Name: Gluten-Free Cherry Pie Cookies That Taste Like Home
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 2 cups Bob's Red Mill Super-Fine Blanched Almond Flour; 1 cup Bob's Red Mill Tapioca Flour; 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt; 1 cup Unsalted Butter (room temperature); 3/4 cup Granulated Sugar; 1 teaspoon Pure Vanilla Extract; 1/2 teaspoon Almond Extract; 1 can Cherry Pie Filling; 2 cups Fresh or Frozen Cherries (Pitted); 1 tablespoon Cornstarch; 1 tablespoon Freshly Squeezed Lemon Juice

As I rummaged through my pantry, I stumbled upon a can of cherry pie filling that instantly transported me to cozy family gatherings, where desserts took center stage. Today, I’m excited to share my recipe for Gluten-Free Cherry Pie Cookies—a delightful twist on the classic cherry pie, wrapped in a tender, melt-in-your-mouth cookie. Not only are these cookies incredibly easy to whip up, but they also promise to impress at any event, from summer celebrations to holiday feasts. Each bite offers a festive burst of cherry goodness, making them a charming addition to your dessert repertoire. Ready to dive into this sweet adventure? Let’s bake these irresistible cookies together!

Why Are These Cookies So Irresistible?

Bursting with flavor, each Gluten-Free Cherry Pie Cookie is a delightful explosion of sweet cherry goodness, keeping the nostalgic taste of classic cherry pie alive in a handy format. Quick and easy, these cookies are perfect for busy bakers looking to impress without the hassle. Versatile options allow you to use either canned or homemade cherry filling, catering to your time and taste preferences. Festive appeal makes them a showstopper at any gathering, from summer picnics to winter celebrations, much like my beloved Chocolate Lava Brownie Cookies! And with a pleasantly chewy texture, these cookies are not just gluten-free but also packed with deliciousness that everyone will love.

Gluten-Free Cherry Pie Cookie Ingredients

For the Cookie Base
• Bob’s Red Mill Super-Fine Blanched Almond Flour – Provides a hint of nuttiness and moisture, ensuring the cookies are moist unlike those made with regular flour.
• Bob’s Red Mill Tapioca Flour – Adds chewiness and fluffiness to create a soft, inviting texture for your cookies.
• Kosher Salt – Enhances the overall flavor of the cookies.
• Unsalted Butter (room temperature) – Adds richness and contributes to the tender, melt-in-your-mouth characteristics.
• Granulated Sugar – Offers sweetness and helps maintain the structure of the cookies.
• Pure Vanilla Extract – Provides aromatic depth to enhance the cookie’s flavor.
• Almond Extract – Intensifies the nuttiness from the almond flour, making each bite more flavorful.
For the Cherry Filling
• Cherry Pie Filling – The star topping that brings the signature sweet cherry flavor; you can opt for canned for convenience or make your own for a fresh taste.
• Fresh or Frozen Cherries (Pitted) – Use these for homemade cherry pie filling, adding a natural sweetness and deeper flavor.
• Cornstarch – Essential for thickening the homemade cherry filling, keeping it from becoming runny.
• Freshly Squeezed Lemon Juice – Balances out the sweetness and brightens the flavor, making the filling even more delightful.

These Gluten-Free Cherry Pie Cookies are sure to be a hit at your dessert table, combining ease and flavor in one irresistible package!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Gluten-Free Cherry Pie Cookies

Step 1: Prepare Cherry Filling (if using homemade)
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine pitted cherries, sugar, water, and freshly squeezed lemon juice. Cook while stirring occasionally for about 10 minutes, or until the cherries soften and release their juices. Once bubbling, add a cornstarch slurry and cook for an additional 2–3 minutes until the mixture thickens. Remove from heat and let cool in the refrigerator while you prepare the cookie dough.

Step 2: Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready for your baking. While the oven heats up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and facilitate easy cleanup. This step is crucial to achieve that delightful, golden crisp on your Gluten-Free Cherry Pie Cookies.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, sift together Bob’s Red Mill super-fine blanched almond flour, tapioca flour, and kosher salt. This ensures even distribution of the ingredients, enhancing texture and flavor. Whisk well until combined; the mixture should appear uniform and free of lumps, setting a strong foundation for your cookies.

Step 4: Cream Butter and Sugar
In the bowl of a stand mixer, add the room-temperature unsalted butter and granulated sugar. Beat on medium speed for about 3–4 minutes, until the mixture is light and fluffy, appearing pale in color. Then, add pure vanilla extract and almond extract, mixing just until incorporated to enhance the lovely flavors of your Gluten-Free Cherry Pie Cookies.

Step 5: Combine Mixtures
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed butter mixture, mixing on low speed until a soft dough forms, about 2 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure everything is well combined. The dough should be pliable but not overly sticky, forming the perfect base for your cookies.

Step 6: Shape Cookies
Using your hands, roll the dough into 1-inch balls. Then, lightly coat each ball in granulated sugar to give it a sweet crunch. Place them onto the prepared baking sheet, flatten slightly with your palm, and use a teaspoon or your thumb to create deep indents in the center of each cookie for the cherry filling.

Step 7: Add Filling
Generously fill each indent with cherry pie filling, aiming for a slight overfill to allow the cherry goodness to peek out while baking. This detail will ensure you get that rich cherry flavor in every bite of your Gluten-Free Cherry Pie Cookies, giving them a delightful appearance.

Step 8: Bake
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 14–15 minutes. Keep an eye on them; the cookies are done when the edges are lightly golden, and the bottoms have a bit of color. The aroma of cherry and almond will fill your kitchen, heightening anticipation.

Step 9: Cool
Once baked, remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the cookies cool on it for about 5 minutes. This helps them set before transferring to a wire rack. Once cooled slightly, carefully move the Gluten-Free Cherry Pie Cookies to the rack to cool completely, allowing their delicate texture to achieve perfection.

Expert Tips for Gluten-Free Cherry Pie Cookies

Roll Tightly: Ensure you roll each dough ball tightly to prevent cracking during baking. This helps maintain a beautiful shape.
Overstuff Wisely: Don’t be shy with the cherry pie filling! Overstuff each indent to compensate for puffing in the oven, guaranteeing a fruity burst in every bite.
Uniform Indents: Use a measuring spoon instead of your thumb to create uniform wells for the cherry filling. This ensures even distribution and a polished look.
Cool Properly: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps them set while retaining their soft texture.
Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to substitute the cherry filling with any fruit preserves or jams for a delightful variation of these Gluten-Free Cherry Pie Cookies.

How to Store and Freeze Gluten-Free Cherry Pie Cookies

Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. Keep them away from direct sunlight to maintain freshness.

Fridge: If you want to enjoy them chilled, pop the cookies in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. Just remember to let them sit at room temperature before serving for the best texture.

Freezer: For longer storage, freeze cookies by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid. Then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container, where they can last for up to 3 months.

Reheating: To enjoy freshly baked warmth, reheat frozen cookies in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes. They’ll taste just like they came out of the oven!

Make Ahead Options

These Gluten-Free Cherry Pie Cookies are a fantastic option for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the cookie dough and shape it into balls up to 24 hours in advance. Simply roll them and refrigerate in an airtight container to maintain freshness. The cherry filling can also be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to bake, just fill the indents with the chilled cherry filling and pop them in the oven. This way, you’ll have warm, freshly baked cookies that retain their delightful texture and flavor, ideal for those busy days or surprise guests!

What to Serve with Gluten-Free Cherry Pie Cookies?

These whimsical cookies bring a burst of cherry flavor to any occasion and pair beautifully with delightful sides.

Vanilla Ice Cream: A creamy scoop enhances the cherry goodness and creates a luscious contrast in temperature and texture.
Coffee or Espresso: The rich, bold flavors of coffee beautifully accentuate the sweetness of the cookies, making for a delightful pairing.
Minted Fruit Salad: Fresh, vibrant fruits with a hint of mint offer a refreshing balance to the sweetness, cleansing the palate between bites.
Homemade Lemonade: The zesty, tart notes of lemonade perfectly match the cherry filling, creating a bright and cheerful drink to sip on.
Dark Chocolate Drizzle: A light drizzle of melted dark chocolate adds richness and depth, complementing the sweetness of the cherry pie cookies seamlessly.
Cheese Plate: A selection of soft cheeses like brie and goat cheese adds creamy richness, contrasting the fruity notes for a sophisticated touch.

Serve your Gluten-Free Cherry Pie Cookies alongside these tempting accompaniments to create a truly enchanting dessert experience.

Gluten-Free Cherry Pie Cookies Variations & Substitutions

Feel free to let your creativity shine as you customize these delightful cookies to suit your family’s taste and dietary needs!

Fruit-Filled Twist: Substitute cherry filling with any fruit preserves or jams, like raspberry or blueberry, for a refreshing change. Each variation brings unique flavors that still deliver a festive flair!
Vegan Option: Swap unsalted butter for coconut oil or vegan butter and use a flax egg as a binder. The result is creamy, delightful cookies that everyone can enjoy!
Low-Sugar Version: Replace granulated sugar with a sugar substitute like erythritol or stevia to cut sugar content without sacrificing sweetness. This way, you can indulge without the guilt, perfect for those watching their sugar intake.
Nut-Free: Use sunflower seed flour instead of almond flour to keep these cookies nut-free while still maintaining that coveted soft texture. Kids with allergies can enjoy the holiday spirit too!
Flavor Boost: Experiment with using different extracts, like lemon or orange, alongside or instead of the vanilla and almond. These bright flavors can add a charming twist that dances on the palate.
Chocolate Cherry Cookies: Add mini chocolate chips to the dough for a delightful chocolate-cherry combination that’s simply irresistible. These cookies will become a family favorite quickly!
Meringue Topping: Top each filled cookie with a dollop of meringue and toast in the oven for a crunchy, airy finish. You’ll create a showstopping treat that looks as fabulous as it tastes!
Storing Options: Have fun by creating unbaked cookie balls, then freeze them for fresh cookies anytime! Just bake straight from the freezer—no thawing needed!

If you’re in the mood for even more sweet inspiration, don’t forget to check out my beloved Caramel Cream Pie or these delightful Patriotic Thumbprint Cookies for your next gathering!

Gluten-Free Cherry Pie Cookies Recipe FAQs

What type of cherries should I use for homemade cherry filling?
For homemade cherry filling, I recommend using fresh or frozen pitted cherries for the best flavor. Fresh cherries will give you a vibrant taste, while frozen cherries are convenient and can still be quite flavorful. Just be sure to thaw and drain any excess liquid from frozen cherries before cooking them down!

How should I store my Gluten-Free Cherry Pie Cookies?
You can store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. If you want to keep them fresh for longer, consider refrigerating them, where they can last up to 2 weeks. Just let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving for the best texture.

Can I freeze Gluten-Free Cherry Pie Cookies?
Absolutely! To freeze, arrange the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and place them in the freezer until they are solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored this way for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5–7 minutes until warmed through.

Why did my cookies crack while baking?
If your cookies crack, it may be because the dough balls were not rolled tightly enough or the oven temperature is too high. Make sure to roll each ball tightly and perhaps try reducing the oven temperature slightly to allow for a gentler bake. Keeping the dough chilled before baking can also help.

Can I use a different flour if I don’t have almond flour?
Yes, you can try substituting the almond flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, but this may affect the texture slightly. If the blend does not include xanthan gum, you might want to add a little for added structure. Alternatively, oat flour can also work, but ensure it’s certified gluten-free if you follow a strict gluten-free diet.

Are these cookies safe for people with nut allergies?
Unfortunately, these Gluten-Free Cherry Pie Cookies contain almond flour and almond extract, so they are not suitable for people with nut allergies. For a nut-free version, you could experiment with a seed-based flour like sunflower seed flour, though it may alter the flavor profile slightly.