Irresistible Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies You’ll Love!

As the holiday season approaches, the familiar scent of sweetness and warmth fills my kitchen, taking me back to my childhood. There’s something special about homemade cookies that just can’t be replicated and these Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies are the perfect embodiment of that nostalgia. With their pillowy softness and delightful cherry-almond flavor, they are guaranteed to bring smiles to any gathering. Imagine biting into one of these delectable treats, the cherry juice bursting in your mouth, perfectly complemented by the nutty, fragrant almond tones. Not only are they incredibly easy to whip up, but their versatility allows you to experiment with different flavor profiles, ensuring that they never get boring. Whether you re sharing them at a festive potluck or giving them as heartfelt gifts, these cookies are bound to become a cherished addition to your baking repertoire. Let s dive into this simple yet irresistible recipe!

Why are Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies so special?

Irresistible flavors: The luscious combination of cherry and almond creates a blissfully sweet taste that s simply unforgettable.
Easy to make: Perfect for bakers of all skill levels, these cookies require minimal effort with maximum flavor payoff.
Versatility: With options to switch up flavors, you can easily customize each batch for any occasion.
Perfect for sharing: Whether at gatherings or as gifts, these cookies are sure to bring smiles and compliments.
Nostalgic experience: Each bite transports you to cherished memories of homemade treats, making them an essential holiday cookie.

Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies Ingredients

• For the Cookies

• Maraschino cherries (2 – 12 oz. jars) Adds sweetness and moisture; make sure they are drained and minced very dry.

• Butter (1 cup, softened) Provides richness and flavor; using unsalted gives better control over salt levels.

• Vegetable or canola oil (1 cup) Enhances tenderness; you can substitute it with melted coconut oil for a different taste.

• Granulated sugar (1 cup) Adds sweetness and texture to the cookies.

• Powdered sugar (1 cup) Used in both the cookies and icing to contribute to sweetness and a smooth texture.

• Large eggs (2) Binds the ingredients together and adds moisture for a delightful rise.

• Almond extract (2 tsp) Infuses a nutty flavor that perfectly complements the cherry; can be swapped with vanilla extract.

• Cherry extract (2 tsp) Intensifies the cherry flavor; can be replaced with extra cherry juice if you need a substitute.

• All-purpose flour (4 ½ cups) Provides the essential structure needed for these delicious cookies.

• Baking soda (1 tsp) Acts as a leavening agent, helping the cookies to rise to fluffy perfection.

• Cream of tartar (1 tsp) Stabilizes egg whites to enhance texture; can use extra baking soda instead if you don t have it.

• For the Icing

• Butter (4 tbsp, melted) Adds richness to the icing for a better mouthfeel.

• Maraschino cherry juice (1/3 cup + 1-2 tbsp) Gives icing a delicious flavor; adjust based on the sweetness you desire.

• Powdered sugar (4-5 cups for icing) Sweetens and allows you to achieve the perfect icing consistency.

• For Garnish

• Slivered almonds (1/2 cup) Optional, adds a delightful crunch and a decorative touch to your cookies.

Enjoy making these Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies, and watch them become an instant favorite in your home!

How to Make Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies

1. Prepare cherries: Drain, mince, and squeeze the maraschino cherries until they re very dry. This avoids excess moisture in the cookies, ensuring a delightful texture.

2. Mix wet ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, vegetable oil, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar until well combined and light.

3. Add eggs and extracts: Incorporate the large eggs, almond extract, cherry extract, and your minced cherries into the sugar mixture until everything is well blended and creamy.

4. Whisk dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and cream of tartar until evenly mixed.

5. Combine mixtures: Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix to maintain fluffy cookies.

6. Preheat oven: Set your oven to preheat at 375 °F (190 °C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper for easy removal.

7. Drop dough: Using a teaspoon, drop generous spoonfuls of the dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them a couple of inches apart for even baking.

8. Bake cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for about 8-11 minutes, or until the edges are lightly browned and the centers look set but soft.

9. Cool the cookies: Remove from oven and let the cookies cool on wire racks for a few minutes before transferring to ensure they maintain their shape.

10. Make icing: For the icing, whisk melted butter, cherry juice, almond extract, and cherry extract together, then gradually mix in powdered sugar until you reach a smooth consistency.

11. Frost and garnish: Once the cookies are completely cooled, frost them with your prepared icing and sprinkle with slivered almonds for a nice crunch and visual appeal.

Optional: Enjoy a sprinkle of extra powdered sugar for a festive touch!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

Expert Tips for Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies

• Cherries Matter: Ensure you squeeze the minced cherries very dry. Excess moisture can lead to cookies that spread too much and lose their fluffy texture.

• Don t Overmix: Combine the dry and wet ingredients gently. Overmixing can create tough cookies, so just mix until everything is barely combined for that perfect softness.

• Watch the Baking: Keep a close eye on the oven while baking; cookies should be removed when the edges are just lightly browned to avoid overbaking.

• Icing Thickness: Aim for a thicker icing consistency that won t run off the cookies. This allows for better decoration and a delightful sweet finish with your Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies.

• Creative Variations: Feel free to experiment with different extracts or garnishes. Variations can make each batch unique while keeping that irresistible cherry-almond essence.

Make Ahead Options

These Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time in the kitchen! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance simply mix all the ingredients, shape the dough into balls, and refrigerate on a baking sheet covered with plastic wrap. To maintain their fluffy texture, avoid chilling for more than a day. When you re ready to bake, preheat your oven and place the dough directly onto the baking sheets, then bake as directed. As for the icing, it can be made up to 3 days in advance; just store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Frost the cookies right before serving to ensure they remain beautifully fresh and delightful!

Cherry Almond Variations

Feel free to unleash your creativity and customize these delightful cookies with any of these tasty ideas!

• Dairy-Free: Substitute butter with coconut oil or vegan butter for a dairy-free version that s equally delicious.

• Nut-Free: For a nut-free treat, replace almond extract with additional cherry extract or vanilla, maintaining that sweet flavor without the nuts.

• Fruit Boost: Toss in dried cranberries or chopped dried apricots along with the cherries for an extra fruity twist.

• Chocolate Lovers: Fold in chocolate chips or drizzle melted chocolate on top of the icing for a delightful chocolaty fusion.

• Zesty Citrus: Add a teaspoon of lemon or orange zest to the dough for a refreshing citrus flavor that brightens the cherry-almond combination.

• Spiced Up: Sprinkle some cinnamon or nutmeg into the dry ingredients for a cozy, spiced undertone, perfect for holiday baking.

• Frosting Alternatives: Instead of cherry-almond icing, whip up a simple lemon glaze to add a zesty pop of flavor to your cookies.

• Sprinkle Fun: Enhance the visual appeal by using festive sprinkles or edible glitter on top of the icing to elevate the occasion.

With these variations, every batch of Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies can be a new adventure for your taste buds!

How to Store and Freeze Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies

• Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week to maintain their delightful softness.

• Fridge: If you prefer a slightly firmer texture, you can refrigerate the cookies in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks, but they may dry out slightly.

• Freezer: Freeze these cookies (with or without icing) in a single layer on a baking sheet for about 2 hours, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.

• Reheating: To enjoy a freshly baked taste, reheat thawed cookies in the oven at 300 °F (150 °C) for about 5-7 minutes perfect for reviving that soft, puffy texture!

What to Serve with Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies?

The warmth of freshly baked cookies invites a delightful spread of accompaniments to create a full, cozy experience.

• Rich Hot Cocoa: A comforting cup of hot cocoa pairs beautifully, its creamy texture balancing the sweet cherry and almond flavors.

• Vanilla Ice Cream: Creamy vanilla ice cream melts into the soft cookies, creating a heavenly contrast that s perfect for dessert lovers.

• Brewed Coffee: The rich, bold notes of coffee enhance the sweet profile of the cookies, making for an indulgent afternoon treat.

• Dried Fruit Medley: A side of dried cranberries and apricots adds a fruity, chewy texture, providing a vibrant contrast to the cookie’s softness.

• Fruity Sparkling Beverage: Try serving with a refreshing cherry-flavored sparkling water; its bubbles elevate the cookie experience.

• Cheese Platter: Salty cheese, like aged cheddar or goat cheese, can offer an interesting contrast to the sweetness, creating balance on your palate.

• Nutty Trail Mix: A bowl of nutty trail mix brings crunch and wholesome elements, perfectly complementing the soft sweetness of the cookies.

• Holiday Spritzers: Serve these cookies alongside festive spritzers made with ginger ale and cranberry juice for a cheerful touch.

Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies Recipe FAQs

What kind of cherries should I use for the cookies?
Absolutely! I recommend using maraschino cherries as they add sweetness and moisture. Just be sure to drain, mince, and squeeze them very dry to avoid excess moisture, which can lead to flat cookies.

How should I store my cookies after baking?
You can store your Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. If you like them a bit firmer, refrigerate them, but do keep them sealed to maintain freshness!

Can I freeze the cookies? How do I do that properly?
Yes, you can freeze these cookies for up to 3 months! Start by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet for about 2 hours to freeze individually, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. To enjoy, simply thaw and reheat at 300 °F (150 °C) for about 5-7 minutes.

Why did my cookies become flat after baking?
If your cookies turned out flat, it could be due to excess moisture from the cherries. Make sure to squeeze them really dry before adding them to the dough. Additionally, avoid overmixing the batter; this can also lead to flat cookies since it affects the air incorporated during baking.

Are these cookies safe for those with nut allergies?
While this recipe uses almond extract for flavor, if you’re serving someone with nut allergies, simply swap it out with vanilla extract. Always double-check those cherry labels too, as some brands may process them in facilities with nuts.

Can I customize the flavor of these cookies?
Very! One of the best things about Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies is their versatility. You can experiment with different extracts, like vanilla or lemon, or even use chopped dried cherries instead of maraschino cherries for a unique twist!