When the first hints of spring emerge, I find myself yearning for treats that combine nostalgia and sweetness. That’s how I stumbled upon these delightful Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies, a recipe that instantly brightens my day with its beautiful colors and vibrant flavors. Just imagining the fragrant aroma wafting through the kitchen as they bake is enough to make my mouth water!
There’s something undeniably charming about the combination of buttery goodness, maraschino cherries, and the warm, nutty notes of almond extract. Plus, the best part? These cookies are so deceptively easy to make that they’ll elevate your home baking game without taking all afternoon. Perfect for sharing with friends or indulging in a cozy afternoon snack, this recipe is a true keeper.
Join me in creating these delightful cookies that promise to bring joy and smiles to every occasion. Whether you’re looking to impress at a potluck or simply satisfy your sweet tooth, these treats are sure to delight!
Why You'll Love This Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies
- These Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies are incredibly easy to make, allowing you to whip up a batch in no time.
- The delightful blend of sweet cherries and aromatic almond extract creates a flavor that is both nostalgic and refreshing.
- Their vibrant colors and appealing textures make for a visually stunning treat that is sure to catch anyone’s eye.
- With a perfect balance of softness and crunch, these cookies are a crowd-pleaser that will make you the star of any gathering.
Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies Ingredients
Ready to create a delightful batch of cookies? Here’s everything you’ll need!
For the Cookie Dough
- Unsalted butter – softening the butter helps create a creamy texture that’s crucial for the dough.
- Granulated sugar – adds sweetness and contributes to the cookie’s crisp edges.
- Powdered sugar – ensures a light, tender cookie with a melt-in-your-mouth experience.
- Large eggs – binds ingredients together while adding moisture to the dough.
- Almond extract – infuses a warm, nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with cherries.
- Vanilla extract – enhances the overall flavor of the cookies for a deliciously balanced taste.
- All-purpose flour – forms the structure of the cookies; be sure to measure it accurately!
- Baking soda – acts as a leavening agent to help cookies rise and stay fluffy.
- Cream of tartar – adds stability and helps maintain a soft texture by preventing crystallization.
For the Mix-ins
- Chopped maraschino cherries – bring bursts of sweetness and a pop of color, making these cookies extra special.
- Sliced almonds – adds a delightful crunch and compliments the almond flavor in the cookies.
Get ready to bake these Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies that will not only satisfy your sweet cravings but also bring a touch of nostalgia to your kitchen!
How to Make Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cookies bake evenly and come out perfectly golden brown.
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Cream together the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar in a large bowl until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. This step is crucial for a tender texture!
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Add the eggs, almond extract, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.
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Whisk the flour, baking soda, and cream of tartar in a separate bowl until combined. This helps evenly distribute the leavening agents throughout the cookie dough.
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Sift the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing until just combined to avoid overworking the dough, which can lead to tougher cookies.
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Fold in the chopped maraschino cherries and sliced almonds, ensuring even distribution for that delicious burst of flavor in every bite.
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Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto ungreased baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. This allows room for spreading while baking.
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Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers should remain soft and chewy—perfection!
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Cool the cookies on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely. This helps them set up nicely!
Optional: Drizzle with a light glaze made from powdered sugar and almond extract for an extra special touch.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies?
Imagine a delightful afternoon tea or a family gathering where these colorful cookies take center stage. The sweet and nutty flavors will have your guests reaching for seconds!
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Rich Hot Chocolate: A warm mug of this creamy beverage creates a cozy pairing that complements the cookies’ sweetness perfectly.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: Indulge in a scoop of velvety vanilla ice cream; its smooth texture balances the cookies’ crunchy almonds and juicy cherries.
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Fresh Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits adds a bright and tangy contrast that cleanses the palate after enjoying these sweet treats.
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Almond Milk: Keep it simple and pair these cookies with a glass of chilled almond milk to enhance the nutty notes in the cookies.
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Coffee or Espresso: The deep flavors of a robust coffee provide a lovely contrast to the sweetness of the cookies, making it a delightful afternoon pick-me-up.
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Lemonade: A bright, citrusy lemonade brings a refreshing zing, cutting through the richness of the cookies for a well-rounded snack.
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Chocolate Dipped Strawberries: Indulge your sweet tooth with these decadent berries, which beautifully play off the almond and cherry flavors in the cookies.
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Almond Biscotti: For a double dose of almond goodness, pairing these crunchy cookies adds a delightful texture contrast and a lovely flavor harmony.
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Nutty Tea: Try a cherry-infused nutty tea that echoes the cookie’s flavors while providing a warm and soothing drink for a perfect finish.
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Chewy Brownies: The fudgy texture of brownies adds depth and richness, creating an indulgent dessert experience your guests will adore.
How to Store and Freeze Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies
Room Temperature: Keep the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain their chewy texture and flavor.
Fridge: If you prefer, store them in the refrigerator for up to 1 week; just be sure to let them come to room temperature before serving, as they may become firm.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet for 1-2 hours, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. They can be kept frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating: To enjoy freshly baked flavors, reheat cookies in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes after thawing, bringing back their delightful texture to savor with your family!
Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies Variations
Feel free to play around with these suggestions and let your culinary creativity shine!
- Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for delicious cookies that everyone can enjoy.
- Nut-Free: Replace sliced almonds with sunflower seeds to maintain that delightful crunch without any nuts.
- Chocolate Drizzle: Top your baked cookies with melted dark chocolate for a rich, decadent contrast to the fruity flavors.
To change it up, consider infusing your almond extract with orange zest for a citrusy twist. The brightness of the orange will complement the cherries beautifully!
- Dried Cherries: Use dried cherries instead of maraschino for a chewier texture and a more concentrated cherry flavor.
- Minty Fresh: Add a few drops of peppermint extract in place of some almond extract for a refreshing twist that’s perfect for the holidays.
- Coconut Flakes: Incorporate shredded coconut for a tropical flair, adding both sweetness and texture to these delightful cookies.
Embrace your imagination and have fun customizing this beloved recipe to make it uniquely yours!
Make Ahead Options
These Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies are perfect for meal prep! You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance by mixing all the ingredients and refrigerating it in an airtight container to keep it fresh. When you’re ready to bake, simply scoop out the dough and drop it onto baking sheets, allowing it to come to room temperature for about 15 minutes before baking to ensure even cooking. Additionally, you can freeze the formed cookie balls for up to 3 months; just bake them straight from the freezer, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time. This way, you’ll always have a batch of these delicious cookies ready for any occasion!
Chef's Helpful Tips
- When making Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies, ensure your butter is at room temperature for optimal creaming, as this creates a lighter texture.
- Avoid overmixing the dough after adding the dry ingredients to keep the cookies tender and soft.
- For a more pronounced almond flavor, consider using almond flour in place of some of the all-purpose flour, but keep the ratios consistent.
- Remember to bake the cookies until the edges are golden but the centers still look slightly underbaked, as they will continue to set while cooling on the sheet.
Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies Recipe FAQs
What is the best way to select ripe cherries for this recipe?
Absolutely! When choosing maraschino cherries, look for those that are bright red and free from dark spots or excessive discoloration. The cherries should feel firm to the touch without being overly soft. If you can, try opting for brands that use natural ingredients, as this can enhance the flavor of your Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies.
How should I store the Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies?
Once your cookies have cooled completely, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. This method will keep them fresh and delicious for up to 5 days. For a longer storage solution, you can refrigerate them for about a week. Allow them to warm to room temperature before indulging for the best texture!
Can I freeze Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies?
Absolutely! To freeze your cookies, lay them out in a single layer on a baking sheet and place them in the freezer for about 1-2 hours until solid. After that, transfer the cookies to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag, layering them with parchment paper to prevent sticking. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months! When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature, then reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes.
What should I do if my cookies turn out too dry or hard?
If your Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies come out drier than expected, it could be due to overmixing the dough or baking them too long. To prevent this next time, ensure your butter is softened but not melted, and mix just until combined after adding the dry ingredients. Baking until the edges are golden while keeping the centers soft is key; they will continue to firm up slightly while cooling.
Are these cookies suitable for people with nut allergies?
It’s important to note that this recipe contains almond extract and sliced almonds, making it unsuitable for those with nut allergies. If you want to make these cookies nut-free, you can simply omit the almonds and use a substitute like vanilla extract in place of the almond extract for added flavor.
How do I achieve the perfect texture for my cookies?
To get those soft and chewy Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies, ensure your butter is at room temperature for easier creaming. Avoid overmixing once the dry ingredients are added; mix just until combined. Also, make sure to check the cookies while baking; take them out when the edges are golden, but the centers look just slightly undercooked—this will give you that melt-in-your-mouth experience!
Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cream together the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the eggs, almond extract, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
- Whisk the flour, baking soda, and cream of tartar in a separate bowl until combined.
- Sift the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing until just combined to avoid overworking the dough.
- Fold in the chopped maraschino cherries and sliced almonds.
- Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto ungreased baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Cool the cookies on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
