If you are looking for a truly heartwarming treat that combines nostalgic flavors with a delightful twist, the Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies Recipe is an absolute must-try. These soft, tender sugar cookies burst with sweet, finely chopped maraschino cherries and the subtle richness of almonds, creating a texture and taste that feels like a warm hug from a beloved friend. Each bite offers a perfect balance of fruity brightness and nutty warmth, making these cookies irresistible whether for holiday celebrations or a cozy afternoon snack.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients for this Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies Recipe is a breeze, and each one plays a crucial role in bringing out the signature flavor and texture. From creamy butter to fragrant almond and vanilla extracts, every element works together beautifully to create these melt-in-your-mouth delights.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Provides rich flavor and a tender crumb that melts in your mouth.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps the cookies achieve a delicate crispness around the edges.
- 1 cup powdered sugar: Contributes to the cookie’s soft texture and smooth finish.
- 1 cup vegetable oil: Keeps the cookies moist and adds a subtle lightness to the dough.
- 2 large eggs: Bind the ingredients together and give structure to the cookies.
- 1 teaspoon almond extract: Infuses a distinct, nutty aroma that makes the cookies unforgettable.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile with warm, inviting notes.
- 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation that gives the cookies their shape and tender bite.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise just enough to stay soft and fluffy.
- 1 teaspoon cream of tartar: Adds a slight tang and improves the texture for a classic sugar cookie feel.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness perfectly and enhances the other flavors.
- 1 cup finely chopped maraschino cherries, well-drained and patted dry: Delivers bursts of sweetness and a beautiful pop of color.
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds, lightly chopped: Adds crunch and a lovely almond flavor that pairs wonderfully with the cherries.
How to Make Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheets
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining two baking sheets with parchment paper. This simple prep ensures even baking and easy cleanup, setting the stage for perfectly shaped cookies.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is critical as it incorporates air, giving your cookies a soft, tender texture with a delicate crumb.
Step 3: Incorporate Oil, Eggs, and Extracts
Add in the vegetable oil and beat until fully combined, then mix in the eggs one at a time. Stir in the almond and vanilla extracts to infuse the dough with those signature warm, nutty flavors.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients Separately
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, cream of tartar, and salt. Mixing these ingredients well ensures even distribution and prevents clumps, which helps your cookies bake evenly.
Step 5: Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients
Add the dry ingredients gradually to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Overmixing can develop the gluten too much, resulting in tougher cookies, so gentle folds will keep them tender.
Step 6: Fold in Cherries and Almonds
Carefully fold in the finely chopped maraschino cherries and lightly chopped sliced almonds, making sure they are evenly distributed throughout the dough. This blend is what truly defines the Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies Recipe’s unique and delightful character.
Step 7: Shape and Bake
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of cookie dough onto the lined baking sheets, spacing them well to allow for spreading. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the edges are set and the tops no longer look shiny but remain a pleasant pale color. After baking, let them cool for 5 minutes on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
How to Serve Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance presentation and flavor by topping each cookie with a few lightly toasted sliced almonds just before baking or dusting the cookies lightly with powdered sugar for a festive touch. These little details make the cookies feel extra special and inviting.
Side Dishes
Pair these cookies with a warm cup of spiced tea, rich coffee, or even a glass of cold milk for a comforting combination. Their soft texture and subtle sweetness complement beverages perfectly, making every bite feel like a cozy moment.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve these Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies Recipe delights arranged on a vintage cookie platter or nestled inside a decorative tin for gifting. You can also sandwich them with a thin layer of almond buttercream frosting for an elegant twist that’s sure to impress your friends and family.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Keeping them properly sealed will preserve their tender texture and keep the cherry and almond flavors lively.
Freezing
You can freeze these cookies by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze solid, then transferring them to a zipper bag or airtight container. Frozen cookies will keep their flavor and texture well for up to 3 months, perfect for making batches in advance.
Reheating
To enjoy the cookies fresh, warm them briefly in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes or until gently heated through. This quick reheat brings back that soft, just-baked feeling and intensifies the delightful aroma of almond and cherry.
FAQs
Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries?
While fresh cherries offer a natural flavor, they contain more moisture, which can affect the cookie’s texture and cause spreading. Maraschino cherries are preferred for this recipe because they are well-drained and maintain the cookie’s structure.
Is almond extract necessary in this recipe?
Yes, almond extract is essential to achieve the classic flavor profile of the Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies Recipe. It provides that distinct nutty aroma that perfectly complements the cherries and enhances the overall cookie experience.
Can I substitute vegetable oil with butter?
Vegetable oil contributes moisture and lightness, but you can replace it with melted butter if preferred. Just be mindful that using butter may slightly change the texture and flavor, possibly making the cookies richer and denser.
How do I prevent the cherries from making the dough too wet?
Make sure to drain and pat dry the maraschino cherries thoroughly before chopping and folding them into the dough. This step is crucial to prevent excess moisture, which can cause the cookies to spread too much during baking.
Can I add some cinnamon or other spices to the dough?
Absolutely! Adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg can add a lovely warmth and depth to these cookies, creating a pleasant variation on the traditional Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies Recipe.
Final Thoughts
This Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies Recipe is a little treasure that feels both timeless and uniquely special. Whether you bake them to share with loved ones or treat yourself, these cookies bring joy with every tender, flavorful bite. I can’t encourage you enough to give this recipe a try—it’s sure to become a cherished classic in your kitchen.
Print
Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 36 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies are soft, flavorful treats featuring the sweet tang of maraschino cherries combined with the nutty crunch of sliced almonds. These American-style sugar cookies are delightfully tender with a subtle almond aroma, perfect for dessert or snacking.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon cream of tartar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Add-ins
- 1 cup finely chopped maraschino cherries, well-drained and patted dry
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds, lightly chopped
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare baking sheets: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and to allow even baking.
- Cream butter and sugars: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar using a mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy, which helps incorporate air for soft cookies.
- Add oils and flavorings: Beat in the vegetable oil until fully incorporated. Then add the eggs one at a time, followed by the almond extract and vanilla extract, ensuring each is mixed well before adding the next.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, cream of tartar, and salt to ensure even distribution of leavening and seasoning agents.
- Mix dry into wet ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients in batches, mixing just until combined to avoid overworking the dough that could make the cookies tough.
- Fold in cherries and almonds: Gently fold in the finely chopped, well-drained maraschino cherries and the lightly chopped sliced almonds to evenly distribute them throughout the dough.
- Scoop dough onto baking sheets: Using a tablespoon-sized scoop or spoon, drop portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheets. Leave enough space between each dollop to allow for spreading during baking.
- Bake the cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes until the cookie edges are set and the tops are pale, losing their shiny appearance but not browning significantly.
- Cool the cookies: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to firm up before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely, preventing breakage.
Notes
- Ensure maraschino cherries are very well-drained and patted dry to prevent excess cookie spreading during baking.
- For enhanced almond flavor and visual appeal, you can top each cookie with a few extra sliced almonds before baking.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain freshness for up to a week.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
