These festive cookies combine the sweet nuttiness of almond extract, the tropical flavor of coconut, and the bright pop of maraschino cherries—creating a cookie that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
Whether you tint the dough red or green for Christmas or leave it naturally golden, these cookies instantly stand out on any holiday platter.
Rolled in shredded coconut for extra texture and topped with a jewel-like cherry, they give you all the cozy nostalgia of classic Christmas baking with a fun modern twist.
They’re simple to make from scratch, naturally festive, and wonderfully customizable—making them perfect for cookie exchanges, gift tins, or Christmas Eve dessert plates..
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Why You Will Love These Coconut Cherry Almond Cookies
- Bakery-style flavor: Almond extract + coconut + cherries = holiday perfection.
- Beautiful presentation: Tint the dough red or green for Christmas, or leave it classic.
- Easy to customize: Add white chocolate chips, chocolate chunks, nuts, or citrus zest.
- Soft and chewy texture: Rolling the dough in coconut helps keep the cookies moist.
- Perfect for gifting: They stay soft for days and pack beautifully.
Tips for Making the Best Coconut Cherry Almond Cookies
- dough can be left plain with no color, or for a festive look, add some red or green food coloring
- always refrigerate the dough for at least an hour
- beat the egg whites until frothy to smoother dipping
- any kind of nuts can be used, or coconut
- add some mini chocolate chips to the batter for a cherry chip cookie
- fold in some white chocolate chips instead of chocolate with pink batter for the Christmas cookie tray
- add orange extract, lemon extract, or cherry extract
- add holiday-themed sprinkles or funfetti to the batter
Additions and Mix-ins
- White chocolate chips: Pair perfectly with coconut and cherries.Dark or semi-sweet chocolate chunks: For a richer, more indulgent cookie.
- Finely chopped almonds or pecans: Add crunch and enhance the almond flavor.
- Citrus zest: Lemon, orange, or lime zest brightens the dough.
- Mini maraschino cherry pieces: Fold chopped cherries into the dough for extra cherry flavor.
- Almond paste pieces: For a bakery-style almond punch.
- Coconut extract: Boost the tropical notes with just ¼ teaspoon added to the dough
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Why Make These Cookies? Final Thoughts
Coconut Cherry Almond Cookies are the kind of cookie that instantly feels nostalgic but still brings a fresh, festive flair to your holiday baking.They’re easy enough for beginners, customizable enough for creative bakers, and impressive enough for any Christmas cookie platter.
Whether you make them classic or jazz them up with chocolate and colorful dough, these cookies are guaranteed to spread cheer with every bite.
Yield: 30
Coconut Cherry Almond Cookies
These festive cookies combine the sweet nuttiness of almond extract, the tropical flavor of coconut, and the bright pop of cherry deliciousness
Prep time: 15 MinCook time: 10 MinTotal time: 25 Min
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 2 drops green food coloring (optional)
- 1/2 cup corn syrup
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 2 egg yolks save the egg whites
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- Garnish:
- Coconut or finely chopped nuts
- Chopped maraschino cherries for the center
- Reserved egg whites beaten
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl using an electric beater, cream the sugar and butter together for 3 minutes.
- Add the corn syrup, almond extract, 2 egg yolks (save the egg whites), and the flour, and mix just until this makes a soft, evenly blended dough.
- Refrigerate 1 hour.
- Roll into balls, dip in beaten egg whites, then into coconut (or chopped nuts. Add a cherry in the center.
- Bake at 350 degrees just until the edges begin to brown, around 7 to 10 minutes.
Notes
Tips for Making the Best Coconut Cherry Almond Cookies
- dough can be left plain with no color, or for a festive look, add some red or green food coloring
- always refrigerate the dough for at least an hour
- beat the egg whites until frothy to smoother dipping
- any kind of nuts can be used, or coconut
- add some mini chocolate chips to the batter for a cherry chip cookie
- fold in some white chocolate chips instead of chocolate with pink batter for the Christmas cookie tray
- add orange extract, lemon extract, or cherry extract
- add holiday-themed sprinkles or funfetti to the batter
Additions and Mix-ins
- White chocolate chips: Pair perfectly with coconut and cherries.Dark or semi-sweet chocolate chunks: For a richer, more indulgent cookie.
- Finely chopped almonds or pecans: Add crunch and enhance the almond flavor.
- Citrus zest: Lemon, orange, or lime zest brightens the dough.
- Mini maraschino cherry pieces: Fold chopped cherries into the dough for extra cherry flavor.
- Almond paste pieces: For a bakery-style almond punch.
- Coconut extract: Boost the tropical notes with just ¼ teaspoon added to the dough
Nutrition Facts
Calories
127Fat (grams)
7 gSat. Fat (grams)
4 gCarbs (grams)
16 gFiber (grams)
0 gNet carbs
15 gSugar (grams)
8 gProtein (grams)
1 gSodium (milligrams)
53 mgCholesterol (grams)
29 mg
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Coconut Cherry Almond Cookies Pin for later
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