Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies Recipe
There’s something absolutely magical about Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies: a blissful marriage of soft, pillowy texture, buttery richness, and bursts of bright cherry with just the right almond note. These cookies are a labor of love, yet so simple to make you’ll wonder why you’ve waited this long to discover them. Whether for a festive gathering or a quiet afternoon treat, they’re the kind of sweet you make once and find yourself baking again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Part of the joy of Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies is their beautiful simplicity. Each ingredient plays a vital role, from the softness of the butter to the pop of cherries—there’s nothing extra, just perfection in every bite.
- Unsalted butter: Gives the cookies a rich, creamy base that literally melts in your mouth.
- Vegetable oil: Creates an irresistibly soft, tender crumb that sets these cookies apart.
- Granulated sugar: Adds classic sweetness and lends that signature Amish cookie flavor.
- Powdered sugar: Brings a delicate, smooth sweetness and helps make the texture ultra soft.
- Large eggs: Bind everything together and add wonderful richness.
- Almond extract: The secret to a nutty, aromatic undertone that perfectly complements the cherries.
- All-purpose flour: Provides structure, keeping your cookies thick and chewy.
- Baking soda: Gives the cookies just enough lift for a puffy, cake-like result.
- Cream of tartar: For subtle tang and pillowy softness—an Amish baking staple!
- Salt: Enhances all the other flavors and balances sweetness.
- Chopped maraschino cherries: Juicy, colorful pops of cherry that brighten each bite. Make sure to dry them well!
- Sliced almonds: Add gentle crunch and a lovely toasty flavor that pairs beautifully with almond extract.
How to Make Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Sheets
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining your baking sheets with parchment paper. This not only keeps your cookies from sticking, but makes for super easy cleanup after the fun is over.
Step 2: Cream Butter, Oil, and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to blend your softened butter, vegetable oil, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and looks almost like whipped cream. This step is crucial for creating that dreamy, tender cookie crumb.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Almond Extract
Crack in your eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Pour in the almond extract and mix again. This is where those beautiful almond aromas start stealing the show in your Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies!
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients Separately
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cream of tartar, and salt. Make sure they’re well combined so every single cookie bakes up with the same perfect lift and flavor.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Take your time here, mixing until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms. You’re getting closer to cookie bliss!
Step 6: Fold in Cherries and Almonds
With a spatula, gently fold in the well-dried chopped maraschino cherries and sliced almonds. Be gentle—you want pockets of cherry and almond throughout, not a pink cookie dough.
Step 7: Shape and Bake
Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto your prepared baking sheets. Leave space for them to spread—about 2 inches apart does the trick. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, until the cookie edges are just set and the tops are lightly cracked without browning. Every kitchen will smell amazing!
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Let the cookies cool on the sheet for 5 minutes before moving them to a wire rack. This helps them set and keeps them from breaking apart while still warm and delicate.
How to Serve Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies
Garnishes
If you want to dress up your Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies, try a light dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of melted white chocolate, or an extra scattering of sliced almonds right after baking. These quick garnishes add both elegance and flavor, making the cookies even more irresistible.
Side Dishes
Pair these cookies with a cold glass of milk, a cup of strong coffee, or a fragrant tea—each brings out different notes in the cookies. For an extra cozy feel, serve with a scoop of vanilla or cherry ice cream and watch how quickly these cookies disappear!
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies in a pretty tin or stack them in a cellophane bag tied with ribbon for an adorable edible gift. For parties, create a festive cookie platter with berries, extra cherries, and roasted nuts. Little touches make these cookies shine at any occasion.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and delicious for several days—which is great, because the flavors only get better as they mingle!
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze the cookies (either baked or as dough balls) in freezer-safe bags or containers. Layer with parchment to prevent sticking. Simply thaw at room temperature and enjoy that fresh-baked flavor anytime the craving hits.
Reheating
If you like your cookies warm, a quick 10–15 seconds in the microwave will bring out melty magic from both cherries and almonds. Don’t overheat; you want them just gently warmed through.
FAQs
Can I use fresh or frozen cherries instead of maraschino?
Maraschino cherries work best in this recipe because they’re sweeter, less juicy (when dried properly), and give that classic pop of color. If you want to use fresh or frozen cherries, chop them finely and dry them extremely well to avoid excess moisture in the dough.
Do I have to use almond extract?
Almond extract is key to the flavor profile, but if you can’t use it, vanilla extract is a solid substitute. The cookies will still be delicious, though a bit less nutty and aromatic.
What’s the secret to extra-soft Amish sugar cookies?
The combination of butter, oil, and powdered sugar is the magic trio for that melting softness. Don’t overbake—remove them when they look just set and slightly cracked on top for the best texture.
Can I double or halve the recipe?
Absolutely! This dough is very forgiving. Double it to make plenty for a crowd, or halve it for a smaller batch. Just watch baking times, as smaller cookies might bake a little faster.
Are Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies good for holidays?
They’re perfect for holidays! Their vibrant red cherry bits and almond accents make them especially festive on any cookie platter, and they pack beautifully for gifting during the season.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to fall in love with a new baking tradition, these Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies are sure to win your heart (and everyone else’s). There’s nothing quite like the combination of soft almond dough and bright bites of cherry. Give these a try—you may just find yourself making them for every special occasion or cozy night in!
Print
Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 36 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies are a delightful twist on classic sugar cookies, with the sweet tartness of cherries and the nutty crunch of almonds. Soft, chewy, and bursting with flavor, these cookies are perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 4 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon cream of tartar
- ½ teaspoon salt
Add-Ins:
- ¾ cup chopped maraschino cherries (drained and patted dry)
- ½ cup sliced almonds
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Cream butter and sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the butter, oil, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar until smooth and fluffy.
- Add eggs and extract: Beat in the eggs and almond extract until well combined.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cream of tartar, and salt.
- Combine wet and dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms. Gently fold in the chopped cherries and sliced almonds.
- Bake: Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets. Bake for 10–12 minutes, until the edges are set and the tops look slightly cracked but not browned.
- Cool and enjoy: Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Notes
- Make sure to dry the cherries well to prevent excess moisture in the dough.
- These cookies stay soft for days and freeze beautifully.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 85mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
