Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies

Soft, puffy, melt-in-your-mouth sugar cookies with delightful notes of vanilla, cherry, and almond are what you can expect from these Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies. Perfect for various occasions, from holiday gatherings to casual family treats, these cookies stand out due to their unique flavor profile and the thick cherry-almond icing that tops them off. Effortlessly indulgent and easy to make, a batch of these cookies is sure to impress everyone around!

Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• For the Cookies
• For the Icing
• For Garnish
• How to Make Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies
• Step 1: Preheat the Oven
• Step 2: Prepare Your Cookie Dough
• Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
• Step 4: Add Cherries
• Step 5: Bake the Cookies
• Step 6: Prepare the Icing
• Step 7: Ice Your Cookies
• How to Serve Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies
• With a Glass of Milk
• On a Dessert Platter
• As Party Favors
• With Coffee or Tea
• At Holiday Gatherings
• 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
• Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino?
• How do I make Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies gluten-free?
• What can I substitute for almond extract?
• How long do Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies last?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor Combination: The mix of cherry and almond creates a taste that is both sweet and refreshing.
• Easy to Prepare: With straightforward steps, even novice bakers can successfully whip up these delightful cookies.
• Versatile for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday celebration or a simple afternoon snack, these cookies fit right in.
• Great for Sharing: This recipe yields 48 cookies, making it perfect for parties or family gatherings.
• Foolproof Recipe: The ingredients are forgiving, ensuring your cookies turn out great every time.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into baking your Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies, gather the necessary tools. Having the right equipment makes the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper
• Electric mixer

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients evenly without mess.
• Electric mixer: Saves time and energy when creaming butter and sugar together.
• Baking sheets: Provides a flat surface for even baking of the cookies.

Ingredients

To create these Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies, you will need the following ingredients:

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

How to Make Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your cookies bake evenly.

Step 2: Prepare Your Cookie Dough

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

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl:
1. Whisk together all-purpose flour, baking soda, and cream of tartar.
2. Gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients until just combined.

Step 4: Add Cherries

Fold in the minced maraschino cherries carefully into your dough.

Step 5: Bake the Cookies

On prepared baking sheets lined with parchment paper:
1. Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto sheets about 2 inches apart.
2. Bake in preheated oven for about 10–12 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.

Step 6: Prepare the Icing

While cookies cool:
1. In a bowl, combine melted butter, maraschino cherry juice, almond extract, cherry extract, and powdered sugar until smooth.

Step 7: Ice Your Cookies

Once cooled:
1. Drizzle or spread icing over each cookie.
2. Garnish with slivered almonds before serving.

Enjoy your delicious 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. Whether it’s a festive gathering or a casual get-together, these cookies can be served in various ways to enhance their charm.

With a Glass of Milk

• A classic pairing that balances the sweetness of the cookies with the creaminess of milk.

On a Dessert Platter

• Arrange the cookies on a colorful platter, adding some fresh cherries and almonds for decoration.

As Party Favors

• Package individual cookies in clear bags tied with ribbon for a sweet take-home treat at celebrations.

With Coffee or Tea

• Serve alongside your favorite hot beverage, bringing out the cookie’s flavors while providing a comforting experience.

At Holiday Gatherings

• Present these cookies on your holiday table; their festive colors make them a seasonal favorite.

How to Perfect Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies

To achieve the best results with your Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies, follow these tips for a perfect batch every time.

• Use fresh ingredients: Ensure that your butter and extracts are fresh for optimal flavor.
• Do not overmix: Mix until just combined to keep the cookies tender and soft.
• Chill the dough: Refrigerate for at least an hour before baking to help maintain shape and improve texture.
• Measure flour correctly: Use the spoon-and-level method to avoid dense cookies from too much flour.
• Watch baking time closely: Remove cookies from the oven when they are lightly golden; they will continue to cook on the tray.
• Store properly: Keep cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness and softness.

Best Side Dishes for Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies

Pairing side dishes with Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies can elevate your dessert experience. Here are some great options!

1. Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy texture complements the cookie’s flavors perfectly.
2. Fruit Salad: Fresh fruits add brightness and balance against the sweetness of the cookies.
3. Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses can offer a savory contrast to the sweet cookies.
4. Hot Chocolate: This warm drink enhances the cozy feel of enjoying sugar cookies.
5. Coffee Cake: A slice of coffee cake pairs well during brunch or afternoon tea.
6. Nutty Granola Bars: These provide a crunchy texture that contrasts nicely with soft cookies.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies, avoid these common mistakes to ensure the best results.

• Using wet cherries: Wet maraschino cherries can make your dough too sticky. Be sure to drain and squeeze them very dry before adding.
• Skipping the chilling step: If you don’t chill the dough, cookies may spread too much during baking. Always refrigerate for at least an hour.
• Not measuring flour correctly: Using too much flour can lead to dry cookies. Use the spoon-and-level method for accurate measurement.
• Overbaking the cookies: Overbaking can result in a hard texture. Keep an eye on them and remove them as soon as they’re lightly golden around the edges.
• Ignoring the icing consistency: If your icing is too thick, it won’t spread well. Adjust with more cherry juice or powdered sugar until you reach the right consistency.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
• Place parchment paper between layers of cookies to prevent sticking.

Freezing Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies

• Freeze cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet for 1-2 hours before transferring to freezer bags.
• Store for up to 3 months; label bags with the date.

Reheating Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and warm cookies for about 5 minutes for a fresh taste.
• Microwave: Heat one cookie at a time for about 10-15 seconds until slightly warm.
• Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat; cover with a lid and warm for about 1-2 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies.

Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino?

Yes, you can use fresh cherries, but be sure to pit and chop them finely. The moisture content may vary, so adjust accordingly.

How do I make Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies gluten-free?

Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that measures like regular flour. Ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free as well.

What can I substitute for almond extract?

Vanilla extract can be used as a substitute; however, it will alter the unique flavor profile of the cookies.

How long do Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies last?

These cookies last up to one week in an airtight container at room temperature or three months if frozen properly.

Final Thoughts

Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies are not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize them by adding different extracts or nuts based on your preference. Whether for holidays or just because, these cookies will surely delight everyone who tries them!