If you are searching for the perfect nostalgic treat that feels like a warm hug from grandma, you have to try this Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies Recipe. These delightful cookies boast a tender crumb, a subtle almond aroma, and bursts of sweet maraschino cherries that brighten every bite. Their soft texture combined with the crunch of sliced almonds creates a harmonious medley of flavors and textures that is truly irresistible. This recipe captures the authentic Amish baking spirit, promising results that are as comforting as they are delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, wholesome ingredients is the secret to achieving the authentic taste and perfect texture of these Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies Recipe. Each component plays a crucial role from richness to sweetness and that delightful almond-cherry contrast.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): Provides creamy richness and a tender crumb.
- Granulated sugar (1 cup): Adds sweetness and helps with the cookie’s slight crisp edge.
- Powdered sugar (1 cup): Enhances softness and a delicate melt-in-your-mouth feel.
- Vegetable oil (1 cup): Keeps cookies moist and soft, preventing dryness.
- Large eggs (2): Bind ingredients together and enrich the dough.
- Almond extract (1 teaspoon): Delivers that signature nutty flavor.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Adds warmth and depth to the flavor profile.
- All-purpose flour (4 1/2 cups): Forms the sturdy base for your cookie dough.
- Baking soda (1 teaspoon): Helps create lightness and rise.
- Cream of tartar (1 teaspoon): Gives a subtle tang and contributes to cookie texture.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and enhances flavors.
- Maraschino cherries (1 cup, finely chopped, well-drained): Add bursts of bright, sweet flavor, so be sure to dry thoroughly to prevent sogginess.
- Sliced almonds (1/2 cup, lightly chopped): Provide a satisfying crunch and complement the almond extract.
How to Make Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preparing Your Workspace and Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining two baking sheets with parchment paper. This simple prep step ensures even baking and easy cleanup. Meanwhile, make sure your butter is softened and your cherries are finely chopped and completely dry to avoid spreading issues during baking.
Step 2: Creaming Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale. This aeration is what gives the cookies their tender texture and slight rise, so don’t rush this step.
Step 3: Incorporate Oil, Eggs, and Extracts
Add the vegetable oil to your creamed mixture and beat until fully incorporated, ensuring a smooth, glossy base. Then add the eggs, almond extract, and vanilla extract, mixing well after each addition so a beautiful almond-vanilla fragrance begins to fill your kitchen.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cream of tartar, and salt. This ensures even distribution of leavening agents and prevents clumps, which can affect texture.
Step 5: Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients
Add the dry ingredients to the wet in batches, mixing just until combined. Overmixing here can lead to tough cookies, so fold gently and watch your dough come together.
Step 6: Fold in Cherries and Almonds
Carefully fold in the chopped maraschino cherries and sliced almonds. This step adds those delicious pops of sweetness and crunch that define this recipe’s charm.
Step 7: Baking Your Cookies
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto your prepared baking sheets, spacing them generously to allow for spreading. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, until the edges set and the tops lose their shine but remain pale. This results in soft, tender cookies rather than hard or overly browned treats.
Step 8: Cooling
Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them firm up without becoming dry.
How to Serve Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
A few extra sliced almonds sprinkled atop each cookie before baking can enhance their almond aroma and provide a more striking presentation. For a pop of color and extra sweetness, a single maraschino cherry half pressed gently on top before baking adds that classic touch.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with a cup of hot tea, coffee, or even a glass of cold milk. Their soft texture and nutty flavors cut through the warmth of a freshly brewed beverage, making for a comforting snack or dessert pairing.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or gift-giving, arrange these cookies in a decorative tin or on a tiered tray with some fresh almonds and cherries as accents. You can also sandwich them with a light almond or cherry-flavored buttercream for an elevated twist that will wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days to maintain their softness and flavor. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Freezing
These cookies freeze exceptionally well! Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze initially, then transfer to a sealed freezer-safe container or bag. They will keep for up to three months, ready to be thawed gently at room temperature.
Reheating
If you prefer your Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies Recipe warm, reheat them briefly in a preheated oven at 300°F for about 5 minutes. This refreshes their softness and brings out the almond aroma beautifully without drying them out.
FAQs
Can I substitute maraschino cherries with fresh cherries?
For this recipe, maraschino cherries are preferred because they are sweet, tender, and drain well. Fresh cherries contain more water, which could make the dough too wet and cause excessive spreading.
What is the purpose of cream of tartar in this cookie recipe?
Cream of tartar acts as a stabilizing agent and helps create a tender texture with a slight tang, enhancing the cookie’s overall flavor and softness.
Can I use almond flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Using almond flour would change the texture significantly and likely make the cookies too crumbly. Stick with all-purpose flour for the best authentic result.
How important is it to dry the cherries thoroughly?
It is essential because excess moisture from the cherries leads to cookies that spread too much and lose their shape. Pat them dry carefully for perfect cookies every time.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Since this recipe uses butter and eggs, you’d need suitable substitutes like vegan butter and flax eggs, but this will alter texture and flavor. For a close vegan version, experiment with plant-based oils and egg replacements, keeping in mind the dough consistency.
Final Thoughts
There is just something so wonderfully comforting about the Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies Recipe that makes it a must-have in your baking repertoire. These cookies bring together nostalgic goodness with bright cherry sweetness and a delicate almond crunch that will have everyone asking for more. I encourage you to bake a batch soon—your kitchen will be filled with the most inviting aroma, and your taste buds will be grateful. Happy baking!
Print
Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 36 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies are soft, flavorful treats blending the sweetness of maraschino cherries with the nutty crunch of sliced almonds. This classic American dessert features a tender, buttery dough enhanced with almond and vanilla extracts, perfect for any occasion or holiday baking.
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) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- 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, creating a smooth and airy base.
- Add oils and flavorings: Beat in the vegetable oil until fully combined, then mix in the eggs, almond extract, and vanilla extract to infuse the dough with rich flavor.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, cream of tartar, and salt, ensuring even distribution of the leavening agents and seasoning.
- Mix dry ingredients into wet: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture in batches, mixing only until just combined to avoid overworking the dough.
- Fold in cherries and almonds: Gently fold in the finely chopped, well-drained maraschino cherries and lightly chopped sliced almonds evenly throughout the dough for bursts of flavor and texture.
- Scoop dough onto sheets: Using a tablespoon, scoop portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them sufficiently to allow room for spreading during baking.
- Bake the cookies: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the tops appear pale and no longer shiny, ensuring a soft texture.
- Cool the cookies: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to firm up, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before serving or storing.
Notes
- To prevent excess spreading during baking, ensure the maraschino cherries are very well-drained and patted dry.
- For an added almond flavor and decorative touch, top each cookie with a few sliced almonds before baking.
