Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies

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 gatherings or cozy nights in, these cookies bring a delightful twist to traditional favorites. Their unique blend of flavors makes them a standout treat that everyone will love.

Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• Cookie Ingredients
• Icing Ingredients
• Garnish
• How to Make Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies
• Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheets
• Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
• Step 3: Incorporate Dry Ingredients
• Step 4: Shape Cookies
• Step 5: Bake
• Step 6: Prepare Icing
• Step 7: Ice Your Cookies
• How to Serve Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies
• As a Festive Dessert Platter
• With a Hot Beverage
• At a Holiday Gathering
• With Ice Cream
• As a Snack for Kids
• At Bake Sales or Fundraisers
• How to Perfect Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies
• Best Side Dishes for Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Storage & Reheating Instructions
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies
• Reheating Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies
• Frequently Asked Questions
• How do I make Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies more flavorful?
• Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino?
• What if my cookies spread too much while baking?
• How can I customize my Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Irresistible Flavor: The combination of cherry and almond creates a sweet and aromatic experience that tantalizes your taste buds.
• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps and common ingredients, this recipe is perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
• Versatile Treat: Whether for holiday parties or casual snacks, these cookies suit any occasion.
• Batch-Friendly: Yielding 48 cookies means there’s plenty to share (or keep for yourself!).
• Fun Decorating: The thick icing and slivered almonds allow for creative decoration options.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into baking these delicious cookies, gather your tools. Having everything ready will make the process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper
• Cooling rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients evenly without mess.
• Baking sheets: Provides a flat surface for even baking; using multiple sheets allows you to bake more cookies at once.

Ingredients

For the Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies, you will need:

Cookie Ingredients

• 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

Icing Ingredients

• 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

Garnish

• 1/2 cup slivered almonds (for garnish)

How to Make Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheets

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl:
1. Cream together the softened butter, vegetable oil, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar until smooth.
2. Add in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
3. Stir in both almond extract and cherry extract until fully combined.

Step 3: Incorporate Dry Ingredients

In another bowl:
1. Whisk together the flour, baking soda, and cream of tartar.
2. Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet mixture until just combined.
3. Gently fold in the minced maraschino cherries.

Step 4: Shape Cookies

Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop:
1. Drop dough onto prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart.
2. Flatten slightly with your hand for even baking.

Step 5: Bake

Place in preheated oven:
1. Bake for about 10–12 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
2. Allow cooling on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.

Step 6: Prepare Icing

In a medium bowl:
1. Combine melted butter with reserved cherry juice, almond extract, and cherry extract.
2. Gradually whisk in powdered sugar until achieving desired consistency.

Step 7: Ice Your Cookies

Once cookies are cooled:
1. Spread icing generously over each cookie.
2. Sprinkle with slivered almonds for an added crunch.

Now you have delicious Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies ready to enjoy! Perfect as gifts or festive treats during celebrations!

How to Serve Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies

These delightful Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies can brighten any occasion. Here are some creative ways to serve them that will impress your family and friends.

As a Festive Dessert Platter

• Include a mix of cookies, brownies, and bars for variety.
• Pair with seasonal fruits for color and freshness.

With a Hot Beverage

• Serve alongside coffee or tea to complement the sweet flavors.
• Hot cocoa is also a great option, especially in colder months.

At a Holiday Gathering

• Present them on decorative platters at parties.
• Consider wrapping them in cellophane as party favors for guests.

With Ice Cream

• Top warm cookies with a scoop of vanilla or cherry ice cream.
• Drizzle with chocolate or cherry sauce for an indulgent treat.

As a Snack for Kids

• Pack them in lunchboxes for a sweet surprise.
• Serve with milk after school for an afternoon treat.

At Bake Sales or Fundraisers

• These cookies are perfect for selling; they attract attention and taste amazing.
• Offer them in bags tied with ribbons for an appealing presentation.

How to Perfect Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies

To ensure your Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies turn out perfectly every time, follow these helpful tips.

• Use fresh ingredients: Make sure your butter and extracts are fresh for the best flavor.
• Chill the dough: Refrigerating the dough helps the cookies maintain their shape while baking.
• Don’t overmix: Mix just until combined to keep the cookies tender and soft.
• Measure flour accurately: Use the spoon-and-level method to avoid dense cookies caused by too much flour.
• Monitor baking time: Keep an eye on them in the oven; they should be lightly golden around the edges but soft in the center.
• Store properly: Keep your cookies in an airtight container to maintain softness and freshness longer.

Best Side Dishes for Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies

Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies pair well with various side dishes that enhance their sweet flavor. Here are some delicious options to consider.

1. Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits balances the sweetness of the cookies.
2. Cheese Platter: Include mild cheeses like brie or gouda; they contrast nicely with cookie sweetness.
3. Chocolate Fondue: Dip pieces of cookie into warm chocolate for an extra decadent treat.
4. Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and fruit, serving as a light, complementary dish.
5. Nut Mix: A blend of almonds and other nuts adds crunch and savory notes alongside sweet cookies.
6. Spiced Tea: A warm spiced tea enhances the flavors of cherries and almonds beautifully.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies can be a delightful experience, but there are common mistakes that may affect the outcome. Here are some tips to ensure your cookies turn out perfectly.

• Overmixing the dough: This can lead to tough cookies. Mix just until combined to keep them soft and tender.
• Using wet cherries: If the maraschino cherries are not dried properly, the dough can become too wet. Squeeze them very dry for best results.
• Incorrect oven temperature: Always preheat your oven to ensure even baking. An incorrect temperature can result in cookies being too hard or undercooked.
• Skipping the chilling step: Chilling your dough helps prevent spreading during baking. Don’t skip this step for perfectly puffy cookies.
• Not measuring flour correctly: Too much flour can make the cookies dry. Use a kitchen scale or fluff and spoon method for accuracy.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies in an airtight container.
• They can last up to one week in the fridge without losing freshness.

Freezing Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies

• Place cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually.
• Once frozen, transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container 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 for about 10-15 seconds for softening; be careful not to overheat.
• Stovetop: Place a cookie in a skillet over low heat for a few minutes until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have questions about making Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies, you’re not alone! Here are some frequently asked questions.

How do I make Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies more flavorful?

Adding extra extracts or spices like cinnamon can enhance flavor. You can also mix in chocolate chips for added richness.

Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino?

Yes! However, fresh cherries will need to be pitted and chopped finely. Adjust sugar levels since fresh cherries are less sweet than maraschino.

What if my cookies spread too much while baking?

This often happens due to warm dough or insufficient chilling. Ensure your dough is cold before placing it in the oven.

How can I customize my Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies?

Consider adding nuts, different extracts, or even decorating with colored icing for special occasions!

Final Thoughts

Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies are a wonderful treat that combines delightful flavors with a soft texture. They are perfect for holiday gatherings or simply as an everyday snack. Feel free to customize them with different toppings or add-ins based on your taste preferences!