As I watched a light dusting of snow blanket my neighborhood last December, the sudden urge to bake something warm and inviting took over. That’s when I found myself mixing up a batch of Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies. These delightful cookies, with their soft, puffy texture, infuse the classic Amish recipe with a cheerful twist of sweet cherries and nutty almond flavor. Not only are they incredibly easy to whip up, but they also double as crowd-pleasers for holiday gatherings or cozy family get-togethers. Dressed in a luscious cherry-almond icing, they’re not just cookies—they’re a hug in dessert form! Are you ready to fill your kitchen with warmth and a delicious aroma? Let’s dive into this festive recipe together!
Why You’ll Adore These Cherry Almond Cookies
Irresistible Flavor: The delightful fusion of cherry and almond creates a mouthwatering cookie experience that feels both nostalgic and festive.
Easy to Make: Crafting these cookies requires minimal baking skills and just a handful of pantry staples, making them a perfect option even for beginner bakers.
Perfect for Sharing: These cookies shine at holiday parties or cookie exchanges—everyone will be clamoring for your recipe after the first bite!
Versatile Options: Feeling adventurous? You can easily swap out flavors or mix in chocolate chips for a fun twist.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Planning a gathering? These cookies stay fresh for up to a week in an airtight container and can even be frozen for later enjoyment.
Embrace the holiday spirit with Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies—your friends and family will adore them!
Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies Ingredients
For the Cookies
• Maraschino Cherries – Drain, mince, and squeeze dry to avoid excess moisture in your Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies.
• Butter (1 cup, softened) – Use unsalted butter for better control of sweetness.
• Vegetable or Canola Oil (1 cup) – Keeps cookies moist and soft for a delightful texture.
• Granulated Sugar (1 cup) – Adds sweetness; consider coconut or brown sugar for variations.
• Powdered Sugar (1 cup for cookies, 4-5 cups for icing) – Provides sweetness and a smooth icing texture.
• Large Eggs (2) – Binds the ingredients, helping to achieve a deliciously soft cookie.
• Almond Extract (2 tsp) – Enhances flavor; swap with vanilla for a different taste.
• Cherry Extract (2 tsp) – Infuses a delightful cherry flavor; cherry juice can be an alternative.
• All-Purpose Flour (4 1/2 cups) – Gives structure and makes your cookies sturdy yet soft.
• Baking Soda (1 tsp) & Cream of Tartar (1 tsp) – These leavening agents ensure your cookies rise perfectly.
• Slivered Almonds (1/2 cup for garnish) – Adds a crunchy texture and elevates visual appeal.
For the Icing
• Melted Butter – Use as a base for a rich, decadent icing.
• Cherry Juice – Adds flavor and a splash of color to your icing.
• Powdered Sugar – Ensures a smooth and sweet finish for your cookies.
Dive into making these Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies; they’re bound to become a family favorite!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies
Step 1: Prep Cherries
Begin by draining and finely mincing the maraschino cherries. Ensure to squeeze out any excess moisture to prevent your Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies from becoming too wet. This step is crucial for maintaining the cookies’ delightful texture, so give each cherry a good squeeze until dry.
Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, vegetable oil, granulated sugar, and one cup of powdered sugar. Use an electric mixer to beat the mixture until it becomes smooth and creamy, roughly 2–3 minutes. Next, add in the eggs, along with the almond and cherry extracts, mixing well to fully incorporate the minced cherries for a burst of flavor.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and cream of tartar. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring with a wooden spoon or spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; you want your Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies to remain tender and cake-like.
Step 4: Shape Cookies
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) while preparing to drop the cookie dough. Line several baking sheets with parchment paper for a non-stick surface. Using a teaspoon, scoop out the dough and drop rounded mounds onto the prepared sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading during baking.
Step 5: Bake
Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 8–11 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are lightly browned. The centers may appear soft, which is perfect for the desired texture. Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on wire racks for 5–10 minutes.
Step 6: Prepare Icing
While the cookies cool, prepare the cherry-almond icing. In a medium bowl, whisk together melted butter, cherry juice, almond and cherry extracts, and powdered sugar until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more powdered sugar for a thicker icing or a touch of cherry juice for a thinner one, ensuring an inviting shine.
Step 7: Decorate
Once the cookies are completely cooled, generously frost the tops with your delightful cherry-almond icing. For an added touch of flavor and crunch, sprinkle slivered almonds on top of the icing. Allow the icing to set for at least 30 minutes before serving, letting all the flavors meld beautifully in these Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies.
Expert Tips for Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies
Dry Cherries Thoroughly: Ensure that your maraschino cherries are thoroughly dried after mincing; excess moisture can make cookies flat and soggy.
Avoid Overmixing: Gently mix the cookie dough until just combined. Overmixing can lead to dense cookies rather than the desired soft, puffy texture.
Cooling Time Matters: Allow cookies to cool on wire racks before icing. This prevents the icing from melting and maintains that lovely appearance of your Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies.
Proper Storage: To keep cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container for up to a week. They can also be frozen (either plain or iced) for future enjoyment.
Adjust Sweetness: Taste your icing and adjust the sweetness. You can add more powdered sugar if you’d like a sweeter finish to complement the almond and cherry flavors.
What to Serve with Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies?
As you indulge in these delightful cookies, consider pairing them with a few complementary dishes that enhance their festive spirit and flavors.
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Creamy Hot Chocolate: A rich, velvety hot chocolate brings warmth and a delightful chocolatey contrast to the sweet almond and cherry notes.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: The smooth creaminess of vanilla ice cream creates a lovely balance against the cookies’ sweetness, making every bite a treat.
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Peppermint Tea: The lightness and minty freshness of peppermint tea offers a refreshing counterpoint, perfect for cutting through the sweetness.
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Fruit Salad: A colorful fruit salad with berries and citrus provides a refreshing contrast, brightening up your dessert experience with vibrant flavors.
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Chai Latte: The warm spices in chai perfectly complement the cherry and almond, creating a cozy pairing that wraps you in comfort.
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Chocolate Dipped Strawberries: These sweet, juicy berries add a hint of romance to your dessert spread and beautifully contrast with the cookie flavors.
Think about hosting a festive gathering with these pairings—your Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies will shine even brighter!
Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies Variations
Feel free to get creative with these Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies by mixing and matching flavors and textures to your heart’s desire!
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Dairy-Free: Swap the butter with coconut oil or a dairy-free butter alternative for a deliciously vegan-friendly treat.
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Nut-Free: For a nut-free version, replace almond extract with an additional splash of vanilla extract, ensuring everyone can enjoy them.
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Chocolate Lovers: Incorporate mini chocolate chips into the cookie dough or even drizzle melted chocolate on top of the icing for a rich twist!
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Citrus Splash: Add zest from a lemon or orange to the dough for a fresh, tangy flavor that beautifully complements the sweet cherry.
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Bar Cookies: Spread the cookie dough in a greased baking pan instead of dropping individual cookies to create easy-to-cut bar cookies for gatherings or parties.
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Spiced Up: Sprinkle in some cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a warm, spiced flavor that adds a cozy vibe to your holiday baking.
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Cherry Juice Icing: Use a bit of cherry juice in the icing instead of just water for an extra pop of flavor and to reinforce that fruity essence.
Pair these delightful twists with other sweet indulgences like Chocolate Chip Cookies or savory options such as Savory Rosemary Cookies, and let your taste buds explore!
Make Ahead Options
These Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies are a fantastic option for meal prep, allowing busy home cooks to enjoy delightful treats without the last-minute rush! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance by following the mixing instructions and then refrigerating it in an airtight container. For even more time-saving convenience, consider baking the cookies and storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days—they’ll remain just as delicious! To maintain that soft, puffy texture, ensure to keep them properly sealed and frost them just before serving, allowing the icing to set for about 30 minutes. Enjoy these delightful cookies without the stress of last-minute baking!
How to Store and Freeze Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies
Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 days to maintain their soft, chewy texture.
Fridge: For extended freshness, keep cookies in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Allow them to come to room temperature before serving.
Freezer: Freeze either iced or plain cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet for 1-2 hours, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
Reheating: To enjoy your cookies warm, gently microwave them for 10-15 seconds, or let them thaw at room temperature for the best texture before indulging in your Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies.
Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies Recipe FAQs
How do I select the right maraschino cherries?
Absolutely! When choosing maraschino cherries for your Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies, look for bright red cherries with a glossy appearance. Ensure they are plump and juicy, but don’t forget to drain, mince, and squeeze them dry to avoid excess moisture, which can affect the texture of your cookies.
What’s the best way to store these cookies?
To keep your cookies fresh and delicious, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want them to last longer, place them in the fridge for up to 1 week; just make sure to allow them to come to room temperature before serving for the best taste!
Can I freeze Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies?
Absolutely! You can freeze your cookies for up to 3 months. To do so, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet for 1-2 hours until firm. Then transfer if iced or plain to a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw them at room temperature or microwave them for a quick warm treat!
What should I do if my cookies turn out flat?
Very! If your Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies flatten out, it may be due to excess moisture from the cherries or overmixing the dough. To avoid this, ensure your cherries are thoroughly dried, and mix the ingredients just until combined. If you happen to encounter flat cookies, you can still enjoy their delicious flavor as a dessert crumble over vanilla ice cream!
Are these cookies suitable for those with nut allergies?
Definitely! If you or your loved ones have nut allergies, you can simply omit the almond extract and slivered almonds from your Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies. Replacing the almond extract with an equal amount of vanilla extract will maintain a delightful flavor without the nut concern.
How long can these cookies be kept after baking?
Very! For optimal freshness and taste, it’s best to enjoy your Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies within 3 days of baking. However, they can stay delicious in storage for about a week if kept properly in an airtight container. If you see any dark spots or the cookies appear dry, it’s time to let them go.
Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies: Soft, Festive Delights
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Begin by draining and finely mincing the maraschino cherries. Ensure to squeeze out any excess moisture.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, vegetable oil, granulated sugar, and one cup of powdered sugar. Beat until smooth and creamy.
- Add in the eggs, almond extract, cherry extract, and minced cherries, mixing well.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and cream of tartar. Gradually add to wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. Scoop dough and drop rounded mounds onto sheets.
- Bake for 8-11 minutes, or until edges are lightly browned. Cool on wire racks for 5-10 minutes.
- Prepare icing by whisking together melted butter, cherry juice, almond and cherry extracts, and powdered sugar until smooth.
- Once cookies are cooled, frost the tops with icing and sprinkle slivered almonds. Allow to set for 30 minutes before serving.
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