Cherry-Almond Half-Moons

These delicious little sweet treats only have 2 grams of added sugar!

Cherry-Almond Half Moons
Photo: Brie Passano
Prep Time:
45 mins
Chill Time:
1 hr 30 mins
Bake Time:
12 mins
Total Time:
2 hrs 27 mins
Servings:
32
Yield:
32 cookies

Ingredients

  • 1 cup butter, softened

  • 1 8 ounce package cream cheese, softened

  • 1 teaspoon almond extract

  • 2 cup all-purpose flour

  • ½ cup cherry preserves

  • 2 egg whites

  • ¾ cup powdered sugar

  • ¼ teaspoon almond extract

  • 1 - 2 tablespoon water

  • ¼ cup sliced almonds

Directions

  1. In a large mixing bowl beat the butter and cream cheese with an electric mixer on medium to high speed for 30 seconds. Beat in the 1 teaspoon almond extract until combined. Beat in the flour until dough comes together. Divide dough in half. Cover and chill dough about 1 1/2 hours or until easy to handle.

  2. Preheat oven to 375°F. Line cookie sheets with parchment paper; set aside. On a lightly floured surface roll half the dough at a time to 1/8 inch thick. Using a scalloped-edge 3-inch round cookie cutter, cut out dough. Place rounds 1 inch apart on prepared cookie sheets.

  3. Spoon 1/2 teaspoon cherry preserves onto one side of each round; spread to 1/4 inch from the edge. Fold dough rounds in half, enclosing preserves; press edges with the tines of a fork to seal. Whisk egg whites until frothy; brush cookies lightly with egg whites. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes or until cookies are light brown. Transfer cookies to a wire rack and let cool.

  4. In a small bowl stir together powdered sugar, the 1/4 teaspoon almond extract, and enough of the water to make an icing of drizzling consistency. Drizzle cookies with icing. Sprinkle with almonds. Let stand until icing is set.

To Store:

Layer cookies between sheets of waxed paper in an airtight container; cover. Store at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

134 Calories
9g Fat
13g Carbs
2g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 32
Calories 134
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 9g 12%
Saturated Fat 5g 25%
Cholesterol 23mg 8%
Sodium 79mg 3%
Total Carbohydrate 13g 5%
Total Sugars 5g
Protein 2g
Vitamin C 0.6mg 3%
Calcium 10.1mg 1%
Iron 0.4mg 2%
Potassium 32mg 1%
Folate, total 16.1mcg
Vitamin B-12 0.1mcg

*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

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