Cherry Almond Shortbread Wedges

Featured in: Weekend Home Bakes

These cherry almond shortbread wedges offer a tender, buttery texture with tart dried cherries and fragrant almond extract. The dough comes together quickly without chilling and bakes to golden perfection, crisp at the edges and melt-in-your-mouth soft in the center. Scored into wedges, they’re easy to portion and sprinkle with sliced almonds and coarse sugar for added crunch. Perfectly suited for a sweet finish or snack, they can be paired with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.

Updated on Mon, 24 Nov 2025 13:38:00 GMT
Golden, flaky Cherry Almond Shortbread Wedges, baked till crisp, dotted with cherries, and topped with almonds. Save
Golden, flaky Cherry Almond Shortbread Wedges, baked till crisp, dotted with cherries, and topped with almonds. | pecangroove.com

Tender, buttery shortbread wedges studded with tart dried cherries and fragrant almond flavor< crisp at the edges, melt-in-your-mouth at the center, and ready in under an hour with no chilling required.

This recipe is a family favorite that I often make when guests come over because of its simplicity and delicious taste.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour: Dry Ingredients
  • 1/2 cup (60 g) powdered sugar: Dry Ingredients
  • 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt: Dry Ingredients
  • 3/4 cup (170 g) unsalted butter, softened: Wet Ingredients
  • 1 teaspoon pure almond extract: Wet Ingredients
  • 1/2 cup (70 g) dried cherries, coarsely chopped: Mix-ins & Topping
  • 1/3 cup (35 g) sliced almonds: Mix-ins & Topping
  • 1 tablespoon coarse sugar (optional, for sprinkling): Mix-ins & Topping

Instructions

Step 1:
Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C). Lightly grease a 9-inch (23 cm) round cake pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.
Step 2:
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, powdered sugar, and salt.
Step 3:
Add softened butter and almond extract. Using a pastry cutter or fingertips, work butter into the dry ingredients until mixture resembles coarse crumbs and holds together when pressed.
Step 4:
Fold in chopped dried cherries and 1/4 cup of the sliced almonds.
Step 5:
Press dough evenly into the prepared pan. Smooth the surface and score into 8 wedges with a sharp knife (do not cut through).
Step 6:
Sprinkle remaining sliced almonds and coarse sugar over the top, pressing gently to adhere.
Step 7:
Bake for 28–32 minutes, or until pale golden at the edges and set in the center.
Step 8:
Remove from oven and cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Re-cut wedges along score lines. Let cool completely before lifting out and serving.
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My family loves enjoying these wedges during holiday gatherings, often paired with fresh whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.

Required Tools

9-inch round cake pan, mixing bowls, pastry cutter or clean hands, sharp knife, parchment paper

Allergen Information

Contains wheat (gluten), dairy (butter), tree nuts (almond extract, sliced almonds). Check dried cherry packaging for possible sulfites or cross-contamination.

Nutritional Information

Calories 295, Total Fat 16 g, Carbohydrates 35 g, Protein 3 g per serving

Freshly baked Cherry Almond Shortbread Wedges, with a light dusting of sugar, are the perfect dessert treat. Save
Freshly baked Cherry Almond Shortbread Wedges, with a light dusting of sugar, are the perfect dessert treat. | pecangroove.com

These cherry almond shortbread wedges are perfect for any occasion and impress with both their flavor and texture.

Cherry Almond Shortbread Wedges

Tender shortbread wedges with dried cherries and almond notes, crisp edges and soft centers in under an hour.

Prep Duration
15 min
Cook Duration
30 min
Overall Time
45 min
By Pecan Groove Holly Emerson

Recipe Group Weekend Home Bakes

Skill Level Easy

Culinary Tradition American

Portions 8 Number of Servings

Diet Concerns Vegetarian-Friendly

What You'll Need

Dry Ingredients

01 2 cups all-purpose flour
02 1/2 cup powdered sugar
03 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt

Wet Ingredients

01 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
02 1 teaspoon pure almond extract

Mix-ins & Topping

01 1/2 cup dried cherries, coarsely chopped
02 1/3 cup sliced almonds
03 1 tablespoon coarse sugar (optional)

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 01

Prepare Oven and Pan: Preheat oven to 325°F. Lightly grease a 9-inch round cake pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.

Step 02

Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, powdered sugar, and salt.

Step 03

Incorporate Butter and Almond Extract: Add softened butter and almond extract. Using a pastry cutter or fingertips, work butter into dry ingredients until mixture resembles coarse crumbs and holds together when pressed.

Step 04

Add Mix-ins: Fold in chopped dried cherries and 1/4 cup of the sliced almonds.

Step 05

Shape Dough: Press dough evenly into prepared pan. Smooth the surface and score into 8 wedges with a sharp knife, without cutting through.

Step 06

Add Topping: Sprinkle remaining sliced almonds and coarse sugar over the surface, pressing gently to adhere.

Step 07

Bake: Bake for 28 to 32 minutes until edges are pale golden and center is set.

Step 08

Cool and Serve: Remove from oven and cool in pan for 10 minutes. Re-cut wedges along score lines. Let cool completely before lifting out and serving.

Tools Needed

  • 9-inch round cake pan
  • Mixing bowls
  • Pastry cutter or clean hands
  • Sharp knife
  • Parchment paper

Allergy Details

Always check each item for allergens and reach out to your doctor if unsure.
  • Contains wheat (gluten), dairy (butter), and tree nuts (almond extract, sliced almonds). Possible sulfites or cross-contamination in dried cherries.

Nutrition Details (per serving)

Nutrition info is a guide; don't substitute for professional advice.
  • Calorie Count: 295
  • Fat content: 16 g
  • Carbohydrate: 35 g
  • Protein Amount: 3 g