? 🙂

      1. Elise Gangestad Avatar

        I used proper amaretto, but amaretto extract would also work!

    Leave a Reply to ColletteCancel reply

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