Cherry Almond Shortbread Wedges

Featured in: Weekend Bakery-Style Plates

These tender shortbread wedges combine the subtle sweetness of dried cherries with the nutty aroma of almond extract. Made without chilling, the dough is quick to prepare and bakes to a golden crisp in under 30 minutes. Scored into wedges before baking, they offer an easy-to-serve treat perfect alongside tea or coffee. Sliced almonds dot the top, adding crunch and enhancing the rich buttery flavor. Variations can include dried cranberries or mini chocolate chips for added diversity.

Updated on Mon, 24 Nov 2025 09:24:00 GMT
Golden, flaky Cherry Almond Shortbread Wedges, perfectly cut, ready to enjoy with a warm beverage. Pin
Golden, flaky Cherry Almond Shortbread Wedges, perfectly cut, ready to enjoy with a warm beverage. | orchardcrust.com

Tender, buttery shortbread wedges studded with dried cherries and flavored with almond, ready in under an hour — no chilling required.

I love making these shortbread wedges for guests because they always disappear fast & are perfect with tea or coffee.

Ingredients

  • Dry Ingredients: 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour, ½ cup (60 g) powdered sugar, ¼ tsp salt
  • Wet Ingredients: 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter softened, 1 tsp pure almond extract, ½ tsp vanilla extract
  • Add-ins & Toppings: ⅔ cup (90 g) dried cherries roughly chopped, ⅓ cup (30 g) sliced almonds

Instructions

Step 1:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9-inch (23 cm) round cake pan or line with parchment paper.
Step 2:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, powdered sugar, and salt.
Step 3:
Add softened butter, almond extract, and vanilla extract. Mix with a wooden spoon or hand mixer until a soft dough forms.
Step 4:
Fold in chopped dried cherries and half of the sliced almonds.
Step 5:
Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan. Sprinkle the remaining sliced almonds on top and gently press them into the dough.
Step 6:
Using a sharp knife, score the dough into 8 wedges (do not cut all the way through).
Step 7:
Bake for 23–28 minutes, or until lightly golden at the edges.
Step 8:
Remove from oven and cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Recut along the scored lines, then let cool completely before removing from the pan.
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My family especially enjoys these during holiday gatherings as a sweet homemade treat.

Required Tools

9-inch (23 cm) round cake pan, Mixing bowls, Wooden spoon or hand mixer, Sharp knife, Measuring cups and spoons

Allergen Information

Contains Milk (butter), Tree nuts (almonds), Wheat (flour). Check dried cherries for possible sulfite preservatives and cross-contamination if allergic.

Nutritional Information

Calories 320, Total Fat 19 g, Carbohydrates 36 g, Protein 3 g per serving.

Close-up of baked Cherry Almond Shortbread Wedges; buttery, cherry-studded goodness with a sprinkle of almonds. Pin
Close-up of baked Cherry Almond Shortbread Wedges; buttery, cherry-studded goodness with a sprinkle of almonds. | orchardcrust.com

Enjoy these shortbread wedges fresh or store in an airtight container for up to a week for the best flavor.

Recipe Q&A

Can dried cranberries be used instead of dried cherries?

Yes, dried cranberries make a great substitute, offering a tart sweetness that complements the almond flavor well.

Is chilling the dough necessary before baking?

No chilling is required; the dough can be pressed directly into the pan and baked immediately for a tender texture.

How can I ensure the wedges are crispier?

Bake the wedges for 2–3 minutes longer than directed to achieve a crisper edge without overbaking.

What is the best way to cut the wedges before baking?

Score the dough into 8 wedges with a sharp knife without cutting all the way through to separate after baking easily.

What beverages pair well with these shortbread wedges?

They pair nicely with Moscato dAsti, Amaretto, tea, or coffee, enhancing the sweet and nutty notes.

Cherry Almond Shortbread Wedges

Buttery shortbread wedges studded with dried cherries and almond, baked light and golden with a crisp texture.

Prep time
15 min
Cook time
25 min
Overall time
40 min
Created by Ruby Hensley


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine American

Makes 8 Portions

Dietary Info Vegetarian

What You Need

Dry Ingredients

01 2 cups all-purpose flour
02 ½ cup powdered sugar
03 ¼ teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

01 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
02 1 teaspoon pure almond extract
03 ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Add-ins & Toppings

01 ⅔ cup dried cherries, roughly chopped
02 ⅓ cup sliced almonds

Steps

Step 01

Preheat oven and prepare pan: Set the oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9-inch round cake pan or line it with parchment paper.

Step 02

Combine dry ingredients: Whisk together the flour, powdered sugar, and salt in a large mixing bowl.

Step 03

Incorporate wet ingredients: Add softened butter, almond extract, and vanilla extract to the dry mixture. Stir with a wooden spoon or use a hand mixer until a soft dough forms.

Step 04

Fold in cherries and almonds: Gently fold in the chopped dried cherries along with half of the sliced almonds.

Step 05

Press dough and add topping: Evenly press the dough into the prepared pan. Sprinkle the remaining sliced almonds on top and press them lightly into the surface.

Step 06

Score dough into wedges: Using a sharp knife, lightly score the dough into 8 wedges without cutting through to the bottom.

Step 07

Bake until edges turn golden: Bake for 23 to 28 minutes until the edges develop a light golden color.

Step 08

Cool and finish: Remove from oven and let cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Recut along scored lines and allow to cool completely before removing the wedges from the pan.

Needed Tools

  • 9-inch round cake pan
  • Mixing bowls
  • Wooden spoon or hand mixer
  • Sharp knife
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Allergen Warnings

Read ingredient labels to spot allergens. If unsure, consult your doctor or a specialist.
  • Contains milk (butter), tree nuts (almonds), and wheat (flour). Check dried cherries for sulfite preservatives if sensitive.

Nutrition Details (for each serving)

These figures are intended for reference—not as a substitute for medical guidance.
  • Calorie Count: 320
  • Fats: 19 g
  • Carbohydrates: 36 g
  • Proteins: 3 g