Almond and cherry is a delicious and classic flavor combo that comes together perfectly in these easy Giada De Laurentiis Cherry Almond Thumbprint Cookies! Prepared using almond flour, sugar, honey, lemon zest, and cherry jam.

To make Giada Cherry Almond Thumbprint Cookies, start by toasting almond flour until it’s golden brown. Mix this with sugar, honey, lemon zest, and egg. Shape the dough, add cherry jam to each, and bake at 350°F for 15-17 minutes.

These cookies are just sweet enough, with almond flour giving a great texture and making them gluten-free! They’re so tasty, that you might find yourself wanting to keep them all for yourself. Try making them and let me know if you agree!

Giada Cherry Almond Thumbprint Cookies Ingredients

• 4 cups of almond flour, divided
• 1/2 cup of sugar
• 1/4 cup of honey (such as thyme or clover)
• 1/4 teaspoon of kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon of lemon zest (from 1 large lemon)
• 2 tablespoons of limoncello
• 1 egg
• 3 tablespoons of cherry jam

How To Make Giada Cherry Almond Thumbprint Cookies

1. Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Toast the Almond Flour: Spread 2 cups of almond flour on a rimmed baking sheet. Place it in the oven for 10 to 15 minutes. Stir halfway through, until the flour is golden brown and toasted.
3. Cool the Toasted Flour: Immediately transfer the toasted almond flour to a medium bowl and let it cool for 5 minutes. This prevents overcooking.
4. Prepare the Baking Sheet: Line the baking sheet with a piece of parchment paper. This will prevent the cookies from sticking and make for easy cleanup.
5. Make the Dough: Add the remaining 2 cups of almond flour to the bowl with the toasted flour. Then, add the sugar, honey, salt, lemon zest, limoncello, and egg. Use a rubber spatula to stir until everything is well combined and a dough forms.
6. Form the Cookies: Scoop heaping 1-tablespoon portions of the dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Leave 1 inch between each cookie to allow for spreading. Flatten them slightly with the palm of your hand.
7. Add the Jam: Use your thumb to make a small indent in the center of each cookie. Fill each indent with 1/2 teaspoon of cherry jam, ensuring even distribution.
8. Bake the Cookies: Bake the cookies for 15 to 17 minutes, until they are golden brown and just set. Allow the cookies to cool slightly on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Store the Cookies: Once completely cool, store the cookies in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh and delicious for several days. Enjoy!

What If My Cookies Spread Too Much?

If your Cookies spread too much, it could be because the dough wasn’t chilled enough. Make sure to chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. If they still spread, try adding a little more almond flour next time.

Recipe Tips

• Chill the Dough: For best results, chill the cookie dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before baking. This helps the cookies hold their shape and prevents excessive spreading. It’s like giving the dough a mini nap before the big bake-off.
• Use Fresh Almond Flour: Ensure you’re using fresh almond flour for a better texture and taste in your cookies. Old almond flour can lead to a stale flavor, so check the expiration date and give it a good sniff before using.
• Spoon and Level Flour: When measuring your almond flour, spoon it into the measuring cup and level it off with a knife. This technique prevents packing the flour too tightly and ensures accurate measurements for consistent cookie results.

Recipe Variations

• Add a Nutty Twist: Incorporate chopped pistachios or walnuts into the dough for extra crunch and flavor. This variation adds a delightful twist and boosts the cookie’s nutty profile. Just mix them in gently so they don’t overpower the almond base.
• Try Different Jam Flavors: Swap the cherry jam for raspberry, apricot, or blueberry jam to change up the flavor profile. Each type of jam adds a unique sweetness and tanginess, giving your cookies a whole new taste experience.
• Experiment with Citrus: Add a teaspoon of orange zest or lime zest to the dough for a citrusy zing. This brightens up the cookies and complements the almond and jam beautifully. It’s like giving your cookies a zesty vacation!
• Make Them Vegan: Substitute the egg with a flaxseed meal or chia seeds mixed with water to make the recipe vegan. This swap keeps the cookies just as delicious and suitable for those avoiding animal products. It’s a cookie transformation that’s both tasty and compassionate!

What To Serve With Cherry Almond Thumbprint Cookies

Serve your Cherry Almond Thumbprint Cookies with a hot cup of espresso, a glass of cold milk, a side of fresh fruit salad, some whipped cream, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

You can also pair them with crisp apple slices, rich chocolate sauce, spiced nuts, creamy yogurt, or cheese platters.

How To Store Leftover Cherry Almond Thumbprint Cookies

In The Fridge:

Store your leftover Cherry Almond Thumbprint Cookies in an airtight container. Place the container on a middle shelf to avoid temperature fluctuations. The cookies will stay fresh for up to 1 week. Avoid stacking them to prevent sticking together.

In The Freezer:

To freeze, place the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen solid, transfer them to an airtight freezer bag. They can be stored for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Check out More Giada Dessert Recipes:

• Giada Chocolate Chip Pound Cake
• Giada Cherry-pistachio Biscotti Recipe
• Giada De Laurentiis Butter Cookies