There’s something magically comforting about biting into cookies that perfectly blend chewiness and crunch, sweetness and tartness, and familiar flavors with a surprising twist. The Iced Cherry Toasted Almond Oatmeal Cookies Recipe is exactly that kind of treat—a beautiful harmony of toasted almonds, hearty oats, and bright cherry icing that feels both indulgent and homey. With the delicate almond aroma weaving through every bite and the pop of cherry icing on top, these cookies make the perfect snack or dessert to share with friends, or simply enjoy with a cup of tea on your own. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will quickly become one of your all-time favorites.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows fourteen small, round cookie dough balls placed evenly on white parchment paper lining a gold-colored baking tray. The dough is light tan with visible small oat and nut pieces, giving it a slightly rough texture. To the right of the tray, a metal cookie scoop holds some extra dough, resting on a white marbled surface. Scattered around the tray and scoop are a few almond slices, adding to the baking scene. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This recipe calls for simple, wholesome ingredients that come together to create a cookie with incredible flavor and texture. Each ingredient plays a vital role in giving these cookies their characteristic chew, crunch, and luscious finish.

Almonds: Toasted sliced almonds add a wonderful crunch and a nutty aroma that makes the cookies stand out.
Salted butter: Provides richness and helps create that irresistible chewy texture.
Light brown sugar: Adds moisture and a deep, caramel-like sweetness.
Granulated sugar: Balances sweetness and helps with cookie crispness on the edges.
Egg & egg yolk: Bind the dough while adding extra tenderness to the cookies.
Amaretto & almond extract: Deliver a subtle, warm almond flavor that complements the nuts perfectly.
All-purpose flour: The base that holds everything together.
Old-fashioned rolled oats: Give chew and rustic texture typical of oatmeal cookies.
Baking soda & kosher salt: Leavening and seasoning to balance sweetness and texture.
Frozen tart cherries: The heart of the icing, offering bright, tart notes and beautiful color.
Powdered sugar & milk: Create a smooth, luscious icing that pairs beautifully with the cookie.

How to Make Iced Cherry Toasted Almond Oatmeal Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Toast the Almonds for Perfect Crunch

Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F and lining a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Spread the sliced almonds on the sheet and toast them until golden brown, fragrant, and crunchy—about 10 to 13 minutes. Keep an eye on them and stir halfway through to toast evenly. This step is key for enhancing their nutty flavor and adding a satisfying crunch that will elevate the cookies.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, cream together the softened salted butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar on medium speed. This process incorporates air, resulting in a light and creamy base that makes the cookies tender. Once combined, add the egg, egg yolk, amaretto, and almond extract. Mix again until smooth and creamy to marry those almond-y flavors beautifully.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients and Mix

Stir together the all-purpose flour, rolled oats, baking soda, and kosher salt. Gradually add these to the wet mixture on medium-low speed and mix until just combined. Then fold in half of the toasted almonds into the dough—this ensures a lovely distribution of almond crunch within the cookies. Resist overmixing to keep your cookies tender and chewy.

Step 4: Shape and Bake the Cookies

Roll 2 tablespoons of dough into balls and space them about 2 inches apart on your baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 13 minutes or until the edges are just golden brown. Allow the cookies to cool on the sheet for 5 to 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. This gentle cooling helps the cookies set without losing softness inside.

Step 5: Prepare the Cherry Icing

While the cookies cool, combine the frozen tart cherries and granulated sugar in a small pot. Over medium heat, cook and mash the cherries until they release their juices and thicken slightly—about 5 minutes. Strain the cherry mixture through a sieve to extract smooth juice, then mix it with powdered sugar, milk, and almond extract to create a thick, luscious icing. Adjust with milk as needed for the perfect consistency.

Step 6: Ice and Garnish the Cookies

Generously spoon about 2 teaspoons of cherry icing onto each cooled cookie and gently spread it out with the back of a spoon. Immediately sprinkle the remaining toasted almonds on top for added texture and flavor. Allow the icing to harden completely—about 10 minutes—before digging in. This finishing step gives the cookies their signature glossy, almond-studded cherry crown.

How to Serve Iced Cherry Toasted Almond Oatmeal Cookies Recipe

The image shows a cooling rack with oatmeal cookies on top placed on a white marbled surface. Some cookies are plain golden-brown with a rough texture, while others are covered with a shiny pink glaze on the top layer, garnished with toasted almond slices. A spoon with pink glaze is being held above one cookie by a woman's hand, spreading the glaze. Nearby, there are two small white bowls: one with more pink glaze and one filled with toasted almond slices. Some almonds and drops of pink glaze are scattered around the cookies and on the white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Sprinkling extra toasted almonds on top of the iced cookies not only boosts their crunch but also adds a visually delightful touch. For a pop of color and extra festive look, consider adding a few whole dried cherries or a light dusting of powdered sugar right before serving.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair wonderfully with a warm beverage like chai tea, coffee, or a creamy latte. For a fresh contrast, a cup of cold milk or a dollop of vanilla Greek yogurt complements the almond and cherry flavors perfectly, making any snack break feel special.

Creative Ways to Present

Try stacking the cookies on a pretty plate, tied together with a thin ribbon for gifting or serving at a party. Another fun idea is to serve the cookies with small bowls of cherry jam and whipped cream on the side for a dessert bar vibe. If you’re feeling extra festive, drizzle a little melted dark chocolate over the iced cookies for an elegant finishing touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once completely cooled and iced, store the Iced Cherry Toasted Almond Oatmeal Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh and chewy for about 4 to 5 days, making them perfect for prepping ahead for a week of sweet treats.

Freezing

These cookies freeze beautifully. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze initially, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. When wrapped well, they can last for up to 3 months. Thaw them thaw at room temperature before icing or enjoy them as a frozen snack.

Reheating

If you like your cookies warm, pop a cookie or two into a 300-degree F oven for about 5 minutes. This will soften them up just enough, and if you stored them without icing, feel free to ice them fresh after warming for the best experience.

FAQs

Can I use fresh cherries instead of frozen?

Absolutely! Fresh cherries will work well if they are tart and pitted. Just adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure they break down into a sauce for the icing.

What can I substitute for amaretto?

If you don’t have amaretto, vanilla extract or almond extract alone can be used. Keep in mind amaretto brings a slight sweetness and depth that enhances the cookie, so consider adding a little extra almond extract if skipping amaretto.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes! Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup. Make sure the oats are certified gluten-free to avoid any cross-contamination.

Is there a vegan version of this recipe?

You can try substituting the butter with vegan margarine and the eggs with flax eggs or another egg replacer. The texture and flavor might vary slightly, but it’s worth experimenting if you prefer vegan baking.

How thick should the icing be?

The icing should be thick enough to hold its shape when spread on the cookies but still soft enough to easily spoon and spread. If it’s too runny, add more powdered sugar. If too thick, add milk a little at a time.

Final Thoughts

There’s a real joy in baking cookies that bring together so many wonderful flavors and textures, and this Iced Cherry Toasted Almond Oatmeal Cookies Recipe is a shining example. Whether you’re baking to celebrate, to share with friends, or just to treat yourself, these cookies never disappoint. I hope you enjoy making and eating them as much as I do!