Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies Recipe

Say hello to a cookie that’ll steal the spotlight at every gathering: Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies. These little gems are soft, buttery, and sweet with just a hint of almond, all dotted with bright maraschino cherries and a delicate glaze. Their blush-pink pops of cherry and crunchy almond slices make them as delightful to look at as they are to eat—once you try one, you won’t believe something so beautiful could be so easy to bake!

Ingredients You’ll Need

What’s magical about Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies is that they use simple staples, but each ingredient plays a crucial role. These cookies get their melt-in-your-mouth texture and signature flavor from a combo of pantry basics and a couple of “wow” mix-ins—get ready to fall in love with every bite!

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Lends rich, classic cookie flavor while keeping every bite tender.
• 1 cup vegetable oil: Adds extra softness and extends the cookies’ shelf life for days of snacking.
• 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens and helps the cookies spread just right.
• 1 cup powdered sugar: Creates that dreamy, airy texture and a subtle sweetness.
• 2 large eggs: Hold everything together and add beautiful richness.
• 1 teaspoon almond extract: The secret to their irresistibly fragrant aroma—don’t skip it!
• 4½ cups all-purpose flour: Provides structure and soft crumb; measure carefully for best results.
• 1 teaspoon baking soda: Gives your cookies the perfect rise and ensures they don’t turn out flat.
• 1 teaspoon cream of tartar: Classic in Amish sugar cookies for that irresistible chew and slight tang.
• ½ cup chopped maraschino cherries, drained and patted dry: Sweet pops of color and flavor—make sure they’re not too wet!
• ½ cup sliced almonds: For nutty crunch in every bite—toast lightly for extra flavor if you’d like.
• Glaze: 1 cup powdered sugar, 2-3 tablespoons milk, ½ teaspoon almond extract: This sweet, glossy finish ties all those flavors together.
• ¼ cup chopped maraschino cherries for garnish: An optional touch for a bakery-worthy look—highly recommended!

How to Make Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies

Step 1: Prep Your Baking Sheets

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. This makes clean-up a breeze and ensures your Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies release like a dream—no sticky bottoms here!

Step 2: Cream the Base

Using a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, vegetable oil, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar. Mix until everything is fluffy and pale; this airiness is what gives these cookies their signature pillowy bite.

Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients

Gently beat in the eggs and almond extract until fully incorporated. The almond extract is what brings magic to Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies, delivering that delicate, almost floral aroma with every bowlful.

Step 4: Mix in Dry Ingredients

Gradually add your all-purpose flour, baking soda, and cream of tartar right into the bowl. I like to do this in thirds, mixing just until each is absorbed. Your dough will turn soft but not sticky—exactly what you want!

Step 5: Fold in Cherries and Almonds

Now comes the fun part: gently fold in the chopped, dried maraschino cherries and sliced almonds. Each spoonful becomes a little more colorful and a lot more delicious!

Step 6: Shape and Bake

Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto your prepared trays, spacing them about two inches apart—they tend to spread a bit. Flatten each mound just slightly with the back of a spoon. Bake for 10-12 minutes, until the edges are just turning gold. Don’t over-bake; you want that signature soft center!

Step 7: Cool and Glaze

Let the cookies sit on the sheets for a couple of minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely. While they cool, whisk together the glaze ingredients until silky. Drizzle it over each cookie and, if you like, sprinkle with extra chopped cherries for that eye-catching finish.

How to Serve Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies

Garnishes

You can never go wrong with a classic glaze drizzle, but a sprinkle of finely chopped cherries or a few extra sliced almonds on top turns these cookies into true showstoppers. The cherries especially add a beautiful confetti of color that pops against the white glaze.

Side Dishes

Serve your Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies with a tall glass of cold milk for an after-school treat, or alongside a cup of hot tea for a cozy afternoon pick-me-up. They pair wonderfully with fresh fruit or a simple, creamy vanilla pudding if you fancy a little dessert platter!

Creative Ways to Present

Try stacking your cookies on a pretty tiered stand for brunch or wrapping them in parchment for a homemade gift. They look adorable with a ribbon or tucked into a festive tin—these cookies were made to be shared and admired, not just devoured!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once your Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies have cooled and the glaze has set, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay fresh and soft for up to five days—if they last that long!

Freezing

These cookies freeze beautifully! Place cooled, unglazed cookies in layers separated by parchment in a freezer-safe container. The glaze can be added after thawing for that just-baked gloss. They’ll keep well in the freezer for up to three months.

Reheating

For a just-baked feel, warm cookies in the microwave for 5-10 seconds, or crisp up in a low oven (around 250°F) for a minute or two. If you froze the cookies, let them thaw at room temperature, then glaze as usual.

FAQs

Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries?

Fresh cherries add great flavor, but because they’re juicier, you’ll want to chop and blot them very well. Otherwise, they might make your cookies too wet and affect the texture of your Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies.

Is it okay to skip the almond extract?

The almond extract is a defining flavor in these cookies, but if you must skip it due to allergies or preference, swap in vanilla extract—just note that the flavor profile will lose some of its special charm.

Can I make Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies without nuts?

Absolutely! For a nut-free version, simply leave out the sliced almonds. The cookies will still be soft and delicious, with those bursting cherry flavors shining through.

Do I really need both granulated and powdered sugar in the dough?

Yes! The combination creates that unique, ultra-soft texture that sets Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies apart from other sugar cookies. Each sugar brings its own magic to the crumb.

What’s the best way to drizzle the glaze?

Use a spoon, a fork, or even a small piping bag for the prettiest drizzle. Just make sure the cookies are completely cool before glazing, so the icing stays put and doesn’t melt off.

Final Thoughts

Put simply, Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies are joy in every bite: soft, sweet, a touch of nostalgia, and a whole lot of flavor. If you’re looking for a recipe that’s easy, gorgeous, and destined to delight anyone who tries it, this is the one you’ll return to again and again—give them a try and watch the smiles multiply!

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