Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies Recipe

If you’re craving something sweet, tender, and a little bit whimsical, then Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies are about to be your new obsession. These cookies capture the pillowy softness of classic Amish sugar cookies, but with a delightful twist: juicy bits of maraschino cherries and a satisfying almond crunch. There’s just enough buttery richness and a cloud-light crumb to transport you straight to cookie heaven. Whether you’re baking for a holiday platter, a potluck, or simply to surprise your family on a regular Tuesday, these cookies are bound to win smiles and spark a few happy sighs. Trust me, once you’ve tried Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies, you won’t want to go back!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredient list for Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies may look simple, but don’t underestimate how each item pulls its weight in the final result. Every element builds the melt-in-your-mouth texture, irresistible aroma, or peek of cheerful color that make these cookies so special.

• Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): Essential for a tender, rich cookie base that melts on your tongue.
• Granulated sugar (1 cup): Gives the cookies their classic sugary sweet flavor and that delicate crispness on the edges.
• Powdered sugar (½ cup): Creates a uniquely soft texture and helps the cookies taste luxuriously smooth.
• Vegetable oil (1 cup): Adds moisture and makes these cookies extra soft — part of what sets Amish sugar cookies apart.
• Large eggs (2): Help bind everything together and give the cookies just the right amount of lift.
• Almond extract (1 teaspoon): Gives the cookies a dreamy, fragrant boost that pairs perfectly with cherries.
• All-purpose flour (4 ½ cups): Provides structure and ensures these cookies hold their shape while staying fluffy inside.
• Baking soda (1 teaspoon): Works with the cream of tartar to create that perfect soft puff.
• Cream of tartar (1 teaspoon): Adds a gentle tang and keeps the cookies rise light and lovely.
• Salt (½ teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
• Chopped maraschino cherries, drained and patted dry (¾ cup): Bring creamy pops of color and bright, fruity flavor to every bite.
• Sliced almonds (½ cup): Offer subtle crunch and accentuate the almond flavor in the most delicious way.

How to Make Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Baking Sheets

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a couple of baking sheets with parchment paper. This prevents sticking, ensures even baking, and makes cleanup a total breeze—no more scrubbing stuck sugars off your pans!

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a big mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar. This step is key: make sure you whip the mixture until it’s light and fluffy, almost cloudlike. This is the secret to the tenderness of Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies!

Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients

Now, blend in the vegetable oil, eggs, and almond extract. The dough will become smooth and a little glossy. At this point, take a deep inhale—you’ll catch hints of almond and vanilla, and your excitement for these cookies might just double!

Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients Separately

In a second bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, cream of tartar, and salt. Whisking beforehand ensures the leaveners and salt get distributed all through the flour, so you don’t wind up with any unevenly flavored cookies.

Step 5: Combine and Fold in Mix-Ins

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. You want to mix until everything is just combined—don’t overdo it, or you’ll lose the cookies’ soft, tender bite. Gently fold in the thoroughly drained and patted-dry cherries and sliced almonds. Each stir will reveal a new pop of red and a toasty flash of almonds—so pretty!

Step 6: Scoop and Bake

Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto your prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart so they have room to spread and puff. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes. Keep an eye out: when the edges are just barely golden, it’s time to take them out. They’ll look almost underdone in the center, but that’s what keeps them soft.

Step 7: Cool and Admire

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes—this gives them a chance to set up and prevents them from falling apart when you move them. After that, transfer them to wire racks and let them cool completely (if you can resist sneaking one warm from the tray!).

How to Serve Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies

Garnishes

A drizzle of simple almond glaze can make these cookies sparkle, both visually and flavor-wise. Whisk together powdered sugar, a dash of almond extract, and just enough milk for the right consistency, then let it rain in delicate zigzags over the cooled cookies. For a festive touch, finish with an extra sprinkle of sliced almonds or chopped cherries.

Side Dishes

Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies are at home on any cookie tray, but they also love company! Pair them with creamy vanilla ice cream, a cup of strong coffee, or a warm mug of spiced chai for an unforgettable afternoon snack. They’re also perfection alongside a bowl of fresh mixed berries or a silky custard for something a little extra special.

Creative Ways to Present

Get playful when you serve these cookies! Stack them in a clear glass cookie jar so the vibrant cherry bits shine through, or arrange them in a ring on a pretty plate with extra whole cherries in the center. You can even tie up bundles of three in parchment and twine for charming edible gifts—the colors are so cheerful that no fancy packaging is needed.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep your Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies soft and fresh, store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay lovely for up to a week, so go ahead and make a batch early in the week for lunchbox treats and evening snacks!

Freezing

The dough and the baked cookies both freeze beautifully. For the dough, scoop out your portions onto a baking sheet, freeze until firm, then pop them into a freezer bag. For baked cookies, layer with parchment in an airtight container before freezing. Both versions will keep their flavor for up to three months—talk about easy future treats!

Reheating

To bring back that fresh-from-the-oven feel, pop a frozen or day-old cookie in the microwave for 5-10 seconds. Just enough to make those cherries smell amazing again and restore the cookies’ pillowy texture. If you’re reheating a whole batch, a short low-temp stint in the oven (250°F for 5 minutes) works wonders too.

FAQs

Can I use fresh or frozen cherries instead of maraschino?

Maraschino cherries work best for these cookies because they’re sweet, bright, and not too juicy. Fresh or frozen cherries are delicious but can make the dough too wet and affect the texture. If you want to experiment, make sure to chop, drain, and gently pat them very dry before folding in.

How do I make these cookies gluten-free?

Just swap in your favorite 1-to-1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Make sure it contains xanthan gum for structure; the flavor and softness of Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies should stay wonderfully close to the original!

Can I leave out the almonds for a nut-free version?

Absolutely. The sliced almonds are a tasty accent, but if you need a nut-free cookie, just skip them. You might want to bump up the almond extract for extra flavor, or swap in sunflower seeds for a bit of crunch if allergies allow.

Is chilling the dough necessary?

Not at all! One of the best things about Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies is that they go from mixing bowl to oven without extra waiting. If your kitchen is especially warm, chilling can help if the dough seems too soft, but you can usually bake right away.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, and you might want to! This recipe is fantastic for bake sales or holiday gifting. Just make sure to use a very large bowl for mixing and rotate your trays half-way through baking if cooking multiple sheets at once to ensure even browning.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly magical about sharing a plate of Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies with people you love. They’re soft, pretty, nostalgic, and uniquely flavorful—right at home in a tin sent to a friend or simply with a glass of milk on your own kitchen counter. Give these a try, and watch them disappear faster than you ever imagined!

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