Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies

Soft, puffy, melt-in-your-mouth sugar cookies, with touches of vanilla, cherry, and almond, and a thick cherry-almond icing! These Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies are guaranteed to be a smash hit for the holidays. Perfect for gatherings or a sweet treat at home, they stand out with their unique flavors and delightful texture. Plus, they are simple to make and yield plenty to share!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: This recipe requires straightforward steps that anyone can follow, making it perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
• Delicious Flavor Combo: The mix of cherry and almond extracts creates a delightful taste that is both refreshing and comforting.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday celebration or a casual get-together, these cookies are sure to impress your guests.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy them as-is or dress them up with extra icing and slivered almonds for an elegant touch.
• Great for Gifting: Package these cookies beautifully to give as gifts during the festive season or any time you want to spread joy.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into this delicious cookie recipe, gather your tools. Having everything ready will make your baking experience smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing Bowls: Essential for combining ingredients efficiently without mess.
• Electric Mixer: Makes creaming butter and sugar easy, ensuring a smooth batter.
• Baking Sheets: Provide the perfect surface for even baking of your cookies.

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Ingredients

To make your Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies, you’ll need the following 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: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cookies bake evenly.

Step 2: Prepare the Cookie Dough

In a large mixing bowl:
1. Cream together the softened butter, vegetable oil, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar using an electric mixer until light and fluffy.
2. Add in the eggs, almond extract, and cherry extract; mix well to combine.
3. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and cream of tartar.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture until fully combined.
5. Fold in the minced maraschino cherries carefully.

Step 3: Bake the Cookies

On a prepared baking sheet lined with parchment paper:
1. Drop tablespoonfuls of dough onto the sheet about 2 inches apart.
2. Bake in preheated oven for about 12–15 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.

Step 4: Prepare the Icing

In a separate bowl:
1. Combine melted butter with reserved cherry juice, almond extract, cherry extract, and powdered sugar until smooth.
2. Adjust consistency with more powdered sugar or juice as needed.

Step 5: Decorate Your Cookies

Once cooled:
1. Drizzle or spread icing over each cookie.
2. Top with slivered almonds for crunch.

Enjoy your delightful Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies fresh from the oven or packaged as gifts!

How to Serve Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies

These delightful Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies are perfect for any occasion. Their unique flavors and festive appearance make them a wonderful addition to holiday gatherings, tea parties, or simply as a sweet treat at home.

With a Glass of Milk

• Pair your cookies with a cold glass of milk for a classic combination that enhances the cookie’s soft texture.

On a Dessert Platter

• Arrange the cookies on a beautiful platter with other desserts to create an inviting display for guests.

As Party Favors

• Package individual cookies in clear bags tied with ribbons. This makes for delightful party favors that your guests will appreciate.

With Coffee or Tea

• Serve these cookies alongside your favorite coffee or tea. The almond and cherry flavors complement hot beverages perfectly.

At Cookie Exchange Events

• Bring these cookies to cookie exchange events. They are sure to stand out and impress fellow bakers with their unique taste.

How to Perfect Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies

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

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.

• Drain Cherries Well: After mincing maraschino cherries, squeeze them very dry. This prevents excess moisture from affecting the dough.

• Chill the Dough: Refrigerate the cookie dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This helps prevent spreading and ensures puffy cookies.

• Don’t Overmix: Mix the ingredients until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.

• Adjust Baking Time: Keep an eye on the cookies while baking. Oven temperatures can vary, so check for light golden edges as an indicator they’re done.

Best Side Dishes for Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies

Pairing side dishes with Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies can elevate your dessert experience. Here are some great options:

1. Fresh Fruit Salad
   A mix of seasonal fruits provides a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the cookies.

2. Yogurt Parfait
   Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a creamy side that complements the flavors of the cookies.

3. Cheese Platter
   A selection of cheeses, such as brie or gouda, balances the sweetness and adds a savory note to your dessert spread.

4. Chocolate Fondue
   Set up a chocolate fondue station where guests can dip fruit or even pieces of cookie into melted chocolate for extra decadence.

5. Nutty Granola Bars
   These bars offer a crunchy texture that pairs well with the soft cookies without overwhelming their flavor.

6. Coffee Cake
   Serve slices of moist coffee cake as an additional sweet option that complements the almond flavors beautifully.

7. Ice Cream Sundae Station
   Create an ice cream sundae bar where guests can top vanilla ice cream with crushed cookies, cherry syrup, and slivered almonds.

8. Mini Muffins
   Offer an assortment of mini muffins (such as blueberry or banana) to provide variety while keeping it light and fluffy alongside your cookies.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies can be easy, but there are common pitfalls. Here are some mistakes to avoid for perfect cookies.

• Overmixing the dough – This can lead to tough cookies. Mix just until ingredients are combined.
• Not draining cherries properly – Excess moisture can ruin the texture. Ensure the cherries are minced and squeezed dry.
• Skipping the chilling time – Allowing the dough to chill helps prevent spreading during baking. Chill for at least 30 minutes before baking.
• Using cold butter – Softened butter is key for proper mixing and texture. Make sure your butter is at room temperature.
• Ignoring oven temperature – An incorrect temperature can cause uneven baking. Always preheat the oven and use an oven thermometer for accuracy.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container to keep them fresh.
• They will last up to 1 week in the refrigerator.

Freezing Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies

• Place cookies in a freezer-safe container or bag.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Layer parchment paper between cookies to prevent sticking.

Reheating Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies

• Oven – Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm cookies for about 5-7 minutes.
• Microwave – Heat individual cookies on a microwave-safe plate for about 10-15 seconds.
• Stovetop – Place cookies in a covered skillet on low heat for a few minutes, ensuring they don’t burn.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions regarding Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies.

How do I make Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies?

You will need maraschino cherries, butter, sugar, flour, and extracts to create these delicious cookies. Follow the detailed instructions in the recipe above.

Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries?

Yes, fresh cherries can be used, but ensure you pit and finely chop them before adding to the dough.

What if I can’t find cherry extract?

If cherry extract is unavailable, you can substitute with additional almond extract or use cherry juice for flavor.

How long does it take to bake Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies?

These cookies typically take around 8-10 minutes to bake at 350°F (175°C), but keep an eye on them as ovens can vary.

Can I adjust the sweetness of my cookies?

Absolutely! You can reduce the amount of granulated or powdered sugar slightly if you prefer less sweetness.

Final Thoughts

Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies are not only delightful but also versatile. You can customize them by adding different nuts or using other extracts. These soft, sweet treats are sure to impress your friends and family during any occasion—give them a try!