Monday, February 28, 2011

Almond Butter and Cherry Cookies


  
Today,we all seem to know someone who has some form of food allergy. Unfortunately one of the most notorious being, a peanut allergy. Gone are the days, when almost everyone was able to enjoy the classic peanut butter cookie. So with this in mind, I decided why not take a standard peanut butter cookie recipe, and concoct a special one for all my friends out there who have had to deprive themselves of this little pleasure in life.  I figured why not substitute almond butter for peanut butter, and add loads of toasted almond slices for that much needed crunchy bite. To make the cookies even more delightful, I added some dried cherries which we all know marry so well with the flavour of almonds. They might not be the peanut butter cookie we've all grown to love, but I do hope that this recipe will satisfy that craving for all of you out there with this particular food allergy. For the rest of us, I hope the recipe will make a nice addition to our present collection. Enjoy!

Ingredients:
1 1/2 cup all purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup soft butter
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 cup almond butter
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 egg
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
1 cup sliced almonds
1/2 cup dried cherries coarsely chopped

Place the almonds on a baking sheet and bake for 5-7 minutes in 350º F oven until golden.  Set aside.
In a mixing bowl beat the butter and sugar until thick and creamy. Beat in the egg, vanilla and almond extract.  Combine the almond butter into the egg butter mixture. In a separate bowl, blend in the flour (reserving 1-2 tablespoons to coat the chopped cherry pieces), baking soda, and salt. With a wooden spoon incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients. Blend in the almonds and coated cherry pieces. Measure a spoonful of dough and form into balls. Place on a parchment lined baking tray and gently flatten the ball of dough with your hands or fork to about 1/4" disk. Sprinkle each cookie with demerara sugar. Place the cookie dough 1 inch apart and bake in a pre-heated 375ºF oven for 8-10 minutes. Makes 48 cookies

14 comments:

  1. i can feel the taste of almonds & cherry in my mouth !! yummy yumm !!!!

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  2. This sounds fantastic! Thanks for the craving :o)

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  3. One of my husband's favorite cookie's is an almond butter cookie. A lot like it's cousin the peanut butter cookie. I love the addition of dried cherries. That's a lovely idea. Thank yo for sharing the recipe!

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  4. I have never been a big fan of peanut butter cookies-in fact as a kid I always thought peanut butter cookies were made by people who didnt know how to make "good" cookies - LOL ...these sound like the perfect answer.

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  5. What a beautiful combination...they look delicious!

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  6. Love the almond and cherry combo. I feel blessed that no one in family has to deal with allergies, we'll eat anything:) Unfortunately my son's classmate has such a severe allery that they cannot bring in any snacks that contain any type of nut in any way, shape or form, which really restricts alot of my weekday baking for their lunches. Will have to try these on the weekend with a nice espresso.

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  7. Oh! This is a great idea for cookie using almond butter...I absolutely love the idea. And cherry in it is just a perfect combination :-)

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  8. I love those cookies...must be very delicious with almond butter, nuts and dried fruit.

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  9. Hi!! a blog award is waiting for you on my blog

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  10. fabulous! almonds and cherries...we don get almond butter here though. i have that almond ricotta cake of yours in mind.
    thank you!

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  11. perfect with a cup of tea ! have a lovely weekend dear Anna, kisses....

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  12. These are some delicious cookies. Love the combination of flavors. I'll sure eat along with a cup of tea.

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  13. Made 'em, loved 'em. I ate 11 in a row, the veggie ate 9 in one sitting. Had to bring the rest to the office, too tempting to have around.

    Rob on 8

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