As the holiday season approaches, my kitchen transforms into a fragrant wonderland, brimming with the warm scents of baking treats. One recipe that never fails to steal the show is my Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies. These delightful cookies are not only incredibly easy to whip up, but they also promise to impress gatherings with their vibrant cherry and almond flavors. With a soft, puffy texture reminiscent of classic holiday cookies, they’re perfect for any festive occasion—even as unexpected gifts! Topped with a luscious cherry-almond icing and sprinkled with slivered almonds, they are both visually stunning and a crowd favorite. Are you ready to bring a little holiday magic into your kitchen with these irresistible creations?
Why Are Cherry Almond Cookies a Must-Try?
Irresistible Flavor: The dynamic duo of cherry and almond creates a cookie that’s bursting with flavor – a true delight for your taste buds!
Festive Appeal: With their vibrant colors, these cookies add a festive touch to any dessert table, making them ideal for holiday gatherings.
Easy to Make: Mixing up a batch is a breeze, perfect for home bakers of all skill levels. You’ll also love how they bring a sense of nostalgia, similar to other classic treats like Sugar Maple Cookies.
Versatile Variations: Feel free to play around with different extracts or toppings; you can even swap in dried fruits for a unique twist!
Perfect for Sharing: With a large yield, they’re great for cookie exchanges or gifting, spreading joy and sweetness with every bite!
Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies Ingredients
• You’ll need these essentials to create your delicious Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies!
For the Cookies
- Maraschino Cherries – Adds sweetness and cherry flavor; ensure they’re drained well and minced.
- Butter (1 cup, softened) – Provides richness and a soft texture.
- Vegetable or Canola Oil (1 cup) – Enhances moisture and contributes to fluffiness.
- Granulated Sugar (1 cup) – Sweetens the dough and helps in creating a tender texture.
- Large Eggs (2) – Binds the ingredients and contributes to the cookie structure.
- Almond Extract (2 tsp) – Infuses a rich almond flavor that pairs perfectly with cherry.
- Cherry Extract (2 tsp) – Enhances the cherry flavor; can substitute with more cherry juice if desired.
- All-Purpose Flour (4 ½ cups) – Provides structure; essential for cookie dough.
- Baking Soda (1 tsp) – A leavening agent that helps cookies rise.
- Cream of Tartar (1 tsp) – Stabilizes the cookie structure and enhances fluffiness.
For the Icing
- Butter for Icing (4 tbsp, melted) – Forms the base of the icing for a creamy finish.
- Maraschino Cherry Juice (1/3 cup + 1-2 tbsp) – Provides flavor for icing; adjust for desired consistency.
- Powdered Sugar (1 cup, plus for icing) – Adds sweetness and creates a smooth icing texture.
For Garnish
- Slivered Almonds (½ cup for garnish) – Adds a crunchy texture and visual appeal to the cookies.
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies
Step 1: Preheat Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that the oven reaches the perfect baking temperature, allowing your Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies to bake evenly. As the oven heats up, you can gather your ingredients and prepare for the mixing process.
Step 2: Prepare Cherries
Drain the maraschino cherries, reserving the juice for later. Finely mince the cherries and use a kitchen towel to squeeze out any excess moisture. This step is vital to prevent the dough from becoming too wet, which could lead to flatter cookies. Set the cherries aside to incorporate later.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Oils
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, vegetable oil, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar. Using an electric mixer, beat the mixture on medium speed until it becomes light and fluffy, approximately 3-4 minutes. This step creates the rich base for your Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies, enriching them with flavor and texture.
Step 4: Mix in Wet Ingredients
Add the large eggs, almond extract, cherry extract, and minced cherries into the creamed mixture. Mix everything together on low speed until just combined, ensuring that the cherries are well incorporated. This blend of wet ingredients will create a moist and flavorful dough for the cookies that will delight everyone.
Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and cream of tartar. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; the dough should be slightly sticky and hold together well, ready to form your Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies.
Step 6: Bake Cookies
Line your baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Use a teaspoon to drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake in the preheated oven for 8-11 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Once they’re done, allow the cookies to cool on wire racks, which helps them maintain their soft, puffy texture.
Step 7: Prepare Icing
While the cookies cool, make the icing by whisking the melted butter with the reserved cherry juice and extracts in a mixing bowl. Gradually add powdered sugar until the mixture reaches a thick but spreadable consistency. This cherry-almond icing will add a delightful finish to your cookies, making them even more irresistible.
Step 8: Frost Cookies
Once the cookies are completely cool, gently frost each one with the prepared icing. Sprinkle slivered almonds on top for a lovely crunch and gorgeous presentation. Allow the icing to set before serving, ensuring each cookie is not only delicious but beautifully adorned, making your Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies the centerpiece of any festive gathering.
Make Ahead Options
These Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies are perfect for make-ahead meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance—simply follow the instructions up to Step 5, then cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. This not only saves you time but enhances the flavors as they meld. Once you’re ready to bake, simply scoop and bake the cookies as directed. Additionally, you can make the icing up to 3 days ahead and store it in an airtight container in the fridge; just whisk it again before frosting. For a delightful dessert without the last-minute rush, enjoy perfectly prepared cookies that are just as delicious!
Expert Tips for Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies
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Squeeze Cherries Well: Make sure to remove excess moisture from the minces cherries to prevent the cookies from flattening during baking.
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Mixing Consistency: Avoid overmixing the dough to maintain the soft, puff pastry-like texture that defines these cherry almond Amish sugar cookies.
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Icing Thickness: A thick icing will stay on the cookies better; adjust with powdered sugar for a perfect spreadable consistency.
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Storage Guidelines: Keep cookies in a cool, dry place and consume within three days for optimal freshness. They also freeze wonderfully, both iced or plain.
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Creative Variations: Experiment with different extracts, like vanilla, or add dried fruits to craft your own unique twist on this delicious recipe!
Storage Tips for Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies
Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days for the best texture and flavor.
Fridge: If you want to extend their freshness, these cookies can be kept in the fridge for up to a week, just ensure they’re well-sealed to avoid drying out.
Freezer: For long-term storage, freeze cookies for up to 3 months, either plain or iced. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag.
Reheating: When ready to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature. If desired, warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes to restore their soft, puff pastry-like texture.
Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies Variations
Feel free to unleash your creativity and adapt these delightful cookies to suit your taste or dietary needs!
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Vanilla Swap: Substitute almond extract with vanilla extract for a more classic flavor profile. The cookies will still be yummy, just with a familiar twist.
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Dried Fruit Burst: Use dried cherries or cranberries instead of maraschino cherries for a chewier texture and slightly different sweetness. They’ll lend a rustic charm reminiscent of holiday baking.
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Chocolate Indulgence: Fold in chocolate chips to the dough for a decadent chocolate-cherry combination that will have you dreaming of dessert.
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Spunky Spice: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the mix for a festive aroma that perfectly complements the cherry and almond flavors. This subtle warmth takes the cookies to the next level!
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Nut-Free Delight: For a nut-free version, simply omit the slivered almonds and replace almond extract with an equal measure of additional vanilla extract, keeping the flavor deliciously vibrant.
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Citrus Zest: Add a teaspoon of lemon or orange zest to brighten the flavor with a refreshing zing. The citrus will cut through the sweetness, balancing each bite beautifully.
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Icing Adventure: Try using flavored extracts like coconut or mint in the icing for a unique finish. A mint icing would especially stand out for holiday gatherings, reminiscent of peppermint.
And don’t forget, you can always rely on other delightful recipes like Maraschino Cherry Cookies or Zero Sugar Greek Yogurt Brownies to further inspire your baking adventures!
What to Serve with Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies?
As the warmth of freshly baked cookies fills your kitchen, it’s the perfect moment to create a feast around these delightful treats.
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Creamy Mashed Potatoes: The smooth texture offers a comforting contrast to the cookies’ sweetness, making it perfect for a cozy meal.
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Festive Charcuterie Board: Include nuts, fruits, and cheeses to add savory bites that balance the cookie’s sweet pop, creating a delightful grazing experience.
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Hot Cocoa or Coffee: A warm beverage rounds out your dessert table, enhancing the cherry and almond flavors and inviting a comforting vibe.
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Classic Green Salad: Fresh greens with a light vinaigrette add a crisp texture and cleanse the palate after enjoying the cookies’ richness.
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Peppermint Bark: The cool mint and chocolate bring a festive flair to your spread, appealing to those with a sweet tooth without overwhelming them.
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Vanilla Ice Cream Sundae: Tantalizing fresh cherries on top will play off the cookie flavor, creating a dreamy dessert combination.
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Fruity Sangria: The refreshing, fruity notes of sangria provide a bright contrast to the cookies’ richness, making for a great pairing at holiday gatherings.
Each of these pairings enhances the joy of sharing Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies with family and friends, making your holiday celebrations even more special.
Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies Recipe FAQs
What kind of cherries should I use for the cookies?
Absolutely! I recommend using maraschino cherries for their sweetness and vibrant color. Be sure to drain them well and mince before adding to the dough. This ensures that no excess moisture affects the final texture of the cookies.
How should I store the Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies?
To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you’d like to extend their life, they can be kept in the fridge for up to a week, but always make sure they’re well-sealed.
Can I freeze these cookies?
Very! You can freeze the Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies for up to 3 months. Simply wrap them individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. To enjoy, thaw at room temperature or warm slightly in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes.
What can I do if my cookies spread too much during baking?
If you find your cookies flatten out, it may be due to excess moisture from the cherries. Always squeeze them well before adding to the dough. Additionally, make sure your butter is softened but not too warm, as this can also cause spreading.
Are there any dietary considerations I should be aware of?
Absolutely! These cookies contain common allergens like eggs and butter, so if you have allergies, consider substitutions such as egg replacer and dairy-free butter. For those with nut allergies, be cautious with the almond extract and use vanilla instead.
Can I make variations of these cookies?
Yes, the more the merrier! Feel free to swap almond extract for vanilla for a different flavor profile. You could also use dried cherries or chocolate chips for delightful twists. Experimenting with toppings is also a fun way to personalize these cookies!
Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies: A Festive Delight to Share
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Drain and mince maraschino cherries, squeezing out excess moisture.
- Cream together butter, oil, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar until fluffy.
- Mix in eggs, almond extract, cherry extract, and minced cherries until combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, and cream of tartar. Add to wet mixture and mix until just combined.
- Drop rounded balls of dough onto lined baking sheets and bake for 8-11 minutes.
- Cool cookies on wire racks.
- Make icing by whisking melted butter, cherry juice, and powdered sugar until spreadable.
- Frost cooled cookies and sprinkle with slivered almonds.
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