Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies

Soft, puffy, melt-in-your-mouth sugar cookies, with touches of vanilla, cherry, and almond, these Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies are perfect for any occasion. Whether you are celebrating the holidays or simply indulging in a sweet treat, these cookies are sure to impress. Their unique flavor combination and delightful icing make them a standout dessert that everyone will love!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: These cookies come together quickly and require no special skills.
• Delicious Flavor: The blend of cherry and almond offers a sweet yet balanced taste that is hard to resist.
• Perfect for Sharing: With 48 cookies in a batch, they are great for parties or gatherings.
• Versatile Decoration: Dress them up with icing or keep them simple; they look great either way!
• Ideal for Any Season: From holiday celebrations to summer picnics, these cookies fit right in.

Tools and Preparation

To create the perfect Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies, having the right tools is essential. Here’s what you’ll need:

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients easily without making a mess.
• Electric mixer: Speeds up the creaming process for butter and sugar, ensuring a fluffy texture.
• Baking sheets: Provide an even surface for baking cookies to perfection.

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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: 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 Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, vegetable oil, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the almond extract and cherry extract.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and cream of tartar. Gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients until fully combined.

Step 4: Fold in Cherries

Gently fold in the minced maraschino cherries until evenly distributed throughout the cookie dough.

Step 5: Shape Cookies

Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, drop rounded balls of dough onto your prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

Step 6: Bake

Bake in your preheated oven for about 12–15 minutes or until lightly golden around the edges.

Step 7: Prepare Icing While Cookies Bake

In a medium bowl, mix together melted butter, reserved cherry juice, almond extract, cherry extract, and powdered sugar until smooth and thick.

Step 8: Ice Your Cookies

Once your cookies have cooled completely on a wire rack, drizzle or spread icing over each cookie. Top with slivered almonds as desired.

Enjoy your delicious Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies!

How to Serve Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies

Serving Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies can elevate any gathering or celebration. Their delightful flavors are perfect for various occasions, making them a versatile treat.

With a Glass of Milk

• Pairing these cookies with a cold glass of milk enhances their sweetness while balancing the rich almond and cherry flavors.

As Party Favors

• Wrap individual cookies in clear bags tied with ribbons. These make cute and edible party favors that guests will love.

On a Dessert Platter

• Arrange the cookies on a colorful dessert platter alongside other treats. This presentation makes them a standout choice at any event.

With Fresh Fruit

• Serve the cookies with fresh fruit like strawberries or cherries. The fruity addition complements the cookie’s cherry flavor beautifully.

At Holiday Gatherings

• These cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings. Their festive colors and flavors bring joy and cheer to any celebration.

How to Perfect Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies

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

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Start with butter and eggs at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
• Measure Flour Correctly: Spoon flour into your measuring cup rather than scooping it to prevent dense cookies.
• Do Not Overmix: Mix until just combined to keep the cookies soft and light. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
• Chill the Dough: Refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This helps maintain their shape during baking.
• Check Oven Temperature: Use an oven thermometer to ensure your oven is at the right temperature for even baking.

Best Side Dishes for Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies

These side dishes pair wonderfully with Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies, enhancing your dessert experience.

1. Fruit Salad
   A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits adds brightness and balances the sweetness of the cookies.
2. Vanilla Ice Cream
   The creamy texture of vanilla ice cream complements the soft cookies, creating a delightful treat.
3. Cheese Platter
   A selection of mild cheeses provides a savory contrast to the sweet cherry almond flavors, offering a well-rounded snack option.
4. Chocolate Dipped Strawberries
   The richness of chocolate-covered strawberries pairs nicely with the cookie’s fruity notes, making for an elegant dessert combination.
5. Yogurt Parfait
   Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a healthy side that contrasts nicely with sugary treats.
6. Coffee or Tea
   A warm cup of coffee or tea enhances the cookie’s flavors, making it an ideal pairing for afternoon snacks or after-dinner desserts.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

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

• Using wet cherries – If you don’t drain and squeeze the maraschino cherries well, your dough will be too wet. Ensure they are minced and very dry.
• Not measuring flour properly – Too much flour can lead to dense cookies. Use the scoop-and-level method for accurate measurement.
• Skipping the chilling step – Chilling the dough is essential for achieving the right texture. Don’t skip this step; it helps prevent spreading during baking.
• Overmixing the dough – Overmixing can make your cookies tough. Mix until just combined to keep them soft and tender.
• Ignoring oven temperature – Baking at the wrong temperature can affect cookie texture. Always use an oven thermometer to ensure accuracy.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies in an airtight container.
• They will stay fresh for up to 1 week in the refrigerator.

Freezing Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies

• Place cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies

• Oven – Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 5-7 minutes or until warmed through.
• Microwave – Heat on medium power for about 10-15 seconds per cookie.
• Stovetop – Place cookies in a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm for about 2-3 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

What makes Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies special?

These cookies combine the sweetness of sugar with rich cherry and almond flavors, creating a delightful treat perfect for any occasion.

Can I customize my Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies?

Yes! You can add chocolate chips or other nuts for added flavor and texture. Feel free to experiment with different extracts as well.

How do I store leftover Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies?

Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator or freeze them for longer preservation.

How long do Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies last?

When stored properly, they can last up to one week in the refrigerator or three months in the freezer.

Final Thoughts

Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies are not just delicious but also versatile, making them perfect for any gathering or holiday celebration. With their delightful blend of flavors and easy customization options, these cookies are sure to impress everyone who tries them. Don’t hesitate to give this recipe a try!