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
Scale
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