Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies

Soft, puffy, melt-in-your-mouth Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies are perfect for any occasion. These delightful cookies combine sweet cherry and almond flavors with a thick icing that takes them to the next level. Whether you’re celebrating the holidays or just craving something sweet, these cookies are sure to impress family and friends. With simple ingredients and easy preparation, you will find that this recipe is foolproof and yields a large batch for sharing.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor Combination: The blend of cherry and almond creates a unique taste that stands out in any dessert spread.
• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, even novice bakers can whip these cookies up with confidence.
• Versatile Treat: Perfect for holiday gatherings, birthdays, or just an afternoon snack with coffee or tea.
• Large Batch: This recipe yields 48 cookies, making it ideal for sharing at parties or potlucks.
• Lovely Presentation: The colorful icing and slivered almonds on top make these cookies visually appealing.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the baking process, gather your essential tools. Having everything ready will ensure a smooth cooking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer or hand mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer or hand mixer: Allows for thorough mixing of ingredients, ensuring a smooth dough.
• Baking sheets: Provides a flat surface for even baking of the cookies.
• Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and promotes easy cleanup after baking.

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

Servings: 48
Prep Time: PT30M
Cook Time: PT50M
Total Time: PT80M
Categories: Cookies

How to Make Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven

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

Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, vegetable oil, granulated sugar, powdered sugar, and eggs. Use your stand mixer or hand mixer on medium speed until the mixture is fluffy.

Step 3: Add Flavors

Add the almond extract and cherry extract to the wet mixture. Continue mixing until fully incorporated.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and cream of tartar. Gradually add this dry mixture to your wet ingredients while mixing on low speed until a soft dough forms.

Step 5: Fold in Cherries

Gently fold in the minced maraschino cherries into the cookie dough using a spatula until evenly distributed.

Step 6: Bake the Cookies

Drop rounded tablespoons of cookie dough onto lined baking sheets about two inches apart. Bake in your preheated oven for about 10–12 minutes or until lightly golden around the edges.

Step 7: Cool Cookies

Once baked, allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for about five minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 8: Prepare Icing

In a mixing bowl, combine melted butter, reserved maraschino cherry juice, almond extract, cherry extract, and powdered sugar until smooth. Adjust consistency with more powdered sugar or juice as needed.

Step 9: Ice Cookies

Once cooled, drizzle or spread icing over each cookie and sprinkle with slivered almonds for garnish.

Enjoy your delicious Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies! These treats are perfect for sharing or enjoying solo with a hot drink!

How to Serve Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies

These delightful Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies can be enjoyed in various ways, making them a versatile treat for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or simply indulging yourself, here are some serving suggestions to elevate your cookie experience.

With a Glass of Milk

• Pair these cookies with a cold glass of milk for a classic combination that enhances their sweetness and texture.

As Part of a Dessert Platter

• Arrange the cookies on a dessert platter alongside other treats like brownies or fruit tarts for an appealing presentation at parties.

With Fresh Fruit

• Serve your Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies with fresh fruit like strawberries or blueberries for a refreshing contrast to their rich flavor.

Warm from the Oven

• Enjoy these cookies fresh out of the oven when they’re soft and warm for an irresistible treat that melts in your mouth.

As Gifts

• Package them in decorative boxes or tins to share as thoughtful homemade gifts during the holidays or special occasions.

With Coffee or Tea

• Savor these cookies with your favorite coffee or tea, as their flavors complement the warmth and aromatics of hot beverages perfectly.

How to Perfect Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies

Creating the perfect batch of Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies is simple with a few helpful tips. Follow these suggestions to ensure they turn out delicious every time.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature. This helps create a smoother dough and better texture in the final cookies.

• Don’t Overmix the Dough: Mix just until ingredients are combined. Overmixing can make the cookies tough instead of soft and puffy.

• Chill the Dough: If time permits, chilling your cookie dough for at least 30 minutes can improve texture and prevent spreading during baking.

• Keep an Eye on Baking Time: Bake until edges are lightly golden but centers are still soft. They will continue to set while cooling on the baking sheet.

• Customize with Toppings: Feel free to add extra toppings like slivered almonds or colorful sprinkles before baking for added flair and crunch.

Best Side Dishes for Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies

While these cookies are delicious on their own, pairing them with complementary side dishes can enhance your dessert experience. Here’s a list of delightful side dishes that go well with Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies.

1. Fresh Fruit Salad
   A mix of seasonal fruits adds brightness and freshness, creating a refreshing contrast to the sweet cookies.

2. Vanilla Ice Cream
   A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream pairs beautifully, providing a cool balance against the warm cookie flavor.

3. Chocolate Dipping Sauce
   Serve some melted chocolate for dipping; it adds richness that contrasts well with the cherry almond flavors.

4. Whipped Cream
   Lighten up your dessert by serving these cookies with a dollop of whipped cream for added creaminess and flavor.

5. Cheese Platter
   Include mild cheeses like brie or mascarpone that offer a creamy counterpoint to the sweet notes of the cookies.

6. Yogurt Parfait
   Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a healthy option that complements the cookie’s sweetness while adding texture.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies is simple, but there are a few common pitfalls to watch out for.

• Using unmeasured flour – Always measure your flour correctly. Too much can lead to dry cookies. Use the spoon-and-level method for accuracy.
• Neglecting cherry juice – Don’t skip reserving maraschino cherry juice. It adds flavor and moisture to the icing. Always drain and save it for later use in the icing.
• Overmixing dough – Mixing the dough too much can result in tough cookies. Mix just until ingredients are combined for soft, tender cookies.
• Skipping chilling time – Allowing cookie dough to chill helps flavors meld and keeps the cookies from spreading too much while baking. Chill for at least 30 minutes.
• Ignoring baking times – Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake. Overbaking can lead to hard cookies. They should be lightly golden around the edges.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to one week.
• Place parchment paper between layers of cookies to prevent sticking.

Freezing Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies

• Freeze in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to three months.
• Separate layers with wax paper for easy access.

Reheating Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies

• Oven – Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm cookies for about 5-10 minutes until soft.
• Microwave – Heat individual cookies on a microwave-safe plate for 10-15 seconds; watch closely to avoid overheating.
• Stovetop – Use a non-stick skillet over low heat, covering with a lid for 2-3 minutes until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies?

Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies are soft, flavorful cookies infused with almond and cherry extracts, topped with a thick cherry-almond icing.

How do I make Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies?

To make these cookies, combine softened butter, oil, sugars, eggs, and extracts. Then mix in flour, baking soda, and cream of tartar before baking.

Can I customize the recipe?

Yes! You can add different extracts or nuts based on your taste preferences. Dried fruits like cranberries also work well!

How long do these cookies last?

Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to a week or three months if frozen properly.

Final Thoughts

These Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies are not only delightful treats but also incredibly versatile! Feel free to customize them with your favorite flavors or toppings. Give this recipe a try during the holidays or any time you crave something sweet!