If you love classic cookies with a twist, you are going to adore this Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies Recipe. These soft, tender sugar cookies are studded with juicy maraschino cherries and crunchy sliced almonds, making every bite delightfully full of texture and flavor. The subtle almond extract adds a lovely nutty aroma that complements the sweetness perfectly. Whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering, an afternoon treat, or just to satisfy your cookie cravings, this Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies Recipe brings a little slice of Amish baking magic right to your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully straightforward, yet each one plays a crucial role in delivering that tender crumb, perfect sweetness, and delightful chewiness you expect from a great cookie.
- Unsalted butter, 1 cup softened: Provides rich flavor and a tender texture without overwhelming saltiness.
- Vegetable oil, 1 cup: Adds moisture and helps keep the cookies soft for days.
- Granulated sugar, 1 cup: Balances sweetness and contributes to the cookie’s delicate crisp edges.
- Powdered sugar, 1 cup: Adds softness and helps create that melt-in-your-mouth feel.
- Eggs, 2 large: Bind everything together and give structure.
- Almond extract, 1 teaspoon: Infuses a subtle, nutty aroma that’s signature to this recipe.
- All-purpose flour, 4 1/2 cups: Forms the base to create the cookie’s tender yet sturdy texture.
- Baking soda, 1 teaspoon: Works as a leavening agent to gently raise the cookies.
- Cream of tartar, 1 teaspoon: Adds a slight tang and helps keep the cookies chewy.
- Salt, 1/2 teaspoon: Enhances all the flavors and balances sweetness.
- Maraschino cherries, 1 cup chopped: Provides juicy bursts of cherry sweetness throughout.
- Sliced almonds, 1/2 cup: Adds a lovely crunch and toasty nutty flavor.
How to Make Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheets
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper to ensure your cookies don’t stick and bake evenly. This simple first step sets you up for success with perfect cookies.
Step 2: Cream Butter, Oil, and Sugars
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, vegetable oil, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process incorporates air into the dough, which helps create a soft, tender cookie.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Almond Extract
Beat in the eggs and almond extract until completely combined. The eggs bind everything while the almond extract adds its delicious, signature flavor to the dough.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, cream of tartar, and salt. This ensures your leavening agents and seasonings are evenly distributed, so every bite is consistent.
Step 5: Mix Dry Ingredients into Wet
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Over-mixing can make the cookies tough, so take it slow and gentle.
Step 6: Fold in Cherries and Almonds
Carefully fold in the chopped maraschino cherries and sliced almonds. The cherries add juicy pops of sweetness, and the almonds provide a satisfying crunch that makes these cookies truly special.
Step 7: Bake the Cookies
Drop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto your prepared baking sheets, spacing each cookie about 2 inches apart. Bake them for 10 to 12 minutes, until the edges are starting to turn a lovely golden color. They might look slightly soft in the center, and that’s just perfect!
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This resting period allows the cookies to set up perfectly without becoming crumbly.
How to Serve Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
For an elegant touch, sprinkle a few extra sliced almonds on top of each cookie just as they come out of the oven. You could even drizzle a light glaze made with powdered sugar and almond milk for added sweetness and shine.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with a simple cup of black tea or freshly brewed coffee. For a fun twist, serve them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to complement the almond and cherry flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange these Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies Recipe delights on a rustic wooden board garnished with whole maraschino cherries and toasted almonds for a charming presentation. You can also sandwich two cookies with almond butter or cream cheese frosting for a decadent treat that impresses guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover cookies stay fresh and soft when stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Avoid refrigeration as it can dry them out and reduce their tender quality.
Freezing
You can freeze baked cookies by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transferring them to a freezer-safe container or bag. They will keep well for up to 3 months—just thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
Reheating
To bring back that fresh-from-the-oven softness, warm your cookies in a microwave for about 10 seconds or pop them in a preheated 300°F oven for 5 minutes. This little trick revives their perfect texture and flavor.
FAQs
Can I substitute dried cherries for maraschino cherries?
Absolutely! Dried cherries will give a more intense cherry flavor without as much moisture, which might slightly change the texture but still taste delicious.
What if I don’t have cream of tartar?
If you’re out of cream of tartar, you can substitute with an equal amount of lemon juice or white vinegar to maintain the cookie’s soft and chewy texture.
Can I use almond flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Almond flour changes the texture significantly and is not recommended as a direct substitute here because these cookies need the structure that all-purpose flour provides.
Why do the cookies stay soft?
The combination of vegetable oil, powdered sugar, and cream of tartar helps retain moisture, ensuring these cookies stay soft and tender even days after baking.
How long do these cookies keep fresh?
Stored properly in an airtight container, these Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies Recipe treats will stay fresh for up to 5 days at room temperature.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly comforting and special about the Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies Recipe. Its beautiful blend of juicy cherries, crunchy almonds, and tender, buttery cookie dough is a joyful treat you’ll want to bake again and again. I really hope you give this recipe a try and enjoy every bite just as much as I do. Happy baking!
Print
Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 36 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies are soft, tender, and bursting with the flavors of sweet maraschino cherries and crunchy sliced almonds. Perfect for holiday celebrations or any time you crave a delightful homemade treat, these classic American dessert cookies feature a delicate almond extract aroma and a soft texture that stays fresh for days when stored properly.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
Dry Ingredients
- 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon cream of tartar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Add-ins
- 1 cup chopped maraschino cherries (drained and patted dry)
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Cream Butter, Oil, and Sugars: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the softened butter, vegetable oil, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step incorporates air for a tender cookie texture.
- Add Eggs and Almond Extract: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then mix in the almond extract until the batter is smooth and well combined, infusing the dough with a subtle almond flavor.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, cream of tartar, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agents and seasoning.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined to avoid overworking the dough which can make cookies tough.
- Fold in Cherries and Almonds: Gently fold in the chopped, drained cherries and sliced almonds, ensuring even distribution throughout the dough without crushing the cherries.
- Portion the Dough: Drop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto prepared baking sheets, spacing each about 2 inches apart to allow spreading while baking.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are just beginning to turn golden, indicating they are baked through yet tender.
- Cool Cookies: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to firm up before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, preserving their soft texture.
Notes
- Drain the maraschino cherries thoroughly and pat dry to prevent excess moisture in the dough, which can make cookies soggy.
- Substitute dried cherries if you prefer a more intense cherry flavor and less moisture.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them soft and tender for several days.
