Homemade Cherry Nougat Cookies: Recreating a Beloved Childhood Classic
The holiday season is a magical time, filled with warmth, family, and, of course, an abundance of delicious treats. There’s something truly special about the aroma of freshly baked cookies wafting through the house, instantly transporting you back to cherished childhood memories. Today, we’re diving into a recipe that holds a particular sentimental value in my home: Cherry Nougat Cookies. These delightful, melt-in-your-mouth cookies are a homemade tribute to a classic, bringing a unique blend of sweet cherry and subtle almond flavors to your holiday platter.
For many years, my husband would reminisce about a store-bought cherry cookie his mother used to buy when he was a little boy. He remembered its soft texture, distinct cherry flavor, and the way it felt like a special indulgence. However, his memories were somewhat vague on the exact details, making it a challenging but exciting mission for me to recreate this elusive treat. After countless conversations with his sister and his mom, gathering snippets of information, I embarked on a journey of culinary research and experimentation. My goal wasn’t just to bake a cookie; it was to capture a taste of his past, a comforting echo of childhood joy.
The Quest for the Perfect Cherry Nougat Cookie
The term “nougat” itself often conjures images of chewy, nutty confections. In the context of these cookies, it refers to their wonderfully soft, almost chewy interior that melts delicately in your mouth, a texture that sets them apart from typical shortbreads or sugar cookies. The key lies in the careful balance of butter, powdered sugar, and a touch of granulated sugar, creating a tender crumb that perfectly complements the vibrant flavor of cherry. This recipe aims to replicate that unique texture and taste profile, making it a true showstopper for any festive occasion.
After much trial and error, this recipe emerged as a strong contender. While my husband admits it’s not an exact replica of the cookie from his youth – a memory often idealized by time – it quickly became a huge hit with our entire family. It embodies the essence of what he loved: a rich, buttery cookie bursting with sweet cherry and a hint of almond. I still have another bag of cherry chips tucked away, ready for further experimentation to see what other delicious variations I can dream up. But for now, trust me when I say, you absolutely do not want to miss out on these incredible cookies. They are the perfect addition to any holiday cookie swap or a cozy evening by the fire.
Baking with Love: Family Fun in the Kitchen
One of the greatest joys of baking, especially during the holidays, is sharing the experience with loved ones. It’s not often I get the pleasure of having my husband and our 8-year-old son join me in the kitchen for extended periods. However, when cookies are on the menu, they both tend to gravitate towards the delicious chaos, eager to “test” the dough (a.k.a. snag a few bites!). The day I whipped up these Cherry Nougat Cookies was particularly memorable. The boys hovered around like never before, captivated by the intoxicating aroma that filled our home.
The combination of almond and cherry extract creates a truly incredible fragrance that is both comforting and inviting. It’s a scent that instantly says “holiday baking.” And speaking of the baking process, a word to the wise, learned through a moment of laughter in my own kitchen: always make sure your stand mixer is on the LOWEST setting when you add the powdered sugar! Otherwise, you might find yourself and your kitchen counter covered in a fine, white snow, much to the amusement of any onlookers (like my family!). Such small mishaps often become the most cherished memories, adding an extra layer of sweetness to the baking adventure.
These cookies are more than just a recipe; they’re an experience. They’re about creating new traditions, celebrating family, and savoring the simple pleasures of homemade goodness. The dough is wonderfully pliable and easy to work with, making it a great recipe for bakers of all skill levels. The vibrant cherry chips scattered throughout add delightful bursts of flavor and a beautiful visual appeal that makes them perfect for gifting or displaying on a festive dessert table.
Let’s get baking! Here’s the detailed recipe so you can create these magical Cherry Nougat Cookies in your own kitchen.
Cherry Nougat Cookies
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Ingredients
- 2 cups butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 teaspoon cherry extract
- Red/Pink food coloring, (optional, for a more vibrant color)
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup almonds, pulsed very fine (or almond flour for a smoother texture)
- 1 12 oz package Cherry Chips
- Additional powdered sugar for coating.
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit (160°C). Prepare baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
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In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream together the softened butter, powdered sugar, granulated sugar, salt, almond extract, vanilla extract, and cherry extract until light and fluffy. If you desire pink-hued cookies, add a few drops of red or pink food coloring at this stage until your desired shade is achieved.
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With the mixer on low speed, slowly add the all-purpose flour, a cup at a time, mixing until it is just incorporated and the dough comes together. Be careful not to overmix.
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Gently fold in the finely chopped almonds and cherry chips using a spatula until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
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Divide the cookie dough into four equal quarters. On a lightly floured surface, roll each quarter into a “rope” approximately 1 inch thick. Slice these ropes into cookies about 1/4 inch thick. Place the sliced cookies onto your prepared baking sheets, leaving a little space between each. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are just set and the bottoms are very lightly golden, but the cookies have not started to brown. The key to their soft nougat texture is not to overbake them.
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Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool completely on the baking sheet before transferring. Once entirely cool, gently roll each cookie through additional powdered sugar for a lovely finish.
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Store the cooled and coated cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week to maintain their freshness and soft texture.
Notes
Nutrition Information
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Additional Recipe Info
Tips for Perfect Cherry Nougat Cookies Every Time
Achieving that ideal soft and chewy texture with a delightful burst of cherry flavor is simple with a few key considerations:
- Softened Butter is Crucial: Ensure your butter is truly softened to room temperature, but not melted. This allows it to cream properly with the sugars, creating an aerated base that contributes to the cookies’ light texture.
- Don’t Overmix the Flour: Once you add the flour, mix only until just combined. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, which can lead to tough cookies rather than the desired tender, melt-in-your-mouth consistency.
- Finely Pulsed Almonds: Pulsing the almonds very fine helps them integrate seamlessly into the dough, providing a delicate nutty flavor without large chunks. If you prefer, you can substitute with an equal amount of almond flour for an even smoother cookie.
- Gentle Folding: When adding the chopped almonds and cherry chips, use a spatula and fold them in gently to avoid crushing the chips and overworking the dough.
- Even Thickness for Rolling: Strive for consistency when rolling out your dough ropes. This ensures that all your cookies are roughly the same thickness and will bake evenly.
- Watch the Baking Time: These cookies are meant to be pale. Take them out of the oven before they start to brown significantly, typically around 12-15 minutes. They might seem soft, but they will firm up as they cool while retaining their signature tender crumb.
- Cool Completely Before Coating: It’s essential to let the cookies cool entirely before rolling them in powdered sugar. If they are even slightly warm, the sugar will melt and create a sticky mess instead of a beautiful, delicate coating.
Serving Suggestions and Storage
These Cherry Nougat Cookies are delightful on their own, but they also pair wonderfully with a hot cup of tea or coffee. They make excellent additions to holiday cookie platters, perfect for sharing with friends and family, or as a thoughtful homemade gift. Their vibrant color and enticing aroma make them particularly festive.
For optimal freshness, store your cooled and powdered sugar-dusted Cherry Nougat Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will remain wonderfully soft and flavorful for up to a week. If you’re planning to bake ahead, the unbaked cookie dough can be wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerated for up to 3 days, or frozen for up to a month. Just thaw in the refrigerator before rolling and baking.
Embracing the Holiday Spirit with Every Bite
Baking is more than just following a recipe; it’s about creating warmth, connection, and joy. These Cherry Nougat Cookies, with their unique flavor profile and tender texture, are a testament to that philosophy. They bridge the past and the present, bringing a cherished memory to life and creating new ones with every batch. Whether you’re baking them to relive a childhood favorite, to impress at a holiday gathering, or simply to enjoy a moment of sweet indulgence, these cookies are sure to become a beloved staple in your home.
So, gather your ingredients, call your family into the kitchen, and let the delightful aroma of cherry and almond fill your home. Happy baking, and may your holidays be filled with delicious treats and unforgettable moments!
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