If you have a soft spot for cookies that bring together a classic, buttery base with a burst of fruity sweetness and a delicate nutty aroma, you are going to adore this Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies Recipe. These cookies strike the perfect balance between tender crumb and lively flavor. The maraschino cherries add just the right pop of color and juiciness, while the almond extract elevates each bite with a subtle, comforting warmth that feels like a cozy hug from a close friend. Whether you’re baking for family, a special occasion, or just because, this recipe delivers joy with every cookie.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple, wholesome ingredients come together in this Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies Recipe to create a delightful texture and flavor profile. Each ingredient plays an essential role, whether it’s adding richness, sweetness, or that perfect chewy-soft bite.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Provides a creamy richness and tender texture.
- 1 cup vegetable oil: Keeps the cookies moist and adds a subtle softness.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens and helps create a light texture.
- 1 cup powdered sugar: Adds delicate sweetness and contributes to the softness.
- 2 large eggs: Binds the ingredients and gives structure.
- 1 tsp almond extract: Imparts that signature nutty, aromatic flavor.
- 1 tsp baking soda: Leavens for gentle rise and lightness.
- 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: Forms the sturdy base of your cookie dough.
- 1 tsp cream of tartar: Provides tenderness and a slight tang, balancing sweetness.
- 1 cup chopped maraschino cherries, drained: Bursts of juicy, sweet, and beautiful red color throughout the dough.
How to Make Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheets
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper or leave them ungreased — either way works fine. This step ensures your cookies bake evenly and come off the sheets effortlessly.
Step 2: Cream the Butters and Sugars
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, vegetable oil, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale. This process is key in building the soft texture that these sugar cookies are known for, so take your time here!
Step 3: Add Eggs and Almond Extract
Beat the eggs in one at a time, making sure each is well incorporated before adding the next. Then mix in the almond extract, infusing your dough with that irresistible nutty essence that makes this recipe so unique.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and cream of tartar. This ensures even distribution of leavening agents, which is vital for a perfectly risen cookie.
Step 5: Mix Dry Ingredients into Wet
Slowly add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently just until combined. Overmixing can toughen cookies, so stop as soon as the flour disappears into the dough.
Step 6: Fold in the Cherries
Gently fold in the chopped maraschino cherries. Take a moment to appreciate how these vibrant morsels will shine in your finished cookies, offering bursts of juiciness and a beautiful pop of color.
Step 7: Shape and Flatten Cookies
Using a rounded tablespoon, drop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them a few inches apart. Flatten each cookie slightly with the bottom of a glass dipped in sugar — this technique gives them that classic smooth, sugary finish.
Step 8: Bake to Perfection
Bake for 8-10 minutes until the edges are lightly golden while the centers remain soft. This brief bake time ensures a tender bite that melts in your mouth.
Step 9: Cool Completely
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks. Cooling fully is crucial for setting the texture and bringing out the full flavor of the Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies Recipe.
How to Serve Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
A simple dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of white chocolate can elevate these cookies instantly. Fresh mint leaves or a sprinkle of sliced almonds add a lovely extra touch of aroma and crunch, perfect for special gatherings.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with a steaming cup of tea, a rich latte, or a glass of cold milk. For an extra indulgent treat, serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a bowl of fresh berries, enhancing the cookies’ sweet and nutty notes.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange these cherry almond gems on a rustic wooden platter for a charming farmhouse feel, or stack them neatly tied with a ribbon for gift giving. Placing them inside festive tins or mason jars makes for a delightful surprise that friends and family will treasure.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies Recipe fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay beautifully soft and delicious for 3-4 days, giving you plenty of time to enjoy every last morsel.
Freezing
If you want to prepare ahead, freeze baked cookies by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months without losing flavor or texture.
Reheating
To bring back that freshly baked warmth, simply microwave a cookie for 10-15 seconds or warm it briefly in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes. Reheating keeps these cookies irresistible every time.
FAQs
Can I substitute fresh cherries for maraschino cherries?
While fresh cherries add a lovely natural flavor, maraschino cherries provide the signature sweetness and bright red color that’s central to the Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies Recipe. If you swap, consider reducing the added sugar slightly.
What makes these cookies different from traditional sugar cookies?
The addition of maraschino cherries and almond extract creates a vibrant twist, offering fruity bursts and a fragrant almond note that make these cookies uniquely delightful.
Can I use almond flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Almond flour changes the texture and structure quite a bit. This recipe relies on all-purpose flour for its balance of chewiness and softness, so it’s best to stick with it for optimal results.
How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?
Make sure your butter is softened but not melted, and chill your dough briefly if needed. Also, flatten the dough balls gently rather than pressing hard to maintain shape while baking.
Are these cookies suitable for gifting?
Absolutely! Their beautiful appearance, festive color, and irresistible flavor make the Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies Recipe a perfect homemade gift that everyone will love.
Final Thoughts
It’s hard to resist the charm of the Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies Recipe once you’ve tried them. Each cookie is a little bite of comforting goodness, bursting with cherries and almond warmth that feels like a homemade hug. Whether for sharing or savoring solo, this recipe is a joyful addition to your baking repertoire, inviting you to bake with heart and plenty of love.
Print
Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings (about 24 cookies)
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies combine a tender, buttery base with a delightful almond flavor and bursts of sweet maraschino cherries. Perfectly soft and lightly golden around the edges, these cookies are a nostalgic treat ideal for any occasion.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp almond extract
Dry Ingredients
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp cream of tartar
Add-ins
- 1 cup chopped maraschino cherries, drained
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare your baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper or leaving them ungreased for easy cookie removal.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter, vegetable oil, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which creates a smooth base for the cookies.
- Add Eggs and Flavoring: Beat in the eggs one at a time to ensure they are well incorporated, then stir in the almond extract to infuse the dough with a sweet almond aroma.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and cream of tartar. This ensures even distribution of leavening agents throughout the dough.
- Combine Dry and Wet: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing gently until the dough just comes together to avoid overworking and toughening the cookies.
- Fold in Cherries: Carefully fold in the chopped maraschino cherries, distributing them evenly throughout the dough to ensure each cookie has a burst of cherry flavor.
- Shape Cookies: Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets spaced apart. Slightly flatten each cookie with the bottom of a glass dipped in sugar to give them their classic shape and a subtle sugary crunch.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden while the centers remain soft and tender.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for several minutes to set, then transfer them to wire racks to cool completely and retain their delicate texture.
Notes
- Make sure the maraschino cherries are well drained and chopped finely to avoid wet spots in the dough.
- You can substitute almond extract with vanilla extract for a different but equally delicious flavor.
- For softer cookies, avoid overbaking; take them out when edges just begin to color.
- If you want a crisper cookie, increase baking time by 1-2 minutes but watch closely to prevent burning.
- Storing cookies in an airtight container keeps them fresh for up to a week.
