If you’re searching for a truly delightful cookie that captures the warmth of Amish baking with a fruity, nutty twist, you’re in for a treat with this Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies Recipe. These cookies are golden, tender, and just the right balance of sweetness and texture, featuring a luscious cherry center and a sprinkle of crunchy sliced almonds. Every bite is like a little celebration of classic home baking, perfect for sharing with family, friends, or savoring quietly with a cup of tea. Get ready to add a new favorite to your cookie jar!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind the Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies Recipe lies in its simple, approachable ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in creating the perfect texture, flavor, and that charming golden color we all love in a sugar cookie.
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened): This adds rich creaminess and keeps the cookies tender.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: For just the right sweetness and crisp edges.
- 2 large eggs: They bind everything together and add moisture for softness.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Enhances the overall warm, sweet flavor.
- 1 teaspoon almond extract: Gives the cookie its signature nutty aroma and depth.
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour: The foundation that creates structure.
- ½ teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise just enough.
- ½ teaspoon cream of tartar: Adds a subtle tang and tender crumb.
- 24 maraschino or jarred sour cherries: The juicy surprise that tops each cookie beautifully.
- ½ cup sliced almonds: Adds crunch and a lovely nutty finish.
- Powdered sugar (optional, for dusting): A light, decorative sweetness to finish.
How to Make Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar
Start by beating the softened butter and granulated sugar together in a large mixing bowl. Your goal is to create a light and fluffy mixture, which means taking a few minutes to incorporate air. This step is essential for giving your cookies that tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Step 2: Add the Eggs
Next, crack in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This slow incorporation keeps the batter smooth and ensures even moisture throughout the dough, preparing the base for all the lovely flavors to come.
Step 3: Mix in the Extracts and Dry Ingredients
Stir in the vanilla and almond extracts carefully, allowing their fragrant oils to blend. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and cream of tartar. Slowly add these dry ingredients to your wet mixture, mixing just until blended to avoid overworking the dough. This will keep your cookies soft and tender.
Step 4: Shape the Cookies and Add Cherries and Almonds
Scoop the dough into tablespoon-sized balls, spacing them evenly on a baking sheet lined with parchment or a silicone mat. Flatten each ball slightly and make a gentle indentation in the center. Place a maraschino or jarred sour cherry into the indent of each cookie, then sprinkle a few sliced almonds on top to add that beautiful crunch and nutty flavor.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Pop your tray into a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) and bake for 10 to 12 minutes. Look for lightly golden edges as your indicator — this subtle hint means your cookies are perfectly baked, tender on the inside with a delicate crisp outside.
Step 6: Cool and Finish
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This brief rest helps them set without breaking. If you like, finish with a dusting of powdered sugar to add a fresh, snowy touch that makes them look picture-perfect.
How to Serve Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
While the cookies themselves are stunning, a light sprinkle of powdered sugar just before serving adds a delicate sweetness and festive appearance. For an extra special touch, try pairing them with a small dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of melted white chocolate for fancy gatherings.
Side Dishes
These cookies shine alongside a warm cup of black tea, a rich coffee, or even a glass of cold milk. Their gentle almond flavor complements nutty beverages such as chai lattes or hot chocolate, making them a delightful treat for afternoon tea or holiday celebrations.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange your Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies Recipe on a decorative platter with fresh cherries or almond sprigs for a charming rustic look. You can also wrap them in cellophane tied with a ribbon for gifts, or layer them between parchment in a festive tin for easy sharing with loved ones.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any uneaten cookies fresh by placing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They should stay tender and delicious for up to a week, although they usually disappear long before then!
Freezing
If you want to prepare the dough ahead of time, you can freeze it in dough ball form on a baking sheet, then transfer to a zip-top bag once frozen. When ready to bake, simply thaw slightly before adding cherries and almonds. Baked cookies can also be frozen in airtight containers for up to three months.
Reheating
To enjoy the cookies warm, pop them in a preheated 325°F (160°C) oven for about 5 minutes. This freshens them up and brings out the almond aroma, making every bite taste freshly baked.
FAQs
Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino or jarred?
Fresh cherries have more water content, which can make the cookies soggy. If you want to use fresh, make sure to pit and dry them thoroughly, or consider slightly frying them to reduce moisture before placing on the cookies.
What if I don’t have cream of tartar, can I skip it?
Cream of tartar helps give the cookies a slight tanginess and tender texture, but you can omit it if needed. Adding an extra 1/4 teaspoon baking powder can help maintain rise and softness.
Are these cookies gluten-free?
This recipe calls for all-purpose flour, so it is not gluten-free. However, you can experiment with a gluten-free baking mix that includes xanthan gum for a similar texture.
Can I substitute almond extract with something else?
If almond extract is not available, you can replace it with another teaspoon of vanilla extract, but keep in mind this will alter the distinctive almond flavor that makes this recipe special.
How do I make these cookies more crunchy?
For a crunchier cookie, bake a minute or two longer until edges are deeper golden but watch carefully to prevent burning. Using butter that’s slightly less softened also helps retain crispness.
Final Thoughts
The Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies Recipe is a real joy to bake and share. Its charming combination of sweet cherries, nutty almonds, and tender cookie dough brings warmth and smiles to any occasion. Give this recipe a try—you’ll find it easy to make and absolutely irresistible to eat, perfect for making any day a little sweeter!
Print
Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies are a delightful treat combining the classic buttery texture of sugar cookies with the sweet-tart flavor of maraschino cherries and the crunch of sliced almonds. Perfectly soft and slightly golden on the edges, these cookies make a charming addition to any dessert table or holiday celebration.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon cream of tartar
Toppings
- 24 maraschino or jarred sour cherries
- ½ cup sliced almonds
- Powdered sugar (optional, for dusting)
Instructions
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, which will help create a tender cookie texture.
- Add Eggs: Add the eggs one at a time to the creamed mixture, mixing well after each addition to ensure they are fully incorporated.
- Mix Extracts and Dry Ingredients: Stir in the vanilla and almond extracts for flavor. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and cream of tartar. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined to prevent overmixing and tough cookies.
- Shape Cookies: Scoop the dough into tablespoon-sized balls and place them on a lined baking sheet. Flatten each ball slightly and make a small indent in the center to hold the topping.
- Add Cherry and Almonds: Place one maraschino or jarred sour cherry into the indent of each cookie, then sprinkle sliced almonds on top for added crunch and flavor.
- Bake Cookies: Bake the cookies in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden, ensuring they are cooked through but still soft inside.
- Cool and Dust: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Optionally, dust with powdered sugar before serving to add a touch of sweetness and a festive look.
Notes
- Use room temperature butter for easier creaming and better texture.
- Do not overmix the dough once the dry ingredients are added to keep the cookies tender.
- If maraschino cherries are too sweet, rinse them lightly to reduce excess syrup.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- For a nut-free version, omit the sliced almonds and consider using a sprinkle of sugar or decorative sugar crystals instead.
