If you love the irresistible combination of sweet cherries, the nutty aroma of almonds, and the soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture of classic sugar cookies, you are in for a treat with Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies. These cookies capture the nostalgia of old-fashioned Amish baking while adding a playful pop of color and flavor from maraschino cherries and sliced almonds. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, sharing with friends, or simply indulging your own sweet tooth, this recipe is guaranteed to become a new favorite in your cookie repertoire.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies lies in their simplicity. Each ingredient is carefully chosen to create the perfect balance of soft, chewy texture and bright flavors. Let’s take a closer look at what you’ll need and why it matters.
- All-purpose flour: The backbone of the cookie, providing structure while keeping them tender.
- Baking soda: Gives lift and a slight chewiness to the finished cookies.
- Baking powder: Helps the cookies rise just enough for a pillowy bite.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances out the sweetness.
- Unsalted butter (softened): Creates a rich, creamy base and ensures a soft texture.
- Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and that signature sparkle when rolled on the outside.
- Large egg: Binds the dough together and adds a little richness.
- Almond extract: Infuses the cookies with a warm, nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with cherries.
- Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavor profile with classic sweetness.
- Finely chopped maraschino cherries (drained and patted dry): Adds bursts of color and a sweet, fruity bite.
- Sliced almonds: Lends a subtle crunch and toasty almond flavor throughout.
- Additional granulated sugar (for rolling): Gives each cookie a crisp, sugary finish.
How to Make Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheets
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Line your baking sheets with parchment paper—this not only prevents sticking but also makes cleanup a breeze. Getting set up before you mix the dough ensures a smooth baking experience from start to finish.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. This step is more than just combining powders—it ensures that everything is evenly distributed, giving your Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies the perfect rise and texture.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. Don’t rush this step; it’s key to creating that soft, tender crumb we all love in sugar cookies.
Step 4: Add Egg and Extracts
Beat in the egg, almond extract, and vanilla extract until everything is well combined. The almond extract really shines here, setting the stage for that signature flavor in every bite.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just incorporated. Be careful not to overmix—stop as soon as the dough comes together for the softest cookies possible.
Step 6: Fold in Cherries and Almonds
Gently fold in the chopped maraschino cherries and sliced almonds. This is where the magic happens: each scoop of dough will be studded with bits of sweet cherry and crunchy almond, making every cookie unique and beautiful.
Step 7: Shape and Sugar the Dough
Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Then, roll each ball in additional granulated sugar to coat. This simple step adds a glistening, slightly crunchy exterior to each cookie—pure cookie joy!
Step 8: Bake to Perfection
Arrange the sugared dough balls on your prepared baking sheets, spacing them about two inches apart. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers will still look soft, and that’s exactly what you want for that classic Amish sugar cookie texture.
Step 9: Cool and Enjoy
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for five minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This little pause allows them to set up perfectly, so they won’t fall apart when you move them.
How to Serve Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies
Garnishes
For a festive touch, try topping your Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies with a sprinkle of extra sliced almonds or a drizzle of white chocolate. A few extra chopped cherries on top just before serving can also add a little wow factor for guests.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair beautifully with a mug of hot tea, a frothy cappuccino, or a cool glass of milk. For special occasions, offer them alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a bowl of fresh berries to complement their sweet, nutty flavor.
Creative Ways to Present
Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies look absolutely charming arranged on a vintage platter or stacked in a clear jar for gifting. For parties, consider serving them as part of a dessert board with other Amish-inspired treats or tucked into individual treat bags tied with ribbon for a thoughtful homemade surprise.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. Their soft texture holds up well, and the flavors of cherry and almond seem to deepen as they rest.
Freezing
You can freeze Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies either before or after baking. To freeze the dough, shape into balls and freeze on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to three months. Baked cookies can be wrapped tightly and frozen; just thaw at room temperature when ready to enjoy.
Reheating
If you love a warm cookie, pop a baked cookie in the microwave for about 10 seconds to restore that just-baked softness. Frozen dough balls can be baked straight from the freezer—just add a minute or two to the baking time.
FAQs
Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries?
Fresh cherries can be used if you pit and finely chop them, but make sure to thoroughly blot away any excess moisture to keep the dough from becoming too wet. Maraschino cherries add a unique sweetness and bright color, but feel free to experiment based on what’s in season.
What if I don’t have almond extract?
If you’re out of almond extract, you can use extra vanilla extract for a classic sugar cookie flavor, but the almond really brings out the best in these cookies. A splash of cherry extract is another nice option if you want to enhance the cherry notes.
Can I make the cookies gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute your favorite gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in the same amount. Just be sure the blend contains xanthan gum for best results, as this helps mimic the texture of traditional flour.
Why do my cookies spread too much?
If your cookies are spreading more than you’d like, double-check that your butter wasn’t too warm and that you measured your flour accurately. Chilling the dough for 20-30 minutes before baking can also help the cookies hold their shape.
Are these cookies suitable for gifting?
Absolutely! Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies are sturdy enough to package and ship, and their gorgeous color makes them a standout in any holiday tin or cookie exchange. Just be sure to let them cool completely before packing.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a cookie that’s as pretty as it is delicious, you can’t go wrong with Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies. Their soft, tender crumb, pops of cherry, and hint of almond are truly something special. Give them a try and watch them disappear—your friends and family will thank you!
Print
Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies, a soft and chewy treat bursting with chopped maraschino cherries and crunchy sliced almonds. Perfect for holiday gifting or a sweet dessert, these cookies combine classic almond and vanilla flavors with a festive twist.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Add-ins and Finishing
- 1/2 cup finely chopped maraschino cherries (drained and patted dry)
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds
- Additional granulated sugar for rolling
Instructions
- Prepare the oven and baking sheets: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt until well combined to ensure even distribution of leavening agents.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, use a mixer to cream the softened unsalted butter with granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This step aerates the dough for a tender texture.
- Add egg and extracts: Beat in the large egg, almond extract, and vanilla extract until fully incorporated, which will enhance the cookie’s flavor profile.
- Combine dry and wet ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until incorporated to avoid overworking the dough which can toughen the cookies.
- Fold in cherries and almonds: Gently fold the finely chopped maraschino cherries and sliced almonds into the dough, ensuring they are evenly distributed without crushing the cherries.
- Form the cookies: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll each into a ball. Then roll each dough ball in granulated sugar for a sweet, crunchy exterior.
- Arrange and bake: Place the sugared dough balls on prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown but the centers remain soft.
- Cool the cookies: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to firm up before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, preventing breakage and ensuring the perfect texture.
Notes
- For a stronger cherry flavor, add a few drops of cherry extract along with almond extract.
- Ensure cherries are well drained and patted dry to prevent excess moisture from affecting the cookie texture.
- These cookies are ideal for holiday gifting or assembling dessert trays.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 70 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg
