If you have a sweet tooth and a love for nostalgic flavors, the Delicious Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies Recipe will quickly become your new favorite treat. These charming cookies bring together the perfect harmony of soft, buttery dough infused with almond extract, crowned with vibrant maraschino cherries and a delightful crunch of sliced almonds. Each bite is a tender, melt-in-your-mouth experience that captures the spirit of Amish baking traditions while providing a fun way to share a slice of Americana right from your own kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To whip up these charming cookies, you only need a handful of simple, staple ingredients that are easy to find and beloved for a reason. Each one plays an essential role, whether it’s building the perfect texture, adding subtle nutty sweetness, or giving your cookies that iconic look and flavor.
- 1 cup Unsalted Butter (softened): Provides the rich, creamy base that makes the dough tender and flavorful.
- 1 cup Granulated Sugar (fine sugar): Gives sweetness and helps create a delicate crumb.
- 1/2 cup Powdered Sugar: Adds extra sweetness and a soft texture to balance granulated sugar.
- 1/4 cup Vegetable Oil (or melted coconut oil): Keeps the cookies moist and adds a slight richness.
- 2 large Eggs (beaten until fluffy): Essential for binding ingredients and creating a light, airy structure.
- 1 teaspoon Almond Extract (or vanilla extract): Infuses the dough with a distinct, warm almond flavor that pairs beautifully with cherries.
- 2 1/2 cups All-Purpose Flour (sifted): Forms the sturdy yet tender base of the cookie dough.
- 1 teaspoon Baking Soda: Helps the cookies rise just right for perfect softness.
- 1/2 teaspoon Cream of Tartar (optional): Adds a gentle tang and helps keep cookies tender.
- 1/2 cup Maraschino Cherries (halved): Brings bursts of sweet, bright cherry flavor and color.
- 1/4 cup Sliced Almonds (or chopped nuts): Adds a satisfying crunch and complements the almond extract beautifully.
- Optional Powdered Sugar (for dusting): A final touch of sweetness and a pretty finish before serving.
How to Make Delicious Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preparing Your Oven and Pans
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper to ensure your cookies bake evenly and come off easily without sticking, making cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Creaming the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, powdered sugar, and vegetable oil. Beat these together for 2 to 3 minutes until the mixture is light, airy, and creamy. This step is key to starting your cookie with a tender, fluffy texture.
Step 3: Incorporating Eggs and Almond Extract
Next, add the eggs, beaten until fluffy, and the almond extract to your creamed butter and sugar. Continue mixing for another two minutes until everything is fully combined and the batter has a smooth, luscious consistency.
Step 4: Mixing the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the sifted all-purpose flour, baking soda, and cream of tartar if using. Gradually add these dry ingredients to your wet mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix to keep your cookies tender.
Step 5: Shaping the Cookies
Roll the dough into 1.5-inch balls, placing them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. This spacing allows the cookies to spread just enough without running into each other.
Step 6: Adding Cherry and Almond Toppings
Gently press 1 or 2 halves of maraschino cherries into the center of each dough ball, then sprinkle sliced almonds over the top. This not only adds beautiful color and texture but also infuses each bite with delightful flavors.
Step 7: Baking to Perfection
Bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes, watching for lightly golden edges while keeping the centers soft and tender. This balance is what makes the Delicious Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies Recipe so irresistible.
Step 8: Cooling and Finishing Touch
Once baked, let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely. For an extra special touch, dust each cookie lightly with powdered sugar just before serving.
How to Serve Delicious Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
These cookies are already stunning, but you can elevate their presentation by adding a little extra garnish. A light dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of melted white chocolate, or even a few extra sliced almonds on top creates a charming finishing touch that’s perfect for celebrations or afternoon tea.
Side Dishes
Pair these sweet delights with something simple and complementary like a cup of hot tea, freshly brewed coffee, or even a cold glass of milk. Their classic flavors balance beautifully with beverages that aren’t too overpowering.
Creative Ways to Present
The Delicious Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies Recipe lends itself wonderfully to creative presentation ideas. Arrange them on a rustic wooden tray alongside fresh cherries and almond clusters, or stack them with parchment paper between layers in a decorative tin for gifting. You could even sandwich a bit of almond butter or cherry jam between two cookies for a decadent twist!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh and soft for up to 5 days, making them perfect for snacking throughout the week or unexpected visitors.
Freezing
These cookies freeze beautifully! Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze initially, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months. This way, you can enjoy your Delicious Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies Recipe anytime with minimal effort.
Reheating
To bring frozen or room temperature cookies back to life, warm them in a preheated oven at 300°F for about 5 minutes. This rejuvenates their soft texture and lets the almond and cherry aromas shine like they’re fresh from the oven.
FAQs
Can I substitute the almond extract with vanilla?
Absolutely! While almond extract gives these cookies their signature flavor, vanilla extract works well as a substitute if you prefer a more classic sugar cookie taste.
What if I don’t have maraschino cherries on hand?
You can use dried cherries or fresh pitted cherries if you want a less sweet, more natural fruit flavor. Just be mindful of moisture content to avoid soggy cookies.
Is it necessary to use cream of tartar?
Cream of tartar is optional but recommended for helping the cookies remain tender and providing a slight tang. If you don’t have it, simply omit it—the cookies will still turn out delicious.
Can these cookies be made gluten-free?
Yes! Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend that measures like regular flour, ensuring it contains xanthan gum or another binder for structure.
How do I keep these cookies soft and fresh longer?
Storing in an airtight container with a slice of bread inside can help keep the cookies moist by absorbing excess air and keeping the environment slightly humid. Also, avoid refrigerating as it can dry them out.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to treat yourself and your loved ones to something truly special, I wholeheartedly encourage you to try the Delicious Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies Recipe. It’s a warm hug of flavor wrapped in a cookie, simple to make yet impressive to share. Baking and enjoying these cookies will add a sweet note to any day, and I can guarantee you’ll be reaching for this recipe again and again.
Print
Delicious Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Enjoy these delightful Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies, a perfect blend of soft texture, sweet cherries, and crunchy almonds. These traditional cookies are easy to make and ideal for any occasion, offering a light almond flavor with a touch of sweetness from maraschino cherries and a hint of vanilla or almond extract.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup Unsalted Butter (softened)
- 1 cup Granulated Sugar (fine sugar)
- 1/2 cup Powdered Sugar
- 1/4 cup Vegetable Oil (or melted coconut oil)
- 2 large Eggs (beaten until fluffy)
- 1 teaspoon Almond Extract (or vanilla extract)
- 2 1/2 cups All-Purpose Flour (sifted)
- 1 teaspoon Baking Soda
- 1/2 teaspoon Cream of Tartar (optional)
Toppings
- 1/2 cup Maraschino Cherries (halved)
- 1/4 cup Sliced Almonds (or chopped nuts)
- Optional: Powdered Sugar (for dusting)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, powdered sugar, and vegetable oil using a mixer for 2-3 minutes until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, providing the base for soft cookies.
- Add Eggs and Extract: Mix in the beaten eggs and almond extract thoroughly until fully combined and fluffy, about 2 minutes, to incorporate moisture and flavor.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the sifted all-purpose flour, baking soda, and cream of tartar to ensure even distribution of the leavening agents.
- Form Dough: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing gently until a soft dough forms that is easy to handle but not sticky.
- Shape Cookies: Roll the dough into 1.5-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheets spaced about 2 inches apart to allow room for spreading.
- Add Toppings: Gently press 1-2 halved maraschino cherries into the center of each cookie ball, then sprinkle with sliced almonds for a delicious topping.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges turn lightly golden while the centers remain soft and tender.
- Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes to set before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
- Optional Dusting: Just before serving, dust the cookies lightly with powdered sugar for an elegant finish and added sweetness.
Notes
- You can substitute vegetable oil with melted coconut oil for a subtle coconut flavor.
- Cream of tartar is optional but helps to stabilize the dough and improve texture.
- Ensure not to overbake to keep the cookies soft in the center.
- Store cookies in an airtight container for up to one week to maintain freshness.
- Use fresh maraschino cherries for the best flavor and color.
