I made these for a small birthday tea party for my niece who just turned six (I guess girls of all ages love tea parties!). I love the combination of cherries and almonds, but you can use any combination you like...I think peach and pecan would also be amazing. These elegant little tarts are sweet, but not overpoweringly sweet. They’re perfect to enjoy with a cup of fruity herbal tea.
Cherry Almond Shortbread Tartlets
(Yield: 36 tartlets)
½ c (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
½ c extra virgin coconut oil (if you don’t have this, just use unsalted butter)
½ c powdered sugar
1 teaspoon almond extract (or you can use pure vanilla extract)
2 c all-purpose flour
2 TB cornstarch
⅛ teaspoon salt
½ c sliced almonds, toasted
¾ c cherry preserves
Cooking spray
Mini muffin baking pan
Preheat the oven to 325F. Cream together the butter and coconut oil, then cream in the powdered sugar, and mix in the almond extract. In a separate bowl, mix together the flour, cornstarch, and salt. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet (the dough will be fairly thick), then stir in all but 2 TB of the almonds. (The reserved 2 TB of almonds will be sprinkled on top of the tartlets later.)
Lightly spray a mini muffin baking pan with cooking spray. Using a tablespoon-sized measuring spoon, form the dough into balls; press a ball of dough into each mini muffin tin, making sure to press the dough up the sides of the tin so that there is a well in the center of each. Bake the shortbread for 18-20 minutes or until golden brown; after 10 minutes of cooking time, poke the center of each shortbread tart with the tines of a fork to prevent puffing. Allow the shortbread to cool completely on a wire rack before removing it from the baking pan.
Once cooled, remove the shortbread tarts from the baking pan. Before serving, fill each tart with ~1 teaspoon of cherry preserves, and top with a sprinkle of the reserved almonds.
zerrin says
Pictures are so amazing! I love the combination of cherry and almonds. I bet these would go perfect with a cup of coffee now.
lynn@queenofthecastlerecipes says
These look divine. I've never cooked with coconut oil. I'll bet that adds a nice flavor.
Donna says
These look gorgeous! Gorgeous, delicious, and I love the versatility of the recipe!
peachkins says
That's really sweet.making these for a tea party..
nora@ffr says
wow!! these look pretty and sound delish!! yuummm!! already craving!
Sophia says
oh how darling! These are like precious gems! Lovely!
theungourmet says
I need to come right over for some of these! Do you have any coffee to go with them? :0)
Gorgeous Photos too!!
Rosa says
Those mini tartlets look so adorable and delicious!
Cheers,
Rosa
Dawn (foodnfit) says
Omg these look absolutely delicious--I want to try this recipe for sure.
I love tea parties :) how cute!
Natasha - 5 Star Foodie says
I love the combination of cherry and almonds! These little tartlets look perfect!
Selba says
Cherry? almond? those two really got my attention ;) Yummy...
holly the healthy everythingtarian says
drool :)
Lorraine @ Not Quite Nigella says
Shortbread cups? Be still my heart. Actually my mother's too as she would love this. Thankyou for the recipe! :D
Karine says
I love them! I would like to have one please :)
lo says
These look so very lovely! And who can argue with shortbread??
They'd be perfect for an upcoming shower I'm planning.
She-Fit says
OH WOW! These look so good... and very cute. I love cherries so this would be amazing!
Anh says
So pretty and cute. These tartlets can brighten up anyone's day!
Heavenly Housewife says
OOooh boy does this look good (but very dangerous)! I am totally bookmarking it!