Soft, puffy, melt-in-your-mouth sugar cookies, with touches of vanilla, cherry, and almond, and a thick cherry-almond icing! These Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies are guaranteed to be a smash hit for the holidays. Perfect for family gatherings, festive parties, or simply as a delightful treat at home, these cookies stand out with their unique flavors and appealing look. Plus, they’re simple to make, ensuring that anyone can whip up a batch and impress friends and family alike.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Irresistible Flavor: The combination of cherry and almond creates a sweet, aromatic experience in every bite.
- Easy to Make: With simple steps and readily available ingredients, these cookies are perfect for bakers of all levels.
- Versatile Treat: Ideal for holidays or any celebration, these cookies can be enjoyed year-round.
- Large Batch: Yielding 48 cookies, this recipe is great for sharing or storing for later enjoyment.
- Customizable Icing: The thick cherry-almond icing can be adjusted to your taste or decorated in various ways.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into making these delicious Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies, gather the necessary tools. Having everything on hand will streamline your baking experience.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Baking sheets
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Parchment paper
Importance of Each Tool
- Electric mixer: This tool helps achieve a light texture by thoroughly creaming the butter and sugars together.
- Baking sheets: Choose sturdy sheets to ensure even baking without warping.
- Mixing bowls: Having multiple sizes allows you to easily separate ingredients during the preparation process.
Ingredients
For these delightful Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies, you will need:
For the Cookies
- 2 – 12 oz. jars maraschino cherries (drained (reserve juice), minced, squeezed VERY dry)
- 1 cup butter (softened)
- 1 cup vegetable or canola oil
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp. almond extract
- 2 tsp. cherry extract
- 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp. baking soda
- 1 tsp. cream of tartar
For the Icing
- 4 tbsp. butter (melted)
- 1/3 cup + 1-2 tbsp. maraschino cherry juice
- 1 tsp. almond extract
- 1 tsp. cherry extract
- 4 – 5 cups powdered sugar
For Garnish
- 1/2 cup slivered almonds (for garnish)
How to Make Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Prepare the Cookie Dough
In a mixing bowl, combine softened butter with granulated sugar and powdered sugar. Beat until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time along with almond and cherry extracts.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and cream of tartar. Gradually add this mix to the wet ingredients until well combined.
Step 4: Fold in Cherries
Gently fold in the minced maraschino cherries until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Step 5: Scoop and Bake
Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop balls of dough onto prepared baking sheets about two inches apart. Bake for 10–12 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
Step 6: Prepare the Icing
In a separate bowl, mix melted butter with maraschino cherry juice, almond extract, cherry extract, and gradually add powdered sugar until desired thickness is achieved.
Step 7: Ice the Cookies
Once cookies have cooled completely, drizzle or spread icing over each cookie. Garnish with slivered almonds before serving.
Enjoy your homemade Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies!
How to Serve Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies
These delightful Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies are perfect for any occasion. Their sweet cherry and almond flavors make them a hit at gatherings, and they can be served in various creative ways.
With Coffee or Tea
- Pair these cookies with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or tea for a cozy afternoon treat. The nutty flavor complements the beverages perfectly.
On a Dessert Platter
- Arrange the cookies on a beautiful dessert platter alongside other sweets like brownies and fruit tarts. This makes for an inviting and colorful presentation.
As Party Favors
- Package individual cookies in clear bags tied with ribbons as party favors. Guests will appreciate this tasty memento from your event.
With Ice Cream
- Serve warm cookies topped with a scoop of vanilla or cherry ice cream. This combination creates a delightful contrast of temperatures and textures.
At Holiday Gatherings
- Bring these cookies to holiday gatherings as a festive treat that everyone will enjoy. Their vibrant colors and flavors fit right in with seasonal celebrations.
How to Perfect Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies
To ensure your Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies turn out just right, follow these helpful tips.
- Use room temperature ingredients: Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
- Measure flour accurately: Use the spoon-and-level method to avoid adding too much flour, which can make the cookies dry.
- Chill the dough: Refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking to help prevent spreading during baking.
- Rotate the baking sheets: Halfway through baking, rotate the sheets to ensure even baking and browning on all sides.
- Keep an eye on baking time: Since ovens vary, start checking your cookies a few minutes before the recommended time to avoid overbaking.
- Store properly: Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain freshness for up to a week.
Best Side Dishes for Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies
Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies can be complemented by various side dishes that enhance their sweetness. Here are some great options to consider:
Fruit Salad
A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits adds brightness and balances the richness of the cookies.Cheese Platter
Combine soft cheeses like brie with nuts and honey for a savory contrast that pairs well with sweet treats.Chocolate Fondue
Set up a chocolate fondue station with fruits, marshmallows, and pretzels for dipping alongside your cookies.Yogurt Parfait
Layer yogurt with granola and fruit for a creamy, crunchy dish that complements the cookie’s flavors beautifully.Nut Mix
A bowl of mixed nuts provides a crunchy snack option that contrasts nicely with the soft texture of the cookies.Milkshake
Whip up vanilla or cherry milkshakes as a fun beverage option that pairs perfectly with these sweet treats.Mini Cupcakes
Light mini cupcakes can add another layer of sweetness without overwhelming guests after enjoying your delicious cookies.Frozen Fruit Bars
These provide a light, refreshing dessert option that cleanses the palate after indulging in rich cookies.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies is simple, but a few common mistakes can affect your results. Here are some tips to help you succeed:
- Boldly overmixing the dough: Overmixing can lead to tough cookies. Mix just until the ingredients are combined for a soft texture.
- Boldly skipping the chilling step: Chilling the dough helps the cookies maintain their shape. Allow at least 30 minutes in the fridge before baking.
- Boldly using too much flour: Adding excess flour can make your cookies dry. Use a kitchen scale or spoon and level method for accuracy.
- Boldly underbaking: Undercooked cookies may become hard as they cool. Bake until they are lightly golden around the edges for perfect results.
- Boldly neglecting to drain cherries properly: Not squeezing the cherries dry can add excess moisture. Ensure you remove as much liquid as possible for better cookie consistency.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store the Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies in an airtight container.
- They will stay fresh for up to one week in the refrigerator.
Freezing Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies
- Place cooled cookies in a freezer-safe container or bag.
- They can be frozen for up to three months.
Reheating Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm cookies for about 5-7 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat each cookie on medium power for about 10-15 seconds, just until warm.
- Stovetop: Place on a skillet over low heat for a few minutes, turning occasionally.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies special?
These cookies combine rich almond flavor with sweet cherry notes, creating a delightful treat that melts in your mouth.
Can I customize my Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies?
Absolutely! You can add chocolate chips, swap cherries for other fruits, or adjust extracts to suit your taste.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes approximately 48 delicious cookies, perfect for sharing during holidays or gatherings.
How should I store leftover cookies?
Store leftover Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator for optimal freshness.
Final Thoughts
Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies are not only easy to make but also incredibly versatile. Their delightful flavors are sure to impress friends and family alike. Try customizing them with different toppings or flavors to make them your own!
Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies
Indulge in the delightful flavors of Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies, a soft and puffy treat that melts in your mouth. Perfect for any occasion, these cookies combine the sweet notes of maraschino cherries with the aromatic essence of almond, creating a unique flavor experience. Topped with a thick cherry-almond icing and garnished with slivered almonds, these cookies are not only visually appealing but also incredibly easy to make. Yielding 48 cookies, they are ideal for sharing at family gatherings, festive parties, or simply enjoying at home. With straightforward steps and readily available ingredients, anyone can impress friends and family with this deliciously festive treat.
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 48 cookies 1x
Ingredients
- 2 – 12 oz. jars maraschino cherries (drained, minced, squeezed VERY dry)
- 1 cup butter (softened)
- 1 cup vegetable or canola oil
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp. almond extract
- 2 tsp. cherry extract
- 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp. baking soda
- 1 tsp. cream of tartar
- 4 tbsp. butter (melted)
- 1/3 cup + 1–2 tbsp. maraschino cherry juice
- 1 tsp. almond extract
- 1 tsp. cherry extract
- 4 – 5 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup slivered almonds (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, cream softened butter with granulated and powdered sugars until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time along with almond and cherry extracts.
- In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and cream of tartar; gradually combine with wet ingredients.
- Gently fold in minced maraschino cherries until evenly mixed.
- Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto prepared baking sheets about two inches apart. Bake for 10–12 minutes until edges are lightly golden.
- For the icing, mix melted butter with maraschino cherry juice and extracts; gradually add powdered sugar until desired consistency is reached.
- Once cooled, ice each cookie and garnish with slivered almonds.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (25g)
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 45mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: For best results, ensure butter and eggs are at room temperature before mixing. Chilling the dough for 30 minutes can prevent excessive spreading while baking. Feel free to customize by adding chocolate chips or using other fruit extracts.