If you love a cookie that’s bursting with warmth, sweetness, and a delightful twist of fruity almond flavor, then you have to try this Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies Recipe. These soft, tender treats combine the rich flavors of butter and almond extract with juicy maraschino cherries, creating a classic yet vibrant cookie that feels like a nostalgic hug from an old friend. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, a special occasion, or just because, this recipe is guaranteed to fill your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas and your heart with joy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind these Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies Recipe lies in a handful of simple, well-balanced ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role—from the buttery richness and perfect sweetness to the soft texture and delightful pops of cherry.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Provides a creamy base that ensures tender cookies with a rich flavor.
- 1 cup vegetable oil: Adds moisture and keeps the cookies irresistibly soft.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Gives just the right amount of sweetness and helps with the crisp edges.
- 1 cup powdered sugar: Contributes to a delicate texture and melting softness.
- 2 large eggs: Bind everything together while adding richness.
- 1 tsp almond extract: Packs that signature nutty flavor that makes these cookies unforgettable.
- 1 tsp baking soda: Leavens the dough for gentle rise and lightness.
- 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation for the perfect cookie structure.
- 1 tsp cream of tartar: Helps maintain texture and a hint of tangy flavor.
- 1 cup chopped maraschino cherries, drained: Bursts of color and sweetness that brighten every bite.
How to Make Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheets
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and either line your baking sheets with parchment paper or leave them ungreased. This simple setup step ensures your cookies bake evenly and come off the pan with ease.
Step 2: Cream the Butters and Sugars
Start by mixing the softened butter and vegetable oil together with both the granulated and powdered sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and irresistible. This creaming method is key to achieving that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Almond Extract
Beat in the eggs one at a time to maintain the creamy texture, then stir in the almond extract. This step infuses the dough with the wonderful almond aroma that defines this Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies Recipe.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients Separately
Whisk together the flour, baking soda, and cream of tartar in a separate bowl. This ensures even distribution of leavening agents so the dough rises consistently.
Step 5: Mix Dry Ingredients into Wet Mixture
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing gently just until everything comes together. Overmixing can make cookies tough, so keep it light and easy.
Step 6: Fold in Chopped Maraschino Cherries
Gently fold in the drained chopped maraschino cherries to spread those bright bursts of sweet cherry flavor evenly throughout every cookie.
Step 7: Shape Your Cookies
Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets. Flatten each cookie slightly by pressing down with the bottom of a glass dipped in sugar to get that classic Peter Pan cookie look. It’s simple but adds an extra touch of sweetness and crunch.
Step 8: Bake to Perfection
Bake your cookies in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes. Look for lightly golden edges while keeping the centers soft and tender — this balance is the hallmark of the Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies Recipe.
Step 9: Cool and Enjoy
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before moving them to wire racks to cool completely. This prevents breaking and allows them to set perfectly.
How to Serve Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
For a charming presentation, sprinkle a little extra powdered sugar on top once the cookies have cooled. You can also add a few whole maraschino cherries or slivered almonds around the edges of your serving plate for a festive touch that complements the cookie’s flavors beautifully.
Side Dishes
These cookies are wonderful with a cold glass of milk or a cup of hot coffee or tea. Their sweet, nutty flavor pairs perfectly with creamy or slightly bitter beverages, creating a delightful combination that enhances every bite.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, arrange the cookies in a decorative tin or wrap them in parchment paper tied with a colorful ribbon. You could even sandwich softened cream cheese frosting or cherry jam between two cookies for a luscious twist that will wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your leftover Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. Keeping them sealed preserves their softness and prevents them from drying out, so they stay just as delightful as the day you baked them.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy these cookies later, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a resealable freezer bag. They’ll keep their flavor and texture for up to three months, making it super convenient to have homemade goodness on hand anytime.
Reheating
To refresh frozen cookies, gently warm them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes. This brings back their soft, fresh-from-the-oven appeal, perfect for satisfying a sudden sweet craving.
FAQs
Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries?
Fresh cherries can be a lovely alternative, but since they contain more moisture, you may want to dry them thoroughly or lightly roast them before adding to the dough to avoid soggy cookies.
What if I don’t have cream of tartar?
While cream of tartar adds a subtle tang and helps with texture, you can omit it if needed. Just keep an eye on your dough’s consistency and baking time, which might slightly vary.
Can I substitute almond extract with vanilla extract?
Yes, vanilla extract works well and will give the cookies a more classic sugar cookie flavor, but you’ll lose that distinctive nutty note that makes this Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies Recipe so memorable.
Are these cookies gluten-free?
This recipe calls for all-purpose flour, which contains gluten. For a gluten-free option, you could experiment with a gluten-free flour blend, but keep in mind the texture and flavor may change.
How do I prevent cookies from spreading too much while baking?
Make sure your butter is just softened, not melted, and chill the dough briefly before baking if it feels too soft. This can help the cookies keep their shape better in the oven.
Final Thoughts
This Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies Recipe is a true treasure that’s simple enough for any baker but special enough to impress all who taste it. Soft, sweet, and bursting with delightful cherry and almond flavors, these cookies are destined to become a beloved staple in your recipe collection. Give them a try and soon you’ll find yourself reaching for these little bites of happiness time and time again.
Print
Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings (approximately 24 cookies) 1x
Description
Discover the delightful Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies, a soft and chewy treat bursting with sweet maraschino cherries and a rich almond flavor. These classic Amish-style cookies are easy to make and perfect for any occasion, delivering a perfect balance of buttery richness and fruity sweetness in every bite.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp almond extract
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp cream of tartar
Add-ins
- 1 cup chopped maraschino cherries, drained
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Sheets: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper or leave them ungreased to ensure cookies do not stick.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, vegetable oil, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, creating a smooth base for the dough.
- Add Eggs and Almond Extract: Beat in the eggs one at a time to ensure proper incorporation, then mix in the almond extract to infuse the dough with its signature flavor.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and cream of tartar thoroughly to evenly distribute the leavening agents.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined to avoid overworking the dough.
- Fold in Cherries: Carefully fold in the chopped maraschino cherries, making sure they are evenly incorporated throughout the dough for bursts of cherry flavor.
- Shape Cookies: Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them adequately. Flatten each cookie slightly with the bottom of a glass dipped in sugar to give a delicate texture and prevent sticking.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden but the centers remain soft, for a tender texture.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely, ensuring they set properly.
Notes
- Ensure cherries are well drained and patted dry to prevent excess moisture in the dough.
- Do not overmix the dough as it can result in tough cookies.
- Flattening the cookies with sugar gives a nice textured top and adds a mild crunch.
- Cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- For a nut-free version, omit the almond extract or substitute with vanilla extract.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American Amish
